NRL semi finals preview
Roosters v Bulldogs: Friday 18th September, 7:55pm Allianz Stadium
Two weeks ago it seemed almost unthinkable that the Roosters could be dumped out of the finals in straight sets. But heading into a must-win clash missing star halfback Mitchell Pearce, the minor premiers are facing that very real possibility.
The Roosters came up against a red-hot Melbourne Storm outfit in their qualifying final last week, and went down by two points in an absolute thriller. But despite the closeness on the scoreboard, they looked like a shadow of the team that had won 12 straight heading into the finals. They were outmatched and outplayed by the men from Melbourne, and they will need some vast improvements to get past last year’s grand finalists.
MASSIVE LOSS: Pearce ruled out for Roosters
SICK AS A DOG: Virus sweeps through Canterbury
The Bulldogs only just pipped a desperate Dragons side last week, claiming a golden point victory in an absolute slugfest. Their attack was insipid at times, but they will fancy their chances against a Roosters side missing Pearce and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
On the other hand, Canterbury will be boosted by the reprieve given to Frank Pritchard and Sam Kasiano after their unsavory treatment of Dragons five eighth Gareth Widdop. The Dogs love September and so does Des Hasler, but how much has their extra-time win taken out of them?
The Roosters have the wood over the Bulldogs in 2015, beating them 24-10 in round 10 and 38-28 in round 21, but the loss of Pearce will have the Dogs eyeing a shock upset. Rookie halfback Jackson Hastings will need to step up and support halves partner James Maloney. The 19-year-old was solid last week without being spectacular, and he will need to find his feet in finals footy quickly.
KEY MATCHUPS:
Jackson Hastings v Josh Reynolds
Hastings faces the huge task of replacing Pearce, whose kicking game has been a key feature for the Roosters in 2015. The teenager set up a scintillating try last week with a kick for Shaun Kenny-Dowall, but he needs an 80-minute performance. In similar fashion, Reynolds has had to step up after the season-ending injury to Trent Hodkinson. He was sublime against the Dragons last week, setting up a late try and kicking the match-winning field goal.
Blake Ferguson v Josh Morris
Ferguson had a shocker in defence last week, allowing two tries on the Roosters right edge. This won't have gone unnoticed to Morris who was key to the Bulldogs' epic come-from-behind win over the Dragons.
Kane Evans v Sam Kasiano
Who could forget Evans' massive hit on Kasiano last time these sides met? It may have been an illegal shoulder charge, but 130kg Kasiano will certainly be looking for a get-square. There won't be an exact repeat of the Evans shoulder charge, but these two are sure to go looking for one another when they are launched off the bench and into the fray.
OUR TIP: We can’t see the minor premiers losing two in a row. The Bulldogs won’t have enough points in them and the Roosters will advance to a preliminary final match-up against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Cowboys v Sharks: Saturday 19th September, 7:40pm 1300 Smiles Stadium
The second semi-final looms as a match-up between two sides who have never tasted premiership glory. North Queensland have never gone all the way in their 13-year history, but that’s nowhere near as bad as Cronulla’s 48 years of misery. The winner of this one will head into a preliminary final clash against the Storm at AAMI Park where they will be one step closer to ending their drought.
The Cowboys went down to big brothers Brisbane last week despite a heroic performance. They will be kicking themselves at missing an opportunity to have a week off, with their defence letting them down against livewire halves Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford.
BARBA: Sharks remind me of 2012 Bulldogs
SCOTT: Cronulla in Cowboys' sights
The Johnathan Thurston-led side return to their spiritual home of Townsville this week, but it hasn’t exactly been a fortress in 2015. They’ve lost four times at 1300 Smiles Stadium this year, including a 24-18 loss to the Sharks in round 16. The Sharks also got the chocolates at Remondis Stadium in round 22 with a dominant 30-18 victory.
The Sharks were simply outstanding last week against 2014 premiers South Sydney. Michael Ennis, easily the buy of the year, was phenomenal from dummy half and the men from The Shire will be relying on his finals experience if they are to prevail in this one. They are also boosted by news rookie winger Valentine Holmes is right to play after the 20-year-old limped off last week.
KEY MATCHUPS:
Johnathan Thurston v Jack Bird
Bird isn’t your typical playmaker but he manages to get the job done and has been instrumental in Cronulla’s run to the finals. The boom rookie has made no secret of his desire to knock Thurston off his perch, but that’s easier said than done. JT has done everything there is to do in rugby league, except lead the Cowboys to a premiership. He was part of the 2004 Bulldogs side that went all the way, but he’ll be desperate to do the same up north.
Jason Taumalolo v Paul Gallen
Whoever controls the middle, controls the game and these two monsters are key to that, especially when they can gain big yards followed by a quick play-the-ball. Gallen and Taumalolo were both among the best forwards in the 2015 competition, and will be instrumental in laying a good platform for their halves.
Jake Granville v Michael Ennis
The young buck up against the wily old master. Granville has been one of the most improved players in 2015 and is just about the fastest-running hooker in the game. He admitted he felt well off the pace of finals footy last week, but will be better for the run. Ennis’ ball playing at the line is crucial to Cronulla’s attack. He had 18 try assists in the regular season, easily the most by a hooker and fourth-best overall.
OUR TIP: Similar to the Roosters, it’s hard to see the Cowboys losing two in a row, and it will also be too big a task for the Sharks to win twice in Townsville in one year. Paul Green will have his men fired up after last week’s loss, and a massive crowd will see North Queensland advance.