South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters Preliminary Final Should be a Classic

Roosters v Souths

All season most people would've expected these two teams to be squaring off against each other in the premiership decider on grand final day. 

Here it is, a week earlier than expected, but no less important. South Sydney were extremely impressive in their semi-final demolition of Manly in week one of the finals. "Powerful" is the word that keeps coming to mind. 

This huge, mobile forward pack just steamrolled their way upfield and had the result beyond doubt very early in proceedings. 

I have been super impressed with young Rabbitohs centres Kirisome Auva'a and Dylan Walker. Wow! Can't these two lads run the ball. 

They are very dangerous indeed. Once the forwards have cancelled each other out, it may come down to their battle with Roosters pair Michael Jennings and Shaun Kenny-Dowall to decide a winner. They also have the big guy, Greg Inglis, at the back who could bust the game open at any time. 

This club has been around the money for a couple of years now so the players have finals experience and they know what's at stake. 

They will leave nothing in the tank in search of victory. Similarly, the Roosters boast a forward pack that can dominate the best around on their day. Sonny Bill Williams turned last year's grand final on its head with a brilliant second-half display. He is due. 

Courageous hooker Jake Friend will be all the better for his game last weekend. Halves Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney have come solid at the right time of the year as well. I am expecting a spirited defence of the title they won almost twelve months ago.

I really can't separate these two teams. I sense the Roosters have more tries in them; however, I have great regard for what Inglis might produce on this big stage. This will come down to a field goal either way.

Bulldogs v Panthers
Melbourne and Manly have been two of the most dominant finals teams in the NRL over the past decade. Over the past fortnight, however, the Bulldogs - with scintillating performances - have blown away both these sides. That's outstanding form leading into a preliminary final. 

Coach Des Hasler is a master of the big game. The Dogs, as a club, are certainly no stranger to finals football either and the spike in their intensity once they hit play-off time has been there for all to see. They have been impeccable. The Bulldogs forwards have owned the advantage line in both their semi-final outings. Their unique style of chain-passing among the big boys to create space for the halves and outside backs down the edges has been very effective.

The Panthers have been tremendous. What a gutsy bunch they have become. They play the team game with every individual contributing what they can to the common cause. The one thing we do know about this team is that they will keep coming and they will never give up. 

This is a new experience for the vast majority of their players so their start to the game will be very important indeed. The Bulldogs smashed both the Storm and the Sea Eagles in the first half of those games and will be looking to do a similar job on the inexperienced Panthers. 

If the Panthers can withstand the early blitz and settle down into their own rhythm, they will give a good account of themselves. C'mon Panthers.

Sydney teams, take a bow

The last four left standing in the NRL premiership race are all Sydney teams. Actually, it's five Sydney teams left standing if we include the Sea Eagles, who will officially finish in fifth position after their narrow loss to the Bulldogs last Saturday night. 

That in itself is an extraordinary performance for all these clubs. In an age where so many of the interstate teams have huge geographical and corporate advantages over the Sydney-based teams, it is testimony to management and the resilience of these older traditional clubs that they have been able to maintain their competitiveness in the congested market in this city. It's not getting any easier either. 

The cost of running a professional rugby league program is increasing all the time. Sydney-based clubs will need added corporate and member support if they are all to survive into the future. So regardless of who wins this weekend, the 2014 grand final will be the fifth all-Sydney grand final of the NRL era. 

The previous four featured the Sydney Roosters. In 2003, it was the Roosters v Penrith. In 2004, we saw the Roosters v Bulldogs; 2010 - Dragons v Roosters; and last year it was the Roosters v Manly. Will the fifth follow that pattern?

We need to be far more proactive

The rule which enabled Canterbury to regain possession in the 73rd minute of their match against Manly after a Josh Reynolds' kick struck referee Gerard Sutton is anachronistic and will surely be changed in the off-season. I know it's an obscure rule and is rarely required, but every time it has happened, we have asked for changes. 

None have been forthcoming. In bygone years, packing a scrum and giving the feed to the team in their oppositions half was not a guarantee of possession for either side. 

