Sunday, September 16, 2007

Time to qualify

Parramatta, North Queensland, Manly and Melbourne are the last four teams standing and come September 30, one of these teams will be the 2007 NRL Premiers. The Eels and the Cowboys could definitely spoil Storm and Sea Eagles plans of the grand final.

Parramatta, like the Cowboys had very convincing wins over the Bulldogs and the Warriors respectively. For Parramatta, I was most impressed by Brett Finch and Tim Smith whose form has been on and off but it all came good when it was needed.

The Eels travel south to the AFL capital and the Telstra Dome to face premiership favorites, the Melbourne Storm next weekend. The Eels will have to lift another 20% if they are any chance of defeating the red hot storm.

Melbourne are poised to be at Homebush on September 30 and I see them knocking off the Eels next weekend. For mind Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith hold the key for the Storm in what should be a classic qualifying final.

Manly face a difficult challenge against an enthusiastic and young Cowboy forward pack plus the likes of Thurston, Bowen, Aaron Payne and Ashley Graham. This game will be frenetic, fast paced and could go either way.

Despite the fact that Manly have been the better side all year I think the Cowboys will spoil the party.

When all is said and done, this is it. No more talk, three more games, four teams down to two and then there will be one:

Cowboys V Storm: Telstra Stadium, September 30…