As a Newcastle fan I'm a little sad but far from surprised. Was on a plane for most of the game, but once Buderus knocked himself out I knew it was going to be a long night.

I was surprised by the Manly win as they were dead on their feet against the Central QLD Sharks last week.

It's the worst possible final outcome for the NRL, the drug taking, criminal underworld connected latte lovers against a team whose fans are deathly afraid of crossing the harbour. Both are teams that no-one who isn't a fan really cares about, or actively hates. At least if either the Knights or Souths made the final most people wouldve had a team to back, as one or the other seem to be everyone's second or third favourite team.

I'd wager a hefty sum that there will be a lot of grand final tickets on sale on eBay from Souths supporters that they will not be able to offload due to Manlys non travelling fans, and the roosters lack of fans at all.