The Penrith Panthers has been given approval for the first semi to be held at our ground. Fantastic stuff.
This article came from Zero tackle, and as I am not computer savvy I had to screen shoot the article to post it.
In case anyone is interested in Paul Gallen's thoughts on our chances this year..... https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/paul-g...vourites/9fd74d79-4999-4872-a90a-91486f5b6d61
It's a fair point. The only question left to answer for 2020 is can they go toe to toe with the best teams who know how to go up a level for finals football.
We having been playing semi final football all year. Get into the grind limit the opposition metres gained, good kicking game. No panic . Second best defence, good halves, outside backs who can take advantage of oportunities. Healthy roster and good depth. We are as ready as we can be. GO PANTHERS!!!
And we have, in fact, some finals experience. We also have players, who have played in the grand finals.
I love the optimism and love of the club. That said we've played probably a top 2 season (so far) in the club's history yet are against individual players who have more games and more BIG game experience than most of our roster. Cameron Smith on his own has more games, more finals and more rep games than our entire spine combined. Keary is a 3 time premiership winner, Tedesco known as the best player in the game right now and 2 time premiership winner.
The rookies have atleast won comps in juniors. So that is good for them turning up and playing our best. If do that we win
Yeah we need that familiarity, fearlessness and talent to trump the others experience. Will be fun to watch.
Got no issue with Gal making us underdogs. Also have faith in Cleary, Barrett and Ciraldo - that given that they've gotten us to where we are, taken us to a whole new level and in such a dramatic contrast to 2019 - to know how to get us mentally right for the finals.
Eels really need to win there last two games to secure 4th spot as I expect Canberra to win both there games and they have a better for & against the the Eels.
It’s generally accepted the finals are like a whole new competition starting over again. I have massive concerns our young guys (Chrichton, Naden, To’o, Luai) will be overwhelmed in the big games. That is a stark contrast to the Roosters who are there every year, Storm and even Raiders who played in the GF last year.
At the end of the day you have to beat whomever you come up against. If I had a choice my personal preference would be to play the Eels in Week 1. I think our spine is better (and forward pack/bench) and if we are anywhere near our best we beat them. The Raiders I see as more dangerous opponents accross the board and have a genuine match winner in Jack Weighton who just seem to be hitting top gear since we beat them comfortably a few weeks back. At the same time I don’t think we are currently playing at anywhere near the level of the Roosters, we are going to have to improve considerably to get to where they are currently.
The advantage we will have is that this year the Grand Final will be at ANZ with 10k fans in attendance and who knows what the half time show will be. It will be much like a Bulldogs home game not the high pressure environment of past years.
I am confident our common sense State Government will step up and allow 50% capacity assuming there are no significant spikes in infections in the next month. Our own Glady Berejiklian has demonstrated far greater leadership than the knuckleads in Qld & Victoria and I am confident she will make the right call for GF day assuming as I say there is no significant upward spike.
