Week three - finals

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Sydney Roosters – Friday night – ANZ Stadium

We're double-dipping this season. This game, really, is like a grand final a week before the grand final. Now I know the players don't get a ring on their fingers or a new tattoo this weekend, but make no mistake - the team that wins will take enormous pleasure in progressing to the GF while denying their opponent the same. The team that doesn't win - it's going to hurt a little bit more than it usually hurts. The rivalry is real. The passion is real. These sides have played each other 208 times. The first was in 1908, and for those keeping score the Chooks won that game by a solitary point. They then met in the Grand Final that year - with the Bunnies prevailing by two. The history is undeniable, and these clashes make a little history baby....every time they come around. The round 26 clash is a reasonable guide to this game - the Roosters came out of the blocks and had the game in their keeping at 22-2 before the Bunnies scored three tries in the last 15 minutes to give us one of those close finishes these sides often produce (final score 22-18) - video highlights are embedded below. Notably Adam Reynolds didn't play in that game, and he was at or near his best in week one of the finals. His composure, general kicking and goal-kicking are terribly important. Almost as notable was the absence of Jake Friend for the Chooks - and I've said more than enough about the importance of your little big men (i.e. the number nines) in the modern game. It's not just his 50 tackles, but the speed and accuracy of his ball delivery to forwards at pace and playmakers looking to make plays. He's a good 'un, and a reasonable replacement for Cameron Smith at Origin level down the track. Both teams will want to come out of the blocks, but if we've learned anything this finals series we have learned this - don't turn off your televisions at the 30 minute mark, cause baby it aint over til it's over. The Bunnies took a while to find their feet in round 26 without Reynolds, and the Reynolds/Keary halves combination clearly works. Burgess and Sutton give them a couple of dynamic ball-playing back-rowers and they do have the best player in the game (I think) in the number one jersey. I know these seventeen Bunnies and their coach don't like to talk about the history of their club, but they certainly respect it. The team in Cardinal and Myrtle haven't been in a grand final since 1971. That's a long time. I wasn't around in 1971...and I'm pretty freaking old. Meanwhile their arch enemy has played in 6 grand finals since 2000. Ouch! The Bunnies aren't likely to get many better opportunities than this. History beckons...South Sydney marches on. A belter of a game. A belter.

Verdict – Rabbitohs by 4

Result - Rabbitohs 32 defeated Roosters 22

Penrith Panthers vs Canterbury Bulldogs – Saturday night – ANZ Stadium

It can't be easy to slide unnoticed all the way to a premiership, but the Panthers are a deadset chance of doing so. I think they're good things in this...and they're not even favourites. They'll have fresh legs after a two week break, and the Dogs are backing up from extra time and an emotionally draining clash against the Sea Eagles. That evens out the forwards contest for mine, particularly with what is likely to be a strong Panthers bench and some big units in their backline chiming in from time to time. I'd be even more confident if Peter Wallace were available, but Soward is relishing the extra responsibility and their hooker (Segeyaro) and fullback (Moylan) are going to be superstars if they aren't already. This Panthers backline has more tries in it than the Dogs...in my opinion, and Soward can almost match Hodkinson with his kicking boot. I'm not throwing money at this game just yet, because the Panthers have named a six-man bench and I want to see who we end up with. But if their interchange on Saturday night is Docker, Latimore, Murdoch-Masila and Brown I'm removing the kitchen sink and throwing it at a bookmaker (that doesn't sound like responsible gambling...gamble responsibly). Four Sydney teams in the preliminary finals and a grand finalist in that other game I barely understand. It should be a good weekend to be in olde Sydney town.

Verdict – Panthers by 4

Result - Bulldogs 18 defeated Panthers 12

Wally Lewis - finals week three selections (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will (usually) be published on Thursday night or early Friday morning.

  • RABBITOHS vs Roosters
  • Panthers vs BULLDOGS

NRL 2014 Round 26 Highlights: Roosters vs Rabbitohs

Comments

mark ashford's picture

Hi all. Only 2 weeks to go. God I'm gunna miss the footy.
Not too much to say this week except that the Cowboys were robbed. Don't want to get into a discussion on this but check out who the "x-players" are who assist the video referees. They are all players from Sydney based teams (predominately doggies) so who do you think are going to get the decisions.
Don't fret JT we love you up here in Queensland it's just your dominance in Origin that will stop you getting a premiership (you know what I mean)
This weekend I like the Bunnies to sneak home over the Chooks (sorry Newbie) and
the Panthers over the Dogs (only because I can't stand Ennis or Reynolds)
The NRL nearly lost me last week after that disgraceful decision against the Cowboys but the options of Union, Aussie Rules or Soccer just didn't cut it.
Johnny Ray that upside down cake or whatever sounds sensational. Can you substitute beer for the wet ingredients???

