One thing I haven't seen stated is the possibility the Roosters match drained South Sydney. Watching Sterlo yesterday and Mini commented on the 2003 grand final where they had such a big match in the preliminary final against the Bulldogs that they just couldn't stay up and ready for the big one.
I'd only believe that if the Roosters had been severely beaten on the scoreboard.
It's sad when the likes of Mini,whom I have a lot of respect for,try to play down the oppositions win in a Grand Final.It's a way of handling a loss by minimising psychological damage control after they were soundly beaten.
And when you look at the qualifying final,the Warriors spanked the Dogs by 48-22.The Roosters beat Newcy by 36-8.
Panthers beat Brisbane 28-18 then they won against the Warriors 28-20 in a hard fought match.
So both sides had a less than smooth ride to the Grand Final.And Mini must remember,when your team is in the finals,there are no "easy ways" through to the big one.
If your side plays at least two hard matches before the GF,it normally stands you in good stead.
Unfortunately,Easts didn't have the chance to play the big plays when it counted...and we won by scoring three times as much as they did by very smart plays and individual brilliance.
So suck a long one mini.
EDIT:Just a note that 10 years ago,Canterbury played Penrith for the right to play in the GF and won convincingly,albeit the Panthers suffered a horrid injury toll in that match and Wessar going to the bin for 10 mins.
The result was a GF win for the Dogs in 2004.
Will this stat be clipped to the Omen file?:shock:
