Official Match Thread - Grand Final Edition - Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm

[NorfolkStreetKid]

I think we can win it if we can get on top of their forwards, and pressure their half... he will be shitting bricks. They can crack under pressure, especially their wingers. They have very inexperienced centres as well. Overall we have a much more talented and balanced team. If they didn't have Smith and Slater they wouldn't even be in the 8. How come Smith never gets really SMASHED ? I would love to see that.

I don't want Cronk to play. He cant be 100% and I don't want to be worried about him getting reinjured at any stage. I don't want it to be all about him, sure he has contributed this year, but no more than Keary or Teddy, or Latrell or Manu. It's about the team. I don't want Keary moved from 5/8 on the left. I think Aubs can play a simplified version of half, or Matto . Keary and Friend will be the general play kicking options, Latrell to kick for line.

It's all going to come down to our forwards, smashing them in defence, and hitting the line hard and getting quick play the balls in attack.

I reckon we can do this and I reckon playing Cronk will be a distraction we don't need. If he plays and gets injured again what happens then? Our heads drop and Melbourne lift ? It stuffs our bench rotation. The distraction his injury has caused all week may have been good for us, but only if our boys knew what was REALLY happening since

[roosterchook]

Great to have made it this far. Happy grand final day everyone. Go roosters!

[RoosterChick]

Grand Finals are won by defence. If we defend like we did last week, we will score tries to ice it off. Stay positive. I really doubt Cronk will play but we can get the job done without him. GO EASTS!

[Bondicigar]

How come Smith never gets really SMASHED ?



I always wonder that. he is afforded way to much respect. It's open season on halfbacks after they pass or kick but for some reason teams allow smith to stay on his feet. When someone does knock him on his arse he hates it and lashes out. I dont understand why this not a big part in teams game plans when facing storm qld and Australia .

[eddie]

How come Smith never gets really SMASHED ?

It's against the rules to touch a referee.

[Maxy Walker]

It's against the rules to touch a referee.

Lol good one eddie

[NorfolkStreetKid]

Whatever idiot decided to move the NRL GRAND FINAL game to a Sunday NIGHT should be kicked in the arse till his nose bleeds. Look at Melbourne, they didn't change to suit some media commitment. NRL GF should be Saturday. 3PM, the week after the Aussie rules GF. With the under 20s and reserve grade or women's league played directly before it. Like it used to be. Making people wait all weekend to watch the game is bloody stupid, it was great in the old days to have a beer before and after the game and still get home for dinner and to watch the replay. It's not a bloody rock concert, it's a game of footy.

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

Whatever idiot decided to move the NRL GRAND FINAL game to a Sunday NIGHT should be kicked in the arse till his nose bleeds. Look at Melbourne, they didn't change to suit some media commitment. NRL GF should be Saturday. 3PM, the week after the Aussie rules GF. With the under 20s and reserve grade or women's league played directly before it. Like it used to be. Making people wait all weekend to watch the game is bloody stupid, it was great in the old days to have a beer before and after the game and still get home for dinner and to watch the replay. It's not a bloody rock concert, it's a game of footy.

It's not that bad with it being a public holiday tomorrow

[Johnny Brass]

We have to do what we have done all year and that's build a victory off our great defence. Plenty of strike in Mitchell , Manu and Teddy to score some tries. Can't afford any silly handling errors.

[Lydon]

After a whole week of uncertainty over Cooper Cronk,trying to read between the lines am finally convinced he won’t be playing tonight..

My concern now is Ryan Matterson at 6,not sure if he can do the job but here’s hoping..

[Thirteen]

After a whole week of uncertainty over Cooper Cronk,trying to read between the lines am finally convinced he won’t be playing tonight..

My concern now is Ryan Matterson at 6,not sure if he can do the job but here’s hoping..

My concern is only one kicker and a part timer too. What happens if Keary gets injured? If Cooper isn’t playing and we win, Keary will be man of the match. I still believe Cooper will play because I don’t think that Robbo would go in with only one kicker.

[The Axe]

More worried if friend kicks in general play. Would love to unleash latrell if deep in our half. A beast

[Rocky Rhodes]

Totally 50/50 GF to me.....if Cronk plays as i'm expecting. If Cronk is out i'd say we are 40/60 to win. Either way we CAN win just don't know if we will win.

[Rocky Rhodes]

If Cronk is out Supercoach Rocky would have gone #6 Radley, #7 Keary.....u know u want it. Scare the crappa's out of Munster

For the Roosters JWH and Napa are the keys. Napastar needs to go apeshite and knock out C Smith or Bilby Slater. Napa for Churchill..

[Maxy Walker]

Freddy on the footy show reckoned Matterson will be 6. Cronk to be given right up until one hour before kickoff but not expected to play.

You know what this means folks. Friend to do lots of kicking.

God help us