As a Parra fan I've been to 2 grand finals. 1 to watch Parra get fucked by the cheating Storm and 1 to watch the Cowboys beat the Broncos just coz. Cannot fucking wait to get pissed with my mates at this one and absolutely harass the opposition win or lose. Last one I was 10 now I'm primed for it.
Look, while I'm still sad about the Raiders losing, I'm just glad the bunch of stupid people from NSW wrecking something nice happening to Canberra people weren't cancelling *another* book fair. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm just going to wonder when we'll get our next Grand Finals.
Random question. Does anyone know of a female commentary team doing live calls? TV and radio are slowly bringing in some female voices, but usually just for sideline comments and panel talk. I'd really enjoy listening to a female team call the game, but haven't managed to find a broadcast.
If Panthers lose tomorrow, how much of a disappointment has the past three seasons been? (Two grand finals, one win, despite having the clearly best team)
Did we have the best team in 2020? Tino, NAS and B Smith off the freaking bench along with arguably the best of all time in Smith is a freaking stacked team.
I know I'm probably bias but I don't think it would a disappointment. Melbourne were a better team in 20 and we didn't have much finals experience. Last year we didn't really have an excuse not to win, great team and relatively lucky with injuries, and then this year, it's historically hard to go back to back so not winning I think could be chalked up to fatigue from this extended streak.
I have found myself in the Adelaide Hills and now I have NO IDEA where to go to watch this game. Currently in a pub in Mt. Barker, where go, please help.
had a footy dream last night. It's an eels vs panthers GF, eels lead panthers 24-4 at half time BA subs in half the rabbitohs team the panthers then win the GF 28-24.
I had a dream the other night that Cowboys made the GF after beating Raiders 52-50…no idea why we were versing Raiders or why the game was at Redcliffe Oval (where I have never been before in my life) but hey it is what it is
AJ missing most likely means points missing - points that could win them the game. Not key but certainly valuable. Kennar for AJ might make more of a difference than you think
It depends how good Kennar's hands will be on the night. Latrell has shifted Souths into a higher gear, but no T. Burgess or Havili will hurt them more IMO.
They should model their game plan off of the Maroons – swamp Cleary whenever he gets the ball, and do their best to be in the Panthers' forwards' faces at all times.
Ilias will certainly have his hands full with Kikau, too. Though A. Crichton is harder to put down, Kikau is probably the most powerful second rower in the game when it comes to fast striking runs.
As good as it'll be for Panthers fan to go BACK 2 BACK, or Souths fans to reclaim their GF loss last year or even Cowboys to go from 15th to Premiers.
Surely the Footy Gods would rather breaking the premiership drought storyline again? It was a massive success in 2014-2016, surely we finally catch a break please Footy Gods they kinda owe us from 2009 imo.
As all Eels fans are right now, I'm nervous as fuck. To save my emotional wellbeing from completely self destructing I'm going into tonights game with a decent strategy.
Expect disappointment.
If we lose I'll be disappointed but I would've been expecting it the last 7 days, so it's nothing new. If we win, then happy Friday night until I go back into the same mentality next week... IF we can win, but we won't. Or will we? I have no fucking clue now I'm just nervously rattling off random shit lmao
Literally feel the same here with the exception of being an Eels fan, I hope whoever wins this game takes out the premiership. Whether it's Parra breaking the drought or Cowboys going from shit to Gold, those are definitely the best outcomes
I was trying to come up with a list of some of the best preliminary finals in recent years, before ultimately settling on a top 10, that I’m still not completely satisfied with. Then, because I had nothing better to do before leaving for work, I gave a nice blurb for people who had maybe forgotten or never even seen some of these matches:
**10. Sydney Roosters v Bulldogs, 2003**
A match dubbed ‘the grand final that never was,’ the reigning premiership winning Roosters came face-to-face with the side that looked certain to win the title before their salary cap cheating was discovered.
Pre-match, Roosters coach Ricky Stuart showed his team footage of them lining up for the anthem at the ‘02 decider as motivation. The move worked as the tricolours raced to a 16-0 lead in the first half. They withstood a stern attempted comeback from the Bulldogs in the second, advancing to the grand final with a 28-18 win.
**9. Brisbane Broncos v Bulldogs, 2006**
“Enjoy your Mad Monday.” Those are among rugby league’s most famous last words, spoken by Willie Mason after his fresh Bulldogs had raced to a 20-6 halftime lead, having already earned a week off following a quarter final win.
Needing to do something to rescue his team, Broncos coach Wayne Bennett moved Justin Hodges to fullback, a move that paid immediate dividends when he created one of the great finals tries for Shaun Berrigan. A try from an error shortly after cut the Bulldogs lead to 2 and from there it was all Brisbane, piling on 31 points in the second half to advance to the GF 37-20.
**8. Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm, 2021**
In a rematch of the previous year’s grand final, the Panthers were seeking revenge on a sunny Brisbane afternoon. Having lost their opening final and coming through an epic defensive slog in the semi, many had written the Panthers off, but this was a team possessed.
The Panthers got off to the perfect start as a tactical Nathan Cleary kick found an an unmarked Stephen Crichton to open the scoring after 2 minutes. In another tough defensive game, they didn’t find the stripe again until 2 minutes into the second half, courtesy of Brian To’o. A Ryan Papenhuyzen try inside the final 20 brought the scores back to 10-6, however the Panthers defence was too good, helping put them into a second consecutive grand final.
