A decade in English rugby league (and a not so brave prediction) - Part 2

Part one plotted the course of a decade of despair for the English national rugby league team. Looking forward this weekend, what does Wembley have in store: another heartbreaking loss, a painful flogging – or one of those all-too-rare bits of inspiration which have punctuated even the most barren runs?
The flipside of England’s tendency to disappoint is their capacity to get hopes up in the first place – often with a promising youngster, usually with a gritty win. At Wigan in 2004’s Tri Nations. In Sydney in 2006. At other times they’ve run Australia close despite being firmly up against it – with 12 men after Adrian Morley was sent off in the opening play of the Ashes in 2003, and in the first 60 minutes of the Four Nations final in 2009 after a flogging an Greg Inglis-inspired flailing at Wigan.

Adrian Morley carts it up against the Kangaroos (Photo credit: Daily Mail)

The reality is, as often as not, England or Great Britain have been capable of at least putting a fright into the Kangaroos, even if they’ve struggled to win their share of the close games. And their win loss record against the Kangaroos over the past decade compares pretty favourably with that of a Kiwi side which, unlike their Northern hemisphere cousins, has always been able to turn in its best performances when it mattered most.

But the truth is, at least on one view, they’ve been flattered by the odd win and close games.

Sometimes, the crushing but simple reality appears to be that England are horridly, embarrassingly off the pace.

Consider the horrors of the 2008 World Cup. Consider the ease with which the Kangaroo playmakers have decimated English three-quarter lines with simple second-man sweep plays. Consider the back three bumbles of Melbourne in 2009, the inept displays against New Zealand in 2006, and the crumbling under pressure against understrength Ashes competition in 2003. Or, if you really, really want to feel the burn, consider the floggings against the Australians in 2002 and 2004.

On the other hand, sometimes the going hasn’t been all bad. England has led the Aussies early in both of their most recent clashes – which is more than you can say for a New Zealand team which concedes soft tries in the opening stages of a game like it is going out of fashion. And in plenty of games over the last ten years they’ve been in it up to their eyeballs until the 60th, or 70th, or 79th minute.

This speaks to an underlying issue with England’s game: some of their biggest strengths also reflect their most glaring weaknesses.

Up the middle they retain vestiges of the old game. A succession of tough forward packs have consistently taken the fight to the Aussies. Just as notably, from Farrell and Schulthorpe right through to Graham and Burgess, they’ve retained the skillset and ballplaying nous to create breaks and points in the midst of the tough stuff. Look at the highlights from England v Australia games over the last ten years and marvel at how many clean breaks, remarkable runs, clever balls or tries were made or created by the big men in the pack.

It’s an unconventional look from an NRL perspective, where fans are now more accustomed to disciplined line running backrowers, locks in props bodies, and frontrowers for whom yardage and an ability to land on your knees are usually cherished over the deft hands and ballplaying ability that complemented the tough stuff in the old days.

So too are the nippy, unconventional halves and backs. The players that have troubled the Aussies the most over the last decade have always been the hardest to get a read on: Sean Long. Sam Tomkins. Even Kyle Eastmond in 2009 or, stretching the memory back a little further, Lee Briers in the World Cup semi final in 2000.

Of course, that didn’t mean they could provide the pinpoint kicking, the discipline or the direction to be a consistent threat over 80 minutes, let alone a series or a couple of seasons. And all the clever, tough work of the forwards doesn’t count for much if your ruck and edge defence buckles under pressure, or you give away enough stupid penalties to make Bryce Gibbs rise and applaud.

And that, in simple terms, is the root of the problem: an inconsistency and a vulnerability which speaks to the gulf between the Northern and Southern hemisphere domestic competition not so much in terms of natural talent (although there is that) but in terms of style, structure and discipline.

In short, England are always going to be up against it against a Kangaroos team which kicks well, defends cohesively and runs through a through structured backline plays – even if their unconventional style and occasional bouts of passion and panache produce the odd early lead or narrow win.

And they know it. Which is why every year you hear about the closing gap, about the increased coaching or technical nous, and, more and more, the flow players tested or reared in the NRL into England’s national squad.

This year the NRL influence is at its strongest, with Gareth Ellis, Chris Heighington, Jack Reed and Gareth Widdop joining former Sydney Roosters veteran Adrian Morley, and Kiwi Exile Rangi Chase (who had his own brief NRL career) selected at half.

You can see the motivation. They’re not that far away. Pick up a bit of NRL experience, do the little things right, cross your fingers, and who knows.

But here’s the thing. As rock solid as the boy from the quaint old English village of Umina is, professionalism isn’t something you can distill from the mere presence of Chris Heighington. Nabbing a emigrant Bronco rookie with some experience defending in the centres in the NRL isn’t a long-term fix to a long-running ability to achieve competent, disciplined edge defence. And Rangi Chase – bless his red-crossed heart – is no Andy Gregory. He may not even be a Lee Briers.

England don’t have the players or the style of play to match the Kangaroos at their own game. But, again, the signs are that is exactly what they will try to do anyway. A conservative and out of position Kevin Sinfield has been selected as the safest choice at five-eighth. The bench is long on mobile backrowers . Safer choices have trumped risky selections elsewhere. The same glaring deficiencies appear to remain.

Which is why on Saturday morning, when the Lockyer and Thurston are directing a procession of decoys at the England three quarter line, and Inglis, Lawrence and Slater are doing what they do, it will all probably have that eerie feeling of a show you think you’ve seen before.

My solution? Who knows. But for what it’s worth (almost precisely nothing), if I were involved in the England set up, this is what I’d do: try and embrace the difference. Embrace your own style. The need for discipline and structure doesn’t necessitate pale imitation. Work with the players you have – cherish the things that are unconventional by NRL standards rather than opting for inferior NRL-style automatons. The Super League isn’t as high standard as the NRL, but it’s not the second-rate competition the caricaturists would have you believe. There is a talent there, but not enough to beat the Kangaroos at their own game. So don’t try. The flipside of the discipline of the NRL is that the players there are used to seeing a modest variation of the same old, same old every week. England have really tested Australian teams when they have brought something different to the table. So bring it.

But for God’s sake, try to watch a few tapes beforehand so when Lockyer goes to the line and Slater sweeps in behind, you look like you’ve seen it once or twice before.

Despite all of the above, a visit to Wembley will generate some of the familiar, reluctant optimism that at least some English rugby league fans bring themselves to not stuff down deep inside each year. And in this game there is always room for hope. England have some big talents. They have the special magic of and a strong record at Wembley. London, if not abuzz with positive vibes after the rebirth of the Broncos and the looming descent of the league-loving folk from up North, is gearing up as if in hopeful expectation of the rare blips of brilliance.

