The scenarios.

[legend]

From what I have worked out we can finish either first, second or fourth which is outstanding for our finals chances.

If we beat the Roosters and the Eels beat Penrith, we finish first and win the minor premiership.

If we beat the Roosters and Penrith beat Parra we finish second and would play Newcastle at home.

If we lose to the Roosters and the Bulldogs beat the Sharks we will finish fourth.

These are the three most likely scenarios as the Bulldogs play the Sharks and should win comfortably.

The bigger picture means we would avoid playing the Warriors in week one of the finals and the Bulldogs would draw them and more than likely lose as they have a poor record against the Warriors.

I think Fittler will be rested against us as he did more damage to his shoulder yesterday and should we finish second we would play the Knights.

Should the unthinkable happen (lose to the Chooks) and we finish fourth we would draw the Storm.

Should we finish first we would draw the Broncos.

This means we would have a very good chance of winning our first final and possibly advance straight through to the grand final qualifier.

Our win and the Warriors win has left me with the feeling for the first time since 94 that we can win the comp.

GO THE MIGHTY RAIDERS!!!

 

[Bobby DIGital]

Our win and the Warriors win has left me with the feeling for the first time since 94 that we can win the comp.

Me too. Except in 95, I was so sure we'd win.

 

[kaon]

Taking the minor premiership out of the equation, the Knights are by far and away the easiest team we could play and I'm hoping that eventuates. I'm not scared of the Broncos and Warriors but there are easier opposition I prefer to play.

 

[bucko]

I'm not sure about the Knight's, they are really hitting form even with Johns out. I think the warriors would definately be the toughest, but I think Brisbane or even Melbourne would be the easier opponents. We are due to beat the storm, and overdue to beat the broncos. Hopefully it will be the broncos though, just for the minor premiership sake.

 

[thickos]

I'll take the Broncos option thanks! They cant score a point to save their life at the moment.
I say avoid the Warriors like the plague...they'd bash us big time, win or lose. Storm would also be a good option...but i want to finish high enough to get the week off!

 

[Ultima]

3 & 4th can get the week off too.... In fact even 5th or 6th could if the entire top 4 lost to the bottom 4.

 

[thickos]

3 & 4th can get the week off too.... In fact even 5th or 6th could if the entire top 4 lost to the bottom 4.

Yeah of course...but 1 thru 4 aren't all losing! History has shown every year, either 1, 2 or 3 makes it through to the preliminary final (1 and 3 for the past 3 years actually). Finish 4th and I can almost guarantee that we won't be getting a bye in the finals.

 

[Ultima]

As in you don't think we will be first or second? Or is it that you don't believe we can win our first final?

 

[Purtell The Turtle]

I don't really care where we finish. Well, at least not 3rd. I don't want to play the warriors early on. They are the team that seem to be rising at the moment(up to our level ). 4th could be good, give melbourne the beating they deserve. 2nd would be nice as well, give the Knights another hiding on a cold Canberra saturday night. I think we are either getting Friday night or Saturday night footy. I can't see the minor anymore, damn Dragons and their ability to keep hurting themselves!! This will leave the Eels with nothing to play for but pride, and the penny panthers should wrap up the JJ Gillitan(the minor premiers still get that don't they?)

Anyway it happens I will be at Canberra Stadium, even if I have to line up!! Don't see that happening, I think the phone might be the way to go. Damn government and how they restrict employee access to the internet!! :evil:

 

[Raider_69]

what is everyone scared of the warriors for?

besides that Roosters game they havnt been in that good a form. Sure they have a huge and physical forward pack i would say we are one of the only teams that could go toe-to-toe with their pack, i really dont care who in the bottem 4 we play, becuase i think we deadset have them all covered.... including the warriors!

 

[Purtell The Turtle]

what is everyone scared of the warriors for?

besides that Roosters game they havnt been in that good a form. Sure they have a huge and physical forward pack i would say we are one of the only teams that could go toe-to-toe with their pack, i really dont care who in the bottem 4 we play, becuase i think we deadset have them all covered.... including the warriors!

It's just the warriors play that sort of game that if they are on their game with the offloads, crazy passes etc etc behind their forward pack, they are a formidable outfit. I know we will beat them again, but it would be a bruising affair, and could make backing up difficult the next week. But then again, this would be finals footy, who needs motivation?

 

[thickos]

As in you don't think we will be first or second? Or is it that you don't believe we can win our first final?

I want the week off, that's all! At this time of year a week off to overcome niggles, give Toots a chance to get fitness up (and we play one less match without him) and Schif's wife a chance to have their baby (so his mind will be on the job)...skipping week 2 and going straight to the GF qualifier is ideal.
Of course I think we'll finish top 2, because I think we'll win this weekend (I can't believe I'm even being questioned over this!). But if by some freak of bad luck and we lose, we will finish 4th....and that will mean we'll have to go through the finals the hard way.
I'm just stating what I want - top 2, week off, GF victory. Is that too much for a guy to ask LOL?!?!? :lol:

 

[kaon]

I have no doubt we would beat the Warriors in our current form, It's just that it will be a very physical encounter that will leave a lot bruises.