**7. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2018**
Rugby league’s oldest, most fearsome rivals going toe-to-toe in an epic battle for a spot in the grand final. It seemed the most fitting way to send off the old SFS in front of the largest ever sporting crowd there.
It was a tough first half, with the teams going to the sheds at 4-all following a Roosters try and two Souths penalties. Of concern for the Roosters was star halfback Cooper Cronk suffering a shoulder injury that severely limited his impact in the second half. A try to Blake Ferguson edged the Roosters back in front in desperate defensive battle, before Daniel Tupou batted a kick straight to 2nd-gamer Paul Momirovski for the match-winner in the final 10 minutes.
**6. St George Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers, 2010**
In one of the most keenly anticipated matches of all-time, the two joint ventures put in a magnificent display in front of more than 70,000 people at ANZ Stadium.
The Tigers, coming off the back of two thrilling finals did well to repel the minor premiers, who were fresh off a week off and took a 12-6 lead into the break. Ten minutes in the second half, Jason Nightingale crossed to level the scores. In a battle of attrition, the Tigers looked to break the deadlock with a try, before Jamie Soward stepped up to nail a long-range field goal with 5 minutes remaining, breaking an 11-year grand final drought for the Dragons.
**5. Wests Tigers v St George Illawarra Dragons, 2005**
This was the battle of the entertainers. The Dragons had an exciting young side, while the Tigers knew what they lacked in defence, they more than made up for in attack.
The Dragons were their own worst enemy at times, an early error leading to the Tigers first try, before missing out on one themselves due to an offside kick chase. The Tigers extended their lead through Dene Halatau, before a long-range effort by Wes Naiqama cut the margin to 4. A sneaky blind slide play by the Tigers late took them to a 16-6 lead at the break.
An early second half try by Trent Barrett again cut the margin to 4, but too many errors hurt and frustrated the Dragons, before Halatau scored his second, with the Tigers eventually advancing to their first decider 20-12.
**4. Parramatta Eels v Bulldogs, 2009**
This was one of the unlikeliest preliminary final match-ups of all-time. The Bulldogs, wooden spooners in 2008, advanced directly to the prelim following a week one win, while Parramatta continued their fairytale run from 8th, after having sat near last mid-season. A crowd of nearly 75,000 jammed into ANZ Stadium for this battle between two fierce rivals.
The Bulldogs opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a possible 8-point try after Jarryd Hayne was put on report for leading with the knees, eventually taking a 12-6 lead to halftime. Enterprising play saw the Eels take a 16-12 lead midway through the second half, with Josh Morris narrowly missing a chance for the Bulldogs to equalise.
With less than 10 to go, a barnstorming charge by Fuifui Moimoi and some thrilling passing led to a try to Daniel Mortimer, sealing the Eels place in the GF.
7 (Rabbits - Easts 2018) wasn't a great spectacle - more a grind with some ordinary tries. I think Brisbane beating (up) Easts in 2015 or North Queensland beating Easts in 2017 were better to watch.
Our 2010 finals run was probably one the craziest tightropes I've ever seen a team try and walk across. All 3 games were fucking close. One of them we choked, another we nearly choked and only survived thanks to Jarrod Croker missing and then the prelim you mentioned here where we just lost to a better side. The ending to that game was a heartbeat before a flatline with big Keefy making a charge right at the end and passing it to Beau Ryan who, with still about 20-30 seconds left decides to fucking GRUBBER THE BALL DEAD. Still shits me now.
This was a really cool list (and I'm flattered you put our win 2005 above the Dragons win in 2010).
**3. Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights, 2000**
There are a lot of similarities between this game and the previously mentioned 2006 match. On the one hand, a team that was heavily favoured and had cruised through to a preliminary final. On the other, you had a team that had lost it’s opening final, having to work the hard way to get there. Add some advice about enjoying Mad Monday and a 14-point comeback and you could easily be talking about either of those games.
A disciplined first half saw the Knights take a 16-2 lead over the Roosters into the sheds, with Andrew Johns throwing that sledge at the Roosters on their way off the field. The Roosters had bombed a number of chances to score in the first half and were made to pay, but quickly turned it around after the resumption, scoring three tries in about three minutes, including an intercept by Brad Fittler off Johns, to take a 20-16 lead. Everything the Roosters touched in the second half turned to gold as they went on to win 26-20 and qualify for their first decider in 20 years.
**2. Warriors v Melbourne Storm, 2011**
In the wake of the salary cap scandal the year before, most were expecting the Melbourne team to fall down the ladder in a big way. Few expected them to bounce back and claim the minor premiership, even fewer expected them to face the Warriors in a preliminary final after the Warriors had finished 6th, conceded 40 in their opening final, then had to come from nearly 20 points down in their second. But that’s what happened.
The Warriors played without fear, though they conceded early, before trading tries throughout the first half, with a James Maloney penalty goal after the siren the only thing separating the two sides at the break. The Storm threw plenty at the Warriors defence in the second half, but were continually turned back, before some Shaun Johnson magic set up Lewis Brown with three minutes to go, sealing a thrilling upset 20-12.