The Thinker's picture

Beer and pineapple....what could possibly go wrong?

Johnny Ray's picture

Awesome. Man I don't know about you guys but it's getting hard to believe that in two weeks time we will have no more league games left to watch. What a year this has been in rugby league ! It only makes Monday Night/Thursday Night American Football that I've been left to watch on ESPN look like crap in comparison. Though some things haven't help ! Like get this, did you know there was guy in American Football called Bum Phillips ? Bum Phillips ! LOL ! Actual name ! He's one of there all time leading coaches ! They were honouring him on TV a couple of nights ago ! Dude, can you imagine being coached by guy with name Bum Phillips ? "Bum is saying you're making mess out there !" "Bum is tired of all your shit !" "Bum wants you to get behind him !" Bum wants you to put it in tight end !" Bum wants you to play till you crack !" "Bum doesn't care how it feels !" "Bum wants you to take dick out of your ass and play !!!" Man I don't care what anybody says ! That's funniest name in professional sports ever ! Bum Phillips ! LOLS !

Rabbitohs - Ages back I made what I myself would like to call an astute observation that Rabbitohs were NFL team they would be Miami Dolphins only because like Dolphins, Rabbitohs haven't won grand final since early seventies. Alot has happened since then, Abba, David Bowie, T-Rex, Punk, Disco, Donkey Kong, Star Wars, U.S Supported Overthrow Of Shah Of Iran, A-Team, Prince, Pet Shop Boys, Michael Jackson, Alf, Parachute Pants, Iraq War, Jurassic Park, Seinfeld, Friends, The Matrix, 9/11, Harry Potter, Facebook, Avatar, Hunger Games, Deadmau5 Etc. That's alot unnecessary shit for one person to live through so I can understand why Rabbits supporters must be so desperate to win premiership and after Friday night game against Roosters, I think they will. South Sydney Rabbitohs by eight. Final Score 28-20 to Bunnies.

Bulldogs - Also talking about American Football, I used know this gay couple from San Francisco who along with all their gay friends were totally obsessed with Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears. Since none of them have ever been to Detroit, Cincinnati or Chicago I couldn't figure out dude why they would all want choose to follow those three teams ! It's not like they've ever been three best teams in competition to support. So one day I decided to ask them and their response was "Judy Garland !" "Judy Garland ?" " Yeah ! Lions and tigers and bears, oh my ! " Sadly, I don't think this game Bulldogs have got against Panthers on Saturday is going to be as awesome as that and though it should be a close game I can see it turning into blowout by second half so I won't be surprised if it does. Canterbury Bulldogs by ten points. Final Score 24 - 14 to Doggies.

Awesome. Thanks alot Thinker. Also congratulations for getting all Finals game right last week ! Good luck A. Knowing how much you want to finish this competition on top, I really hope that you will get there. Cool. Thanks. Good luck everybody with your picks this week. Laters laters ! ;-D

christine's picture

I want to see johnny ray make & cook his cake & I want him to wear an apron while doing so .

christine's picture

titans are set to announce at 5.15 pm they are set to abandon robina due to financial constraints.

Steel Panther's picture

Johnny Ray you forgot...Go the Warriors Under 20s this weekend versus the Eels!!!

Johnny Ray's picture

Yeah dude I Idid ! Thanks for heads up Steel Panther ! Go Jr Warriors ! Kiwi Kid Power ! Peewee Peow ! Peow ! ;-D

a's picture

Let's hope it's a roosters and panthers grand final if the roosters win I will be pissed of because they robbed the Cowboys out of the finals

christine's picture

" a " roosters / panthers grand final no I want to see a souths / panthers grandfinal I want roosters to be knocked out of the grand final sorry newbie that's my opion & seeing I have now said that it will probably be a roosters / panthers grand final which blows.

