NRL Finals Week 2

By Stephen Gallagher

Wanna hear me chat about this week’s footy? Listen to The Nigel Yalden Podcast here

SATURDAY: Roosters (4) V Sharks (5) – Allianz Stadium – 21.50NZT
The Roosters and Sharks both finished the regular season on a slide. The Roosters then were bashed black and blue by the Panthers, and now have to face a fresh Sharks outfit who didn’t really have to do too much to get a win.

The Roosters with a six-day turnaround for this, and the Sharks a seven-day turnaround – is that going to play a part in this at all?

Cronulla’s success really flows through Trindall in the five-eighth jersey. He provides great leadership, and his form this season really shows off his ability to get the job done.

They have the forwards to match it with the Roosters, especially a Roosters side that was dragged into the dirt last week in a very physical affair.

But to me, the Roosters, there’s just far too much X-Factor in this side. I can’t see them going down to Cronulla, whose season will end disappointingly short yet again.

Expect the Roosters backs to do plenty of work for their forwards, and put up some tries that will humble the Sharks late.
TIP: Roosters 1-12

 

SUNDAY: Warriors (2) V Knights (7) – Eden Park – 18.05NZT
I was there in 2014, the first and last time the Warriors got a win at Eden Park.

Their poor record there is probably one of those things that will sit in the back of the minds of players and fans alike as they run out on rugby’s hallowed turf on Sunday evening.

But that was the old Warriors, right?

I can tell you now, the Knights will have ZERO fear coming into this game. They were a bee’s dick away from getting two points against the Warriors a month ago with 12 men at Go Media Mount Smart Stadium. They will be relishing the opportunity to end the Wahs season and send them out in straight sets.

So what do the Warriors do to overcome their form slump? They were lucky to end the season with two average performances and get wins, but the Dolphins exposed them last week and it showed a very slow, tired, and clunky Warriors team.

And who plays the most like the Dolphins in this comp?
Well, it’s definitely the Newcastle Knights.

They are reluctant to match you in the forwards, but my goodness they love targeting the third and fourth man in on the edge and creating chaos. Their two second-rowers are the best second-rowers in the competition, and with nine days to prepare for this game, they will be ready.

I have a bad feeling, Warriors fans. A bad feeling.

Here’s hoping their leadership stands up, and they can get the win to play Penrith next week… But I think the Knights playing with house money will get the win.

TIP: Knights 1-12

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