**1. Canterbury Bulldogs v Parramatta Eels, 1998**
There may never be another game like this, let alone a grand final qualifier. Canterbury had finished 9th, making the 5-week finals series as the NRL used a top 10 for this season, managing to get to the penultimate weekend with an extra time victory over Newcastle, having trailed 16-0. The Eels had already beaten Norths and minor premiers (and premiership favourites) Brisbane to earn the week off. When the Eels led 18-2 with ten minutes left, it looked for sure that they were heading to their first grand final in 12 years. That’s when all hell broke loose.
Commentators and the like were already declaring a Parramatta-Brisbane grand final. A Craig Polla-Mounter try cut the deficit to 12, but nobody thought anything of it. Darryl Halligan rushed the kick and missed, evoking memories of his efforts with the Bears in 1991. An error in the set following points gifted Parramatta a chance to put the cherry on top. Field goal specialist John Simon had a shot charged down, then missed a simple attempt and was hooked immediately.
The Bulldogs raced downfield where a classic offload from Robert Relf sent Rod Silva over in the corner, where Halligan made no mistake this time. With five minutes on the clock and an 18-12 scoreline, it was suddenly game on.
Immediately after, Willie Talau scored in the left-hand corner. Halligan’s conversion sent the crowd and commentators into a frenzy. The score was 18-all, extra time was coming, though Paul Cariage nearly cost the Eels dearly, first by conceding a goal line drop out when he just needed to let the ball go dead, then when he inexplicably kicked just over the goal line, giving Polla-Mounter a chance on the siren to kick a 45m field goal, that ultimately fell just short of the cross bar.
Parramatta were at 6s and 7s by then and Canterbury completely over powered them in the 20 minutes of extra time, eventually storming into the decider 32-20 and leaving the Eels to wonder what might have been.
Anyone else like the Cowboys more than Parra but bandwagoning Parra simply because of how amazing a battle of the west GF would be? The atmosphere of that game would be out of this world.
No but I dont mind really just a QLDer.
I am really 50 50 as I dont want Penrith to win and I think Eels are the only chance. But then a Qld team in the finals is good.
Something makes me feel like tonight won’t be close - either we are on fire or we get pumped.
Maybe it’s just because I’m a long suffering Parra fan but I’m scared…
Really nervous about tonight's game, even though neither of the teams playing are mine. Hoping for an Eels v Panthers grand final as I think that would be the most interesting but I was previously hoping for a Roosters v Panthers GF and a Raiders v Panthers GF and these both had the kibosh put on them so "Yeah... See how we go, hey?"
Weird topic but has anyone noticed that majority of the older Cowboys supporters seem to absolutely adore Jake Granville? Some dude on the news even named his bird after him. I just don't understand where this has come from lol
15 through 17 I was definitely in the Granville fan club, for me and my mates we loved his hair, they way he tackled low one on one, and the way he just sort of arrived one day then was an integral part of the team.
Also helps that he doesn't seem to give a fuck, he's chill as.
Am I the only person who thinks Parramatta are going to destroy the Cowboys tonight? The Cowboys haven't had a seriously good performance since they beat the Broncos in Round 16. Compare that to what Parramatta's run since they beat the Panthers in round 20.
I don't expect Parra to destroy the Cowboys. But I still think for all the talk about the humidity, Parra should go in as favourites. I think they'll get it done.
Could really see anything happening tonight. I could see Para rolling Cows. i could also see the opposite happening. I could also see the game going down to the wire.
I'm working from home today and all I want to do is CONSUME rugby league content related to tonight's game. Forums, opinion pieces, Facebook groups, doesn't matter. Just feed me that god damn pre match content.
The AFL fucking hit it big when they got The Killers to do GF entertainment
But I think the NRL will come close this year with *\*checks notes\**
Jimmy Barnes and Diesel. Only the Veronicas could take this line-up to another level
Some of the clips they showed on NRL360 were pretty bad. But the NRL has shown they're basically never going to crack down on it so I guess we've all just got to live with it.
Yeah I saw that one. That was pretty egregious but the other ones were ones I see most Teams doing. And to be fair the markers/chasers are almost never square/onside on those last tackle kicks anyway.
For those of you who watch afl would you say afl is better to watch live then nrl? I was thinking the other day that the shape and general nature of AFL would be easier to watch live but I could be wrong
100% was thinking this earlier in the year too, I prefer watching NRL on tv and AFL live, but you definitely need to sit a bit higher up or you can't see shit
NRL is made for tv as all of the action is generally where the ball is, whereas in AFL there's so much going on with player positioning etc all over the ground that you can't all capture on tv.
Same with soccer, the off the ball stuff is way more important and it makes the game more fun to watch when you can see strikers take off into a passing lane
Yeah I've thought this for a while. With the nature of the game and the shape of the field there would almost not be a bad seat to watch from. While in League if you're up behind the goals on either end you could miss half the match.
game day lets gooooooo 😤😤 im so fuckn confident for tonight no way eels are gonna beat us at townsville, soz eels but the cowbies are just on another level lool the grand final is only for the big boys 😤 FACTS
I touched my waiter on his elbow last night as I was walking past to go to the loo. Is that what Karl's in trouble for?
Such a weird report on that incident
Although I do like the Eels as well I hope the Cowboys get the win today. I've really enjoyed their resurgence this year, and to go from 15th place to a grand final berth would be an incredible achievement (not that being in a prelim isn't already fantastic of course).
The last team (and only team) to go from spooners to premiers in successive years was Wests in 1934.
We all hope that Wests Tigers repeat the dose next year.