The Joker's picture

Roosters Dogs final.
Cheers all your comments have been quite an interesting read..do it all again next year ;)

a's picture

Sorry I meant Souths vs Panthers I very sorry from getting mixed up

a's picture

The tips and score are

Rabbitohs 16 tries Alex Johnston Dave Tyrrell Sam Burgess goals Adam Reynolds 2/3 Roosters 12 Sonny Bill Williams Shaun Kenny-Dowall goals James Maloney 2/2
Man of the match Alex Johnston

Panthers 24 tries Will Smith Jamal Idris Matt Moylan Jamie Soward goals Matt Moylan 4/4 Bulldogs 20 tries Corey Thompson Mitch Brown Trent Hodkinson goals Trent Hodkinson 4/4
Man of the Match Jamie Soward

christine's picture

" A " WALLY HAS TAKEN ONE DIFFERENT TO YOU & YOU REALLY NEED TO TAKE THE SAME AS HIM SO HE DOESN'T GET 1 POINT AHEAD OF YOU OK DON'T WORRY ABOUT NEWBIE HE IS 3 POINTS BEHIND YOU BUT YOU REALLY DO NEED TO CHANGE YOUR TIP TO DOGS DON'T WORRY THAT YOU WILL LOSE THE GAME IF YOU CHANGE YOUR TIP BECAUSE IF YOU LOSE THE GAME FROM CHANGING YOUR TIP THEN SO DOES WALLY OK TRUST ME ON THIS ONE.

newbie from perth's picture

Hi everyone,

Sorry I’m late (what’s new eh?) but had to go shopping and then when I got home had to make up a 1 litre batch of Newbie’s “Homemade Baileys” (I can already hear The Thinker telling me to “drink responsibly”). Man, if you put this stuff in an empty Baileys bottle and serve it up, the punters would be battling to tell the difference. Had to make some up for Saturday arvo. No, not the footy but the aerial ping-pong version instead. Hey, I’m West Aussie after all and it’s a tradition to watch it with my buds and get totally legless as you’d expect. Thank the gods the real GF is on a week later! Woo-hoo, it’s getting closer my friends. Anyway, onto the penultimate weekend…

Roosters - didn’t realise there was this “rivalry” and “passion” thing that exists between the Chooks and Bunnies. Another good reason I found your site Thinker. I’m learning more and more as time goes on. Mind you, it causes a small problem for me as I’ve always had a “soft spot” for the Bunnies. I know this might sound crazy but if we lose (can’t even think about it happening), I’ll be “rooting” for the “fluffy white things” on the day.

So what is the Newbie supposed to do about this rivalry and passion? I just don’t have it in me to hate them as such. I might just leave well enough alone and think of the Bunnies as a team who I happen to like. Hey, don’t get me wrong. I’ll be wishing the Mighty Chooks steamroll the Bunnies Friday night. After all, this is “make or break” time for everyone. Lose and you’re “gawn”! The Chooks will be desperate for Mini’s sake and Sonny will want something to wear around his neck before he leaves I reckon. It goes without saying that the Rabbits will be desperate too. I now understand why they will be and this has me worried. That and the Bunnies are fit and refreshed after the week off. My beloved Chooks will have a battle on their hands. Of course I’m tipping them to grab the bacon but not to worry, this is what finals footy is all about! Yeah, bring it on! As the Thinker stated, this should be a “belter” of a game. Go you Mighty Roosters!

Panthers - the Panthers have had a week off as well so they will be nice and rested and rarin’ to go! Poor ol’ Doggies had a tough one last week and that might take its toll. Still can’t believe that clown Cherry-Evans didn’t have a crack at the FG last week. From what I remember, he had 2 chances but chose to pass instead. Man, I couldn’t fathom why he did that. Anyway, that’s history now. If the Panthers play this week like they played against the Roosters 2 weeks ago, they will win this easy. The Doggies still don’t have me convinced. Wouldn’t be surprised if Jamie Soward has a cracker and sets up the win for the Panthers.

@ Mark Ashford
No problem with tipping the Bunnies Mark. You gotta call it as you see it my friend. I’m cool with that. I do agree with you that the Panthers look winners this weekend. What makes it easier for me is that I have no great love for that grub Ennis either so tipping the Panthers works for me. I wonder if he’ll ever change his ways and just concentrate on playing footy?