However, the days of competitive scrums are long gone and it is such a shame that it took such an incident in a crucial moment of a sudden-death final for the league community to realise we had a rule that could be so unfair. I have written in this column previously about another anachronistic rule which prevents interchanges at scrums. 

One day a team will lose a match because an injured played couldn't be replaced at a scrum and the team is either reduced to 12 men or that injured player is unable to be effective. These are just two examples of rules not appropriate in today's game but left untouched by our administrators due to apathy and a lack of foresight. 

We shouldn't have to wait for instances like we had last Saturday for such antiquated rules to be placed under scrutiny. The game has to be far more proactive.

State cup grand finals

Minor premiers Penrith will meet Newcastle in the NSW Cup grand final at Allianz Stadium on Sunday. The Panthers will go into the match with 12 players unavailable due to injuries among their extended senior squad but have overcome a number of obstacles already this season to lose just four matches and win both of their finals matches. 

However, the Knights will provide the Panthers with their sternest test to date having also won both of their finals matches comfortably and boosting a team full of players with NRL experience. A significant number of the Panthers team were members of last year's winning Holden Cup team and have a unique opportunity to win a second title in a different competition in successive years. 

The successful club will not just win the coveted premiership cup but will represent NSW in the national final on NRL grand final day against the Queensland champions. The Queensland Cup grand final will be held at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, featuring minor premiers Northern Pride from Cairns, one of the Cowboys feeder clubs, and last year's runners-up Easts Tigers, from Brisbane, featuring several Melbourne Storm contracted players. The two teams met a fortnight ago, the Pride won 8-7.

A word on the beaten sides

At this time of year all attention goes to the winning teams. I just feel that the performances of the Cowboys and Sea Eagles last weekend deserve recognition. Both were absolutely mighty in defeat and contributed to one of the best weekends of finals action I can ever remember. 

I don't know what happened to the Cowboys in the first 30 minutes of their clash with the Roosters, but I will say that no other team in the NRL could've mounted a comeback of those proportions against the defending premiers. It was simply stunning. They were so unlucky not to win. 

On the back of some real disappointments in the finals in the past two seasons it must feel like the world is against them, but I sense this will only make them stronger next season. I see good things ahead for the North Queensland team.

I have so much admiration for Manly. Their core group of senior players have been so good for so long. Despite the injuries and suspensions which weakened their side for the semi-final, they produced another whole-hearted effort. I hope the stories of unrest and disharmony are untrue. 

It would be a terrible shame if these guys didn't remain close friends for the rest of their days. It's been a very special era in the club's history. Well done.

Article by Phil Gould 
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A Century In The Making - Roosters VS Rabbitohs

Both the Roosters and Rabbitohs will be out to get each other in this Friday night blockbuster

It’s a script you could hardly have written; the 2013 NRL season kicked off with a blockbuster between the new look Roosters and the redemption seeking Rabbitohs. It was Burgess v Sonny-Bill, and now it’s Burgess, Burgess, Burgess and Burgess v Sonny-Bill - talk about an unfair fight! 

In Round 26 the game’s two oldest rivals will battle it out for the minor premiership, adding another chapter to the famous ‘Book of Feuds’ South Sydney part-owner Russell Crowe created upon purchasing the club. The Roosters last minor premiership was in 2004, while Rabbitohs fans have to search back to 1989 for a time when they last lifted the J.J.Giltinan Shield. 

It is approximately 105 years and one week since South Sydney met Eastern Suburbs in the first ever rugby league grand final in Australia, with the Rabbitohs running out victors 14-12 in front of approximately 4,000 spectators at the Royal Agricultural Society Showground (now redeveloped as the Entertainment Quarter and Fox Studios) at Moore Park - score one to the Rabbitohs.

It took another two years for the Roosters to gain revenge, that coming in Round 12 of 1910, but skip forward 92 years to 2002, where the Rabbitohs were playing their first game since re-admittance to the NRL. A 40-6 thrashing at the hands of the Tricolours ensued, a loss stuck in the middle of a 13 game stretch where ‘the pride of the league’ couldn’t get one over their local rivals.