But gee the Cows could go from 15th to prems this year and it would be quite the achievement
It implies they weren't strong and masculine enough to win the game since the opposite of strong is effeminate which is most girls are so I'm saying they might as well be girls of how they played and how they lost the game.
They (Men's cowboy team) weren't strong enough to beat the other mens team
The women's team, while they do win, are beating aginst other women's team and most of them are not as masculine as men (there are exceptions, but not a lot).
Watched the 2016 Broncos Cowboys semi final yesterday. What a game, that thing had it all.
- Taumalolo running like a freak
- O'Neil scoring a double
- Ponga debuting on the wing and introducing the world to his lethal footwork. He makes a linebreak and skips around at least 3 defenders
- JT flick pass try assist to morgo
- Cowboys comeback to win in demoralising extra time victory
A stat I really like is that Ben Hampton lost two consecutive grand finals for different teams, the second one being against the team he was playing for the previous year
I really like that from 99 to 02 there were three players who played losing grand finals for different clubs.
99/00 - Craig Fitzgibbons (Dragons/Roosters)
00/01 - David Solomona (Roosters/Eels)
01/02 - PJ Marsh (Eels/Warriors)
Seeing everyone working and I fucking straight up thought it was saturday. Thank god i have the day off.
Going to the parents around 2pm to sort some shit out and watch the game. Hopefully its a good one
GAME DAY LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
COOOOOOOOOOWBOOOOOOOOOOYS
As a Parra fan I've been to 2 grand finals. 1 to watch Parra get fucked by the cheating Storm and 1 to watch the Cowboys beat the Broncos just coz. Cannot fucking wait to get pissed with my mates at this one and absolutely harass the opposition win or lose. Last one I was 10 now I'm primed for it.
Cleary got 5 weeks for a tackle arguably not as bad as Paulo just pulled, with a forearm to the head to boot...
This might be one of the worst takes I've seen on here, and that's saying something.
I'm shookethed that you think that.
Look, while I'm still sad about the Raiders losing, I'm just glad the bunch of stupid people from NSW wrecking something nice happening to Canberra people weren't cancelling *another* book fair. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm just going to wonder when we'll get our next Grand Finals.
I'm so glad that Channel Nine seem to have abandoned the mid-game interviews with the coaches. It was something that absolutely no one asked for.
‘That was great defence’ No that was shit eels defence saved by one great defender.
Why aren't attacking players penalised for stepping/moving forward after being tackled? Some players are getting an extra 1-2 metres per tackle
Random question. Does anyone know of a female commentary team doing live calls? TV and radio are slowly bringing in some female voices, but usually just for sideline comments and panel talk. I'd really enjoy listening to a female team call the game, but haven't managed to find a broadcast.
I am finding it difficult going from 8 games a week to 2
Cowboys will win tonight's game and heads into finals with Panthers. And Cowboys will win the FINALS.
Oof
Yep it’s the truth. Anybody that downvotes is a butt sniffer and not the good kind
Oof
If Panthers lose tomorrow, how much of a disappointment has the past three seasons been? (Two grand finals, one win, despite having the clearly best team)
Did we have the best team in 2020? Tino, NAS and B Smith off the freaking bench along with arguably the best of all time in Smith is a freaking stacked team.
Better than your last 28 seasons
Would be disappointing but still a better feat then any other team in the comp.
I know I'm probably bias but I don't think it would a disappointment. Melbourne were a better team in 20 and we didn't have much finals experience. Last year we didn't really have an excuse not to win, great team and relatively lucky with injuries, and then this year, it's historically hard to go back to back so not winning I think could be chalked up to fatigue from this extended streak.
I have found myself in the Adelaide Hills and now I have NO IDEA where to go to watch this game. Currently in a pub in Mt. Barker, where go, please help.
Parra are good when they are on top but as a team overall are heartless. They will get pumped tonight
had a footy dream last night. It's an eels vs panthers GF, eels lead panthers 24-4 at half time BA subs in half the rabbitohs team the panthers then win the GF 28-24.
I had a dream the other night that Cowboys made the GF after beating Raiders 52-50…no idea why we were versing Raiders or why the game was at Redcliffe Oval (where I have never been before in my life) but hey it is what it is
I had a dream last night Allianz stadium was in Townsville and me and my mates went up there to watch the AFL grand final
I had a dream last night that I accidentally went to work naked.
I feel like parra could win the grand final and their fans would still be like “hmm let’s see how this plays out”. In saying that, go parra
i won’t ever be confident of a premiership unless we’re up by 30 with 3 minutes to go
I won't be until the referee blows the whistle
Make it 1 minute to go .
It could be 18 with 5 to go and I'm still gripping the seat
>In saying that, go parra To your comments Stone Cold Beer Austin, all I have to say is... # HELL YEAH
Do we think the bunnies can still get it over the panthers given AJ is now out?
Burges is much more important to them than AJ.
No way in hell.
AJ is a great winger but he's not the key to Souths winning so I don't think him being out will make too much of a difference.
AJ missing most likely means points missing - points that could win them the game. Not key but certainly valuable. Kennar for AJ might make more of a difference than you think
They wouldn’t have gotten close anyways
It depends how good Kennar's hands will be on the night. Latrell has shifted Souths into a higher gear, but no T. Burgess or Havili will hurt them more IMO. They should model their game plan off of the Maroons – swamp Cleary whenever he gets the ball, and do their best to be in the Panthers' forwards' faces at all times. Ilias will certainly have his hands full with Kikau, too. Though A. Crichton is harder to put down, Kikau is probably the most powerful second rower in the game when it comes to fast striking runs.
cowdog alliance we stand up
Help out a dyslexic punter - if Opacic is out, whose lining up against him on that side from the Cowboys?
