Four Horse Race

[Stubbsie]

Four Horse Race

This year competition has proved to be one of the closest most entertaining premierships in history. At the beginning of the year teams like the Sharks, Manly and Canberra appeared to be the surprised packets of this year but later drifted back down to the field. Over the last 4 – 6 weeks it has became obvious to most league fans that this year’s premiership will be fought between four superpowers of our game in the Broncos, Eels, Dragons and Tigers.

On Sunday afternoon we viewed arguably the two in form teams of the competition go hammer and tong in what some would call the “Grand Final preview”, and I tend to agree. The speed of that game was up to semi final standard and the quality of football was startling and almost flawless. Although some would dispute that the Dragons always “choke” and the Eels lack experience the halves will be their downfall come the big games. In relation to the dragons I can’t see them chocking this year as they are bursting with 100 games plus players on their roster and have young players both in Premier League and First Grade playing with a huge amount of confidence and that is rubbing off on the senior players, hence they are winning the big games.

As for the Eels although they went down to an overwhelming Dragon’s side in front of a full house at Kogarah, it gave the young Eels players a taste of a big game and that will put them in good steed for the finals. The Eels still have several big names to come back in Morrison, Tahu and McKinnon, when they come back it will add invaluable experience and attacking ability to the Eels outfit.

It has been well document the form of the Tigers and the overwhelming confidence they are playing with. My only Concern is that they may have hit top gear to early. Scott Prince deserves a huge rap; he has been instrumental in the recent form of the Tigers, along with the small but strong-minded forward pack they have lead the team to its past victories. It never ceases to amaze me when I watch Bengi Marshall play and when he pulls out his elusive footwork and leaves opposition defences dumfounded. Brett Hodgson is in the paramount form of his career and continues to make the big plays playing well above his weight. All these small factors have contributed to the overall self-belief and composure in vital games, hopefully that self-assurance can continue during the finals series, because I for one will be cheering for them.

The Broncos have really fallen into a small form slump and are attempting to fight the previously mentioned teams away from the prized minor premiership. The broncos hit top form during the middle half of the season and have little doubt that they can retain that form come the finals. They are such a professional club with virtually unconstrained depth and talent to utilize in the big time. Wayne Bennet continues to keep this team at the top and deserves ample recognition for his work with the club. Darren Lockyer hasn’t had his best year, but will be fully fit and mentally prepared come the semi Finals. He is a big game player and I still believe he can lead the big name Broncos side to another premiership.

Although my team still lay helplessly at the bottom of the table and look to be handed the dreaded wooden spoon for the first time in our short history, I still remain adamant about next year. That will all be forgotten when the Finals begin and I am positive that these amazing teams decorated with incredible athletes will continue to entertain us for the remainder of the Rugby league season.

[Christabella]

How did I know this would appear here? Sure, post this on forums of clubs that can't make it but I don't think I really need to post the reply I made ... ah what the hell:

Melbourne 46 - Saints 12, Melbourne 24 - Saints 16, Melbourne 50 - Broncos 4, Melbourne 30 - Tigers 14. I wouldn't call it a four horse race just yet, the only team they haven't beat is the Eels and while Brian Smith is the coach I can't see them winning any premierships any time soon.

[Thunderstruck]

Just on Storm vs Dragons this year, in 1999 they beat us in all games before the grand final. We won the only game that mattered. I have reservations that the reverse will happen if we have a 1999 grand final rematch.

[Super Cronk]

if manly, melbourne and sharks can find some consitentcy in the next 2 rounds and get back to their best then it is in no way a 4 horse race IMO.

Storm, manly and sharks are capable of knocking off the top teams like broncos, eels, dragons and tigers...but only if they start getting their act together.

[Mike_The_Undertaker]

Wait till after this week.

If the storm can beat the Tigs then I'd be a 5 horse race regardless of what happens in Nth QLD next week.

[Joel Caine number 1 fan]

Melbourne 46 - Saints 12, Melbourne 24 - Saints 16, Melbourne 50 - Broncos 4, Melbourne 30 - Tigers 14. I wouldn't call it a four horse race just yet, the only team they haven't beat is the Eels and while Brian Smith is the coach I can't see them winning any premierships any time soon.

u beat us while we were out of form we went through a horrid month at the time but our first half was the best half of football (defense wise) that ive seen the tigers play all year the scoreline should be different this weekend its gonna be a awesome game if both teams are controlling the ball well

[Mike_The_Undertaker]

Now we have beaten the Tigers comeing off there best form in Decaides.

Like I said above I aint a for horse race till the prelims.

[Surandy]

Are the horses running at Randwick or Flemington?

[Christabella]

Are the horses running at Randwick or Flemington?

Ah the horses are out near Rosehill tomorrow night, but on recent form I wouldn't be backing any of them to do anything other than pull up lame.