iasbet.com.au – Rugby League Grand Final
Category: Rugby
The lead up to this year’s Rugby League Grand Final has provided more controversy than any match in the history of the competition.
In a war of words that has seen the two players suspended and a club slapped with the heftiest fine on record, the fuse is lit for an explosive encounter at ANZ Stadium.
Both sides will no doubt be even money going into Sunday nights clash although Manly may have a slight edge given that their recent form has been slightly more consistent than the Storm.
The Storm’s shock loss to the Warriors two weeks ago set them up for a tight encounter in Brisbane wish saw Cameron Smith suspended along with Jeremy Smith for a tackle that will go down in history as one of the most controversial tackles of all time.
Manly Coach Des Hasler has attributed Manly’s success to date to their toughness up forward and their consistent defense.
Manly carry the tag of sentimental favourite with old foes such as Parramatta and Western Sydney uniting in their apparent hatred for the team from down south.
It appears that the comments of Craig Bellamy and Brian Walßdron have brought the game into disrepute and united fans and players across Sydney.
Storm players and staff have been labeled irrational and ’bordering on hysterical’ over their reaction to Cameron Smith’s hearing which the labeled “a trial by media’.
Regardless, the Storm have a long list of super stars and game breakers that took them to a premiership last year and three successive minor premierships.
Manly are perhaps the most consistent, team oriented club in the competition and after a dismal performance in last year’s big game they will be looking to turn things around.
Melbourne will suffer from the disruptions to their preparation and manly will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last year.
Manly may just sneak away with a famous victory here and give Steve ‘Beaver’ Menzies a dream send-off.