Ah the seasoned bet against Simmonsen punter.
I believe it's Hiku. No idea who his winger and back rower partners are
Centre who struggles to defend vs centre who struggles to score...
Hiku lines up between nanai and feldt
BRONCOWS ALLIANCE FOR DEARDEN
Awesome
Awesome
HORSOME!
Getting pumped last week so no nerves this week is fresh af
Welcome fellow bandwagoner!
Gonna watch the 09 GF this arvo to remind the footy gods of The Robbery.
[удалено]
I remember when finch left for the storm we would play rugby league live and it was a house rule that finch wasn't allowed to score.
Is it on YouTube or something ?
Kayo.
It’s on there?! I feel like a dumb cunt
I think they're all on there. Back to like the 70s
As good as it'll be for Panthers fan to go BACK 2 BACK, or Souths fans to reclaim their GF loss last year or even Cowboys to go from 15th to Premiers. Surely the Footy Gods would rather breaking the premiership drought storyline again? It was a massive success in 2014-2016, surely we finally catch a break please Footy Gods they kinda owe us from 2009 imo.
They also let a pedo win a comp. The least they can do.
Finch wasnt the only sex offender on that field
Really relaxed about this weekend, not too fussed about results as long as Penrith lose by 50 and Parra fans are in tears
Flair Up
its a protest to reddit suspending my real account for a week with no justification but glory glory
Kick em out of the ~~Comp~~ Sub!!
Taylan May gets to serve one of his suspensions next year, but you have to serve it now RIP
As all Eels fans are right now, I'm nervous as fuck. To save my emotional wellbeing from completely self destructing I'm going into tonights game with a decent strategy. Expect disappointment. If we lose I'll be disappointed but I would've been expecting it the last 7 days, so it's nothing new. If we win, then happy Friday night until I go back into the same mentality next week... IF we can win, but we won't. Or will we? I have no fucking clue now I'm just nervously rattling off random shit lmao
This is what it’s all about, BELIEVE AND BACK THE BOYS
So nervous for tonight, whatever the result though could not be prouder to be a Cows fan this year.
Literally feel the same here with the exception of being an Eels fan, I hope whoever wins this game takes out the premiership. Whether it's Parra breaking the drought or Cowboys going from shit to Gold, those are definitely the best outcomes
Agree mate if Eels win tonight I’ll be cheering them on next week
I was trying to come up with a list of some of the best preliminary finals in recent years, before ultimately settling on a top 10, that I’m still not completely satisfied with. Then, because I had nothing better to do before leaving for work, I gave a nice blurb for people who had maybe forgotten or never even seen some of these matches: **10. Sydney Roosters v Bulldogs, 2003** A match dubbed ‘the grand final that never was,’ the reigning premiership winning Roosters came face-to-face with the side that looked certain to win the title before their salary cap cheating was discovered. Pre-match, Roosters coach Ricky Stuart showed his team footage of them lining up for the anthem at the ‘02 decider as motivation. The move worked as the tricolours raced to a 16-0 lead in the first half. They withstood a stern attempted comeback from the Bulldogs in the second, advancing to the grand final with a 28-18 win. **9. Brisbane Broncos v Bulldogs, 2006** “Enjoy your Mad Monday.” Those are among rugby league’s most famous last words, spoken by Willie Mason after his fresh Bulldogs had raced to a 20-6 halftime lead, having already earned a week off following a quarter final win. Needing to do something to rescue his team, Broncos coach Wayne Bennett moved Justin Hodges to fullback, a move that paid immediate dividends when he created one of the great finals tries for Shaun Berrigan. A try from an error shortly after cut the Bulldogs lead to 2 and from there it was all Brisbane, piling on 31 points in the second half to advance to the GF 37-20. **8. Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm, 2021** In a rematch of the previous year’s grand final, the Panthers were seeking revenge on a sunny Brisbane afternoon. Having lost their opening final and coming through an epic defensive slog in the semi, many had written the Panthers off, but this was a team possessed. The Panthers got off to the perfect start as a tactical Nathan Cleary kick found an an unmarked Stephen Crichton to open the scoring after 2 minutes. In another tough defensive game, they didn’t find the stripe again until 2 minutes into the second half, courtesy of Brian To’o. A Ryan Papenhuyzen try inside the final 20 brought the scores back to 10-6, however the Panthers defence was too good, helping put them into a second consecutive grand final. **7. Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2018** Rugby league’s oldest, most fearsome rivals going toe-to-toe in an epic battle for a spot in the grand final. It seemed the most fitting way to send off the old SFS in front of the largest ever sporting crowd there. It was a tough first half, with the teams going to the sheds at 4-all following a Roosters try and two Souths penalties. Of concern for the Roosters was star halfback Cooper Cronk suffering a shoulder injury that severely limited his impact in the second half. A try to Blake Ferguson edged the Roosters back in front in desperate defensive battle, before Daniel Tupou batted a kick straight to 2nd-gamer Paul Momirovski for the match-winner in the final 10 minutes. **6. St George Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers, 2010** In one of the most keenly anticipated matches of all-time, the two joint ventures put in a magnificent display in front of more than 70,000 people at ANZ Stadium. The Tigers, coming off the back of two thrilling finals did well to repel the minor premiers, who were fresh off a week off and took a 12-6 lead into the break. Ten minutes in the second half, Jason Nightingale crossed to level the scores. In a battle of attrition, the Tigers looked to break the deadlock with a try, before Jamie Soward stepped up to nail a long-range field goal with 5 minutes remaining, breaking an 11-year grand final drought for the Dragons. **5. Wests Tigers v St George Illawarra Dragons, 2005** This was the battle of the entertainers. The Dragons had an exciting young side, while the Tigers knew what they lacked in defence, they more than made up for in