'11 | Finals Wk 1 | Fri | Tigers 21-12 Dragons | ANZ

[Danish]

absolutely vital game this one. loser is likely facing a week 2 final against either the broncos at suncorp or the warriors in Auckland.

My pick is the dragons, but really its a coin toss.

 

[TimmyB]

Yeah, but the winner plays Brisbane or Warriors at home and if they survive that match, the Melbourne in Melbourne. I almost feel that the Warriors in NZ then Manly in Sydney would be a more favourable draw.

Obviously the emphasis should be on winning every game, but I think it shows that after week 1 position between 3-6 isn't always that important under the current system.

 

[Saints fan]

This is probably the hardest game to tip this weekend. If our defence is good and can limit the impact Lui, Farah and Benji have in attack we will come out on top. I think Utai is a real liability for them- if Jamie can send a few bombs his way and Coops & B Moz run a few of their sweeping plays at him we will come out on top.
On the other hand, if we are forced to go try for try with Wests I think they will win.

So... Us by 7 (19-12). Hopefully it will be another ripping game like the game in the finals last year. Certainly better than the rubbish that will be dished up on Friday night over here.

 

[sensesmaybenumbed]

Utai has been surprisingly good for the Tigers this year - errors, yes, but plenty of hard work and strong runs. He's not the complete liability I expected!

 

[Shorty]

Too hard to say, but I think the Tigs will get up.

 

[Fingerbang]

I almost feel that the Warriors in NZ then Manly in Sydney would be a more favourable draw.

Impossible.....presuming both Storm and Manly win week 1. Whoever plays Warriors, be it in Sydney or Auckland, will have to face Storm in Melbourne.

 

[Hutty1986]

I think we can get past the Tiges, will have to start well and step it up another gear though. Will be a cracker

 

[TimmyB]

Impossible.....presuming both Storm and Manly win week 1. Whoever plays Warriors, be it in Sydney or Auckland, will have to face Storm in Melbourne.

Ah my mistake.

So keeping 1st place, 2nd place and third place winning as the constant, Tigers will play Warriors in Sydney then Melbourne away or Brisbane in Brisbane and Manly in Sydney.

I don't feel there's much of a difference in terms of difficulty. Melbourne in Melbourne is very daunting. Manly at ANZ and I daresay the Tigers would comfortably have the majority of supporters and we have played a lot at ANZ.

 

[Tiger Hawk]

Let's hope it's another cracker. Tigers been down the last 3 weeks but with players set to return and Farah, Lui & Moltzen playing as well as they have all year we should be too good. Biggest worry is Moltzen dropping his bundle on the big stage.

Tigers by 14.

 

[Hutty1986]

Let's hope it's another cracker. Tigers been down the last 3 weeks but with players set to return and Farah, Lui & Moltzen playing as well as they have all year we should be too good. Biggest worry is Moltzen dropping his bundle on the big stage.

Tigers by 14.

4th v 5th and you somehow "should" be too good? :lol:

 

[Bazzi]

I'm feeling confident, but the nerves will kick in on Friday!

 

[Tiger Hawk]

4th v 5th and you somehow "should" be too good? :lol:

No. Not "somehow". Based on recent form and the players' set to return for the Tigers. But please, continue stating the obvious with gems like:

I think we can get past the Tiges, will have to start well and step it up another gear though. Will be a cracker

Wow, start well and step it up another gear. Anymore pearls of wisdom there super coach?

 

[Vic Mackey]

I'll be surprised if there's more then a try in it.

Like I said though I doubt either team will be slashing their wrists if they lose and stay alive. Avoiding Melbourne in Melbourne can't be a bad thing

 

[Bazzi]

No. Not "somehow". Based on recent form and the players' set to return for the Tigers.

You guys have beat the Panthers, Eels, Titans and Sharks in the last 4 rounds. Not the best of teams to compare your form against, the lack of tough games may not have you guys primed for the finals.

But we'll have to wait and see, should be a cracker!

 

[Tiger Hawk]

You guys have beat the Panthers, Eels, Titans and Sharks in the last 4 rounds. Not the best of teams to compare your form against, the lack of tough games may not have you guys primed for the finals.

4 wins though, plus the 4 that preceded those 4, including Dragons, Manly & Cowboys (admittedly without Thurston).

We've looked massively flat the last few weeks but am very confident we'll be fired up for Friday night. I thought both Dragons & Manly were fortunate to only lose by 2 points against us, felt we were by far the superior team in those contests and just couldn't finish off the scoring opportunities we created.

 

[Bazzi]

4 wins though, plus the 4 that preceded those 4, including Dragons, Manly & Cowboys (admittedly without Thurston).

Full credit to you guys for winning 8 in a row, it's never easy no matter who you come up against.

We've looked massively flat the last few weeks but am very confident we'll be fired up for Friday night. I thought both Dragons & Manly were fortunate to only lose by 2 points against us, felt we were by far the superior team in those contests and just couldn't finish off the scoring opportunities we created.

Tigers have looked flat as of late, and i honestly can't see their winning streak continuing this week. Could be a blessing in disguise if you guys lose this week, may be the little kick you need. But we all know how the Tigers become a completely different side come finals time, and if they're on their game they will be very tough to beat.

 

[Moffo]

Tigers will steam on them, 13+ is a monty

 

[DragonPunk]

It'll be close but Dragons by 1 and the two teams to meet again in the GF.

 

[goosie]

tigers by 8

 

[Dragon]

The ultimate gameplan:

1. Kick field goal
2. Throw ball dead in goal, repeat as necessary
3. ?????
4 PROFIT!

Saints by 1