NRL Teams for Finals Week 1

The NRL Teams have been announced for Finals Week 1 and the all important referee allocations, a notable exception in the referee ranks with Sean Hampstead missing the cut this week and surprisingly Paul Simpkins getting a coveted finals game.

FRIDAY: First qualifying final

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS v PARRAMATTA at Mt Smart Stadium, 6:30pm

WARRIORS: Wade McKinnon, Patrick Ah Van, Todd Byrne, Simon Mannering, Michael Crockett, Michael Witt, Grant Rovelli, Sam Rapira, Nathan Fien, Steve Price (c), Ruben Wiki, Logan Swann, Micheal Luck. Interchange: Wairangi Koopu, Evarn Tuimavave, Epalahame Lauaki, Louis Anderson, George Gatis (one to be omitted).

EELS: Jarryd Hayne, Krisnan Inu, Ben Smith, Timana Tahu, Eric Grothe, Brett Finch, Tim Smith, Nathan Cayless (c), Mark Riddell, Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh, Ian Hindmarsh, Feleti Mateo. Interchange: PJ Marsh, Josh Cordoba, Chad Robinson, Daniel Wagon.

Referee: Tony Archer

SATURDAY: Second qualifying final

NORTH QUEENSLAND v BULLDOGS at Dairy Farmers Stadium, 6:30pm

COWBOYS: Matt Bowen, Ty Williams, Ashley Graham, Paul Bowman, Ben Farrar, Justin Smith, Johnathan Thurston (c), Matt Scott, Aaron Payne, Carl Webb, Sam Faust, Matthew Bartlett, Mark Henry. Interchange: David Faiumu, Jason Smith, Jacob Lillyman, Ray Cashmere, Neil Sweeney (one to be omitted)

BULLDOGS: Luke Patten, Hazem El Masri, Daryl Millard, Willie Tonga, Matt Utai, Ben Roberts, Brent Sherwin, Mark O'Meley, Corey Hughes, Chris Armit, Willie Mason, Andrew Ryan (c), Reni Maitua. Interchange: Adam Perry, Nick Kouparitsas, Lee Te Maari, Jarrad Hickey.

Referee: Paul Simpkins

Third qualifying final

MANLY v SOUTH SYDNEY at Brookvale Oval, 8:30pm

SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Steve Bell, Steve Matai, Chris Hicks, Jamie Lyon, Matt Orford (c), Jason King, Michael Monaghan, Adam Cuthbertson, Anthony Watmough, Glenn Stewart, Luke Williamson. Interchange: Travis Burns, Matt Ballin, Mark Bryant, Steve Menzies, Vic Mauro, Jack Afamasaga (two to be omitted).

RABBITOHS: Fetuli Talanoa, Shannon Hegarty, Nigel Vagana, Yileen Gordon, Paul Mellor, Joe Williams, Jeremy Smith, Peter Cusack (c), Shane Rigon, Roy Asotasi (c), John Sutton, David Fa'alogo, Ben Rogers. Interchange: Issac Luke, Dean Widders, Luke Stuart, Michael Greenfield.

Referee: Shayne Hayne

SUNDAY: fourth qualifying final

MELBOURNE v BRISBANE at Olympic Park, 4pm

STORM: Billy Slater, Steve Turner, Matt King, Israel Folau, Anthony Quinn, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, Ben Cross, Cameron Smith (c), Brett White, Clint Newton, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Jeremy Smith, Matt Geyer, Michael Crocker, Jeff Lima, James Aubusson (one to be omitted).

BRONCOS: Justin Hodges, Steve Michaels, Nick Emmett, Joel Moon, Darius Boyd, Greg Eastwood, Shane Perry, Dane Carlaw, Mick Roberts, Petero Civoniceva (c), Corey Parker, Brad Thorn, Tonie Carroll. Interchange: Sam Thaiday, Ben Hannant, Nick Kenny, Ian Lacey.

