Weather will have a big say on who’s hot in finals match-ups
https://static.ffx.io/images/$width_144%2C$height_144/t_crop_fill/q_86%2Cf_auto/54e3daf438194693e706b65570bf349f98818d7c 2x" alt="Andrew Johns" width="72" height="72" />By Andrew Johns
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Expect conditions to be a factor in all four of this weekend’s finals blockbusters, starting with a rain-affected derby in Penrith. Here’s how I see each game playing out.
Penrith v Parramatta
The Panthers come into this match refreshed and ready. The time off for most of their starters, especially for the previously suspended halfback Nathan Cleary, will help them no end.
Rain is predicted in Sydney and that suits the Panthers.
The Eels have beaten them twice this year with ball movement, offloads and unpredictability and that’s much harder to do in the wet when points are at a premium.
The conditions make the kicking game of Eels halfback Mitchell Mose critical but they mostly favour Cleary, who is a real threat on the left side with Viliame Kikau.
Fullback Dylan Edwards also provides real X-factor for the Panthers.
He plays like an extra forward, running for more than 200m per game, which helps with their go-forward so much. It will be invaluable on a slippery surface.
Parramatta are humming at the right time of the year, though.
Dylan Brown, Shaun Lane and Maika Sivo have been big threats — but I can’t see them combating the cohesion of Penrith’s Isaah Yeo, who links so well with the halves.
Joey’s tip: Penrith by 2.
First try-scorer: Viliame Kikau
Man of the match: Nathan Cleary
The Dangerman: The Kikausaurus.
Replies
Always said Parra play their best on a dry track.
We are pretty good in the wet too. Remember what we did to a full strength Melbourne in the wet?
Moses's long kicking game is arguably just as good as Cleary's, and our forward pack is on fire. We need the outside backs to really chip in with a heap of strong yardage carries.
I still think we are a solid 50/50 chance.
When did we play Melb in the wet??
Round 2, 2021.
Agree Brissy, we need a big effort from Paulo and RCG to grab the early authority and give us time to get up and put pressure on Yeo, Cleary and Lui.
I really hope our bench forward can aim up this week, we definitely need an 80min performance.
We saw that with Origin, no Yeo and limiting the speed of the ruck and Cleary & Luai stifle. Cleary and Luai love recieving the ball on the run, when their dummy half is moving around the ruck it makes them flat. In Origin Cleary and Luai recieved a ton of ball flat footed and caused them to be rushed on make them panic. Yeo being shut down slows them down massively.
Story on fox Sports that RCG still pissed at Panthers over origin snub. If so I expect him and Paulo to be pumped up and lead the way. Add in Cleary spear tackle to brown and I expect our fowards to be fired up and deliver.
I don't know if our team has an on field leadership group with being tasked to review pre trained strategy or tactical adjustments during break in plays. Wet weather football seems a perfect scenario to have those types of responsibility for a thinking element to be a key objective to a winning mentality
I dont think the weather favours either side. The Eels are proven game winners in the wet and BA has drilled into them that the game will likely be won in the 80th minute. This is even more crucial in the wet. Parra have no issue going toe to toe with the Panthers on a wet or dry track.
I think the showers/storms are meant to clear by lunchtime?
I agree Mutts, we are a very good wet weather side, potentially the best.
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