More likely, it will be some variant of a familiar story. Kangaroos fans will nod knowingly. English fans will respond with their customary grace and brutally honest introspection in defeat. Just don’t do them the disservice of feeling sorry for them. And get ready for the day that it all turns around.

A decade in English Rugby League - Part 1

As the clock ticks down to arguably the biggest date on this year’s international rugby league calendar –England v Australia at Wembley – fans on both sides of rugby league world will be asking themselves a familiar question. When will England finally get it together?

Unfortunately, at least for the proud fans in rugby league’s oldest heartland, Sunday morning's game is likely to provide a familiar answer. Not yet, lad. Not yet.

From the outside looking in, the fate of the English national side has a depressing quality which befits even the hardened cynicism of a rugby league public famous for its bouts of the glums.

The last decade – which itself followed a relatively barren run in the 1980s and 1990s – has seen the fortunes of the national side oscillate between bad and worse.

Fiercely competitive series ended in a succession of last-minute whitewashes (the Ashes in 2003). Lone wins against the Kangaroos (in 2001 and 2004) were followed by embarrassing defeats (in Sydney in 2002 and a crushing Tri Nations final in 2004). Hopes were raised (series sweep against the Kiwis in 2007) only to be cruelly and publically dashed (an insipid World Cup performance in 2008). Every now and then, some class shone through (in an away win over the Kangaroos in 2006, and in a spirited 2009 Four Nations final). But even in the brightest moments the national side was only 20 minutes or a should-win game away from despair.


England Captain James Graham (Photo credit: NRL)


All the while the RFL have been busily re-engineering and (re-re-engineering) national set up. But the biggest, like most of the others, was largely cosmetic: the shift from the proud old ‘Great Britain’ (plus Brian Carney) moniker to the ‘England’ tag.

In the coaching box and on the field, though – where it really counts - not much has changed.

They’ve ditched the blue chevron for a red cross, but the men in white, generally speaking, still can’t take a trick.

Coaches and captains have been shuffled. Halves have been called up, discarded and recalled and discarded again, driving some to drink (not always in that order). Some promising young stars have done their best time at her Majesty’s pleasure rather than after God Save the Queen. A succession of outside backs bumbled, stumbled and fumbled their way back into relative obscurity, or fat rugby union contracts. Now even that one great constant – the bobbing bald dome of Keith Senior, who provided perhaps the brightest moment of the decade with an intercept try to seal a proud victory over the Kangaroos in 2004 – has succumbed, with customary grace, to the ravages of time.

On some accounts things have actually deteriorated. Ten years ago, for all the heartbreaking hope-and-despair cycle of close-run series defeats in the 1990s, you could at least point to some true world class in the British line up. Andy Farrell. Paul Schulthorpe. Adrian Morley. Keiron Cunningham. And, a little later, Stuart Fielden and Gareth Ellis.

Today, stripped of all the talented Scots and Welshman notable only by their absence in the intervening decade, the now English team features only a couple of the classy old stagers from earlier this decade. Honourable mentions to Jamie Peacock and James Graham. A nod to Kevin Sinfield for long (if not particularly effectual) service, and to the absence of a genuinely world-class (if sometimes ham-fisted) Sam Burgess, and that’s about it as far as the top-shelf goes.

In short, the English component of the England team is long on serviceable forwards, honest toilers and youngsters with potential. They’re all good players, and some are a good deal better than that. They’d all hold their own, or more, in the NRL. But none of them stand up and scream: prime of career, world class, stop me if you can.

With one small, pacey, notable exception: the skinny youngster at the back – Sam Tomkins.

And it is with Tomkins, and youngsters like him that, the second great hope-to-despair cycle-within-a-cycle starts for the British game.

It’s been a long time now since ‘shock’ defections of English rugby league players to the other code came as a genuine surprise. Jason Robinson proved that the RFU types were canny; Andy Farrell – last sighted at prop for Wigan, but destined for backs in rugby union – proved that they weren’t fussy, or that the standards were considerably lower, or both. Since then, the league’s most likely looking youngsters are only a rumour and a headline away from a rugby union contract, be it for club or country.


And English team featuring Kyle Eastmond and Chris Ashton, just for starters, might have proved a much sterner test for the Kangaroos at Wembley.

And Tomkins could yet be the latest installment. Just last month his own brother was the latest in the now-long line of league-to-union converts. Wigan might have deep pockets as far as the Super League goes, but even the proudest club in the game can’t match the money on offer elsewhere under the current system.

All this is a cruel irony for a code long on the receiving end of the cross-code chequebook transfer system (or, for those of a more aristocratic bearing, belated comeuppance for a century of professionalism, pillage and plunder).

Crueller still is irony that the very thing rugby league needs most in its battle with big brother in England – a strong national side and the stronger national presence which goes with it – is the very thing its inability to retain its already-shallow pool of talented youngsters inhibits.

Even it Tomkins resists the cross code pull, he’ll need to avoid the other great pitfall for young English stars of the last decade: that of early promise but ultimately unrealized potential.

Two genuine club level stars of English rugby league who did resist the bigger union money in the 2000s – Kevin Sinfield and Danny Maguire – have, despite long international careers, never quite ascended to the heights suggested by pace of their early rise.

And arguably the most talented English half of the last decade in Sean Long - who famously bailed on the Great Britain imd-tour in 2006 after leading the Lions to a famous win over the Kangaroos in Sydney - barely gave a yelp at international level despite a long and decorated club career.

So where does this leave England ahead of this weekend's clash? Check back tomorrow for part two.

Rugby League: The Game That Got Away

As the Kangaroos head off to England and Wales for the Four Nations - and with the highest paid rugby players in the world now kicking their way to glory in the Union world cup - here's a blast from rugby league's northern English past:

Rugby League: The Game That Got Away:

(h/t Sean Fagan @RL1908. Christmas shopping for league lovers starts here: http://rl1908.com/buy-now.htm)

Grand Final ratings

Well, that was a fairly fitting end to another compelling NRL season. In the end it was the foreign fairytale versus the insular peninsula - and after a belated but compelling charge from the Warriors, Manly had enough class to run out as deserved premiers.

The other big battle on Grand Final weekend was the one for TV ratings, with the all-Melbourne AFL decider up against an NRL affair lacking the Queensland or Victorian presence which has typically propelled the strongest grand final ratings over recent years.

In the end the results were again close enough for both sides to feel justified in claiming victory based on their favoured set of numbers. Including the regionals the NRL decider chalked up an average national tally of 3.3 million viewers, with another 700,000 odd tuning in to a live or delayed telecast across the Tasman.

Excluding the Kiwi connection, the total capital city ratings came in at 2.2 million, the same as last year but below the 2.5 million plus figures recorded in 2005, 2006 and 2009 when the NRL enjoyed fortuitous combinations of two of a Queensland team, a non-reviled Sydney team and the Melbourne Storm.

