Showers forecast for NRL Grand Final
WILL the wet weather rain on Parramatta's ad-lib style? Or will the drizzle slow down the sizzle in Greg Inglis and Billy Slater?
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast showers along with chilly temperatures for Sunday's Grand Final at Homebush.
NRL experts last night were unsure who would be adversely affected by the anticipated wet.
But Eels champion Nathan Hindmarsh said any rain would dent the match as a spectacle.
"I suppose it might affect the attacking ability of the sides, which isn't good," said Hindmarsh.
"There will be a few more dropped balls.
"But no matter what the conditions, we will just play what we see.
"It might take away from the spectacle though and the supporters might be disappointed.
"No one likes sitting in the rain."
Start of sidebar.
Skip to end of sidebar.
End of sidebar.
Return to start of sidebar.
It would be the first NRL Grand Final played in rain since the 2003 encounter between the Sydney Roosters and Penrith.
"Rain will definitely change the game," said then-Panthers' Grand Final centre Ryan Girdler.
"It raises a lot of questions.
" It might favour Parramatta because they don't play with a lot of structure.
"Melbourne play with more structure and work hard for field position and put on more set plays.
"Parramatta might look to cut back on their off-loads but if they don't off-load, they don't score points.
"I just hope it doesn't rain."
Former Australian captain, Laurie Daley, does not believe Parramatta will become timid in the wet.
"It will mean the teams have to be selective," Daley said.
"But I don't think it will mean Parramatta will put the ball under their arm and bash and barge.
"They will want to continue to play football.
"I'm not sure the weather will have a massive influence but it will mean teams will have to be selective about what they do."
Graham Murray, who coached the NSW Origin side, said tactical kicking would be crucial.
"It might hurt Parramatta because of their off-loads and the fact they love to keep the ball alive," Murray said.
"It will also affect Melbourne as well.
"I guess it will come down to who has the best kicking game.
"Both teams have three or four kickers."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-nrl-grand-final/story-e6frexni-1225781825656
