Friday Night Finals Football

[NZ Warrior]

We've done it. We've got a home final against either the Eels or the Broncos!!!

This is a handy advantage with both teams playing on Sunday afternoon, then having a quick turn around to get to NZ for the Friday night game. I'm hoping that we play the Broncos, so I'll be cheering for them tomorrow.

Some key notes from tonight's game, and most of them are worrying. The Warriors seemed to do their best to gift Gower a fitting send off. Absolutely stupid stuff from Koopu & Lauaki, you do that in the finals, and you'll be slitting the team's throat.

Vatuvei may be out for 1-2 weeks, looks to have injured his troublesome knee. McKinnon had a bit of a scare too, but he should be alright. Wiki should be back, I can't imagine sore ribs will keep him away from Finals footy. Witt will have nothing to answer for at the judiciary, what a ridiculous lifting penalty.

Kicking was better tonight, although far from perfect. You've got to worry about these slow starts. I don't know if teams are aiming up for a full on start against the Warriors. But if the Warriors keep on waiting until 10 mins from halftime to feature on the score board, you've got to be concerned.

Cleary has to go back to Gatis starting, we need the flow to start the game. Fien is much better as an impact player. I still can not believe Cleary moved away from this.

Byrne gets my vote to stay at centre, he had a great game tonight. I just hope he doesn't get switched to wing, if Vatuvei is injured, but he probably will.

But, we still got the home final. That's all that matters. GO THE MIGHTY WARRIORS!!!

 

[Dr Crane]

I'll just echo your post.

 

[Philip_Smith007]

We've done it. We've got a home final against either the Eels or the Broncos!!!



Cleary has to go back to Gatis starting, we need the flow to start the game. Fien is much better as an impact player. I still can not believe Cleary moved away from this.

Totally agree!
But might be a plan to get forwards tired and then Gatis cuts them up!
That the only thing I can think of to be the reason!

If we win our home final, and 1st and 2nd win as expected we get another home semi this year!

 

[NZ Warrior]

Totally agree!
But might be a plan to get forwards tired and then Gatis cuts them up!
That the only thing I can think of to be the reason!

If we win our home final, and 1st and 2nd win as expected we get another home semi this year!

I'm sure Cleary has a logical answer for it. But I just think that Gatis is a stronger starter and Fien has better impact. Gatis certainly links up better with support runners, Witt and Rovelli should be giving him some of their pay cheques.

I'll also be cheering for Melbourne & Manly. I can only see the Eels (if they lose to the Broncos) giving either of them a run for their money. The Rabbitohs seem to have fallen face first across the line, pretty embarrassing stuff from them tonight. Rustius Maximus will have to make a huge war cry, to get the Bunnies firing again. I just think they are going to end up being rabbits in the Storm or Eagles' headlights.

Pretty amazing that the Warriors can get 2 home finals games in a row. I'm just so pumped that we are here in Finals Football!!! Can you feel it???

 

[Micistm]

Ditto you guys. I wasn't worried down in the first half, I had confidence that burst would kick in sometime- and it did.
Was worried throughout the second half though...and have been concerned our form's been slipping slowly week by week.
But, hats off, they've done it...and I'm trying not to look forward to Fri night too much in case I jinx them!

 

[ozbash]

agree pretty much wazz, i,d have toddy on the wing and paddy at center next week.

Pricey must have had the flu thats doing the rounds. he was very flat.
the halves made more of an effort last night, ravs hit the line a few times and the panthers were taken by surprise.

Fein should start and george gatis take over mid way through the half,, then i reckon when fein comes on for his 2nd go, he replaces ravs and georgie and fein work together.

they seemed to only do what was necessary last night, only really hit top gear for about 15 mins late in the first half.

 

[Rich102]

Agree with all the above. But it was no coincidence that all the Warriors points were scored when Gatis was on the field. His distribution from dummy half is much better than Fien's and so is his option taking. For mine he would start the game! (Have I mentioned that we are going to miss him!)

I am a bit concerned for Price. He has looked a shadow of his former self these last two weeks! (But Reuben did a great job on the sideline.)
We finally got a 40/20!

Doesn't Wadeo sail close to the wind? He demands the referee take notice, and not in a good way. He needs to get this out of his football. Hope he is OK for Friday!

Lucky number 13 got through a mountain of work again!

Oh, and the rabbits looked shagged! Too much Rusty lovin' in training?