@ Johnny Ray
Johnny, you’re fast becoming a legend my friend. If I was wearing socks, I would’ve “laughed them off”. Your observations on the 70s brought back so many scary memories my man. I went through all that stuff (and more) and still have a little smile on my dial thinking about it. And the really sad (and hugely embarrassing) thing about those times was that at one point in time I actually owned a pair of parachute pants! And they were orange! Yikes!

@ Christine
Again, no worries with you wanting us knocked out. As you so rightly say, you have your opinion and that’s all good with me. Hey, it’d be a boring rock we live on if we all said and thought the same eh? Glad you’re here being true with your comments. Cheers.

Final Observation
I must admit I really felt for JT last week. Poor bugger! Sticking a microphone in his face straight after the game finished, knowing he must have been feeling like crap, didn’t make much sense to me. You could see he was gutted. One of the best players in the game and they do that? Sheesh, what were they thinking?

P.S. If anyone wants “Newbie’s Homemade Baileys” recipe AND it’s OK with the Thinker to post it here (and obviously not against the law), just give us a shout and I’ll whack it up for those interested. Cheers.

mark ashford's picture

Yo Newbie (if it's ok with THE THINKER) post that Baileys man I could use some to wash down Johnny Ray's pineapple cake.
Christine is Johnny Ray allowed to wear anything under that apron?
Big THANKS to the Thinker. I've loved reading everyone's comments all year and YES to the Joker we'll all be back next year to do it all again bigger and better.

a's picture

What about changing it to a chocolate cake

christine's picture

newbie I got to say your right it ,it would be a boring rock we live on if we all have the same opion any way who ever wins so be it may the better team win it's up to the football gods now .

Steel Panther's picture

Good afternoon everyone. I'm going to go with the Thinker this week. I'd like to see a Rabbitohs v Panthers GF and hope that it is third time lucky for Ivan Cleary. He lost as a player and a coach both with the Warriors. A win for Ivan in the grand final will be the best way he can fly the bird at the Warriors for letting him go (sorry JR but I confess I support the Warriors too and have been livid ever since at the way Ivan was let go). The guy takes them to the GF one season and he's gone before a ball is kicked in the next. Go figure?! They haven't even made the eight in any of the three seasons since he's been at Penrith. Go the Warriors Holden Cup side. Hopefully they can topple the Eels and make the GF.

Enjoy the penultimate round everyone!!

christine's picture

" a "did you change your tip or not going to bother doing so ?

a's picture

I am not sure yet

Johnny Ray's picture

Woohoo ! Bum says pull your finger out ! Go Bunnies in tonight game against Roosters ! ;-D

Guru Craig's picture

Souths - The Guru is backing the Bunnies. With two weeks rest the Rabbits have the upper hand and Maguire will have them focused and ready to launch another offensive, expect a similar start to what Manly experienced, Souths big men will be charging ripping and snarling their way up the middle. SBW doesn't always like these games, secretly inside the Guru reckons he's a bit of a cat who will be dominated by the Burgesess. South Sydney have the tools required for the job tonight, Minnie will be targeted and you'd expect him to drop at least one or two over the 80. Pierce will have a shadow on him after his run away line breaks of recent and the renewed vigour of Lote will close down one edge.

The Guru believes Souths have this game to lose, The Roosters wont be able to match the Rabbits big forwards until the 60min mark where it'll be too late, Maguire is keeping a couple of interchange moves up his sleeve to cover the final 20mins but Souths will be too good.

The Guru is gonna say Sth 1-12 but wouldn't be surprised if that blows out in the final few.

Guru Craig's picture

Penrith – Ivan the terrible has his Panthers one game shy of a GF. The Pennies face their toughest test of the year on Saturday night with the NRLs grubbiest side set to attack on all levels. Des has always been known for his flexible ethics, think Calves blood and Beetroot juice among other out there ideas, and the former Manly coach has his side playing this way for a reason. The Ennis’s and Reynolds are outstanding at the unorthodox game but its coaching that makes it all come together. Des coaches this type of play into his sides just as Bellamy does with Wrestling moves and professional fouls, nothing happens at a club unless the coach knows and approves, nothing! We all saw Sims late high and illegal shoulder charge on Hodges then head coach Green complaining…Paul, Tariq got every week he deserved after being instructed to take out JH, who was the only Bronco maybe other than Parker who looked like a first grader on the night, but back to the point. The Doggies are going to bring the niggle and The Guru hopes Penrith are ready.
Penrith keep rolling on and you could see in the Roosters game at times the Pennies boys looked a bit lost and out of their depth, but Ivan’s plan was good and the players knew after 60 they were a real chance. Self-belief is very important to confidence and confidence is important to winning. Penrith need a close low scoring game to be in this at the end. Soward is the BEST man in the NRL to have if you need 1pt, the odd looking little fella is the go to guy for a golden point.
The Guru feels the Dogs are played out, two back to back hard games that needed a fair does of luck will sink the SS Hasler. Ivans team are loved by the refs as they play clean, respectful and honest. Most of the time anyways. That counts! Penrith by 1pt

christine's picture

" a " it's up to what you do but if wally gets I game up on you this week you won't get it back it's to late in the comp for that now.

