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Message: [QUOTE="Big Pete, post: 2623421, member: 1899"] After a crazy round of footy, we finally have our Top 8 teams who will battle it out for the opportunity to declare that they're the best. The stakes are higher, the footy is a lot more focus and teams very rarely die wondering - welcome to Finals 2014. It all kicks off on Friday with Manly taking on Souths in a match that will see the victor advance to Week 3 of the finals. It's a fantastic prize at this stage of the season and I'm sure neither team will leave anything in the tank in this one. A lot has been made about the status of Manly, but they typically revel in these sort of conditions and still have plenty of class in Lyon, Foran, DCE & Watmough. For mine, this is Souths premiership to win and they really need to make a statement here after a fairly indifferent month of footy. The key for them will be starting each half strongly. If they give this Manly team a sniff, they'll take it but if they crush their spirits early, I can see Souths taking this game rather comfortably. [B]My Tip: Souths by 8. [/B] On Saturday we have the other Qualifying Final as the minor premiers the Sydney Roosters face off against the plucky Penrith Panthers in what should be an intriguing clash. A few weeks ago, I looked at the Penrith Panthers similarly to the Oakland A's in so much that they have a nice story but when it comes down to crunch time, they'll be found wanting. However, in recent weeks they've displayed some tremendous resolve and with the likes of Moylan, Segeyaro, Soward etc. all stepping up I can actually envision a bit of a boil-over in this game. In the end, I've gone the Roosters as I believe they have too much class around the field for Penrith to handle but I truly believe the Panthers will give them plenty to think about. [B]My Tip: Sydney by 4.[/B] We then travel up North to our first Elimination Final of the weekend as traditional rivals North Queensland host Brisbane in a game that has an eery sense of deja vu from 2012. On that night, the Cowboys handed Brisbane a reality check and outside of Hodges setting up a few tries from fullback, there wasn't a whole lot for Brisbane fans to cheer for. I believe the Broncos head into this game in better shape than on that occasion but still it's very difficult to see them being anything more than fodder for the Cowboys who will be heading into these finals to make a statement. I suspect it will be a close tense game but the Cowboys will be too strong across the 80 minutes and put Brisbane away in the second half. [B]My Tip: Cowboys by 14.[/B] Then on Sunday we have the second Elimination Final with Melbourne hosting Canterbury. I won't mince my words with this, Melbourne will win and win comfortably. The Bulldogs have done incredibly well to make it as far as they have - Des has well and truly gotten the most out of his squad but they're a spent force and the Origin period that was once so kind has proven a real hindrance on his men. The only question I have heading into this match is Storm by how many? If they can rack up a score, it may just give them the confidence to make a real impact in the finals. If they just squeak by or coast, I believe they'll be out in Week 2. [B]My Tip: Storm by 12. [/B] Of course one of the best parts of Finals Footy is the uncertainty and unpredictability of the occasion. Anything can happen - key injuries, 7 tackle sets, video referees pushing the wrong button - we've seen it all and hopefully we'll see plenty more this weekend. I hope all you join us as we digest all the games as they happen and even post updates on all the other competitions such as the NYC, ISC & NSW Cup...but mostly the former two. [/QUOTE]

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