Results in the Sydney and Brisbane markets were down slightly on last year's decider, with the lack of a Queensland team probably knocking around 200,000 people off the Brisbane figure based on past results. On the other hand, the sharp increase in Melbourne must have been a pleasant surprise for the NRL given the absence of the Storm and last year's salary cap disaster. The 362,000 viewers who tuned in to the NRL in Melbourne also comfortably exceeded the 258,000 viewers for the AFL the day before.

All up, while Nine and the NRL might have preferred a Brisbane v Melbourne decider - a surefire ratings hit given the Lockyer farewell and the proven ability of the Melbourne audience to watch in huge numbers when the Storm are involved - the GF again performed strongly on the TV sets. And the boost to the game in New Zealand from the Warriors' involvement can only be good for the competition (and the code) in the longer term.

The second installment of the cross-code ratings war continues this Sunday, with a twist, as Australia takes on New Zealand in the two rugby codes in back to back timeslots on Sunday afternoon. While NRL club and representative games usually comfortably outrate all but the biggest international rugby union clashes, the hit ratings in the 2003 rugby union world cup are proof that Aussies will tune in in big numbers when the Wallabies bandwagon is in full swing and the timeslot is favourable. That will probably be enough to give the union an edge over the league in the battle for TVs this Sunday, particularly given that the Wallabies v All Blacks game is in prime time and will get a strong lead in from the Kangaroos v Kiwis matchup.

Still, Nine's treatment of the rah rah hasn't pleased everyone, with all but the biggest matches on delayed telecast (or telecast live, but with zero promotion, on the extra digital channels).  We can't get too emotional about the concept of less union on TV, but we would like to formally maintain the rage about Nine's shoddy treatment of confirmed RL desparados who would like to watch big offshore matches like the English Challenge Cup Final or Super League Grand Final live despite the ungodly hour. Leeds ran out victors over Saints at the weekend - the Rhino's fifth Super League title, and fifth straight grand final loss to Saints (remarkably, four of these have been at the hands of Leeds). Of course, rather than show it live at the 4am on Sunday morning, Nine couldn't quite get around to altering the usual early AM Monday timeslot.

Presumably they've been too busy working on scripts for unpaid Clubs Australia spots to get around to scheduling some live sport. Why waste time showing footy you've bought the rights to when you could just...not? As Phil Gould would say, "I've never seen a more stupid policy in all my life".

NRL Grandfinal 2011 - Footy footy footy's take

It's Grand Final day and coming live from (near) Homebush, footy footy footy have their say on the big one.

We've already seen two outstanding games today with NSWRL minor premiers the Bulldogs overcoming the Vulcans in the last play of the day, and an even more thrilling NYC game as the Cowboys fell astonishingly short in golden point against minor premiers the Auckland Warriors.

So how are the Warriors going to fare in the big one today?

Manly deserve favoritism with great players right through their back-row, halves, centres and fullback. They play hard, direct and have options going to the line with two of the form halves in the comp directing their troops around.

The Warriors are uncompromising up front, relentless off the bench, and have as much creativity in them across the park as anyone.

Like most pundits we're not convinced the Warriors can play well enough for long enough -like they did against the Storm- and are leaning towards the Sea Eagles. But don't put your house on it. Either team can win this depending on who turns up on the day. And that's why we turn on our Televisions every week to watch this great game of ours. There are no prizes for those who aren't willing to earn it.

We'll leave you with a couple of players to watch, stay safe, be happy and GO THE WARRIORS:

Warriors - Kevin Locke

The Warriors aren't short on eye-catching talent, but in a packed field its hard to go past the emerging superstar at the back in Kevin Locke. The New Zealand number one may have made his name with his attacking prowess, but his composure at the back under the high ball and quality kick returns have been just as vital for the Warriors over the back end of 2011. In a blustery decider he can expect a lot of aerial traffic his way - particularly if Manu manages to swallow the first couple of kicks that go in his direction. And if he can hold his own at the back and help keep his team in the game, he has the ability with ball in hand to break the game wide open for the Warriors on the back of the line-bending power of the Warriors prop rotation.

Sea Eagles - Jamie Lyon

He may not be everyone's cup of tea, but Jamie Lyon has done just about everything there is to do in rugby league - and would have got around to the rest if he didn't always have such a packed pig hunting schedule around Kangaroo Tour time. The now four-time NRL grand finalist also has an annoying knack of pulling out the big attacking or defensive plays when the chips are down. He isn't the type of player to single handedly tear a team apart, but when the game is on the line you can bet it will be Lyon coming up with a spectacular on line bomb defusal, a last ditch trysaver or a clever run-jink-flick to set up a try. Alongside Will Hopoate and Glen Stewart, he's the key cog in the Manly right edge which will fancy its chances against Johnson, Brown and Vatuvei. In a close one a little bit of Lyon magic could be the difference.

We'll be back after what is promising to be an entertaining final, gripping, tense and full of surprises.

You've got to love your footy.

NRL Grand Final Week - What to believe and what not to

Hello there footy fans. Still catching your breath from last weekend? 160 minutes of thumping great footy from four teams who'd all earned the right to be there.

I read Roy Masters this week bemoaning the interruption that suspensions and salary cap penalties have played in recent finals series and that this has undermined their credibility. DO NOT BELIEVE THIS!

While the efficacy of the alternatives Masters suggests is up for debate, the fact of the matter is those players/clubs broke the rules and were punished accordingly.

Players know not to fight, strike or tackle illegally or they will get suspended. Teams know they risk heavy sanctions for salary cap breaches. There are no secrets in this.

The suggestion that these rules be watered down because it's finals time or because particular players are important for their teams' success would go further do diminish the credibility than not having Adam Blair play for the Melbourne Storm last weekend.

Which brings me on to another point. The idea that the Warriors 'stunned' the Storm. This is the second week in a row the Warriors have 'stunned' their opponents. DO NOT BELIEVE THIS.

You could make an argument the Wests Tigers were stunned at the Warriors resolve but you would be foolish to think the Storm didn't know exactly what they were in for on Saturday. The Storm have now lost 6 of their last 9 games against the Warriors. The Storm know that their style of game suits the Warriors tactics. They had over a week to prepare for this. They had an entire second half on the back foot hoping -more than anything- one of their big three could dig them out of their predicament.

Whilst obviously disappointed with the result -and the fact they made Gus Gould look like a prophet after predicting their demise in the finals- I don't think it's fair to the Warriors to say the Storm were stunned/shocked.

They knew what was coming and they weren't good enough to stop it. The Warriors produced the best second half of the year to smother Melbourne out of the game. If they can repeat those antics they're every chance of winning on Sunday. BELIEVE THAT.

The Friday night game went like most predicted, the plucky Broncos didn't have enough for the relentless Sea Eagles. Again it was the young halves who surprised all with their composure and deft decision making.