Referee: Steve Clark

Eels face full house in NZ

By Adam Sutcliffe

The NZ Warriors have sold out Mt Smart Stadium yet again, as Kiwi's rushed to snap up tickets for the NZ Warriors semi-final match; all tickets selling in the space of 1 hour.

The Warriors have created additional seating and erected temporary grand stands to allow up to 29,000 people to view what should be a classic encounter at Mt Smart Stadium.

NZ officials have encouraged all locals to dress themselves in black, to give the ground a real New Zealand feel. It will be a daunting road trip for the 5th placed Parramatta Eels and their attacking style shown against the Broncos will once again be required to overpower the fancied NZ Warriors outfit.

Several of Parramatta's senior players have come out and spoken about keeping their attacking flair in check; telling the younger players to hold off on too many flick passes and chip kicks in the weeks ahead.

Now while the style of Rugby League in the semi-finals certainly changes, if Parramatta want to be a serious threat in this finals series they need to give themsleves every chance of defeating the heavy-weights - to do this they need to load up their arsenal and give their young guns a licence to thrill at every opportunity.

With Melbourne and Manly finishing so far ahead of everyone else, it will take something special from the Eels and the other teams to run down the Top 2 teams. Safety first, one out runs are not going to be enough - that is for certain.

Before either the Eels or Warriors can worry about the Top 2 teams, they need to get things in order for Friday night as they kick off the NRL Finals Series in Game 1.

Souths; Bringing Back Finals Biff?

By Peter Roy

Seemingly out of nowhere, David Fa'logo decided to bring back the biff in Round 25 and he certainly didn't miss Braith Anasta. While it has cost the big man his season, as he is sure to miss the upcoming NRL Finals - it was a staggering 'brain explosion' as the big South Sydney forward unloaded on the Rugby League field. Why referee Ben Cummins didn't send David Fa'logo off the field - we will never know! However, we couldn't resist putting some video up, check it out below - simply amazing scenes:

It just wasn't Braith Anasta's night, the Roosters five eight didn't even get a penalty for the David Fa'logo incident and now he cops several slaps in the face from Jeremy Smith and again Souths get the penalty and Braith spends time in the bin - Isn't a player allowed to defend himself when he has multiple punches thrown at him? Surely this was the worst referee performance of 2007? If not, it has to be in the Grand Final of poor referee showings for 2007.



Will South Sydney try an aggressive approach against Manly at Brookvale this weekend in NRL Finals Week 1? It may just be the tactic to unsettle the skills based Manly side, however Souths are already getting low on troops and can ill-afford suspension or risking sin binning's. Surely it was pure frustration in the Roosters game and not a tactic Souths will employ in the weeks ahead.

Not since the mid to late 80's have we seen a side use aggression and brute force to win a premiership, the Bulldogs were the masters of it back then - just ask Ellery Hanley. The talented Balmain import feeling the full brunt of Bulldog force back then.

We would love to hear your comments on the issue - feel free to click below to leave comments!

NRL Power Rankings Round 25

This week's NRL Power Rankings as compiled by The Grubber and Ray Warren.

As Round 25 is completed; the Top 8 remaining NRL sides are reviewed and discussed by Ray and the Grubber and NRL News thanks them for their expert insight.

1. Melbourne Storm: Finished the NRL regular season in the best possible way, with a comprehensive victory against the Luke-Bailey-Less Titans. Showed power across the park, with classy backline movements and rock solid defence. It's scary to think they can get even better.
Power Score: 9/10
Odds of Melbourne's Herald Sun Newspaper giving any attention to the minor premier Storm team in their Sports pages: 1000-1

2. New Zealand Warriors: Have finally taken advantage of their league-best second phase play. May lack finesse in the halves when it counts, but the parochial Auckland crowd combined with the NZ power game may be enough to give them a victory in week 1 of the NRL finals. Should get the biggest boost of any home team in the finals.
Power Score: 8/10
Odds of a Warriors victory converting all the NZ Rugby fans should the All-Blacks lose the Rugby World Cup: 10,000-1