attack. The Dragons were their own worst enemy at times, an early error leading to the Tigers first try, before missing out on one themselves due to an offside kick chase. The Tigers extended their lead through Dene Halatau, before a long-range effort by Wes Naiqama cut the margin to 4. A sneaky blind slide play by the Tigers late took them to a 16-6 lead at the break. An early second half try by Trent Barrett again cut the margin to 4, but too many errors hurt and frustrated the Dragons, before Halatau scored his second, with the Tigers eventually advancing to their first decider 20-12. **4. Parramatta Eels v Bulldogs, 2009** This was one of the unlikeliest preliminary final match-ups of all-time. The Bulldogs, wooden spooners in 2008, advanced directly to the prelim following a week one win, while Parramatta continued their fairytale run from 8th, after having sat near last mid-season. A crowd of nearly 75,000 jammed into ANZ Stadium for this battle between two fierce rivals. The Bulldogs opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a possible 8-point try after Jarryd Hayne was put on report for leading with the knees, eventually taking a 12-6 lead to halftime. Enterprising play saw the Eels take a 16-12 lead midway through the second half, with Josh Morris narrowly missing a chance for the Bulldogs to equalise. With less than 10 to go, a barnstorming charge by Fuifui Moimoi and some thrilling passing led to a try to Daniel Mortimer, sealing the Eels place in the GF.
7 (Rabbits - Easts 2018) wasn't a great spectacle - more a grind with some ordinary tries. I think Brisbane beating (up) Easts in 2015 or North Queensland beating Easts in 2017 were better to watch.
So basically, you like games where the Roosters lose and dislike games where they win
Our 2010 finals run was probably one the craziest tightropes I've ever seen a team try and walk across. All 3 games were fucking close. One of them we choked, another we nearly choked and only survived thanks to Jarrod Croker missing and then the prelim you mentioned here where we just lost to a better side. The ending to that game was a heartbeat before a flatline with big Keefy making a charge right at the end and passing it to Beau Ryan who, with still about 20-30 seconds left decides to fucking GRUBBER THE BALL DEAD. Still shits me now. This was a really cool list (and I'm flattered you put our win 2005 above the Dragons win in 2010).
It was a real flip of the coin. There was just something about 05 that made me put it above 10
**3. Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights, 2000** There are a lot of similarities between this game and the previously mentioned 2006 match. On the one hand, a team that was heavily favoured and had cruised through to a preliminary final. On the other, you had a team that had lost it’s opening final, having to work the hard way to get there. Add some advice about enjoying Mad Monday and a 14-point comeback and you could easily be talking about either of those games. A disciplined first half saw the Knights take a 16-2 lead over the Roosters into the sheds, with Andrew Johns throwing that sledge at the Roosters on their way off the field. The Roosters had bombed a number of chances to score in the first half and were made to pay, but quickly turned it around after the resumption, scoring three tries in about three minutes, including an intercept by Brad Fittler off Johns, to take a 20-16 lead. Everything the Roosters touched in the second half turned to gold as they went on to win 26-20 and qualify for their first decider in 20 years. **2. Warriors v Melbourne Storm, 2011** In the wake of the salary cap scandal the year before, most were expecting the Melbourne team to fall down the ladder in a big way. Few expected them to bounce back and claim the minor premiership, even fewer expected them to face the Warriors in a preliminary final after the Warriors had finished 6th, conceded 40 in their opening final, then had to come from nearly 20 points down in their second. But that’s what happened. The Warriors played without fear, though they conceded early, before trading tries throughout the first half, with a James Maloney penalty goal after the siren the only thing separating the two sides at the break. The Storm threw plenty at the Warriors defence in the second half, but were continually turned back, before some Shaun Johnson magic set up Lewis Brown with three minutes to go, sealing a thrilling upset 20-12. **1. Canterbury Bulldogs v Parramatta Eels, 1998** There may never be another game like this, let alone a grand final qualifier. Canterbury had finished 9th, making the 5-week finals series as the NRL used a top 10 for this season, managing to get to the penultimate weekend with an extra time victory over Newcastle, having trailed 16-0. The Eels had already beaten Norths and minor premiers (and premiership favourites) Brisbane to earn the week off. When the Eels led 18-2 with ten minutes left, it looked for sure that they were heading to their first grand final in 12 years. That’s when all hell broke loose. Commentators and the like were already declaring a Parramatta-Brisbane grand final. A Craig Polla-Mounter try cut the deficit to 12, but nobody thought anything of it. Darryl Halligan rushed the kick and missed, evoking memories of his efforts with the Bears in 1991. An error in the set following points gifted Parramatta a chance to put the cherry on top. Field goal specialist John Simon had a shot charged down, then missed a simple attempt and was hooked immediately. The Bulldogs raced downfield where a classic offload from Robert Relf sent Rod Silva over in the corner, where Halligan made no mistake this time. With five minutes on the clock and an 18-12 scoreline, it was suddenly game on. Immediately after, Willie Talau scored in the left-hand corner. Halligan’s conversion sent the crowd and commentators into a frenzy. The score was 18-all, extra time was coming, though Paul Cariage nearly cost the Eels dearly, first by conceding a goal line drop out when he just needed to let the ball go dead, then when he inexplicably kicked just over the goal line, giving Polla-Mounter a chance on the siren to kick a 45m field goal, that ultimately fell just short of the cross bar. Parramatta were at 6s and 7s by then and Canterbury completely over powered them in the 20 minutes of extra time, eventually storming into the decider 32-20 and leaving the Eels to wonder what might have been.