Des Hasler has come out this week and declared that the Warriors should be favourites. DON'T BELIEVE THAT.

He's undoubtedly a good coach with an eye for talent and an idea on how to coach great attacking footy but to claim or believe that the Warriors deserve to be favourites in this match is a bit of a mental stretch.

Manly were almost minor premieres and were essentially the form team over the last part of the season. Manly have also won the only game the two sides played 20-10 earlier this year and are welcoming back their influential back-rower Glen Stewart.

The Warriors have been inconsistent this year, mixing blistering attack with periods of non-existent defence. To compare these teams is like comparing different environmental phenomena.

The Sea Eagles, with their relentless attack, structured plays and a tough, ragged defensive edge that unsettles opponents are the monsoonal rains of the NRL. You know it's coming, and when it does you can pretty much forget about whatever it was you were hoping to achieve.

The Warriors, with their awesome size, straight hard running, blistering speed and inconsistency are the avalanche of the NRL. They don't always look likely but when they do decide to make a move they are unstoppable.

Whatever it is that you choose to read/watch this week and believe, BELIEVE THIS, these are two tremendously talented football teams with all the elements to make a great side. Both teams deserve to be exactly where they are and either side can bring home the trophy on Sunday.

Footyfootyfooty suggests you get somewhere from 12pm to watch the Warriors attempt their triple threat in each Grand Final played (NSWRL, NYC, NRL). Enjoy your week footy fans.

Preliminary Final wrap

With only four teams to talk about there's no hiding from the ravenous Australain Rugby League media. With so much at stake, no second chances and a Rugby-loving Manly-hating Sydney public, anything can happen in the next 40 hours.

Here's footyfootyfooty's take on it.

Manly vs. Brisbane

The Broncos will hurt from the loss of the their inspirational skipper and you can’t get more incentive for a team than to win in order to give arguably the greatest player ever from their club a shot at a last grand final. I don’t think it will be enough though, as Manly will be fresh from the week off and full of hunger. The Broncos may be able to get away with a surprise attack by putting a few tries on them early and try to defend the lead but I think it will be all in vain with the class of Manly to get them through to the Grand Final.

Key Matchup: Foran vs. Gillett – Gillett will slot into the 5/8 position vacated by Lockyer and will be on a warpath to try and stop the sea eagles number one playmaker at all costs. Look for Gillett to be thereabouts every time Foran gets the pill.

Prediction: Manly by 8

Melbourne vs. New Zealand

Melbourne will go into this game as heavy favourites, however the warriors do trouble them with their big pack. The storm are after redemption though for the previous years and are keen for some honest silverware in their cabinet so will probably get the chocolates here. Cameron Smith will be punching through the ruck all game to try and tire out the big boppers of the Warriors and if he succeeds the men outside him might have a field day.

Unfortunately for the boys from across the ditch I see this as a game that Melbourne will be looking to stamp their authority on and may just put on an exhibition. If the Warriors heads go down they might get done by 30!

Key Matchup: Storm Pack vs. Warriors Pack – Both teams have a lot of class and try scoring ability in the halves and out wide but I think the game will be won in the forwards. Melbourne will score tries from nothing but will get nowhere near as many chances if the Warriors pack dominates, which would make it a very close game.

Prediction: Melbourne by 14


And from Chris_565:

Sea Eagles vs. Broncos

How I want the Broncos to win this one, but alas, I don’t think they will. I have said for the past few weeks that I think the Broncos are a great team, however they have trouble scoring enough points to finish sides off. This was no more evident than against Saints last week. The Broncos had all the ball and field position, yet found themselves in golden point relying on the brilliance of D. Lockyer. Speaking of Lockyer, if the Broncos thought it was going to be a difficult task getting over Manly earlier in the week, the difficulty level has only increased with him ruling himself out. However, I will believe it when I see them teams. It would not surprise me if he ran out at 7.45pm tonight.

As for Manly, they have a great backline with the ability to score points from anywhere. Foran and Cherry Evans have formed an outstanding combination and from these two things just seem to happen. However, the Sea Eagles are beatable. They can be sluggish up the middle of the ruck which Brisbane may try to exploit.

Key Matchup: Hodges vs Matai – These two are guys that you don’t want to run into on the footy field. They are tough, uncompromising and often blur the line between legal and downright dirty. This is why it will be compelling viewing just to see them try and kill each other.

Manly by 4.

Warriors v Melbourne

How the hell are the Warriors in the Preliminary Final? From 18 – 6 down at half time last week against the Tigers, the Warriors, with some possession and belief managed to claw their way to a victory. They will be full of confidence against the Storm, a team they have had success against on their home turf over the years. The Storm will be hot favourites, and deservedly so. They are at home and the ‘big three’ are playing the best footy of their lives. However, the Warriors will not go away without a fight. Players like Vatuvai and Mateo were absolutely amazing last week and if they produce the same form, the Storm will not have it all their own way.

Enough fence sitting – for mine the Storm will win, but in a very tight contest. It will be controlled methodical football against the flamboyance of the Warriors. If it all sticks for the Warriors they could pull off an upset, but I can just see the storm grinding out a win and charging into the big one.

Key Matchup: Maloney vs Cronk: Both halves are in fantastic form and if something good happens for either team, bet your bottom dollar (not really, just metaphorically) that one of these players will be involved. Both possess excellent vision and are not afraid to take on the line.

Prediction: Storm by 6.

Now I'll have a crack:

Broncos v Manly

Manly will be happy to have skipped most of the attention this week with the attention on Darren Lockyer but they won't want to miss the starters gun again this week against a Broncos team that has some starch in their defence. The Broncos will play with plenty of passion and will be buoyed by what will probably the friendliest Sydney reception they are likely to ever get. For mine though Manly just have too many points in them and their halves will take control in the second half like they did against Nth QLD. Broncos certainly have the talent to put on a few tries, but they'll need a lot to go their way to get the win.

Key Match-up: The halves. Manly have the best pair in the business while the Broncos carry Wallace and a backrower. If Gillette and Wallace don't stand up it will be curtains for the Broncos and Darren Lockyer's career.

Prediction: Manly by 6


Warriors v Melbourne

This game will be decided by whether the Warriors big men can counteract Melbourne's wrestling. The Warriors need to minimise errors -particularly early- and remaind disciplined around the ruck. If they do we'll all see why Melbourne has only won 3 of their last 8 meetings. You know Melbourne's big three will put points on a disorganised Warriors defence at some point but I don't put much faith in the Storm's recent form.

Key Match up: Mateo v Mateo. Often his own worst enemy in matches Feleti is generally the barometer for how well the Warriors are playing. Last week he was on fire and if he can fight his urges to offload the ball every time he gets it or spill it on to the ground in every tackle in the hope the ref might see things his way, he might be the difference tomorrow night.