3. North Queensland Cowboys: Need to make it 'de ja vu' against the Bulldogs this Saturday night and will get some help if Sonny Bill Williams and Reni Maitua miss the match. The Jonathan Thurston and Matt Bowen combination is obviously the key to their fortunes and a big game by either of these guys will go along way to securing the win.
Power Score: 8/10
Odds of anymore than 20 Bulldogs Army supporters traveling to Townsville: 100-1

4. Parramatta Eels: Their Friday night match-up with the Warriors will be a fascinating clash. Both sides boasting powerful offensive units and can be hard to stop when either of them get on a roll. Both possess good second phase games, but the big test for the Eels will be to focus on playing 'concentrated football' rather than simply 'ball-playing' and throwing it round too much.
Set completion and building pressure gradually are the key areas for the Eels to down the Warriors.
Power Score: 7.5/10
Odds Kris Inu will become confused, switch teams and start playing for his Kiwi homeland: 5-1

5. Manly Sea Eagles: An average second half performance and the loss of Brent Kite against the Dragons yesterday has severely dented their lead-up to finals week 1. May just be lacking concentration and ball control at critical times and will need to be on their game for 80 minutes to shut out the grinding South Sydney machine. Have proved in 2007 they can win the close games and boast pure game breakers in Michael Monaghan, Anthony Watmough and Brett Stewart. Should have the skill and mental strength to beat Souths this week.
Power Score: 7/10
Odds that all the talk of Manly losing their Brookvale home final was just a 'beat up' by Manly faithful to fire-up their supporter base on the Northern Beaches: 15/1

6. Canterbury Bulldogs: Given current form, face a massive task of tackling the Cowboys again up north. Will be shattered by the loss of Sonny Bill Williams to suspension, but may have learned some lessons from their trip to Townsville in Round 25. Lack of foot speed and ruck control is costing them dearly, will obviously target Thurston and Bowen again - but saying and doing are two different things.
Power Score: 6.5/10
Odds of any other team getting such good odds for the premiership, despite playing from 6th spot and facing the Cowboys in North Queensland: 500-1

7. South Sydney Rabbitohs: Didn't present themselves as a finals team this weekend after a shock loss to the Roosters. Hungry Roosters really caught them off guard, however the loss brings Souths back to earth and may be a good lesson prior to their Sudden Death game against Manly this week. With Kite missing for Manly, Souths big men in Roy Asotasi and Peter Cusack could hold the key to this clash. If they can dominate the ruck and are willing to chance their arm while in possession, they may be able to score enough points. This clash will pit two of the NRL's most defence oriented and grinding teams against one another, one for the traditionalists - it should be a titanic encounter.
Power Score: 6/10
Chances of George Piggins suiting up in a 'disguise' so he can slip into Brookvale and watch his Bunnies anonymously: 2-1

8. Brisbane Broncos: Facing the Storm at the Graveyard will already have Brisbane players and their coach losing sleep. What can we say? Goooooooooone.
Power Score: 4/10
Odds that Wayne Bennett's pre-game speech will contain the phrase: "Just go out there and have a go." 2-1

NRL News

NRL Finals a 2 horse race?

By Adam Sutcliffe

As the Melbourne Storm and the Manly Sea Eagles finish miles in front of every other NRL top 8 team in 2007 - is this years Rugby League premiership anything more than a 2 team race?

Phil Gould made some interesting comments and pointed out the quality of the other 6 teams inside the Top 8 isn't very impressive when compared to the daunting statistics of Melbourne and Manly this year.

■ South Sydney Rabbitohs finishing 7th after having scored the least amount of points and least number of tries of any other team in the NRL.

■ The Roosters finished just one point out of the NRL Top 8, having not competed for the first 17 rounds of the NRL and at one stage looking like certain wooden spooners.

