NRL Finals Week Two

By Stephen Gallagher

FRIDAY: Storm (4) V Roosters (7) – AAMI Park – 21.50NZT

Fear the Storm. After what was one of their worst games in a decade, they must come with all the right tools for this game.

While the Roosters got the job done in the Shire, injuries are catching up with them and may play a part in this key match.

Melbourne’s spine last weekend were nowhere to be seen, and that is saying something for a side that has such world-class players in it.

The accountability post-match from Munster summed it all up after describing their performance as “dog-shit”.
I have no doubt that Melbourne will get it together this week, but that’s not to say that Sydney won’t have a say in the outcome of this match.

Still with key players where necessary, the growth this Roosters side has shown to make the finals and dispatch the Sharks last week is the sign of a side who have found what works and have found how to do it every single week.

A massive match for Brandon Smith, coming up against his old side in finals footy.

I think Melbourne are too strong where it counts, through the middle and linking up. I do think this game will be bloody close, though.

TIP: Storm 1-12

SATURDAY: Warriors (4) V Knights (5) – Go Media Mount Smart Stadium – 18.05NZT

A lot of pressure goes back on the Warriors as their end-of-season struggles continued, albeit without Shaun Johnson last weekend as they barely threw a punch at Penrith.

The Knights, in what was probably their worst performance of their ten-straight wins, still showed guts and determination when it counted to get the result in a 90-minute thriller over Canberra.

Newcastle will limp into this one with a few injuries and a shortish turnaround, but still with the confidence of getting this one done without any pressure on them.

For the Wahs, it’s simple – if Shaun Johnson plays, they are more than a chance of winning this game.

If he doesn’t play, their stocks go way down. Especially if Walker plays in the halves. His impact on this side is best shown off the bench.

A sold-out Auckland crowd will be doing everything they can to get their first finals win since 2011, and as this is their first finals match at home since 2008 – there is a lot riding on this.

Plenty to consider, the Warriors’ preparation must be on point. The Knights have already succeeded whether they win this game or not. The pressure is absolutely on the home side.

TIP: Warriors 1-12

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