Prediction: Warriors by 8


Finally, for the last word, Sam H


Sea Eagles v Broncos:

All the talk has been about Lockyer and the Broncos this week – something that will suit a Sea Eagles side outfit that deals poorly with attention, criticism and the general public, and will be looking for an uninterrupted run of form between an excellent second half against the Cowboys in Week One and tonight’s big game. But while Lockyer leaves a huge gap in the Broncos attacking structure, they have enough young offensive talent to ad lib their way to a try or three, which could trouble Manly provided the Queenslanders can display their typical defensive grit. The question is whether they’ll be composed enough to stay in the game and give the Sea Eagles a fright. Without their captain and leader, that’s a big ask, especially against a team with a superb recent record in these big games.

Key match up: Foran v Gillet: Two stars of the future go head to head in an unconventional positional clash tonight. While Foran is the best young half in the competition, Gillet is arguably the best young backrower – and has enough tricks up his sleeve to generate points from nowhere. If he can work some of his magic from the uncustomary pivot position tonight his Broncos can go close.

Manly by 14

Warriors v Storm:

The Warriors ground the Tigers down in the second half for a deserved win last week, but were fortunate to still be within striking distance after some abject on line defence and poor discipline in the first half. But with their tails up and the with talent at their disposal they’ll be ready to rock a Melbourne team which always looks vulnerable against the boys from New Zealand. It’s hard to see Cronk, Smith and Slater overawed by the raw power of the Warriors pack, but the Storm’s established class will be threatened by some emerging stars from across the Tasman in Locke and Johnson – and a couple of reformed game breakers from Parramatta in Inu and Mateo. Throw in an extremely hard working back row and the boys in black (or blue?) have the grind to go with the silky skills. If they strike the right balance they can cause a big upset here.

Key match up: Taylor v Proctor. Ivan Clearly has gone for a rising star Elijah Taylor over the bustling Ukuma Ta’ai, gambling on a workhorse-heavy backrow. He’ll line up against another future Kiwi in Kevin Proctor, whose has played a key role on the fringes in the Storm’s attack and defence this year. The flashier players will get the headlines, but the performance of these two guys will be just as vital on Saturday night.

Prediction: Warriors by 1.

Fate favours the brave, not reckless

It's another sun-drenched Friday as the Canberra based contingent of footyfootyfooty make their second mid-afternoon dash up the Hume Highway in as many weeks.

Waiting at the other end of this perfectly sealed, arrow straight, seemingly endless strip of bitumen is a stadium full of rabid NRL fans and the promise of a great clash between two entertainment machines.

Half of us are still in the queue for a beer when the Warriors run out to what is a surprisingly large cheer at the SFS -a few raised eyebrows as we dispel the myth this is Tiger territory.

The start of the game is a sparring match. Both sides trade line breaks, and jostle for field position. At least this is what we're told when we reach our seats ten minutes in -hats off to the efficiency of the bar staff at the SFS- as Keith Galloway barges over for a try from close range.

Six nil up and the tigers keep pressing. They're working over the ruck, sending it wide, dominating the play the ball. Not long after, a quick ball from dummy half and a Benji step gave the home side a 12 point advantage. Everything -including the penalty count- was going Tigers' way.

Kevin Locke wasn't having any of it though, after pouncing on a quick play-the-ball he poked his nose through the line and threw an outrageous flick-pass for Maloney, who after some fortuitous handling put the Warriors back in the hunt.

The Tigers continued to march down-field courtesy of some good work from the forwards, and an insistence by the ref's that a dropped ball in the first half of a home semi-final must have been a strip.

Once again the avalanche of possession was too much for a Warriors side looking worryingly flaky up the middle. Robbie Farah crashed over from dummy half with 5 minutes left in the half and cries of 'bring on Melbourne next week' were heard flying from the Tige's members section.

The second half was a different affair, the mandatory squaring up of the penalty ledger and a re-invigorated Warriors combining to make Tigers' fans sweat a little.

Feleti Mateo was showing up Robert Lui's defence all night and off a short ball close to the line that equalled six more points for the visitors.

Marshall kicked for an 8-point lead but the Warriors hit straight back when the Tigers showed their own deficiencies defending the line.

Two points clear and five minutes to go. The tigers are rolling the ball down the middle of the field and have their 5th tackle on about halfway. And then it happens. With their season on the line two of the Tiger's most senior men combine to make sure SFS fans get a grandstand finish.

With every options available to them Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall decide running the ball on the last tackle is the best one-overlap or no- and predictably the ball goes to ground for an easy Warriors hand over. Which hands them a chance to kick and hope which lands in the hands of Krisnan Inu. Try.

On such small things a season can turn.





The crowd is in shock, the Tigers had it won with 45 minutes on the clock -they'd thought. The Tigers had dominated possession, position and the scoreboard for the majority of the match. But a failed short kick-off and a couple of slow play-the-balls later a jubilant Warriors outfit were through to play Melbourne in the Grand Final qualifier.

In the wash-up neither side will be totally comfortable with the 80 minutes they played with their season's on the line. Neither referee should feel too comfortable with what they've decided to do for a living either.

The Warriors will be pleased with their fighting qualities and that they got away with that one, but Cameron Smith and his men must be licking their lips at that Warriors first half ruck defence.

For the Tigers, it's another year of so close, yet so far. They're not going to get many better opportunities to win a premiership but do boast another strong side next year and -injuries willing- should be in the thick of it again.

Footyfootyfooty will now be jumping on the Warriors bandwagon and hope they can overcome the dour, barely-legal tactics of the Storm ruck defence.

Stay tuned for a review of the Broncos v Saints game, which -truth be told- was a far better game than this one, in fact, it may well go down as one of the greatest.

Until next time.

FFF - Finals Footy Predictions

Who's excited?

The competition has been whittled down to six, and like any good craftsman the NRL has left the final composition of it's masterpiece open for debate. The two matchups couldn't be any more different if they tried. The somewhat flayboyant Tigers come up against a hot and cold Warriors while the supremely disciplined Saints come up against a typically strong Broncos. Who is going to come up trumps after the dust has settled from these 160 minutes of football? Let's find out.


First off the blocks is fff tipping master for 2011 Luke W:

Tigers vs. Warriors

Tigers by 16: This has the opportunity to be one of the most entertaining games of the year, but the Warriors will need to drastically improve on their performance from last week for that to be the case. Look for the Warriors to bounce back to some decent form but it won’t be enough to stop the blistering Tigers. Look for Benji to be pretty dominant in this one and take man of the match honours. The Warriors will need a whole lot of luck and things to go their way if they are to progress to Melbourne next week.

