Of course a loss sucks but I was looking at what is to come over the weekend and Round 25.
I think we all agree that facing the Broncos in a semi is 10 times better than facing a battle hardened and experienced Sharks team who know all about do or die games and have the wood on us having won 6/7 our last encounters. Our loss has increased that scenario three-fold.
The Sharks still have to face 2 desperate teams in the Raiders in-form and fighting to keep their 2 bites at the cherry (3rd-4th spot) and Tigers for the finals birth (8th spot) for the first time in 8 years.
I'm pretty sure the Broncos will beat the Dogs and secure 7th spot and with the Sharks hopefully dropping 1 game then we are sweet for home final vs the Broncos which I'm confident we'll beat next time. Let's just hope the Tigers do the Dragon's this weekend in order to stay hungry for next week.
If the above happens then the result vs Manly won't matter so much and if the Raiders beat the Sharks then we have a chance to rest a couple players who are carrying niggles and are in the red in regards to their stamina.
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I would much rather play the Broncos at Bankwest than the Sharks anywhere, i would even rather play the Broncos at Suncorp than the Sharks anywhere. I think we have the Broncos measure.
I agree with you, champ.
Even yesterday when we played well below out second half of the season instead of being blown away being 16-6 down and having a good try disallowed we stuck to the task and grinded the Broncos like mince meat in final 20 mins catching up. A better day for Moses with the boot would have given us the W.
Manly beating the Storm today will also be handy keeping the pressure on the Raiders for Top 4 to beat the Sharks helping us avoid them.
Realistically the sharks are the only side not in the top 4 that have a shot at the title. I don’t hold any fears playing the Broncos, much prefer to face them.
The bookies thoroughly agree with that comment.
No way are the Shark's a threat
Remember the Broncos were missin 3 top first graders, 2 will be back when we next play them.
We'll also get Nathan Brown back.
We were missing our best forward as well. They were playing at home, which won't happen in the finals and a few calls went their way. In saying all that I would rather vs the Shark's because I am concerned more about tne broncs pack.
I think we can have a decent crack at the finals this year if we play our best. But i think we are a fair way from Melbourne and Rorters
We don't know where we'll finish yet. After Manly's loss today, if we beat them by 12 or more, we leapfrog them and finish 5th
Last week was a blessing in disguise now this week so when we lose to manly is that BLESSING IN DISGUISE TO