If both teams play like they played on Friday, I don’t think there’s another side in the comp that can hang with them.
Raiders have a soft draw. It’s likely they finish first. I see Penrith scraping into 4th place and pushing the Warriors out.
Penrith will beat the Raiders in week one of the finals, because they are just a class above.
We should be able to account for the Storm. They like to bully teams but don’t like it when teams take it to them and get in their face. They thrive on the fear of other teams and fear is something our side does not have right now.
If this all takes place, it sets both teams up for a grand final showdown on opposite sides of the finals brackets.
This is just a prediction of course, and there are other teams we should be wary of and respect. Storm, Raiders, I still think the Broncos have a very high ceiling if they can play their best footy at the right end of the season. But obviously the gulf between their best and their worst is very wide. They will more likely flop out.
Dogs vs Panthers is the most likely GF match up at this stage, I think. And I think the scene is set for us to end their streak.
We had them shot to pieces the other night. If Critta had directed his pass a bit better and/or Monty had hung back a little more (I think they were both a little bit responsible), we ice that game. Not to mention the fact losing your starting prop in the opening minute is going to have a huge toll in a game so tough and intense. Penrith should have been able to run away with it in the last 20. But we’re so fit and determined we actually finished the stronger of the two sides. That speaks volumes.
Redemption stories are built on losses like that. I think we can square the ledger when it counts.., or maybe even beat them in round 26 and go 2-1 up on them for the year, if we’re not resting players by then. Penrith started so slow this year I don’t think they will have the luxury of resting players, and that could also be decisive.
Anyway, settle in for the ride, La familiars. We are a red hot chance of winning it all this year. And there’s no better way to make the ultimate statement than beating the 4x Premiers in the big one.
Oh, and whether some of you like it or not, Burton IS a five eighth and that is where he is going to stay. The team is flying at the moment. So just enjoy it and stop needlessly shitcanning players. Especially players who are among our best and most influential.
The reality is we have the best young coach in the game and he sees Burto as our ideal 6.
Imagine thinking Ciro is going to do a major backline reshuffle when we’re sitting pretty in second place at the back end of the season.
LOL