Broncos vs. Dragons

Broncos by 8: The dragons know semi-final football and if anyone can travel up to Brisbane with a chance of moving on to the next stage of the finals its Wayne Bennet’s men. But I don’t think they will. Their forward pack won’t be able to match Brisbanes and Darius, Sowie et al are not in as blistering form as they were this time last year. This game won’t be a blow out but look for the class of Lockyer and Hodges to again match up with the skill of Glenn, Beale, et al to get Brisbane over the line.
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Next up ex-super coach supremo Chris R:

Tigers vs Warriors:

Tigers by 12: The Tigers will go into this game as clear favourites, and so they should. Last week they played their worst 40 minutes of football in the last 8 weeks, but still scratched and clawed until they remembered how good they can actually be and defeated quality opposition. Farah seems to be recovering from his early season injuries, Moltzen is looking more comfortable at fullback every week, the back row of Ellis, Heighington and Fulton are absolute workhorses and enough has been said about Benji. However, the Tigers cannot get complacent. The Warriors played like a bottom four team last week and will be out for retribution. The Warriors can be rocks or diamonds, but if they are on, players like Mateo, Maloney, Locke and Manu will cause headaches for the opposition. Whilst I don’t think this game is a foregone conclusion, the performance of the two teams last week is having a large bearing on my tip. Furthermore, momentum is extremely hard to stop, and the Tigers have plenty of it!!!

Broncos vs Saints:

Saints by 2: I have no confidence in this tip whatsoever and I think I am tipping on potential rather than what I have seen over the last 10 weeks. I don’t know how much the Broncos’ thrashing of the Warriors can be taken into account, simply because the Warriors were so bad. This year the Broncos have struggled to finish off sides and if it gets into a grind, I think Saints will have the firepower to win it. The Dragons had enough chances to claim the victory against the Tigers last week, but couldn’t finish it off. If a couple of those passes stick this weekend, I think it will make life difficult for Lockyer’s men. The Dragons forwards will do what they always do, but I think if Soward, Cooper, Gasnier and Boyd can get back to somewhere near their best, the Dragons can clinch a spot in the preliminary final in a tight one. If not, I will be more than happy to see Darious Boyd’s face off the TV screen for another 6 months. That is definitely a face that I do not want to remember!!!

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I'll have a crack now:

Tigers v Warriors

Tigers by 1: If I know anything about the tigers it's that this will come down to the last ten minutes. While my central nervous system and it's peripheries would love a nice easy win I don't think we are going to get it. The Warriors are known for their streaks in form this season -long winning/losing streaks- Tigers fans will be hoping this stays true after the Warriors disastrous showing last weekend. A Robert Lui field goal will be the difference..

Saints v Broncos

Broncos by 4: The Broncos will have to come from behind after the Dragons race to a 10 nil lead. Of all the teams in the first week of finals the Broncos were the most impressive, making mince meat of the Warriors at home. The Broncos should have enough strikepower and the momentum to put season 2011 to bed for the Saints. Broncos have won their last seven games, contrast the Dragons' 2 wins from thier last 8 starts.


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For the final word, the man with the most invested in this finals series, Sam H:

Tigers v Warriors

Tigers by 4: The Warriors were at their horrible worst against Brisbane last week, fumbling their way to a field-position flogging and bouncing off tackles left and right in defence. The only bright side –their impressive prop rotation, which will stand them in good stead against a Tigers team that despite bulking up itself has had its problems in the past against size and power. If they can couple solid yardage with some of the brilliance we’ve come to expect from a star-studded backline (and Feliti) they’ll throw enough at the Tigers to be right in this one. Still, Wests come into the game off a great second half against Saints and nine straight wins – a formidable form line for a team that is also long on big game experience (if not always big game temperament). They’ve got enough points in them to make this a comfortable win if they play to their best – but comfortable wins aren’t the Tigers style, and the Warriors aren’t going to go away in this one.

Broncos v Dragons

Dragons by 2: Saints return to Lang Park – the scene of some heartbreaking finals defeats in the past – with their best players in lacklustre form, their coach on the way out and their season (and perhaps the legacy of the Bennet era) on the line. Well on top against the Tigers, their relentless negativity was all that held them back from closing the game out by halftime. Now they go to Brisbane facing their second straight sets finals exit in three seasons. The Broncos, who barely out of a canter against the Warriors, have a gear or three to go up yet, and they typically play some of their best footy against the Dragons. And the Lockyer fairytale rolls on. Everything says Broncos. And yet…Saints are only one good half of football away from getting their spark back. They have the team and the experience to win this game. Have they got the character? I think Bennett’s men have a little bit of life left in them.

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There you go footy fans. We hope you enjoy your footy this weekend wherever you're watching it from, cheer loud, spill your beer, laugh at Beau Ryan.

We'll see you again when the dust settles on finals week 2.

FFF 1st Week wrap-up

Week one of the finals is behind us, and rather unusually the teams most expected to win actually did. The top four teams all accoutning for their opponents. The Storm did enough, Manly and Tigers cam from behind and the Broncos were just too mean for the Warriors, meaning the seaon is over for the brave Cowboys and Knights.

Here's how we saw the round.

TIGERS 21 beat St George 12

St George recovered from an unusual solo try from Benji Marshall to dominate the first half and go in to the sheds with a 12-6 lead. After Saints missed a penalty goal and field goal the Tigers were probably lucky to only be behind by 6 points given the Dragons' dominance. They needed no second invitation in a blistering second half of attacking footy that saw them tear apart the once impregnable St George defence to record 15 points to nil to win 21-12. Momentum.

BRONCOS 40 beat Warriors 10

It must be a daunting task for any team to fly up to Brisbane and play the Broncos in a packed house at Suncorp in a finals match. The Warriors certainly seemed over-awed by the experience. After a frenetic start, the Broncos settled in to whipping the inextricably poor Warriors who will all want to start firing up their big left winger for next week. It's the sort of performance funny man Beau Ryan would normallypoke fun of, but with the diminuative winger facing the prospect of tackling the -likely very embarresed and angry- Manu next week he'll probably stay mute on the subject..-I would-.

MANLY 42 beat Cowboys 8
A shocking result for the Cowboys who showed great resolve for nearly 50 minutes before Manly swooped on a Thurston mistake and ran in 42 unanswered points in 32 minutes. Manly had too much firepower for the plucky Cowboys and the end result is probably not representative of the difference between these two sides at full strength. The Cowboys may have bowed out in the first week of finals but as a football team and a club they in a lot better shape than they were 12 months ago. As for Manly, despite Des Hasler insisting otherwise, on the back of their season and the gravity of this win there is no reason why the Sea Eagles shouldn't be holding the 'favourites tag' until someone can beat them.