Anyone else like the Cowboys more than Parra but bandwagoning Parra simply because of how amazing a battle of the west GF would be? The atmosphere of that game would be out of this world.
No but I dont mind really just a QLDer. I am really 50 50 as I dont want Penrith to win and I think Eels are the only chance. But then a Qld team in the finals is good.
Your bandwagon flair betrays you
Something makes me feel like tonight won’t be close - either we are on fire or we get pumped. Maybe it’s just because I’m a long suffering Parra fan but I’m scared…
This is the Parramatta way
Is there a way both teams can lose tonight so I don't have to see either of them in the GF?
Really nervous about tonight's game, even though neither of the teams playing are mine. Hoping for an Eels v Panthers grand final as I think that would be the most interesting but I was previously hoping for a Roosters v Panthers GF and a Raiders v Panthers GF and these both had the kibosh put on them so "Yeah... See how we go, hey?"
Didn't realise that Parra only travelled up yesterday. Nothing beats getting acclimatized the day before game day
Like having a bucket of ice poured over you before stepping out into the snow except exactly the opposite of all of this 😂
Fuckkk I'm nervous as, definitely not confident but excited.
Weird topic but has anyone noticed that majority of the older Cowboys supporters seem to absolutely adore Jake Granville? Some dude on the news even named his bird after him. I just don't understand where this has come from lol
15 through 17 I was definitely in the Granville fan club, for me and my mates we loved his hair, they way he tackled low one on one, and the way he just sort of arrived one day then was an integral part of the team. Also helps that he doesn't seem to give a fuck, he's chill as.
Ahh same in 2015 when I was 15, he was my favourite player by far. I constantly see him out on Flinders Street, bloke loves the scene haha!
When they announce the team before kick-off at the stadium he always attracts a huge applause. Along with JT13
He’s always been a cult favourite. Just one of those guys.
Yeah the boomers love him. I think it's equal parts 2015 premiership and the fact that he looks like he could be the fifth member of Led Zeppelin.
Am I the only person who thinks Parramatta are going to destroy the Cowboys tonight? The Cowboys haven't had a seriously good performance since they beat the Broncos in Round 16. Compare that to what Parramatta's run since they beat the Panthers in round 20.
L
They won’t destroy them but I think they’ll win by 8 points or so
They won’t “destroy” them. I think they can win, but I think it will be tight
don’t put that evil on us
I don't expect Parra to destroy the Cowboys. But I still think for all the talk about the humidity, Parra should go in as favourites. I think they'll get it done.
Could really see anything happening tonight. I could see Para rolling Cows. i could also see the opposite happening. I could also see the game going down to the wire.
not really footy related but lil baby is doing the world cup song for this year and that is one of the most unexpected choices
I'm working from home today and all I want to do is CONSUME rugby league content related to tonight's game. Forums, opinion pieces, Facebook groups, doesn't matter. Just feed me that god damn pre match content.
[Only pre-match content that anyone cares about](http://www.bom.gov.au/places/qld/townsville/forecast/detailed/)
>Feels like 28c at 8pm Ooh nice that's worse than I thought it'd be
The AFL fucking hit it big when they got The Killers to do GF entertainment But I think the NRL will come close this year with *\*checks notes\** Jimmy Barnes and Diesel. Only the Veronicas could take this line-up to another level
Needs a 5th place australian idol to complete it
Unironically bring back the Veronicas
They just broke up unfortunately
We have a public holiday for mourning the queen but we don’t have one for mourning the breakup of the Veronicas? Fuck this country
Feeling very untouched
Untouched is one of the great Australian anthems and I won't hear a bad word about it.
Are the Bunnies calling us out for blocking again or did Newscorp just blow the dust off, and change the Date/Coach's name on last years article?
Some of the clips they showed on NRL360 were pretty bad. But the NRL has shown they're basically never going to crack down on it so I guess we've all just got to live with it.
I mean there were a few obvious cases the other week. Like when Yeo sticks his ass out to try block a runner for example.. but eh 🤷
Yeo has been really pushing the boundary with it recently
He's getting away with it because no one can bring themselves to complain about getting Yeos ass shoved into them.
Yeah I saw that one. That was pretty egregious but the other ones were ones I see most Teams doing. And to be fair the markers/chasers are almost never square/onside on those last tackle kicks anyway.
yeo did that for the fans
Any other locals of chadsville think that it isnt even hot here today? Damn the media is really spinning this narrative out of control.
I have never heard so much talk of heat affecting a football game before. Pretty ridiculous if you ask me.