■ The Cronulla Sharks having only won four of their past 14 matches finished just one win out of the NRL Top 8.

■ Newcastle Knights finished four points out of the eight, despite winning just one of their last eight as a horrific injury toll prevailed.

■ The North Queensland Cowboys finished a clear third despite conceding a staggering 618 points during the regular season (only Newcastle and Canberra conceded more points).

■ Wests Tigers missed the top eight on for-and-against despite winning just two of their last eight matches.

■ The Bulldogs, Broncos and South Sydney all got belted in the last round, despite the fact a win for any of those teams would have helped them into a more prominent position within the top eight.

Phil makes some pretty good points here, certainly in an ideal world - the heavyweights at Melbourne and Manly would meet in the decider and this may even be the case in 2007. However, finals football is nothing like the regular season games of the NRL. As the old cliche says "It all starts again in September!"

Suddenly teams like Melbourne get a little more nervous, teams like the Bulldogs some how become giant killers who are very suited to finals Rugby League and regional teams such as the Warriors and Cowboys and will have massive crowd support behind them - spoon feeding them truckloads of confidence and pride each day of the finals.

Throw in a Rugby League football that can bounce in any direction and referee's decisions that can send a fanatical fan into the suicide watch house at RPA Hospital and you have an idea of how things never go to plan.

Oh and one more thing, you need to say your prayers and hope your teams most valuable players can stay healthy, avoiding injury for just 4 more weeks!

See, there's nothing much that can stand in the way of Melbourne and Manly competing in the Grand Final...............NOT.

Storm flex muscles in time for finals

NRL Round 25, 2007
Melbourne Storm 50 def Gold Coast Titans 6
Courtesy of ABC

Back-to-back minor premier Melbourne Storm finished a commanding 2007 home-and-away season with a win, defeating the Gold Coast Titans 50-6 at Olympic Park in Melbourne on Sunday evening. As the Eels did, the Storm have seriously flexed their muscles a week out from finals football with a blistering Rugby League display.

The game also saw Storm centre Israel Folau build on his impressive debut year, scoring his 21st try of the season - a club record.

Melbourne ran in nine tries to the Titans' one in a game that has no affect on next week's start to the finals.

Melbourne finished the season with 21 wins and will face the Broncos at home on Friday after Brisbane's devastating 68-22 loss to Parramatta on Sunday. The Titans finished the season fifth from the bottom.

The Storm wasted not time getting down to business, with Ryan Hoffman charging over in the opening minutes to put the first points on the board.

Soon after Folau easily collected a chip kick in the far corner, but unable to get the ball down, passed it back to Steve Turner who stepped over for the try. Cameron Smith booted the conversion.

Cooper Cronk put the step on to power over for his own four-pointer and with Smith kicking the conversion it was suddenly 16-0 at the 15-minute mark.

The Titans looked to rally but after a turnover Melbourne pushed the ball wide to find Anthony Quinn without a marker and he was over. Smith again added the extra two points.

The Gold Coast tightened its play but was unable to find points of its own despite coming close twice.

Right on half-time Matt King crossed for the home side after some quick play from a scrum, Smith again kicking for the conversion.

The Storm held a comfortable 28-0 lead going in the second half and early on, it looked like it would be a continuation of the one-way traffic.

In the 48th minute, Melbourne five-eighth Greg Inglis put on an impressive kick and regather effort to add the first points of the second stanza.

But soon after, the Titans added their first points for the game after a Preston Campbell kick was dived on in-goal by Mark Minichiello. Brett Delaney kicked the conversion.

From there, the Storm never looked like relinquishing any further ground. Folau scored his record-maker in the 65th minute and soon after, Mick Crocker crossed underneath the black dot.

Folau, who missed his own conversion, added the extra two points.

With only two minutes left to play, Billy Slater accelerated over the line, King booting the conversion.

