Sea Eagles vs Sharks

Matchup - Get ready to witness the two best backrows from the 2013 season. Manly got great value in Justin Horo who has fitted in perfectly with Manly’s left edge and have two rep quality players in Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough. The Sharks also boast a very talented group with Wade Graham an outstanding young talent, Paul Gallen needs not a mention and Jason Bukuya gets a run. Bukuya is a very dynamic ball runner and could provide Glenn Stewart plenty of troubles.

Key Players - Jamie Lyon and Steve Matai cause me to run out of superlatives. Against the Sharks, they will face two centres who’s talents and footy nous don’t come close to the Manly pair’s. If their inside men can get them early ball, letting them battle it out 1 on 1, Matai and Lyon will have a field day. The Sharks will try to get numbers across to halt their progress, which could open up other areas of the defensive line. Either way, Lyon and Matai will have a huge influence on proceedings.

Manly should welcome Brett Stewart back which will be a huge boost. If Stewart plays, the Sharks won’t be able to handle the amount of options that Manly have. Stewart provides an attacking option on both sides of the field, the ability to run off of Manly’s forwards in and around the ruck as well as destroying any attempt at building pressure through kicks.

Wade Graham/Michael Gordon.These two have the ability to provide a bit of spice, a bit of oomph, excitement etc. The Sharks have limited x factor as is, take out Todd Carney and you are taking out their main attacking weapon. Graham is capable of creating something out of nothing, whether it be through a kick, an offload or a big hit. Gordon will be sniffing around the Sharks big forwards looking for an offload and will be keen to get his hands on the ball as much as possible.

Keep an eye on - The impact Luke Lewis has on the game IF he starts at 6. I have a feeling that coach Flanagan is playing a bit of a game here. If Carney is somehow fit, his inclusion will be last minute and could disrupt Manly’s preparations. Carney isn’t named but will still be doing everything he can to be fit as everyone involved is well aware of his impact on Cronulla.

Verdict - It’s hard to past Manly. The Sharks have competed well all year, but a win here would be a huge upset especially if Manly are fit and have their top 13 starting the game. I’d also have to give the coaching edge to Geoff Toovey who is very astute and will expose any weakness in the Sharks team. Manly >12

Storm vs Knights

Matchups - Billy Slater vs Darius Boyd. The two Queensland fullbacks really hold the key for their teams attack. Yes there are other players in each team who provide a threat, but these two are the guys who are going to be the blokes who are threatening the line and creating opportunities for those around them. Will be interesting to see who can grapple the upper hand.

Will Chambers vs Joey Leilua – Both centres have been fantastic all season and this will be a great battle. They are both big and mobile as well as being a target for their halves. You never know, these two could be playing against each other at Origin level sometime.

Kevin proctor vs Robbie Rochow – Yes, another pair of very talented youngsters. You must be sick of me saying it. I’m sick of having to type it every time. What I’m not sick of is witnessing these battles. Both are very physical and will have plans set out for them by their coaches to try get the upper hand. Look out for the different plays used to get these guys the ball and in what positions they get the ball. I suspect they will each try to target the half defending on that side of the field so they will both act as bodyguards as well.

Key Players - Will Chambers/Maurice Blair. The Knights have two of the best young centres in the game. The Storm have some of the most underrated. If Chambers and Maurice Blair can not only stop any threat posed by Leilua and Dane Gagai but also make an impact with the ball, the Storm will have a pretty good chance. This is emphasised by the fact that the battle in the middle of the field will be rough, very rough so both sides will be looking to make an impact out wide.

Jarrod Mullen will have to have a huge game for the Knights to win. His kicking game and passing games will need to be on point as well as been the leader that all of Newcastle wants and needs him to be.

Keep an eye on - Gareth Widdop. Widdop has made a miracle recovery from a dislocated hip and will offer the Storm a lot. He replaces Brett Finch who has done an admirable job but Widdop is a quality performer who will take a heap of pressure off of the big 3.

Verdict - This will be really close. The Knights could sneak under the radar, with a team of hard nosed veterans and extremely skills youngsters along with a coach who has been there done that many times before. If the Storm didn’t have Gareth Widdop back, I’d lean towards the Knights, but his inclusion is pushing me back towards the Storm. Storm <12