STORM 18 beat Knights 8

This is the result everyone expected but this was the least flattering screline for a winner this week in a game with theoretically the biggest gulf in talent between the two sides (with 1st playing 8th). Melbourne were gritty all day against an ill-disciplined Knights side. Other teams will be wetting their lips though at the ease with which Knights crossed whenever they got up the Storm's end. Make no mistake, the Storm is very beatable. It will just take a team with a little more discipline. The Knights should be proud of what they achieved with the roster they had, let's hope Bennett doesn't coach the attacking flair out of this side. True they need to work on their handling and discipline, but no-one wants another St George Illawarra running around in the NRL.

Stay tuned later in the week for our finals prediction of the epic Tigers v Warriors and Broncos v Saints games this weekend.

footy footy footy ladder predictions: and the winner is...Kent.

Without further ado, here are the final results* of this year's footy footy footy ladder tipping competition.

Congratulations to our first winner, Kent (and to Johnny C and Griffo for a close second and third).

Best for most of us that we don't dwell for too long on these results. Suffice to say that either the NRL is as unpredictable as ever, or that we're all predicatably misinformed about rugby league. A few of the highlights:

• For the first time ever, the Phil Gould Award for Mediocrity in Football Commentary - for tipping a minor premier who goes on to win the spoon, or vice versa - has found a home. Step right up Giles (aka Jesus #15), who tipped the Titans for the top spot (and copped a whopping 25 point deduction when they ended up with the spoon in the final round). Before anyone else gets too cocky, the vast majority of us tipped the Titans to come in the top 8 - many in the top 4.

• The computer - which tipped the ladder at random - came in at a very respectable 11th - ahead of most of the field, including all but one of the footy footy footy boys, and all but one of our guests from around the rugby league interwebs. Shame, shame, etc.

• The Raiders punished everyone - especially their fans, who lost double points for tipping them to finish up the top of the table only to see them struggle all season on their way to 15th.

• Kent and Joel managed to tip a very solid 6 of the top 8 positions correctly, while Tangles and Johnny C correclty nominated the Storm for best defence (with Johnny also doubling up with the Storm as minor premiers)

• footy footy footy's own Luke W managed to tip a competition high 4 final positions correctly - including his own Sharkies. 25 bonus propelled him to fourth on the table, taking out the footy footy footy comp-within-a-comp by the length of the straight, and thus avoiding drinks bitch duties on the footy footy footy end of season trip for the first time in living memory (Memo Nick F: I'll have a rum thanks. Make it snappy.).

That just about wraps it up for this season's ladder tipping competition. Thanks to everyone for joining in the fun (/ ritual public humiliation). Plenty of time to think about next year's ladder (Chris R is getting nervous already). In the meantime, just in case you are after some pointers, we'll let our eventual winner Kent have the final say. Here are the words of wisdom he shared with us as he submitted his tips in March.

'...a much tougher task for a league comp though. how to overcome my overwhelmingly indifference? Party Central solidarity and respect for Wayne Bennett seemed a good place to start. and like numbering every box on the senate ballot sheet so you can pick One Nation last, it wasn't hard to select the Knights for the wooden spoon after a youth in Newcastle. Pleasure in seeing Lote and Matt Rogers play for teams that are not the Wallabies also had some influence. The rest was pretty random (read was significantly influenced by cut and paste)'.

That's right, we all got belted by a rugby union fan. (Coincidentally, if you exclude tries scored by the rugby league converts he mocks above, Kent's final score of 4 is also the total number of tries scored in Rugby Union World Cup Finals since 1987).



* final in the sense that they will stand until someone else points out any basic flaws in maths, or makes a strong case that even if correct the results aren't fair and should be manipulated according.

FFF - a season in review

That's all she wrote for season 2011 as NRL fans draw up a deep breath once again for another impossibly tight finals series.

Apart from the rather..er embarrassing results from this particular blogger trying to tip who would finish where, footy footy footy has been impressed by the level of competition -barring origin weeks- throughout the 26 rounds.

Now the dust has settled on another season full of highlights, low lights and plenty of surprises, it's time to review how your side went, in reverse ladder position to mix things up.

16. The Gold Coast Titans – *Slaps face* last!! I know they have a reputation for over-achieving in the NRL but with most of the same blokes on the park I guess we thought they might over-achieve again. The Titans were rudderless, soulless and completely without charm. It wasn’t as if they were slogging away week in, week out for narrow losses. They scored the fewest points, had the worst defence and conceded more blow-out losses than any other side in the competition. They’ll pick up Jamaaal for next season but don’t expect him to add value in any of the areas we’ve just mentioned. The players have a Mad Monday to worry about now and John Cartwright has some work to do for next year.

15. Canberra Raiders – On potential the Canberra Raiders have to be the biggest disappointment this year. They had all the ingredients to be a decent side -nay a fantastic side- but they weren’t. Essentially the Raiders were like a big American sports car, plenty of horsepower but without the handling to make them all count. They have an enviable forward pack, promising young halves and some healthy talent out wide. They need to instil confidence in their young halves and abandon the ‘throw it to Doogs’ policy currently in place in the nation’s capital. They will be a hard one to pick again next year but our suspicion is that the same coach will likely lead to similar outcomes in 2012.

14. Parramatta Eels – “What’s the matta Parramatta?” The writing was on the wall for Parra fans when they continued to read about bizarre recruitment options – Chris Walker, Paul Whatuira anyone? - and quicker than you can say “Daniel Mortimer has passed it to the ground again” Parra found themselves in the familiar yet lamentable position of worrying about next year this year. They competed strongly against some strong opposition (and woefully against weaker ones) but the last ten minutes of games separated them from the best. The wooden Spoon wouldn’t have been justified, but neither would have a realistic shot at the eight. Steve Kearney needs to rethink the ‘play it safe’ option with this squad of players after several ‘error free’ performances from his side this year failed to bring home the bacon. Watch for them to improve next year, but only marginally.

13. Cronulla Sharks – A lot of fans are saying, “hey, it’s not last!”, and they may be right. Once again however the Shire crew weren’t able to sustain the form that saw them trouble (and beat) some of the competitions’ best this year. With a back-row including Tupou, Smith and Gallen, a front row including Douglas and Snowden and the dynamic Gardiner at the back you have to wonder how this team doesn’t carve up more sides more often. It seems the habit of losing has not yet left the Sharkies and until someone gets in to the ears of their young halves to let them know that it’s ok to win -and consistently- more frustrating years are on the horizon for this promising side.

12. Penrith Panthers – Stopped bombing the heavens and went from third last year to 12^th this year, go figure. If they had Lewis/Coote/Jennings/Gordon for more games and Walsh learnt how to steer a team around the park they could be real threats, add in Dave Symmonds –what a guy- and you have a genuine premiership contender. Once Gus Gould has finished moulding this club in to his version of footballing nirvana it should only take a few months to recover and start playing good footy again. Plenty to like about the Panthers next year but the jury is out as to whether this –at times- lethargic football team can compete with the best.