NRL News will be updated regularly this week and throughout the finals, giving you all the news and insight you need. Don't forget, later today 'Ray Warren' will be delivering the Grubber's Power Rankings by Video Link-up! Stay Tuned!

NRL Finals Top 8 decided for 2007

The Parramatta Eels found peak form after a nervous start today; blowing away an injury ravaged Brisbane side at Parramatta Stadium in front of 17,500 fans.

The Eels v Broncos match-up was crucial to the final order of the NRL Top 8. The win by the Eels keeps Brisbane in 8th spot and resigns them to a graveyard match-up with the Melbourne Storm in a re-match of last years NRL Grand Final next week. The win locks the Eels into 5th spot and the chance of a 'life-line' should they lose in week 1 of the finals.

After a few weeks of indifferent form, the Eels couldn't have chosen a better time to hit their straps - their halfback Tim Smith responding to critics and having a large hand in the win for the Eels. After being down 16-6 early on, the Eels rallied as Brisbane suffered injuries to key players Justin Hodges, Tonie Carroll and Dave Taylor.

When the dust settled the Eels had scored 68 points to the Broncos 22. A record score against the proud Brisbane club, their highest ever defeat in their 22 years in the Rugby League game.

The confidence of the Eels outside backs returned today, Jarryd Hayne in particular looking much more active and potent with the ball in his hands. Seemingly following his lead, Timana Tahu and Kris Inu joined in the parade as most of the Eels attacking raids came down their left flank.

The injury ravaged Broncos will now have to deal with mental scars from todays game as they try and regroup for the face-off with Melbourne this weekend. The Broncos will surely rush Karmichael Hunt back into the side next week to cover for injuries, Justin Hodges only suffered a cork and you would think he'll be fine for next week; however Dave Taylor and Tonie Carroll could be long term casualties after showering early in todays loss.

Over at Brookvale Oval, Manly raced away to a big lead but then amazingly clocked off - the St George Illawarra Dragons nearly stealing a last minute win in a game of two halves. Manly coach Des Hasler would be extremely frustrated with his players 'zoning out' and letting things slip as they played in front of a full house at Brookvale.

After consecutive losses the Sea Eagles desperately needed a win heading into next week's finals, and today's result will deliver only some confidence to Manly moving into the finals. Admittedly they were without Menzies and Hicks - but at home against the lowly ranked Dragons - much more was expected.

But the second half fade out could come at a major price with Australia prop Brent Kite limping off the field and straight into the sheds with a groin injury in the 45th minute. Combined with other niggling injuries for Manly, the Bunnies will certainly carry some hope against them at fortress Brooky when they face off next weekend.

Admittedly the Dragons continued their form rise this week. After beating the fancied Eels on Monday night, the Dragons looked dangerous yet again when Mark Gasnier or Matt Cooper touched the ball - proving a problem for the usually stout Manly line.

As they have done all year, Manly simply know how to win. They may do it ugly at times, but they are a committed side defensively and are rarely headed in the final stages of close games. An attitude and style that suits NRL finals football to perfection.

NRL Top 8 for 2007:
Melbourne Storm
Manly Sea Eagles
North Queensland Cowboys
NZ Warriors
Parramatta Eels
Canterbury Bulldogs
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Brisbane Broncos

Stay tuned to NRL News tomorrow for a full review of the Melbourne Storm v Gold Coast Titans match and a complete wrap-up and discussion of the Round 25 outcome and the view ahead to next weeks finals.

Come on Mr Cummins!

By Peter Roy

How could referee Ben Cummins get it so wrong?

The incident involving David Fa'logo and Braith Anasta left many viewers scratching their heads and Roosters pivot Anasta even more bewildered.

After resenting the tackle by Braith Anasta, David Fa'logo got up and simply king hit the Roosters play maker. A fierce and direct hit, Anasta was all but floored and had his lip and mouth severely split.

