NRL: Well well well, didn't the first week of the finals throw up a few curve balls, not to mention a few mad monday celebrations going a little off the rails (stand up South Sydney)!
Dragons v Eels: The Dragons showed that a drubbing dished out to the Eels the previous week counts for little when the pressure of the finals kicks in. In true recent Dragon style, the red-v army on the field produced a performance that was reminiscent of skippy in the headlights. The headlights in this match were the feet and skills of Jaryd Hayne and he showed that he not only is an amazing player but also an inspirational player. He and his teammates last week were more like George Bush in a spelling bee, whereas this week under his tutelage they were able to spell and pronounce "Batrachomyomachia". Such was the turn around that betting agencies now have the Eels as being at $6 to win the premiership! Not bad for team that was at roughly $150 before they went on their winning streak.
The Eels now have a semi final against the travel shy Titans, whereas the Dragons have to face the Broncos in Brisbane. Not a bad result for the Eels, whereas Dragons fans have already started mad monday in preparation for the worst.
Bulldogs v Knights: The Bulldogs proved that without Kimmorley they can still put on a show and win well. The Knights, whilst plucky, determined and persistent, were no real match for the Bulldogs. The Knights took the lead first but, that was the end of any real momentum that they had in the match. It didn't help that their gamble on hooker Isaac De Gois paid less than 16 minutes. Not a great return in anyone's book.
The Bulldogs now have a week off to prepare for the winner of Eels and Titans and with Kimmorley a chance to return the Bulldogs may again firm as grand final favourites.
Titans v Broncos: The Broncos proved that the Titans are beatable at home. The Broncos got out to a commanding 20 point lead early on in the game as the Titans were anything but defensive. Whilst the Titans came back into the match only to be beaten 40-32, the talk after the match was all about, you guessed it, the refereeing. Titans coach John Cartwright had very few choice words to say about the men in the middle, but sadly for him the only thing to come from that may be a fine, the fact that his team lost, and now they have to travel to Sydney to play a team that finished 5 places below them in the regular season. Not really any consolation is it considering they like travelling as much as a punch in the groin.
Storm v Sea Eagles: Ah revenge tastes so sweet. The Storm avenged last years grand final drubbing by putting the boys from Manly onto their mad monday very early into the finals series.
It took Manly 70 minutes to register a point and by that stage, the Storm were 34 points in the good. Manly managed another try and conversion a few minutes later but that was the end of a comeback as Slater put down his fourth and final try for the game in the 77th minute. All in all, the Storm ran out 40-12 victors and will now enjoy the week off waiting to see who they face from the Broncos Dragons match.
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