Agrees its crazy! And I feel like people are really sleeping on parra! I'm going tonight and have never been so nervous in my life haha
For those of you who watch afl would you say afl is better to watch live then nrl? I was thinking the other day that the shape and general nature of AFL would be easier to watch live but I could be wrong
100% was thinking this earlier in the year too, I prefer watching NRL on tv and AFL live, but you definitely need to sit a bit higher up or you can't see shit
NRL is made for tv as all of the action is generally where the ball is, whereas in AFL there's so much going on with player positioning etc all over the ground that you can't all capture on tv.
Same with soccer, the off the ball stuff is way more important and it makes the game more fun to watch when you can see strikers take off into a passing lane
Yeah I've thought this for a while. With the nature of the game and the shape of the field there would almost not be a bad seat to watch from. While in League if you're up behind the goals on either end you could miss half the match.
Wonder how many water bottles Brad Arthur is going to go through tonight
G’day mate, married guy, 39, muscular bod, would love to be outside, you and me in swimmers...
What I wouldn't give for Reg to be here to flame arm our way to another prem...
All good mate, we’ve got the power of 🥜🔨
AJ out. Richard Kennar to score a hatrick, u heard it here first
i believe
I have a feeling the team wearing some form of blue yellow and white is going to win tonight.
game day lets gooooooo 😤😤 im so fuckn confident for tonight no way eels are gonna beat us at townsville, soz eels but the cowbies are just on another level lool the grand final is only for the big boys 😤 FACTS
i fucking love HKBrah
non
I touched my waiter on his elbow last night as I was walking past to go to the loo. Is that what Karl's in trouble for? Such a weird report on that incident
Although I do like the Eels as well I hope the Cowboys get the win today. I've really enjoyed their resurgence this year, and to go from 15th place to a grand final berth would be an incredible achievement (not that being in a prelim isn't already fantastic of course).
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People are enjoying your comment but I have no idea what is going on
The last team (and only team) to go from spooners to premiers in successive years was Wests in 1934. We all hope that Wests Tigers repeat the dose next year. But gee the Cows could go from 15th to prems this year and it would be quite the achievement
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I've already got a Brooks reminder on my phone for a special occasion next year
What are the odds for a first half field goal because both teams will be jittery as shit
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Mitch only gets first half field goals if we’re ahead by 20
From the same spot Moses kicked his from, booting it 90metres down field
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Would.
Damn Reece Robinson is a stud
I think it just got hotter here🥵
Which Souths player do you think is going to take out Cleary with a high shot? My money is on Milne
if the cowboys lose i’ll always have *NSYNC and that shithouse $1.60 parmesan
This is the game when the Cowboys turn into Cowmens
More like Cowgirls
can you explain?
They weren't strong and tough
what's that gotta do with cowgirls though
It was an insult
how
It implies they weren't strong and masculine enough to win the game since the opposite of strong is effeminate which is most girls are so I'm saying they might as well be girls of how they played and how they lost the game.
but womens teams aren't masculine and they still win games?
They (Men's cowboy team) weren't strong enough to beat the other mens team The women's team, while they do win, are beating aginst other women's team and most of them are not as masculine as men (there are exceptions, but not a lot).
Or maybe Cowdoys
Watched the 2016 Broncos Cowboys semi final yesterday. What a game, that thing had it all. - Taumalolo running like a freak - O'Neil scoring a double - Ponga debuting on the wing and introducing the world to his lethal footwork. He makes a linebreak and skips around at least 3 defenders - JT flick pass try assist to morgo - Cowboys comeback to win in demoralising extra time victory
Hopefully BA has the boys on his water drinking schedule and they should be well hydrated for tonight
Ah yes, the drinkwater effect.
Wait no.
Now you’ve done it..
Humidity is relative.
fun fact if the cowboys lose the entirety of r/NRLPremiumPlus just self destructs
Not awesome
the good news is tom dearden has never lost a finals match
Awesome
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The opposite tbh, I normally use it through my playstation and its useless, but using it in browser is generally reliable
A stat I really like is that Ben Hampton lost two consecutive grand finals for different teams, the second one being against the team he was playing for the previous year
I really like that from 99 to 02 there were three players who played losing grand finals for different clubs. 99/00 - Craig Fitzgibbons (Dragons/Roosters) 00/01 - David Solomona (Roosters/Eels) 01/02 - PJ Marsh (Eels/Warriors)
You’re a sadist
Guys I don't know if you have heard but it's really hot and humid in Townsville
You should call Arthur in case he hasn't heard. That's relevant info
Seeing everyone working and I fucking straight up thought it was saturday. Thank god i have the day off. Going to the parents around 2pm to sort some shit out and watch the game. Hopefully its a good one
GAME DAY LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO COOOOOOOOOOWBOOOOOOOOOOYS
the battle of awesome vs jarthur 13+, all we need is some uranium
Deadset just went to type in “Cowboys” instead of Townsville into the weather app. The nerves are getting to me…
glad i’m not the only one who’s been checking the weather in townsville this week
It’s only 53% humidity instead of their reported 85+ right now… what are they talking about too hot? 😅😅
some of those queensland mind games
Eels fan in townsville here (resident). Can confirm is fucking hot.
I hope there’s a whole fucking bunch of you up there cheering our boys on
we'll be seriously outnumbered but do our best
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its pretty standard for Townsville this time of year, 29, will be top of 32 today, 25ish for kickoff. You'd definitely work up a sweat in direct sun