100 plus years of history precedes what is without a doubt the game of the year, but that loss in 2002 still burns in the memories of modern Souths fans. The minor premiership is but a sideshow when these two sides meet, particularly since only three minor premiers have gone on to win the grand final in the past 10 seasons. 

An opening round win to the Rabbitohs kicked off what was supposed to be their year of dominance, but as we enter the final week of the season some six months later, the Roosters are here to spoil the party. No matter which side of the fence you’re on, there is one belter of a game ahead on Friday night.

Ricky Stuart: Origin's Saviour?

I hate to admit it but the main reason State of Origin is so exciting this year is because of Blues coach Ricky Stuart. Taking nothing away from the greatness of the mighty Maroons, I believe Stuart’s unbridled passion for Origin football has put a new and exciting spin on a concept now in its fourth decade.

Make no mistake, the current Queensland State of Origin team is a juggernaut, a once-in-a-generation mix of outstanding leadership, management, coaching and talent. While I have enjoyed every victory across the Maroons stellar six-year run, the wins have always meant more when beating spirited opposition, and you don’t get much more spirited than a Ricky Stuart-coached footy team.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ricky away from football and truth be told you can’t help but like the guy. He’s one of those rare individuals who can make you feel like you’re the only person in the room when you’re in his company. He’s smart, brutally honest, speaks his mind and always has time for people.

While Stuart’s place in rugby league is well known, it’s when he talks of his family and friends you see past the coach and get an insight into makes the man. Those in his circle of trust will tell you there’s not a more loyal or caring bloke on the planet and I’m sure his Blues players feel the same way.

Over the last couple of months, I have watched Stuart passionately promote all things New South Wales State of Origin. Many times I’ve thought that too much of his thinking has made its way into the public arena.  While Queensland were flying under the radar it seemed the Blues were having daily debates on everything from team selections to venues and referees.

But after seeing the television ratings for Origin I and noting the how many more conversations I’ve personally had about State of Origin this year, I’ve come to understand why Stuart’s public posturing has been a good thing for NSW, and almost necessary.

Up here in Queensland, we are openly passionate about Origin football. From the very rich and powerful through to the battlers and young families, we publicly celebrate our love for the mighty Maroons, often and loudly. We don’t hide; it can even be embarrassing at times, but it’s there for all to see.
I won’t say that NSW don’t have the same passion for State of Origin, but I do believe it’s often hidden away. One of the many good things Ricky Stuart has been able to achieve over the last 18 months is to help NSW fans feel proud to be openly passionate about their footy team.

Every time Stuart fronts a camera or puts pen to paper you get a sense that this bloke would give his right arm to see NSW beat Queensland. He smiles and jumps around when things are going well but looks all bitter and twisted when things go the way of the Maroons.

Origin means so much to Stuart and he will never stop wearing his blue heart on his sleeve. The whole of NSW is feeding off his emotions at the moment and it’s taken the competitive tension between the two bitter rivals to a whole new level.

Ricky’s passion is also doing weird and wonderful things to us rednecks north of the border. Never in my life have I wanted to see Queensland beat NSW so badly and I know I have Ricky Stuart to thank for that.

Next Wednesday night, like the rest of my fellow Queenslanders, I can’t wait to loathe the NSW coach and his band of merry blue men. Nothing would give me greater delight than to see Queensland beat NSW on their home turf, in front of their home crowd at a time when it has never meant more to them.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/rugby-league/state-of-origin/ricky-stuart-origins-saviour-20120605-1ztzu.html#ixzz1wzfawg1w

NRL: Only Victory Will Satisfy Warriors' Mateo

It's not the getting there that counts.

That's the message Feleti Mateo will be drumming into his team mates this week as the Warriors prepare for the club's second NRL grand final. Mateo knows all too well the hollowness that comes with a grand final defeat, describing his last visit to Homebush on the final day of the season as a "shattering" experience.

The ball-playing Tongan captain also knows that some teams head into the big day intent on winning, while others are happy just to be there.

In 2009, Mateo's Parramatta side staged one of the great NRL surges, riding a staggering wave of form that took them from 14th on the ladder after 14 rounds all the way to a grand final showdown with Melbourne.