I had been thinking the Cowboys (Wazza's team) were way above where they should have been on the table but after watching them demolish the Dogs I thought they looked impressive. But it is clear the way to stop them is to shut down Thurston, the Dogs came right back and nearly bit them when he left the field.

I am really looking forward to Friday night!

 

[LeagueNut]

Vatuvei may be out for 1-2 weeks, looks to have injured his troublesome knee.

That looked BLOODY PAINFUL! Poor guy.

At least he was on his feet and wandering around after fulltime, so hopefully he won't miss too much footy. I'd love to see him fire up in a finals match.

As for Friday night footy ... a few weeks ago that bothered me, but now I really couldn't care less. They could play the game at 3am on Wednesday morning for all I care - I'm just really looking forward to being there!!!

Oh, and agree with the Gatis starting/Fien bench comments as well.

 

[playdaball]

Despite Manu's pain it was a shame that he surrended the ball i.e. - let it go so close to the line. Luvky we had cover to stop a try.

Am I being too hard on the guy?

 

[Dr Crane]

If we win our home final, and 1st and 2nd win as expected we get another home semi this year!

Alternatively, if two teams above us lose we'd get a bye and a home final in week three, aka grand final qualifier.

 

[playdaball]

A late start I think - 8.30 or 9.00 pm.

 

[Dr Crane]

Sky said they start broadcasting from 8pm with kickoff at 8:30.

 

[Rich102]

Despite Manu's pain it was a shame that he surrended the ball i.e. - let it go so close to the line. Luvky we had cover to stop a try.

Am I being too hard on the guy?

I think the big guy went into immediate shock, not knowing what had happened to him - but fearing the worst. The look on his face said as much.

I think it is a harsh rule to play on in such circumstances - when a player is stunned or badly hurt. When he is satisfied the injury is genuine I think the referee should restart with the ball being played at the spot or else a scrum. It is unfair for the opposition to benefit from an inury.

 

[NZ Warrior]

I think the big guy went into immediate shock, not knowing what had happened to him - but fearing the worst. The look on his face said as much.

I think it is a harsh rule to play on in such circumstances - when a player is stunned or badly hurt. When he is satisfied the injury is genuine I think the referee should restart with the ball being played at the spot or else a scrum. It is unfair for the opposition to benefit from an inury.

I agree, Richy. And you are a harsh man, PDB.

The injury didn't look good, so hopefully it's not major.

 

[NZ Warrior]

Here's the team I think will front up for our first finals game.

1. McKinnon
2. Crockett
3. Byrne
4. Koopu
5. Mannering
6. Witt
7. Rovelli
8. Rapira
9. Fien
10. Price
11. Swann
12. Wiki
13. Luck

Reserves:- Tuimavave, Lauaki, Gatis, Anderson.

No surprises. I think Vatuvei will be out for at least a week. Wiki should be back. I would be far more confident, if we play the Broncos. The Eels are a fast side, and could ruin the party. The Broncos look to be limping home and the draw won't do them any favours with having a Friday night game in NZ.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Manenring on the wing!? That was tried by Kemp in just his second match.....didn't go well at all. No just no.

This the team I would like to see(presuming Vatuvei is out)

1.McKinnon
2.Crockett(had a pretty good game last night)
3.Byrne
4.Mannering
5.Ah Van
6.Witt
7.Rovelli
8.Rapira
9.Gatis
10.Price
11.Wiki
12.Swann
13.Luck

14.Fien
15.Tuimavave
16.Lauaki
17.Koopu/Anderson

 

[MKEB...]

well done the mighties.

I thought that was the best that I have seen Witt play.
That lifting penalty, where did that call come from?

 

[NZ Warrior]

Mannering was moved to the wing last night, when Vatuvei was off. I don't know if Cleary will bring Ah Van back in or not. It may be better if he does.

The only real blemish from Witt last night, was having all the time in the world to kick the ball, yet still kicked it straight in to Pritchard.

 

[Rich102]

Manenring on the wing!? That was tried by Kemp in just his second match.....didn't go well at all. No just no.

This the team I would like to see(presuming Vatuvei is out)

1.McKinnon
2.Crockett(had a pretty good game last night)
3.Byrne
4.Mannering
5.Ah Van
6.Witt
7.Rovelli
8.Rapira
9.Gatis
10.Price
11.Wiki
12.Swann
13.Luck

14.Fien
15.Tuimavave
16.Lauaki
17.Koopu/Anderson

Yep. That will do for me!

 

[Fast Eddie]

Everyone get emailing Sky asking for Channel 9 commentary as an option. Unlikely but its worth a shot.