Roosters v Manly Predictions

[Johnny Tobin]

I reckon Manly are vulnerable on the flanks.

Their centres and wingers were all over the shop in defence v Melbourne. Their confidence is shot. If we direct plenty of traffic towards J'Moz and Toupo's side we are certainly going to rack up some points. Good thing is, that's Hutches side of the field. And i'd trust Hutch rather than Lam at creating these opportunities too. Hutch's kicking has been pinpoint of late.

Manly likewise will be pumping Keighran and Ikuvalu's side. I rate their ability to score points, but FMD they leak like a sieve. Teddy will have his hands full cleaning up after them. We are really lucky to have Teddy. It is tempting to think Copely might be a chance at sliding in for Iku to add experience and better defence, but I reckon Robbo is giving Iku the nod because for all his flaws, Iku has a habit of finding the tryline.

FMD I wish Manu was back......is there any form of protective headgear that goes around the whole face (except the mouth and two slits for the eyes) that we can get Manu into?

SST missing is a concern, but at least JWH is there. Not concerned with our pack, I think they'll do the job.

Verills will be very lucky to play IMO....broken nose on the opposition means he is fkd, even though there was nothing Verrils could have done to move out of the way of a falling body. Marschke is a good enough replacement, but i'd really prefer to start Lam at 9, Walker 7 and have Marschke coming off the bench. We've got to win this one - and I reckon it's worth the gamble of having Walker out there for as long as possible.

DCE has a habit of crabbing and trying to do too much at times. If we get Manly on the back foot and scoot ahead, this will bode well. DCE is a thinker, but he thinks too much and this is his downfall. He gets indecisive and goes down the tubes. He is a bit Pearce like, albeit with a better kicking game.

Turbo...well, we've just got to deal with him. Assume he'll get at least a try and probably set up two more. We'll need to score more than 20 to win this weekend.

But we'll do it.

As i've said all along, The Roosters will be in the Grand Final this year.

Roosters 24 - Manly 22

You can take that to the bank!

Keighran and Ikuvalu are on different sides. I also have real concerns about our three-quarter defence and it's even worse of Walker is out there.

We can win though. People have written us off most of the season and we are still around.

Go Easts!

[Tommy Smith]

My prediction is that the winner is in for a very, very tough time of it against a well rested and super determined Souffs outfit.

Of course I want us to win; but if our season comes to an end on Friday we'll at least be spared a loss to the Vermin who based on their performance vs Penrith look nailed on for a GF appearance.

[zac]

storm were able to hold turbo cos they had more than 60% of the ball. we're unlikely to have that possession advantage and therefore probably won't win by 28 pts but if we can defend well, which we should, and take our chances we'll give it a shot

[kakaruk]

Keighran and Ikuvalu are on different sides. I also have real concerns about our three-quarter defence and it's even worse of Walker is out there.

We can win though. People have written us off most of the season and we are still around.

Go Easts!

Yep, me too, you could put Dale back into the centers he is a specialist 3/4 very solid defender but what do you do with adam? with the injury to SST we need a goalkicker, Has he played hooker? This game could be won or lost by goal kicking. All the experts are raving on about turbo tom but we have a pretty good fullback ourselves our forward pack and possession will be the key Radley is the most important player on the field for us in this match he runs that pack Manly probably will win but it wont be by much we are in this with a big chance. Walker needs to play more minutes id bring him on after 20 then start the 2nd half with him nothing to lose now this will be his last game anyway if we lose.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Our performance against the Cold Ghosts was not semi final standard, certainly not our finals benchmark.

Basic handling errors and one on one misses in defence. That's a lack of focus/and or energy. Coach needs to manage that so we peak when we need to.

You can look at it two ways. Either we are done and dusted for the year, or we've just put our one 'bad' finals performance behind us. Being the optimist, I'm tipping the latter.

Not much between us and Manly even with the outs. Experience in the halves differential exists. We can make up for that if the younguns do their job, with great supports around them. We need Vic fit and ready, he's our point of difference.

I think you will see a good improvement in our game this week. And we need it, last weeks show won't win on Friday.

Easts by 8.

[The Corner Post]

We looked off the pace in our last game. I can only hope Robbo is timing his run (nows the time Robbo).
Our only chance is to get into a grind and match their forwards.
DCE will manage their possession, our halves have to do the same.
Then we need to stop Turbo. But hey, they also need to stop Teddy!

