Week one of the NRL finals delivered everything we have come to love about rugby league. It had excitement, controversy, upsets and what has to be regarded as the game of the year, in the Roosters versus the Sea Eagles.
We also saw the Bulldogs and Cowboys leave the competition, the former quietly out the back door and the latter kicking and screaming out the front door.
Now we turn our attention to finals week two, which again sees two tough match-ups – Sea Eagles versus Sharks, and Storm versus Knights.
Each team have their own points to prove in this race to make the NRL grand final.
I have selected four key players who will have the greatest impact for their team this weekend.
Manly Sea Eagles
Manly have got experience and talent all over the park and with Brett Stewart being named at fullback you could be mistaken for thinking that’s who I would choose, but the man I’ve gone for as my x-factor for the Sea Eagles is Jamie Lyon.
The captain and centre has the ability to change the game in Manly’s favour. Lyon has played 233 games and has the big match experience, that is for sure.
Whether it’s in defence or attack, Lyon is a constant threat and if the Sharks’ left side defence faults he will most definitely make them pay.
Great passing game, good touch when kicking near the line and knowing when the big play is needed, all these star attributes make Jamie Lyon such a plus for the Manly side in this NRL finals series.
Cronulla Sharks
With Todd Carney given next to no hope of taking the field tomorrow night, the Cronulla Sharks need someone to stand up and create a bit of magic and that man is Michael Gordon.
While the team boasts multiple State of Origin and Australian representative players, it’s the fullback who could have the most impact.
His leg speed close to the line enables him to bust tackles and make breaks most people couldn’t get close to doing.
His explosive speed close to the line makes him an enormous threat to the Sea Eagles’ defence, and has the ability to change the game with his goal kicking – Jamie Lyon hasn’t kicked great this year and if it comes down to a shootout in the goal kicking department, I know who my money is on.
The scary part is I still don’t think we have seen the best of Michael Gordon, let’s hope for the Sharks’ sake Manly get to see the best of Michael Gordon.
Melbourne Storm
When you think of Melbourne Storm you think of the big three, but the master and commander, the little general who steers the ship, is without a doubt Cameron Smith.
His ability to control a game is unequalled. Whether it’s in defence or attack, Smith is the number one hooker in the NRL today.
His scoots out of dummy half make metres and keep the Storm moving forward. His ability to identify weaknesses in the defensive line and combine with Billy Slater is always a threat. His awareness of when the Storm are in trouble and take control with a deep kick makes him Melbourne’s biggest asset.
You ask any coach in the NRL today if they could buy one player right now, who would it be, and they will all tell you Cameron Smith.
There is no doubt if the Storm’s forwards lay the platform, then Cameron Smith will lead them to victory.
Newcastle Knights
The surprise packet for most people in this NRL finals series is without a doubt the Newcastle Knights.
In this 2013 season the heart and soul of the Knights, week-in and week-out, has been Jarrod Mullen.
People talk about his kicking game being one of the best in the competition, and I agree. However it’s been his defence that’s most impressed me this season.
The five-eighth is always targeted in the defence line by the big boppers of the opposition but he has not faulted. Some might say it’s been similar form to the Immortal Andrew Johns.
Off the back of great defence, Mullen has grown as a leader of the team, steering the Knights around the park and kicking them to victories.
His left to right passing game and exceptional kicking game are rated as the best in the NRL.
And while Newcastle will run out on Sunday with the likes of Willie Mason, Danny Buderus, Darius Boyd and Akuila Uate in their side, look for the little number six to produce the big plays.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man – Mullen is ready to go to the next level.
Average punter’s big tips
While I am no Peter Sterling or Phil Gould, these are my tips for NRL finals series week two.
I am going for Sea Eagles to be too strong for the Sharks. Even though Cronulla have put in a tremendous effort to finish where they have, without Carney I don’t see them being able to trouble the Manly defence too often.
Granted Manly had a massive game last week and it would have taken a lot out of them, the inclusion of Brett Stewart is a big one and I see them being two tries too good.
Sea Eagles to beat the Sharks 18-6.
I am tipping the upset of the year in the second game, Knights to beat the Storm.
Yes Melbourne are the defending champions, and yes they have Smith, Slater and Cooper Cronk. But they have also lost two of their last three games and with Gareth Widdop not playing with much confidence after coming back from injury, I believe Newcastle will be too strong.
In the last four weeks the Newcastle Knights have transformed into a team growing confidence and belief in their game plan.
With the experienced heads of Buderus, Jeremy Smith and Mullen in great form and leading from the front, and the most experienced NRL coach of all time, Wayne Bennett, at the helm, I’m going the Knights to break the hoodoo down in Melbourne.
Knights to beat the Storm 16-12.
Good luck this weekend to you and your teams.
