Finals Fever - Week One

Welcome to Finals Fever, a new feature of League Unlimited.com where we take a look at the upcoming finals and the past meetings between this week's combatants.

Roosters v Storm
These two sides have met twice this season with each side managing one win apiece. The Storm prevailed in Melbourne back in Round 7 courtesy of a Cooper Cronk field-goal; while the Roosters were able to capitalise on Billy Slater's absence and several Melbourne players backing up from State of Origin to run out convincing 24-2 winners in Round 12.

The Roosters and Melbourne have met in finals football back in the Storm's inaugural season. Played at the old Olympic Park, the tri-colours ran out 26-12 winners, with club legend Brad Fittler scoring a try to seal the deal for the Eastern Suburbs club.

Both sides boast immense finals experience with Cameron Smith set to play his 26th match in September, while the Roosters boast nine players who starred in the 2013 decider against Manly.

Bulldogs v Dragons
Traditional rivals, these two sides have clashed twice in 2015 with each team coming away with two points. In Round 6, the Dragons displayed one of their best attacking performances of the year to run out 31-6 winners; while the Bulldogs were able to bounce back on the Queen's Birthday holiday, producing a fine win to come from behind before sealing the match 29-16.

While there are several finals played between Canterbury and St. George / Illawarra as separate entities, the two sides have met only once in the NRL era. Back in 2001, the seventh placed Dragons upset the Bulldogs courtesy of a Willie Peters field-goal to claim a 23-22 victory at the Sydney Showground.

The Bulldogs boast remarkable finals experience with 14 players featuring in at least one Grand Final, while the finals rookies in Curtis Rona, Damien Cook and Shaun Lane have all come up with big play throughout 2015. The Dragons have significantly less big-match experience; having missed the top eight for the past three seasons, a high turnover of players has resulted in the premiership force assembled by Wayne Bennett being stripped down to just three players. Only Jason Nightingale, Trent Merrin and Ben Creagh remain from the side that defeated the Roosters in the 2010 decider, while Gareth Widdop, Benji Marshall and Mike Cooper are the only other players to feature in premiership deciders.

Broncos v Cowboys
By far the most anticipated match-up north of the border since the Maroons landslide Game 3 win; Brisbane and North Queensland will be looking for bragging rights after sharing the wins during the regular season. The Broncos 44-22 demolition at Suncorp in Round 3 proved to be the catalyst for the Cowboys record-winning streak; while the Round 10 victory by the Cowboys in Townsville saw Paul Green's troops produce one of the best completion rates of the season.

These clubs have met three times previously in the finals with all clashes played in Townsville. Back in 2004, the Cowboys ended the career of Gorden Tallis with a 10-0 victory; in 2012, Petero Civoniceva experienced a similar fate after a hat-trick from Michael Morgan saw the Broncos on the wrong side of a 33-16 scoreline; while last year the Cowboys raced away early before a late Brisbane fight back resulted in a 32-20 fulltime margin.

The Broncos boast a unique mix of experienced finals campaigners headlined by Corey Parker (25), Justin Hodges (23), Darius Boyd (17) and Sam Thaiday (16); while the likes of Anthony Milford, Mitchell Dodds and Kodi Nikorima will all get their first tastes of September action on Saturday. For the Cowboys, a number of players will feature in their first final for the club. Lachlan Coote will play only his second NRL final after being apart of the Panthers unsuccessful 2010 premiership assault; Justin O'Neill will get the chance to show off his Premiership winning skills, after scoring for Melbourne in their 2012 Grand Final win over Canterbury; Ben Hannant will be looking to draw upon his experience in the front row after playing in 14 finals for Brisbane and Canterbury.

Sharks v Rabbitohs
By far the two clubs most-disappointed with their top eight standings, the Sharks and Rabbitohs will be looking to stay alive with a win on Sunday afternoon. Meeting only once in 2015, Cronulla managed to pull off an 18-10 win at Remondis Stadium in hurricane-like conditions where the field resembled a swimming pool by the end of 80 minutes.

This will be the first time these two sides meet in a NRL finals match, however they did contest the Auckland Nines Grand Final back in February. With Valentine Holmes nailing a sideline drop goal to force the game into extra time, the Rabbitohs managed to pull off an 18-14 win courtesy of a try to Matt King, who made a comeback from retirement in the two-day pre-season event.

Having won last year's Grand Final, the Rabbitohs would be expected to have all the big match experience to run out convincing winners, but the Sharks have their own fair share of veterans to steer them around the park. With six players fortunate to play in a premiership decider throughout their ranks, the Sharks will know they have the forward pack to trouble the Rabbitohs. However, much of he creative spark needed to conjure points for Cronulla will fall on the shoulders of finals rookies Valentine Holmes and Jack Bird. For the Rabbitohs, the return of Greg Inglis will help the side immensely as he and Glenn Stewart hold the distinction of being Clive Churchill Medalists - the highest honour for a finals player. With Inglis crossing for a double in the 2007 decider and Stewart leading the Sea Eagles to the 2011 Premiership; both players will provided immeasurable experience and leadership to the battle weary Rabbitohs.

WEEK ONE FINALS VERDICT

Roosters v Storm
Much will depend on whether James Maloney incurs a suspension after being charged for a trip during last Friday night's demolition of South Sydney. If the Premiership favourites are without their first choice halve pairing, you would have to fancy the Storm to progress straight to Week Three. However, I still fancy the Roosters to come away with a closely-fought win. ROOSTERS.

Bulldogs v Dragons
IF the Dragons can produce the defensive effort which saw them lead the competition after twelve rounds the they are capable of pulling off an unlikely win. The Bulldogs are managing to win matches despite plenty of adversity, after almost being humiliated by the Warriors on Sunday night, Des Hasler will have the Dogs ready to go on Saturday. BULLDOGS.

Broncos v Cowboys
Probably the hardest game to tip. The Broncos have been terrific all year and the return of Ben Hunt will sharpen their attack. The Cowboys should be boosted by the return of Michael Morgan, but will need to ensure they don't give up an early lead, or else they may find themselves in a similar position as last year's semi final loss to the Roosters. The class of Johnathan Thurston should see the Cowboys get the week off. COWBOYS.

Sharks v Rabbitohs
If Greg Inglis plays Souths will be a better side than the rabble that have taken the field over the past three weeks. After letting slip a golden opportunity to finish in the Top 4, Cronulla will be ready to avenge their Auckland Nines defeat. SHARKS.