Johnny Ray's picture

Yeah, that's all cool with me Christine. I understand so please don't apologise, you've got nothing to be sorry about ! That and you're ok with it Thinker, can we please let our pal Newbie From Perth post his Bailey's recipe up here ? I have to try it ! Man, I haven't had a Bailey's since my mates took me to that gay Irish bar at Auckland Viaduct called "John Fitzpatrick and Patrick Fitzjohn" and I've said too much ... ;-D

newbie from perth's picture

Dude, sometimes things just aren’t meant to be. The Bunnies were freakin’ awesome. Not much you can do when they’re in that frame of mind. Souths simply out muscled my Chooks and congratulations must go out to them. They just had that “desire” and “ferocity” and I’m sort of glad it only showed itself after we got the first 2 tries. Yeah, Souths were the better side on the night. Damn! Oh well, there’s always next year.

Well done Rabbits and I’ll be rooting for ya next week. I must just toddle off now and take a few Prozacs to numb the pain. Doctor Smith knows what I’m on about. Cheers guys. Catch you next week.

P.S. Wonder if I’ll be the first post once the game’s finished? Belated try a bit too late… and another one from Mini. Why couldn’t we have done that earlier?

Guru Craig's picture

Go you good things! UP THE BUNNIES and by 1 - 12

Johnny Ray's picture

Bum just happy Bunnies didn't turn around and blow it ... ;-D

christine's picture

newbie condolences for your loss , I feel your pain I've been waiting 3 years for that .

Johnny Ray's picture

Alright Jr Warriors, all I want you to do today is win. Please win, please ...

a's picture

Is anyone watching the AFL grand final I think Sydney will win

Johnny Ray's picture

I'm watching it ! What's really weird is for country that's supposed to hate AFL is that Grand Final on two of our five sports channels live in New Zealand right now ! Personally speaking though I'm still finding it difficult to watch. As league supporter, AFL to me is just 80 minutes of golden point because all they seem to do is kick ! Dude what's with that ? :-s

christine's picture

there must have been a few nasties made because a couple of comments I posted that were not meant to be nasty have disappeared I noticed .

christine's picture

" a " best of luck with tonights game & everyone else with their tips to.

Steel Panther's picture

Wow did you see the Warriors Under 20s game Johnny Ray? What a finish. Down and out 26-19 with two minutes left on the clock the Warriors then score two tries to win 29-26!!!! So that's a Brisbane v Warriors final next weekend. Awesome stuff!!

Johnny Ray's picture

WARRIORS !!! ;-D

a's picture

Oh crap I am going different to walls next week no matter what

The Joker's picture

Up the doggies!!!!!!

christine's picture

" a " I did warn you to change your tip for that reason I also said trust me on this one but you doubt me, now you've fallen behind.

christine's picture

" a " think of it as a valueable lesson of what not to do next season .

a's picture

Yes I will but I will still go different to wally next week

christine's picture

" a " you do that but I feel it's a bit late for that anyway see what happens next week , the reason I told you to change your tip is because I new it could happen that dogs could win but I was hoping Penrith would but as I said to you when your at the back end of the season in finals & your on the same points as the other person leading the comp then your better off taking the same as them so you don't fall behind them ok.

a's picture

How about if I tip right and Wally tips wrong what will happen

christine's picture

" a " sorry I didn't respond before I'm sick I've got a bad head cold & to answer your ? it would mean your back to being on the same score but are you aware that ennis is out next week he has broken some bones in his foot from last nights game .

christine's picture

" a " couldn't happen to a better person .

Johnny Ray's picture

Jonathan Thurston won his third Daily M last night and now equals Rugby League immortal Andrew Jones on total number of medals. Good on you, you Kiwi ! ;-D

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