Preliminary Finals Preview
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2006. The last time the Broncos made the Grand Final
By Stephen Gallagher
FRIDAY: Brisbane Broncos V Sydney Roosters – Suncorp Stadium 22.05NZT
This match could easily be the final. Team 1 v 2. The Broncos looking for a Grand Final berth for the first time since 2006. The Roosters wanting to get a shot at the title for the second time in three years.
The Broncos for the first time in awhile are not a flashy side. Their roster is remarkable without being world-beaters. They have progressed throughout the year incredibly and will be up against it for this one.
The Roosters are just a force to be reckoned with. A team sheet of freaks and a side who no matter what will give it their all.
I find it truly hard to separate these two teams – but I am going to go with the Roosters.
After a loss in the first week of the finals – they bounced back emphatically last week – and will continue to build on that win. The Broncos will be rested and ready to go. The Roosters might be too fatigued to get it but I think that won’t be a problem.
Roosters 13+
SATURDAY: Melbourne Storm V North Queensland Cowboys – AAMI Park 21.50NZT
The Storm know how to deal with big games all too well. They’ve been there, done that, been stripped of premierships and then won one back.
The Cowboys have fallen at this hurdle before. The lucrative first premiership is 160 minutes away – can they get this victory under their belts first?
The Cowboys have worked too hard all season to let this slip. Melbourne will be banking on all their experience and know how to try beat this juggernaut of a team.
North Queensland Cowboys will get the job done – in and old school scrappy affair where a try or less will settle the result. Melbourne will most definitely not die trying – but their efforts will be quashed by the Cowboys who will get this win and move on to the big dance next week.
Cowboys 1-12
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