@GNR4LIFE said:
The table is really interestingly poised atm. Its possible if Souths lose their last 2, they could finish out of the top 4\. And given they play the Dogs and Roosters to finish, they aren't certainties in either game. I still think the Storm will sneak into the 4 at the expense of the Panthers. I think the injury toll and tough last 3 weeks might just do the Panthers in. The Roosters could easily drop out of the 4 as well, given their tough last 3 weeks. And at the bottom of the 8, the Eels poor points diff has them relying on other results. Pressure is on the Warriors and Cowboys to keep winning. The Broncos can even sneak in if they win both of their last 2 games and the Eels lose one one of their last 2.
As for who wins it, my money would still be on Souths, but it doesn't come down to whose been the best team all yr, just a matter of who turns up when it counts. **I'd never count out Manly and Melbourne in big games.**
I'm gonna retract this statement, Manly look like shot ducks. A combination of injuries, and what I think are internal dramas going on are tearing their season apart. I'd be very surprised if they topple the Rabbitohs. As for the Storm, can't see them going beyond the pre-lim final. Don't think they quite have the strike power. As for the rest:
Dogs and Broncos are just making up the numbers.
Penrith have been gallant all season, tough as nails, but i think they'll fall by the wayside and be the team in the top 4 to bow out in straight sets.
Cowboys are playing really well. This is probably the best shot they've had of winning the comp. They aren't just there to make up the numbers like they have been in previous yrs. Hope they have better luck with refs calls this yr, as they've been knocked out the last 2 yrs due to disgusting ref blunders.
I think the only side who will stop Souths will be the Roosters, and possibly the Cowboys. I'm dreading the thought of Souths winning it, i'll take any of the other 7 teams over them.
My overall pick atm would have to be the Roosters. They've peaked at the right time and are looking the goods. Not too mention they have Penrith next week. Not that there are any easy games in the semis, but Penrith are the weakest side in the 4, and i do believe they're luck will run out. Not death riding them by any means, i'd love to see them win it, but its just not gonna happen. Too many injuries that will catch up with them.
So my tip would be the Roosters to beat either Souths or the Cowboys in the GF.