Somehow, the Rabbitohs got the penalty and eventually Fa'logo was sin binned. The tackle barely resembled a grapple tackle and regardless, the severity of the foul play by Fa'logo simply overrode the initial penalty anyway. Anasta rightly amazed at the call and shouting to referee Cummins "Are you off your head?"

It got worse for Cummins, as Braith Anasta again copped a raw deal. Souths Jeremy Smith slappy Anasta around the face as he tried to tackle the South Sydney half back, after several shots - Braith Anasta retaliated and play was stopped. Yet again, amazingly South Sydney got the penalty and somehow Braith Anasta gets sent to the sin bin.

It's hard to recall a situation of foul play that was so incorrectly dealt with.

At least Anasta can smile today after a big win over the Bunnies, for Ben Cummins though - he has surely blown any chance of a crack at finals football.

NRL On Sunday

The Panthers were unable to avoid the wooden spoon despite a gritty performance against the Warriors at CUA Stadium last night, the good form of late from Penrith looked like it might get them home - racing to a 14-0 lead early on. However, the class of Warriors shone through - the NZ outfit securing a home semi final for next week and locking the Eels out of any Top 4 hopes. Warriors winning 24-20.

The Sydney Roosters launched an ambush on South Sydney last night, the cross town rivals bursting out of the blocks to blow Souths away. The Roosters were low key all week and were able to spring a big surprise on the Bunnies - fresh from their massive win over the Tigers. The Roosters would have enjoyed ending the year with a win, Nick Politis and Co surely would be stoked getting a win over Rusty and his crew. The Roosters playing some great footy and the frustration bubbling over from Souths - David Fa'alogo putting a massive king hit on Braith Anasta all but flooring the Roosters pivot. It broke into fisty cuffs again shortly after, with Joe Williams and Anasta swinging at each other - Anasta eventually getting binned. Roosters win 26-12. The loss means Souths look like facing the might of Melbourne or Manly in week 1 - a daunting sudden death prospect.

Down in Canberra, the dead rubber between the Raiders and Sharks was secured by Cronulla. The shire boys once again playing their patented safety first football and winning comfortably away from home - which is an impressive last up win for them. Canberra are a tough prospect in the ACT and the Sharks can be happy with their raid on the capital. In 2007, the Sharks plenty of games by only 4 points or less - proving they were could have not only made the finals, but finished high in the Top 8 had things swung their way. Cronulla win 22-12

So the remaining Round 25 games today will simply decide how placings from 5th to 8th end up.
Stay tuned for more reports from NRL News through-out the weekend.

The 'Power Rankings' by the Grubber will move to Monday's for the NRL Finals period and we have a SPECIAL 'Ray Warren' edition of the Power Rankings on Monday. Channel 9's 'Voice of Rugby League' will deliver the report via video link-up so stay tuned tomorrow for that one!

NRL News

NRL News on Saturday

By Adam Sutcliffe

As Andrew Johns continues to feature in headlines across the country, there is some Rugby League being played! Round 25 getting under-way last night and two upset victories set the scene for the final round of the NRL regular season.

The loss by the Wests Tigers puts an end to their 2007 campaign and the bizzare match in North Queensland eventually ending the Dogs hopes of a Top 4 finish.

What does it all mean for the NRL Top 8 outcome?

- South Sydney are assured of their first finals berth since 1989. A long wait of 18 years for Rabbitohs fans as their time gets back into the big time.

- The Brisbane Broncos are now assured of a Top 8 finals spot, the injury ravaged Broncos looked set to be bundled out this weekend with a hard game against the Eels in Sydney; however the Brisbane boys keep their record in tact - 16 years of consecutive finals appearances.

- With Newcastle winning, the Penrith Panthers must defeat the Warriors at CUA Stadium to avoid the wooden spoon. If the Warriors win, they can seal their own fate in the Top 4.

- If the Warriors lose and the Eels win, Parramatta can sneak into the Top 4 after a woeful run in the past few weeks.

NRL News