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They’re only 80 minutes away from another grand final, but I can’t get a read on the Melbourne Storm. It might sound ridiculous, but it’s impossible to figure out what’s happening with their attack.
Last week, I thought they’d beat the injury-hit Roosters by 20 or 30 points. They were lucky to beat them at all, and managed only 18 points with a miracle last-gasp try.
It’s clear something is not right with their attack, and if Jahrome Hughes doesn’t play against Penrith, I can see Melbourne having a score put on them. He just has to play if they are any chance.
What I will say is, like always, defence is the pillar of their game and the reason why Craig Bellamy’s sides can go so deep in a competition, even when they’re struggling on the other side of the ball.
Jahrome Hughes’ return can’t come quick enough for Melbourne.Credit: Getty
I suspect they’re still missing one world-class middle forward, and I would even ask whether Nelson Asofa-Solomona needs to play more minutes.
Having said that, I can’t see the Panthers being beaten on Friday night. I think it will become clear in the two preliminary finals why having a week off is so important.
There is always an injury hiccup at this time of year, and Nathan Cleary’s finger complaint came from left field. But I can’t see that stopping him with a fourth straight grand final on the line.
They won’t let up against the Storm and there will barely be a play where the Panthers have a settler. Their combinations have been entrenched for years. You can cut and print what I’ve been saying about them for a long time.
The match-up between Cleary and Cameron Munster might be worth the price of admission alone, nevertheless I’m expecting a low-scoring game. And it’s a game the Panthers will win.
Joey’s tip: Panthers by 14
First try-scorer: Brian To’o
Man of the match: Isaah Yeo
Wah factor wins over New Zealand
Everywhere I went in Auckland last week, all I heard was “Up the Wahs”. Whoever came up with the catchcry is onto a winner. They have an entire nation riding them in this year’s finals – and it’s brilliant to watch.
Going into last week’s match against the Knights, I thought whoever won would be cannon fodder for the Broncos. I’m not as confident now. The Warriors can be competitive, but it’s all going to come down to Shaun Johnson.
He’s the best example of a half perfecting his craft in his later years. The game hasn’t slowed down as he’s reached his 30s, he’s slowed down. His top-end speed has gone. So, what does he do? He finds another way to dominate the game using the years of experience and intelligence he’s built up.
How does he play the Broncos?
He’s got to find a way to unsettle them and that will be through changing the tempo of play all night. When the Warriors need to speed it up, he has to do it. When they have to slow it down, he has to do that, too. Kick the ball out if he needs to. Just do anything to take the Broncos out of their rhythm.
The more you frustrate them by upsetting the speed of the game, the better the Warriors’ chances of making their first grand final since 2011.
Regardless, they’ll have pretty much every supporter, whose team is not still standing, cheering them on.
But it’s not going to be an easy task against the Broncos, who look young, fit, fast, powerful, skilful and hungry. That’s a scary proposition.
Shaun Johnson holds the key for the Warriors.Credit: Getty
Adam Reynolds is the envy of any old halfback pulling the strings, behind a pack led by Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan and Tom Flegler. He knows what he has to do to get them home.
I think this match will have much more entertainment than Friday night’s clash, and there should be plenty of points. I just worry the Warriors might be vulnerable in the last 20 minutes.
Joey’s tip: Broncos by 10
First try-scorer: Selwyn Cobbo
Man of the match: Reece Walsh
It’s official: Refs are less involved
It’s clear in the past few weeks that referees have tried to stay out of the game. There have been limited penalties, the games have flowed and it’s great to watch for fans.
With more ball in play and less set starts, teams need to attack without as much structure, more ball movement and offloads.
Every team has a general formula for plays one to four, when there are lots of stoppages, and then they set up for the last two attacking plays. But currently, there is more pressure on the halves and the kicking game is so important.
I think this style really helps the Panthers and Broncos, and if the referees stay with that approach, they’re near certainties to face off in the grand final.
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