The Football (all sorts) Thread

[Bartrim]

From their first set of six at the start of the season I said one thing about the Tigers. They had read all the hype about how they were the only serious contenders to St George and expected everyone to lay down for them while they went through the motions. The difference from this year to 2005 is that when they had a side down by 12-16 points in 05 they really put them to the sword. So many times this season I could see that the game was theirs then Farah or Marshall would kick a field goal and they would try to defend a 13 or 19 point lead. So where as I am dissapointed that they are eliminated I feel they deserve it and hopefully will wake up next year.

The ra-ra has been great. I know alot of people find it boring but some of the defence efforts have been amazing. I've never seen so many tackles turned into stationary mauls causing turnovers. Truly momentous effort. Also the minnows are going great. It's only the lack of fitness from not being professionals and a lack of big game experience is causing them to fall away at the end but there have been some close first halves.

In the NFL St Louis appear to be suffering a bit of an injury crisis very early in the season. I can only hope that this may lead to the unearthing of another superstar like Kurt Warner... but how often does that happen?

[i_amtrunks]

So, will Locky play, how badly will Matai and Watmough target him with their usual cheap shots, and how far will Hodges and Thiaday run from to 'protect' him?

Predictions people!

[Grievous]

Matai and Watmough will no doubt be hunting Lockyer...
But I'm guessing Brisbane will counter this by having either
Thaiday or Parker playing bodyguard...Gillett & T'eo will
also possibly assist in protecting Lockyer off the bench.

I'm hoping Manly are to distracted by trying to hurt Lockyer
and that will allow Peter Wallace and Andrew McCullough to
slice them to ribbons.

You can clearly tell I'm backing the Broncos...and I'm also
hoping the Warriors can upset the Storm.

Broncos vs. Warriors in the Grand Final!

[i_amtrunks]

Broncos vs. Warriors in the Grand Final!

Lowest rating GF since the introduction of the NRL!
Bondi would be celebrating though!

I'll barrack for anyone but Manly, I like all three of the other teams that have made it thorugh to the Prelims.

And I think the Tigers will have to let go of Lui, two incidents of the same nature at the same time of the year...

Too bad that they let Moltzen go, he is a better fullback than half, but he had good hands, which is a pre-requisite when you play alongside Benji..

[Bartrim]

And I think the Tigers will have to let go of Lui, two incidents of the same nature at the same time of the year...

When I first opened the fox sports news webpage I thought I had opened a cached copy from last year. Whether he is innocent or not I think he should be let go as two charges of the same incident (a horrible thing too) is just too much of a no no.

[Sharky]

So, will Locky play, how badly will Matai and Watmough target him with their usual cheap shots, and how far will Hodges and Thiaday run from to 'protect' him?

Predictions people!

Nope locky ruled himself out about an hour ago....... He may have played his last game

Lui

I wonder if the charges will be dropped again this time

[Grievous]

With Lockyer out...it will be interesting to see what Brisbane do...

Do they stick Gillett in the 6...or keep him on the bench and
use Ben Hunt...or even Corey Norman?

Most of the pressure now falls on Peter Wallace...but perhaps
Brisbane will counter this by starting Gillett and having him
play wide with Alex Glenn dropping to the bench.

Brisbane need to increase their attacking options to keep
Manly guessing.

The real wide card is Justin Hodges...who could decide the
fate of the game by simply being more involved. While I
personally don't like the guy...he has amazing skills and
needs to step up to another level if Brisbane are to have
a chance.

On another note...it would really suck if Lockyer has played
his last game...he deserves better than that.

[Bartrim]

On another note...it would really suck if Lockyer has played
his last game...he deserves better than that.

Agreed

[Oldschool78]

Is the Warriors game sold out? Headin over there tomorrow may be able to go along

[Prowl]

Feeling the love for Manly thats for sure. If Lockyer played he would be fair game as he ain't no koala.

A fitting ending for a great player by kicking the winning field goal to get your team to the preliminary final.

He can retire as a winner & that is far better than losing to the might of the Eagles on Friday.