Melbourne had an opportunity last week to lock in their spot in the top 4, the Roosters had plenty to play for as well. What resulted was as brutal a game as theres been so far this year, and the Storm missing that opportunity that they had.
This week against Parra, they are not only fighting for the same end result of a position in the top 4, but they are playing the team that would displace them, the team that has in recent times become a real bogey side for them and a team that they know as well as anyone, typically doesn't fair well against either Rabbits or Roosters.
With this all in mind, I believe this game will be one of the most bruising and brutal games this year, and considering what's at stake, a definite pre finals finals game.
If Parra are on, they can match the physicality of any team in the comp, what I havent seen is our forwards having to endure the filth that Melbourne will undoubtedly bring to this one. Im not saying they can't handle it, I just haven't seen them have to yet. Will our boys match it? Will they frustrate the Storm by not biting and just playing tough but fair or will it force them into their shell?
I am excited for this game, and I do think they can win it, but its going to be a very different game to what the boys are used to.
Finals week one for us this weekend.
Replies
Definitely finals start this week. I'm just glad that we get an opportunity to determine ourselves whether we finish top 4. I thought about 8 weeks ago that opportunity might be gone although I always earmarked this game as potentially a play off for 4th from about the halfway mark of the season. I really this this side should be entrenched in the top 4 but at least we get a final crack at it.
We can win this game for sure but a lot will depend on the bench we name. We need to beat their forward pack first and foremost. It will help if we defend properly and don't jam in, need to slide effectively and trust the bloke on the inside to do his job.
Attack olam when storm were on there loosing streak all the tries came down his side.
Win this and we are a realistic chance of going all the way.
Lose this and it will be simply too hard to make the GF.
It's that simple.
Agreed mate...
Parramatta will make the grand final no matter where they finish.
this
I have a feeling the storm may rest players to avoid suspension and players from fatigue from last week's game, it doesn't change anything I'd love see us bash then for 80 minutes but we haven't played like that all year
Mick I'd really be surprised if Bellamy rested anyone he didn't absolutely have to. Bellamy has won comps and he understands that the first step to a comp is to finish top 4 in the regular season. This is going to be both teams at full strength
Good points ME, it will be interesting to see how it plays out playing the 8th placed team at home is definitely preferred than going up against the Panthers for the storm - I'm hoping teams 1 and 2 go down in week 1 that's will definitely shake up the finals series
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next