[Bansai Pipeline]

My prediction is we jag a win in extra time, completely knackering us for a 60 point annihilation by the old foe next week.

[dice]

Our forwards need a huge game if we are to be any chance. My gut feel is that backing up 6 days after a hot and draining game, and possibly missing SST and Verrills, our forwards won't be good enough. I obviously hope I am wrong.

[Dr. Voodoo Man]

It will be tough but not impossible. It ain't over till the fat lady sings. Don't give up Roosters.

[Paddo Colt 61]

[QUOTE=ROC181;
....My opinion about how to play Manly, get as many points as possible with Walker first on, then replace him with a defensive player that can do something with the ball as well. Not sure who.....

A reasonable suggestion given the size of the Manly pack. Egan B played a lot at 5/8 in his junior career. Vic is more valuable in the middle.

Manly's pack will hold their own. Walker will be a danger in that Manu like roving role, Foran won't be MIA two weeks in a row and they have a pair of excellent flankers. On the other hand the Chooks have been under the radar and have persisted in games despite floggings. Our best chance is the self belief that Robbo has conjured and the smarts that we see so often.

[Johnny Tobin]

My prediction is that the winner is in for a very, very tough time of it against a well rested and super determined Souffs outfit.

Of course I want us to win; but if our season comes to an end on Friday we'll at least be spared a loss to the Vermin who based on their performance vs Penrith look nailed on for a GF appearance.

Souffs sans Latrell are very much beatable.

[HDTONE]

We cut down the errors and total disrespect for possession and the the bloody thing evens out. But we carry on with the crap we put on against the tits and we get done over. Robbo can school them it this that and any other bloody thing but it comes down to focus man. Attention to them small things.

Maybe some of this young team had sudden death finals nerves. Thats out now fellas Friday you need to front up or this hard year's been for zip. Not many would've got where we got to.

JWH to have a massive game (again) but hoping Iku's not there and Lam comes off the bench.

[milanja]

I reckon Manly are vulnerable on the flanks.

Their centres and wingers were all over the shop in defence v Melbourne. Their confidence is shot. If we direct plenty of traffic towards J'Moz and Toupo's side we are certainly going to rack up some points. Good thing is, that's Hutches side of the field. And i'd trust Hutch rather than Lam at creating these opportunities too. Hutch's kicking has been pinpoint of late.

Manly likewise will be pumping Keighran and Ikuvalu's side. I rate their ability to score points, but FMD they leak like a sieve. Teddy will have his hands full cleaning up after them. We are really lucky to have Teddy. It is tempting to think Copely might be a chance at sliding in for Iku to add experience and better defence, but I reckon Robbo is giving Iku the nod because for all his flaws, Iku has a habit of finding the tryline.

FMD I wish Manu was back......is there any form of protective headgear that goes around the whole face (except the mouth and two slits for the eyes) that we can get Manu into?

SST missing is a concern, but at least JWH is there. Not concerned with our pack, I think they'll do the job.

Verills will be very lucky to play IMO....broken nose on the opposition means he is fkd, even though there was nothing Verrils could have done to move out of the way of a falling body. Marschke is a good enough replacement, but i'd really prefer to start Lam at 9, Walker 7 and have Marschke coming off the bench. We've got to win this one - and I reckon it's worth the gamble of having Walker out there for as long as possible.

DCE has a habit of crabbing and trying to do too much at times. If we get Manly on the back foot and scoot ahead, this will bode well. DCE is a thinker, but he thinks too much and this is his downfall. He gets indecisive and goes down the tubes. He is a bit Pearce like, albeit with a better kicking game.

Turbo...well, we've just got to deal with him. Assume he'll get at least a try and probably set up two more. We'll need to score more than 20 to win this weekend.

But we'll do it.

As i've said all along, The Roosters will be in the Grand Final this year.

Roosters 24 - Manly 22

You can take that to the bank!

[Johnny73]

Then there's this. "Ain't found a way to kill me yet."

On the game itself, the only way Tom Trbojevic is dangerous is if he's allowed to run. Do what Melbourne did, kick away from him and swamp him in low, hard tackles if he gets the ball. He's not some robot, he's not unbeatable and he sure as hell can't run without his legs.

[Bmw06i]

I made this comment a couple of weeks ago about Turbo when he was left to run free.

You can’t run without legs, one player needs to go low and stop him from running, then it’ll stop him.

Storm did it so well last week.