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This is the moment that all NRL fans have been waiting for. With one of the most unpredictable seasons in quite some time it has finally come down to the last eight. What a season it has been. From the Cowboys stunning start at the beginning of the season to Parramatta only winning two matches under Brian Smith. Who would have thought that both the grand finalists from last years stunning Grand Final would not make the top eight, the Warriors losing four points because of a salary cap indiscretion, which mind you has stopped them just short of making it into the top eight, to Parramatta winning nine matches in a row under Jason Taylor and to Souths receiving the wooden spoon.

Coaches’ contracts were thrown into disarray with many being sacked at the start or during the season. Brian Smith leaving Parramatta mid season and assistant coach Jason Taylor taking over has become a blessing in disguise for the team, who’s second half of the season was a tremendous fight back. Michael Hagan and Brian Smith will swap teams at the end of the year and Taylor will go to Souths where Shaun McRae was recently sacked. The controversial sacking of Ricky Stuart is one that had fans and players up in arms. How a club could sack such a talented coach and the current Australian coach is unexplainable.

But tonight all of that will be put aside as we look to one of the most exciting finals series we have seen in recent times. You only have to look at the first qualifying final to realise that footy fans have some very exciting weeks ahead of them. The Knights and the Sea Eagles clash at Energy Australia Stadium; Newcastle for what will be a cracker of a match. It was only three weeks ago that Manly beat the Knights in Newcastle and that was without Ben Kennedy playing. Newcastle now have Andrew Johns back refreshed after his two week suspension.

For the second qualifying match we head up to Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane where the Broncos will go head to head with St George Illawarra. The Dragons are going for their fourth consecutive win over the Broncos but the Broncos have won 8 from 12 matches at home this season. With many teams learning that you can never count the Broncos out this is sure to be close one.

The third qualifying final will take us to Telstra Stadium; Sydney for what could be an upset in the making with the Bulldogs and the Canberra Raiders. The Bulldogs have all their big men back with Mason, Sonny Bill, Mark O’Meley and Andrew Ryan. Canberra will need to score some early points to keep up with the Dogs.

Finally we head down to Olympic Park, Melbourne to watch the minor premiers, the Melbourne Storm play the Parramatta Eels, This will be a big ask for the Eels, but they are coming into the match with no pressure and being the underdogs which they love. Melbourne has all the pressure on them with Greg Inglis, Brett White and Ben Cross in doubt. Parramatta has their captain Nathan Cayless back and Michael Vella. Tim Smith’s kicking game will be vital if Parramatta is going to upset the Melbourne Storm. These are four matches that no NRL fan should miss.
Tue 12/09/2006 Melissa Bessant 313 views

4 Comments about this article

  • Storm from here in.

    Posted by James Ashton Wed Sep 13, 2006 02:07am AEST
  • Dragons are specials.

    Posted by Peter Butler Thu Sep 14, 2006 05:59pm AEST
  • GO THOSE MIGHTY SEA EAGLES

    Posted by Louise Mckinnon Fri Sep 15, 2006 03:28am AEST
  • Dragons all the way..

    Posted by Stephen Canty Mon Sep 18, 2006 12:15am AEST

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