NRL Finals Week 1 Preview
Manly vs Rabbitohs
Matchup - Kieran Foran vs John Sutton. Both play more supporting roles to their halfbacks who like to lead the ship, but these two are the focal point of their left edge attack. Sutton's got the size of a back rower and the skill of a half so his running game is key, while Foran's effort and energy could set the Sea Eagles on the right path.
Key Man - Brett Stewart. It's going to be an absolute war through the middle so Stewart will need to get his hands on the ball as often as possible to try stretch things out. Manly will be happy to grind away with the Bunnies, but expect them to play some footy on the back of it to catch the Bunnies off guard.
Keep An Eye On - Jayden Hodges has been pretty good at dummy half, but this will be a totally different ball game. Also, Manly have quietly assembled a very good bench with Jesse Sene-Lefao, Dunamis Lui, Jason King and James Hasson all ready to roll up their sleeves.
Verdict - Manly <12. I'm unsure about the Rabbitohs without Adam Reynolds and don't expect Manly to keep their bad for rolling.
Roosters vs Panthers
Matchup - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck vs Matt Moylan. RTS plays 50/50 fullback and wing and everytime he gets the ball you better be watching because anything can happen. Moylan? Well if you're still not sold on Moylan you better check yourself, he's a gun and all the Panthers' classy attack comes through him. Two of the best young guns in the game.
Key Man - James Segeyaro. A big Roosters pack, who'll be out for blood up against a battler group of guys who'll be there defending their line. Segeyaro has the ability to be the difference, especially scooting around the big Roosters and making fatigue a factor.
Keep An Eye On - It's a huge game for Will Smith who wouldn't have dreamed of a debut season like this. The Chooks will put him under the pump, but Jamie Soward and the Panthers just need Smith to do his job and run the footy.
Verdict - Panthers <12. Just a feeling, the Panthers have got to this point by being very smart and I reckon they'll have some shenanigans up their sleeves.
Cowboys vs Broncos
Matchup - Michael Morgan vs Justin Hodges. The ball playing ability of these two is awesome and they both give their sides a different dimension in attack. They have dominant halves so watching them chime in when needed will be pretty fun. Also, Jonathan Thurston's gonna make Hodges run all over the show with his kicking game.
Key Man - Ben Barba. The Broncos won't win if Hodges and Ben Hunt play well. They need Barba to provide some spark as well and while we've seen him nearly back to his best, we haven't seen the constant danger that a on form Barba provides. What better time to re-introduce yourself?
Keep An Eye On - The guys I blabble on about all the time - Tariq Sims and Jason Taumalolo. They've both shifted to the middle at various stages and their combo of size and footwork could tear the Broncos to shreds.
Verdict - Cowboys <12. Up in Townsville, which will be jam packed with Cowboys fever and a team who are at the peak of their powers.
Storm vs Bulldogs
Matchup - Jesse Bromwich vs the big Doggies. The likes of Bryan Norrie will help lay a platform but Bromwich holds the key thanks to his footwork and skill. Expect the Bulldogs to target him and try to limit his influence through the middle.
Key Man - Trent Hodkinson hasn't exactly set the world on fire with his post Origin form. He's got to direct the Doggies around perfectly not only with his kicking game but also his ball distribution. Remember the Doggies use their forwards as play makers, so the more variety they have the better.
Keep An Eye On - Jordan McLean is showing why he's an NRL prop and not just a headline. Oh and the convenient return of Frank Pritchard.
Verdict - Storm <12. If their forwards can match the Doggies, which they've shown they can, their class with the big 3 will be too much for the Doggies.