11. Sydney Roosters – Like Parramatta before them, last year’s ‘grand final bolters’ were lacklustre this year. For a team that boasts three genuine playmakers, big mobile forwards and some pretty impressive artillery out wide, the Rooster’s biggest problem –ironically- was their attack. You got the feeling they expected it all to click again this year. It didn’t. They scored the third fewest points but probably drunk the most beer, so that makes up for it a bit. If Braith really wants to inspire his men to play for the great Sydney City Roosters he needs to continue to lead by example, stop with the 'no alcohol pacts' and maybe get the Bulldogs premiership tattoo removed from his armpit. Once they clear out the garbage from their ranks however they will be competitive again, but not that competitive.

10. South Sydney – You have to love the South Sydney spirit, all the chest pumping, arm raising, kiss-blowing, the snatching defeat from the jaws of an improbable victory they almost just snatched out of the jaws of defeat. It’d be enough for Russell Crowe to fall off his balcony. But you can see the old codger in 15 (20, 40) years time, when Souths have finally won the premiership -meaning they’ve actually strung more than 3 decent games together- standing proudly at the podium, tears in the eyes, trophy held aloft, “I just knew we could do it, people doubted us, but I love the boys, all of them, they’re like children to me, in fact one of them probably is.." They will lose thier only energetic half next year but don't worry, this shouldn't effect their inconsistency. If you're a Souths fan get ready for another rollercoster next year, you never know though, you might just finish on a high.

9. Canterbury Bulldogs – Not this year I’m afraid Doggies fans. Ben Barba was brilliant, Trent Hodgkinson safe, but ultimately the Doggies will remember this season as the year they failed to launch. Big Jamaaaal on the right, big Franky Pritchard on the left with his mate Josh Morris, (with Ben Barba chiming in for good measure) and still the Doggies didn’t get the bickies often enough. They started well, winning 5 of their first 7 games, but inconsistency in the middle of the year meant they had too much to do in the run home. It still puzzles this blog how a team can go from being the best in the business to the ‘best of the rest’ in such a short time without much player turnover, but there you go. Bulldogs will be in the thick of it again next year you can count on it, thankyou salary cap.

8. Newcastle Knights – Burst in to the spotlight early with a big win over the much-fancied panthers but two wins against top 8 teams all year doesn’t leave much hope for Novocastrians that the 2011 season will end as 2001 did. Worse still, they’ve played the Storm only once this season for a 30 point drubbing. Still, lots of positives, most of their drug dealers have been locked up and Akuila Uate was a standout this year. FFF can’t help but think they were the comps overachievers though, so don’t go pencilling them in for finals again next year just yet.

7. North Queensland Cowboys - Hot property right through the year, the Cowboys faultered at the back end of the seasonn courtesy of the injury to Johnathon Thurston. Matt Bowen was back to his sparkling best and the forwards -led my Matt Scott and ably assisted by Tariq Sims- finally lived up to their fearsome reputation. A fully fit and rampaging Cowboys side is not a prospect any team in the NRL would fancy, however just as his right knee probably cost JT another Dally M, the loss of momentum and form it has caused for the Cowboys is likely to cost the Cowboys a shot at the premiereship. If they get their run in to the finals injury free next year watch out.

6. NZ Warriors - A footyfootyfooty faviourite, the Warriors play a blend of very physical, skillfull football that can dominate any forward pack and make it difficult to stop the promotion of the football. Big, mobile, supremely talented, they avoid a lot of the hype across the ditch but we -as most already have- would like to install the Warriors as our dark horse this year. If they play to their capabilities they are a match for any side and there are a number of teams in the top 8 who don't fancy playing them very much. This team should only get better next year with a great selection of young backs headed by Kevin Locke, an in form James Maloney, the freakish Feleti Mateo and Manu out wide scoring tries. Add in a sprinkling of representative forwards in their ranks and you have a team that should always be around come finals time. Good luck this year Warriors.

5. St George Illawara - It's a top-8 finish for the Red V but no one in Wollongong is cheering too loudly after a post origin form slump catapulted the Dragons from runaway minor Premiers to midfield in the play-offs. The first 12 rounds went to script for the Dragons, dropping only one game, but their slip-up against Canberra in round 20 started a 5-game losing streak that has eroded some of their reputation for being neigh impossible to crack. They enter the finals with a little wind in their sails but they come up against a team that can add the dragons amoung their 8 casualties in the last eight weeks. Either way they'd be unlucky to bow out after the first finals match. Next year is a total mystery, with some of their aura now evaporated, the coach who masterminded thier premiership gone and with the retirement/moving on of some of their key players next year, expect them to come back to the field next season.

4. Wests Tigers - It's round 18, the Tigers are languishing out of the top 8 having just lost to local rivals the Parramatte Eels 22-6. Tigers fans start to look at one another and say...'maybe this isn't going to be our year'. A Benji-inspired spark and 8 wins on the trot -punctuated by finals-like victories over competition hot-shots Manly and Saints- later and there's plenty to roar about for Tigers fans. They have plenty of attacking options across the park and a forward pack with a nice blend of young/experienced workman/hard-head types to make a real dent. Now we will all hold our breath and see if they do.

3. Brisbane Broncos - What a fantastic achievement for this club and their new coach. Many doubted this team would find the consistency that they have this year but once again the Brisbane Broncos are a force to be reckoned with. This club just continues to turn promising young talent in to genuine 1st grade stars - think Yow Yeh, Hoffman, Beale -. They have fallen in to the top three teams' curse of missing vital players during the finals series and will sorely miss the impact of Thaiday and Hoffman. Whatever the final result from 2011 for the Broncs they have successfully rebounded from their 'off-year' last season and have re-established themselves as the competitions benchmark for perpetual excellence.


2. Manly Sea Eagles - Terribly good when they want to be. They boast the form halves pairing of the comp who have men like Jamie Lyon, Steve Matai and Brett Stewart to pass to. Their back-row is peerless and their forward pack love to get in your face and ask you what's what. Unlike the Panthers -who finished second last year- this team have grafted their success not from bombing the heavens and hoping, but fromof tough, gritty forward work, direct, fluent and very effective running plays and working for each other in defence. Glen Stewart is a big loss, but there's no reason why the Sea Eagles shouldn't be able to get him another game this year.

1. Melbourne Storm - Incredible, there's no other word. The whole club deserves credit for this effort. There is a real sense that Craig Bellamy knows just what -and who- he wants, and his board trusts him, the players believe him and the rugby world sits back and takes notes after he does what he does. The Storm haven't put a foot wrong since their NRL sanctions for salary-cap breaches last year. Retaining the 'core' of Smith, Slater and Cronk in favour of big-game player Greg Inglis and the astute signing of Garreth Widdup have proven spot on. Blair will be a big loss this finals series but make no mistake, any team with a 'core' as good as this one will take some stopping, and it's going to take a team to play out of their skins to do it.