Re: The big juicy Grand final thread : Sun Oct 02, 2011 8:30 pm  

Mugwump wrote:

The only thing that worries me is our pivotal players' lack of experience in big games. McGuire, Burrow, Peacock etc. all have extensive winning experience in Grand Finals. And that counts for a lot. Lomax, Gaskell, Foster & the rest are exceptional talents - but this is where they'll need to show their stones because the pressure will be phenomenal.

If Royce sticks with the same team as Saturday, then Gaskell, Makinson, LMS and Wheeler (on the bench) will be the only players not to have experienced Old Trafford (or its equivalent). Lomax and Foster both played in last year's GF. Granted, Lomax didn't have halfback responsibility but he's had pretty much a full season's experience there now. Gaskell strikes me as fairly level headed (or at least good at covering up his nerves!). Both have now had one very vital 'big match' experience - Saturday. They just have to cope with a much bigger stage and the only way they will learn how to do that, is by doing it. I'm sure all the more experienced players will lend their support, just as they have been doing all season. And I'm sure our smaller number than Leeds travelling fans will do likewise.

Re: The big juicy Grand final thread : Sun Oct 02, 2011 8:32 pm  

Saint Simon wrote:

I'm quite confident,

I think we have a 50/50 chance.

Re: The big juicy Grand final thread : Sun Oct 02, 2011 8:32 pm  

TheOtherOne wrote:

How does everyone think it will go down on Saturday then?

Personally I think Leeds experience of winning the big game recently will give them the edge. Webb, sinfield, McGuire and burrow will see them through again

Having already run the course previously makes it easy for them to relax and play their best rugby

I'd put Webb under pressure all night. If he has one if them nights then we have to cash in on it.

Jamie peacock is a machine, every year I think he's finished then he just pulls a top class performance out the bag.

Maguire looks to be back to his old self taking the line on but fir me Danny buderus was the best player on the pitch against the wolves.

It's vital we dont let Leeds offload, there offload game can kill any team.

Re: The big juicy Grand final thread : Sun Oct 02, 2011 8:50 pm  

I think we have the advantage in the forwards and Roby playing 80 is a big bonus for us to.We have to muscle up early and lay a good platform,im assuming that it will be the same halfback pairing again so Gaskel can play a pivotal role with his kicking and hopefully pin Leeds back rather like they did to us a few years ago.

As St.Pete says put Webb undre pressure he has been prone to mistakes this year.Defend like we did the 2 playoff games V Wigan and scramble like mad if they breach our line.

A lot could be down to the ref as well,if they let the game flow and dont pull Leeds for forward passes then it could be a problem.

It will be a close game i think but im looking forward to it and think we have the superior pack but as mentioned they have the more experienced halves.

Re: The big juicy Grand final thread : Mon Oct 03, 2011 9:31 am  

Saints and Leeds are both big game teams and therefore anything could happen at OT on Saturday

I think if we defend like we did on Saturday (apart from the lazyness round the ruck for O'Carroll's try) then Leeds will find it very difficult to break us down, but we cant let the occasion get to us either. We have players such as Wellens, Roby, Graham, Wilkin that have all been to OT and won, but we also have a lot that have only experienced defeat which could work against us.

The added bonus this year from our point of view is Royce has a settled side and cant see him upsetting it (unless injury strikes) unlike Potter who liked to get us there with one side and then drop players/pick players out of position when it came to GF night. Dont think it will be a big score but think if we play to our best we have a very good chance of coming out on top

Re: The big juicy Grand final thread : Mon Oct 03, 2011 9:50 am  

And there is the difference.......the coach!

Without knocking McDermott (although I was earlier in the season), it could very well come down to how well the teams are prepared for the game. And in that respect, Simmons takes it IMO - a fantastic coach. Hope I'm wrong though of course. You guys have every reason to be confident, some fantastic young 'uns coming through. That said, our blend of experience & youth seems to be working well, we're looking stronger by the week

Just looking forward to a great game

Re: The big juicy Grand final thread : Mon Oct 03, 2011 11:15 am  

I'd put Saints as favourites as I think they've been slightly more impressive in recent weeks. It should be tight, but I wouldn't rule out a high score as both teams like to throw the ball around.

Whatever Saints fans worries are about inexperience in the halves, just remember how badly Leon Pryce has let you down in the GF's against Leeds.

This is the final I wanted just on account of arrogant Wire and Goon fans thinking they were already there weeks ago. Wolves fans are trying to put a positive spin on not making the final, but the reality is that to not make the final after such a superb season is just terrible.

Re: The big juicy Grand final thread : Mon Oct 03, 2011 1:06 pm  

I can't really call it but I'm just happy to be there! Win or lose I just hope we put in a great effort and a great game, with the supporters putting on a great atmosphere, which hasn't really happened at grand finals lately!
Happy with the two teams that got to the final, I used to hate Leeds but that hate just isn't there anymore after putting up with Wire and Wigan fans all season. It's just a good job we didn't all pack up and go home when they told us to
Hoping for a fantastic occassion and hope we can finally get something to show for our tremendous run of getting to grand finals. The motivation should be simple, if Leeds win they match us on Super League titles (IIRC) at 5 a piece, we win and we go 2 clear!
COYS!

Re: The big juicy Grand final thread : Mon Oct 03, 2011 3:23 pm  

Like many im just grateful to be going. After losing to Harlequins and the injury situation if you wouldve given me 3rd place a CC semi and a GF at the end of march i wouldve laughed at you.

Think TP has come back at the right time and having cloughy and TP available has been vital in the play offs so far

[Frosties.]

Re: The big juicy Grand final thread : Mon Oct 03, 2011 5:28 pm  

I think for the first time ever, after the seasons we have both had, and both coaches have been written off, its great to see us both at Old Trafford. Were both winners so to speak in that matter, and its going to come down to a simple mistake imo. End of the day, for the first time, im just really happy to be there and proud of the team beating their doubters.