NRL Preliminary Final 1
September 22nd 2006 07:32
Category: No Category
Brisbane Broncos Vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
The first NRL Preliminary Final for 2006 has proven to be the much more anticipated out of the two finals, with the two biggest forward packs in the competition clashing heads at Homebush tonight. In a match that will be decided up front, two juggernaught front rows: Petero Civoniciva and Shane Webcke for the Broncos, and Mark O'Meley and Nate Myles for the Bulldogs, will fight it out for physical dominance of the ruck. The Bulldogs were boosted on thursday with news that sidelined stars Reni Maitua and Roy Asotasi would be fit for the Grand Final qualifier, following confirmation from club doctors. Meanwhile, Brisbane continues to enjoy an injury free run with all players looking 100% match fit, adding to the confidence of a team who's stars are firing. Although this game will be won in the forwards, expect the teams' chief playmakers to make a solid contribution. Darren Lockyer and Brent Sherwin will surely implement a long kicking strategy, kicking early in the tackle count at the earlier stages of the match, so as to tire out the opposition forwards. Accurate touch finders will be essential in order to win field position in a low scoring affair where only quality points will be scored.
Key Player's
Darren Lockyer: Playing a more relaxed brand of football has shown the world why Darren Lockyer is regarded as the worlds best player. Surrounded by such gifted support staff as Shane Perry, Justin Hodges, and Karmichael Hunt, has allowed the champion five-eighth to play the running style of football which made him such a devastating fullback. Expect some more of the marksman-like kicking he has displayed in the past month, along with a fluid, yet restrained running game.
Justin Hodges: Arguably the Broncos' most devastating attacking strike weapon, Hodges has been instrumental in Brisbane's tital charge. Hodges' deceptive speed, footwork, and his ability to slice open opposition defences, earnt him enough respect and faith from coach Wayne Bennett to fill in at fullback whilst injured team mate Karmichael Hunt watched from the sidelines. So good was Hodges in fact, that since returning from injury, the incumbent test fullback (Hunt) has found it hard to reclaim his coveted number 1 jumper. Hodges is expected to line up once again in his favoured centre spot, where he plays his most damaging football.
Shaun Berrigan: The ultimate utility, a coaches dream. Having shrugged off the utility tag after having made himself a comfortable home in the centres, Wayne Bennett once again called upon the services of his Jack of all trades, Berrigan, to dawn the cursed number 9 jumper of the Brisbane Broncos. The fourth hooker that the Broncos have used this year due to injury troubles, Berrigan has been a revelation from dummy half. Whether its a darting run from the play of the ball, or a perfectly timed tackle out of the defensive line, Shaun Berrigan has proven his weight in green and gold; this Renaissance Man of our game is surely the number 1 contender for a utility role on the Kangaroo bench. Expect nothing short of a perfect performance on Friday night from this true professional.
Brent Sherwin: Showing the rare form that saw this halfback win a Grand Final in 2004, Brent Sherwin is showing the rugby league world why he was once regarded as understudy to the great Andrew Johns. Regarded as the best exponent of the 40/20 kick, Sherwin displayed in Week 1 of the finals against the Raiders in wet conditions, his ability to turn the tide of a match with his boot. If Sherwin can alter tonights clash to his tempo with some deft touch-finders, Canterbury's attacking arsenal should be strong enough to do the rest.
Mark O'Meley: The model of the ideal prop! Shrek leads from the front and by example, giving guidance and cofidence to his younger colleagues. Not a one dimensional prop, this robust front-rower posesses a dangerous offload as well as running game. He is for all intents and purposes, the rock that holds the Bulldogs' forward pack together; if he falls off the wagon, the team will follow.
Andrew Ryan: As much a key man in the Bulldogs outfit for his leadership qualities than for his attacking prowess, Andrew Ryan relishes the big game opportunities. Renowoned as being a player who wears his heart on his sleeve, the world was exposed to the kandid emotion with which Ryan plays during this years City Vs Country game, where Country upset city in front of Ryan's home crowd of Dubbo. This country boy is the heart and soul of the Doggies; his boys will follow as long as he leads.
The Result
In a low-scoring nail biter, unfortunately for Bulldogs fans, the Broncos will prove too strong. With Maitua and Asotasi still not 100% match fit and out of touch with in-game experience, the Broncos look fresher and fitter; the reason Wayne Bennett is grinning from ear to ear. My tip: Broncos to win by 1-12 points with a combined in-game score of 30-40 points.