There are echoes of that run in the Warriors' remarkable journey this season. They lost their first three games, dropped another four in a row mid-season, and were then belted out of sight 40-10 by Brisbane in their opening finals match.

Having recovered to topple the Tigers and Storm in thrilling fashion, the Warriors might be forgiven for thinking they have already achieved plenty.

They will, however, be a long time forgiving themselves if that mentality proves their undoing.

"I had a lot of people come up to me and say 'we don't care about the GF, as long as you beat the Bulldogs'," said Mateo of 2009, when the Eels beat their arch rival in a hugely hyped Battle of Sydney grand final qualifier.

"We all wanted to win it, but I guess there was a feeling it was a good thing getting there. We have spoken about that. We don't want to be happy to be there. We think we are good enough to win it."

Coach Ivan Cleary didn't think getting his team to switch from being desperate to reach a grand final to desperate to win it would be difficult.

"I have no interest in coming second," Cleary said.

"It is not hard to work out when you get up every morning where you want to finish - that is not in the grand final, it is winning it. But we never set it out as a particular goal, we have just arrived here based on what we have been able to do.

"It is absolutely fantastic to get the opportunity to experience all this but, really, it is about having the opportunity to become champions, not a side show."

Despite a transtasman surge of support the Warriors are still firm underdogs.

"No one expected us to beat the Tigers and no one expected us to [beat the Storm]," Mateo said. "Let them keep doubting us."

Having joined the Warriors after the Eels' 2010 campaign, Mateo never doubted the move - not even after those three season-opening defeats.

"Never mate. Those first three games, we didn't win them but we played some good footy. And looking at the squad the club had, it was really promising."

The Junior Warriors and feeder club Auckland Vulcans also contesting grand finals on Sunday supports his view the club is stocked with talent.

Often described as a special player for his prodigious offloading and line-breaking ability, Mateo insists there is, in fact, nothing too special about this Warriors team.

"It's just been dirty, ugly footy. Going forward, completing sets and taking our opportunities when they come. That is what we have been doing for the last two weeks and, hopefully, we can do it again this week.

"Manly are a great team, they have got strike across the whole field. But it is just another game you have to grind out. They have some hard heads in that pack and they will get even harder with Glenn Stewart coming back.

"But if we just worry about ourselves, play our brand of footy and keep level headed, then I think we can win it."

Sydney Fast Ferries Takes You to the NRL Grand Final

2011 NRL Grand Final Cruise - 2 October 2011

Package includes:
- Manly/Circular Quay to Homebush Bay return
- Bus Transfer from Homebush Bay to
ANZ Stadium and return after game.

- Sausage Sizzle and 1 x free beer or wine
- Departure from Manly Wharf at 1.00pm and
from Circular Quay at 1.30pm.
- Return approximately 10.00pm

$120*per ticket
* does not include entry to NRL Grand Final

Ticket Sales
(02) 9818 6000
onboard ferries, Manly Ticket Booth, online at www.sydneyadventurecruises.com.au

Take the stress and hassle out of travelling with the masses of footy revelers and paying for car parking for the NRL grand final.

Sydney Fast Ferries are offering a return cruise to the NRL Grand final departing from Manly and Circular Quay. There will be a BBQ Sizzle on the top deck as your cruise to Homebush Bay for this years grand final. Enjoy a drink from our licensed bar and kick start your grand final plans with a group of friends.

Private bus transfers have been organized to get your from the wharf straight to ANZ Stadium, no waiting in massive ques to dampen your finals spirit . Take in all the game action at ANZ stadium and enjoy the same private bus transfers back to the wharf where our boats will be waiting to bring you home or drop you off in the city to keeping your celebrations going. After all it is the last long weekend before the festive season.

Sydney Fast Ferries has joined forces with Searock Bar, Circular Quay to offer you free entry and $5 drinks all night at the NRL Grand Final after party.

Call us on (02) 9818 6000 and purchase your tickets TODAY!

NRL link: http://sydneywhalewatchingadventurecruises.com.au/cruises/2011-nrl-grand-final-cruise