It seemed like a solid plan when it was put it forward to the NRL weeks ago: instead of spending an afternoon on a bus or a plane mere hours before kick-off, teams would travel to whichever city was hosting a finals game in the morning, before spending a few hours in the afternoon resting up at a hotel.
Of course, the game won't be played in Melbourne, but in Brisbane — the Storm exiled themselves there in July, hours before Victoria pulled the gate closed on the bridge over the Murray River. They couldn't praise the NRL enough for the lengths they went to, to get the Queensland Government onside — but the approval never came.
"There are areas we've had to work on this week with the Storm, because of who they are. But the biggest area is ourselves," Stuart said. They've not scored as many tries or points as Melbourne, and they've conceded more as well. They don't make as many line breaks, and they aren't as effective from dummy half. They make more tackles per game, but they miss more, too. And the Storm do make more tackle busts.
"We've got the team to beat them, too, because you need to play a bit off the cuff. You need to have players, like Joey Tapine scoring that try last week, or John Bateman with the unpredictable stuff, because if you try and play predictable football going out wide, their defence is too good.
Lol
Don't agree!! Melbourne Storms competes for the entire 80 minutes. They are just as potent in 79th minute as they are in the 1st. I doubt any of the other three can compete for so long, and so hard. But they will all be close. Will not be surprised if a field goal wins it!!