NRL finals footy discussion 2026

[upthetigers]

Leniu didn’t thrive there

In his own mind he thinks he's the big dog but he really doesn't do much at all. Idunno maybe the stats suggest otherwise but he is not close to being the best prop at the roosters.

 

[mtd#2]

In his own mind he thinks he's the big dog but he really doesn't do much at all. Idunno maybe the stats suggest otherwise but he is not close to being the best prop at the roosters.

He is powerful and has impact, but lacks fitness and discipline. 15 years ago when the game wasnt as fast, he probably would have killed it.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

I’d add Savala, Collins, Smith, Wong and Whyte. They’ve built a tough young side to add to the stalwarts like Teddy, Rads, Crichton and Toops.
Terrell would have thrived there.

Pity when Terrell came over he couldn't bring Whyte with him, type of big dog that would transform our pack to a higher level.

 

[Droppy05]

I don’t understand it. They pulled the trigger substantially on the 6 agains mid season because everyone was complaining about the pace of the game, blowout scores and teams not getting possession for long periods during a game, but they bring it back worse than ever for the last few rounds of the season and the finals! It makes no sense, the matches were so much better when there was less 6 agains being called.

You just can,'t let this ref near the GF. Destroys every game he refs with a barrage of 6 agains.

 

[Droppy05]

8th, 6th and 5th gone

7th probably tomorrow.

 

[Droppy05]

Yeah they just can’t seem to shake that finals curse. They’ve had such a stable team for a few years now, I fear their premiership window is closing fast. They’ll be losing a few after this season.

Just don't have a match winner. A lot of good players but no guns.

 

[king_sirro]

There was a sense of a head slam, but really weak read of a good tackle.

Sarcasm mate....cos you always bag anyone who criticises the ref

 

[Tucker]

Sarcasm mate....cos you always bag anyone who criticises the ref

Not quite true, I bag people who only criticise the ref….

 

[Siberian Kitten]

Just don't have a match winner. A lot of good players but no guns.

The Trindall/Hynes combo when both are on song is the closest they have. As it turned out, Hynes was concussed and Trindall's two 7-tackle sets and loss of the ball of the tryline killed off any hope the Sharkies had of winning that game.

Games these days are often won by the 3/4s with edge defence being critical, and the Sharks backline couldn't always stop Toia, Marky Alphabet and Tupou.

That's also why a speedy centre like Avarillo was a good buy for the Tigers, even if he's only the 5th best 3/4 in the Phins.

 

[innsaneink]

Robbo would be stoked with that performance all their backs were terrific...if they can.continue this form for another fortnight...who knows
If Walkers back as it looks.likely he may have a headache where to put Savala....Toia and Smith were both excellent

 

[hank37w]

Yeah the teams who have the week off seem to be ones playing in the GF more and more these last few years. Be interesting to see if the Dolphins can actually be the first team to win it after having 50 plus put on them more than once this season. That would finally shake off the curse. Can’t see it happening though.

In these days of the 6 agains and the general speed of the game being what it is, that 50 plus margin needs be revised to something like 70.

 

[king_sirro]

Not quite true, I bag people who only criticise the ref….thats not trie at all lol. There are plenty who bag the crap put of the team and the ref and you go at them

 

[Speed2burn]

I was willing to write the Roosters off coming into this finals series but they have put together some tough performances these past couple weeks

Just goes to show how banged up they must have been because that one week off has proven to be a masterstroke.

I’ve still got the Dolphins next week but I’m not as confident as I was before the Roosters Sharks game

 

[LukeyTuiaki]

been a boring final series so far. Best game so far was bunnies vs knights. Rooters and Panthers was ok, not memorable. Fighting the yawns last night, hopefully today’s game is more entertaining.

 

[hank37w]

Imagine when the Roosters have both Toia and Farnworth in the centres, what a bloody dream!

What do they do with Billy Smith? I guess he will most likely be out injured. 🤣🤣🤣

I suppose if he is fit he moves out one spot to take Marky Mark's wing spot.

Gee Mark Nawaqanitawase is going to be a big loss for the NRL.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Newcastle today

Roosters Penrith GF

 

[Speed2burn]

Newcastle today

Roosters Penrith GF

Yeah I’ve got Newy aswell.

Wahs seem to be running on empty this past
month

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

Yeah I’ve got Newy aswell.

Wahs seem to be running on empty this past
month

Newcastle should shift the ball around abit today, expecting Ponga to lift then over the line

 

[Oscar Martinez]

been a boring final series so far. Best game so far was bunnies vs knights. Rooters and Panthers was ok, not memorable. Fighting the yawns last night, hopefully today’s game is more entertaining.

The standard of the game itself has dropped.
Last night's game was always going to be a mismatch.

 

[Oscar Martinez]

The Roosters benefited from losing to the Panthers. It gave them a confidence building training run against the Sharks. They'll take that momentum into next week and qualify for the GF.
Of course with the Origin standard team they field every week they should've gone through the season undefeated.
Lucky there's an imaginary salary cap hey.