The first NRL Preliminary Final for 2006 has proven to be the much more anticipated out of the two finals, with the two biggest forward packs in the competition clashing heads at Homebush tonight. In a match that will be decided up front, two juggernaught front rows: Petero Civoniciva and Shane Webcke for the Broncos, and Mark O'Meley and Nate Myles for the Bulldogs, will fight it out for physical dominance of the ruck. The Bulldogs were boosted on thursday with news that sidelined stars Reni Maitua and Roy Asotasi would be fit for the Grand Final qualifier, following confirmation from club doctors. Meanwhile, Brisbane continues to enjoy an injury free run with all players looking 100% match fit, adding to the confidence of a team who's stars are firing. Although this game will be won in the forwards, expect the teams' chief playmakers to make a solid contribution. Darren Lockyer and Brent Sherwin will surely implement a long kicking strategy, kicking early in the tackle count at the earlier stages of the match, so as to tire out the opposition forwards. Accurate touch finders will be essential in order to win field position in a low scoring affair where only quality points will be scored.
Key Player's
Darren Lockyer: Playing a more relaxed brand of football has shown the world why Darren Lockyer is regarded as the worlds best player. Surrounded by such gifted support staff as Shane Perry, Justin Hodges, and Karmichael Hunt, has allowed the champion five-eighth to play the running style of football which made him such a devastating fullback. Expect some more of the marksman-like kicking he has displayed in the past month, along with a fluid, yet restrained running game.
Justin Hodges: Arguably the Broncos' most devastating attacking strike weapon, Hodges has been instrumental in Brisbane's tital charge. Hodges' deceptive speed, footwork, and his ability to slice open opposition defences, earnt him enough respect and faith from coach Wayne Bennett to fill in at fullback whilst injured team mate Karmichael Hunt watched from the sidelines. So good was Hodges in fact, that since returning from injury, the incumbent test fullback (Hunt) has found it hard to reclaim his coveted number 1 jumper. Hodges is expected to line up once again in his favoured centre spot, where he plays his most damaging football.
Shaun Berrigan: The ultimate utility, a coaches dream. Having shrugged off the utility tag after having made himself a comfortable home in the centres, Wayne Bennett once again called upon the services of his Jack of all trades, Berrigan, to dawn the cursed number 9 jumper of the Brisbane Broncos. The fourth hooker that the Broncos have used this year due to injury troubles, Berrigan has been a revelation from dummy half. Whether its a darting run from the play of the ball, or a perfectly timed tackle out of the defensive line, Shaun Berrigan has proven his weight in green and gold; this Renaissance Man of our game is surely the number 1 contender for a utility role on the Kangaroo bench. Expect nothing short of a perfect performance on Friday night from this true professional.
Brent Sherwin: Showing the rare form that saw this halfback win a Grand Final in 2004, Brent Sherwin is showing the rugby league world why he was once regarded as understudy to the great Andrew Johns. Regarded as the best exponent of the 40/20 kick, Sherwin displayed in Week 1 of the finals against the Raiders in wet conditions, his ability to turn the tide of a match with his boot. If Sherwin can alter tonights clash to his tempo with some deft touch-finders, Canterbury's attacking arsenal should be strong enough to do the rest.
Mark O'Meley: The model of the ideal prop! Shrek leads from the front and by example, giving guidance and cofidence to his younger colleagues. Not a one dimensional prop, this robust front-rower posesses a dangerous offload as well as running game. He is for all intents and purposes, the rock that holds the Bulldogs' forward pack together; if he falls off the wagon, the team will follow.
Andrew Ryan: As much a key man in the Bulldogs outfit for his leadership qualities than for his attacking prowess, Andrew Ryan relishes the big game opportunities. Renowoned as being a player who wears his heart on his sleeve, the world was exposed to the kandid emotion with which Ryan plays during this years City Vs Country game, where Country upset city in front of Ryan's home crowd of Dubbo. This country boy is the heart and soul of the Doggies; his boys will follow as long as he leads.
The Result
In a low-scoring nail biter, unfortunately for Bulldogs fans, the Broncos will prove too strong. With Maitua and Asotasi still not 100% match fit and out of touch with in-game experience, the Broncos look fresher and fitter; the reason Wayne Bennett is grinning from ear to ear. My tip: Broncos to win by 1-12 points with a combined in-game score of 30-40 points.
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