Finals Week 1: Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane Broncos

[HodgoBerro]

its one tooth

its the broncos problem till 31 Oct

he signed a 4 year deal not 5 with hull

its a risky move for berrigan as his face could possibly cave in if the cheekbone breaks again

maybe i was doing something right after the raiders game by kissing him on that cheek.....lol

[jenny]

Broncos' Hodges a concern, Berrigan out

September 4, 2007 - 5:47PM

Brisbane's hopes of using Shaun Berrigan as a shock weapon for Sunday's showdown with Melbourne have been dashed while an injury cloud still hangs over classy attacker Justin Hodges.

Berrigan, whose specialist warned him against playing after major facial surgery a month ago, actually trained with the squad but concluded the risk turning out in the must-win qualifying final were too great.

"I saw the specialist this morning and he advised me against playing," said Berrigan who suffered multiple facial fractures in round 20 against the Sharks.

"If the boys get through I'll play the following week.

"It was a pretty bad break and I'm happy I'm still a chance to play next week.

"I've got my fingers crossed the boys play well.

"That would be six weeks and the specialist said if anything happened then it would be just bad luck."

Hodges, who has again been named at fullback despite being in the centres last weekend against Parramatta, is confident of playing despite question marks over his quad cork.

Both camps have played down the possibility of a fiery clash but the history between the two clubs since Brisbane upset Melbourne in last year's grand final says otherwise.

Storm skipper Craig Smith says his players will not get drawn into any niggling games after being "sucked in" by Brisbane last month.

Brisbane forward Brad Thorn played a straight bat to suggestions Melbourne disliked the Broncos and would be hellbent on embarrassing them again on Sunday.

"When you have two teams who compete fiercely like that there's a lot of respect and you want to get stuck into each other," said Thorn, one of five Broncos departing at the season's end.

"We're looking forward to the challenge and they will be too.

"It's the first week of the finals for us and we want to stay alive.

"They will want to win so they can build momentum into the finals.

"There's a lot of stake for both sides."

Thorn said Brisbane had to move on from last weekend's heavy loss to the Eels.

"It was a pretty disappointing day," said Thorn of the 46 point thrashing.

"After 20 minutes we were looking very strong, then they came back and then we came back early in the second half."

Unfortunately for Brisbane the flood gates opened soon after and they were buried under 13 tries.

"It seemed like they were doing chip kicks and cut-out passes at their feet, said Thorn.

"Everything was coming off for them and nothing was working for us.

"It was just one of those days.

"I've been playing for a fair few years now and I've been done over like that before but there's also been good days as well.

"We're going to push past it and give this weekend our best shot.

"At the least on Sunday , you want to walk away knowing you've given your all."

"We're going down there to win."

Thorn, who'll play his 200th NRL game on the same weekend coach Wayne Bennett celebrates his 500th NRL game, said the players had enough motivation without using milestones or farewells to drive them.

"We don't carry on too much about the emotional stuff," said the dual international.

"You can get caught up in it.

"I prefer to concentrate on the footy and playing for each other."

? 2007 AAP

[jenny]

Storm wary of Lockyer-less Broncos

September 4, 2007 - 5:12PM

With recent first-hand experience, Melbourne have dismissed talk that Brisbane can't win the NRL grand final without their skipper Darren Lockyer.

The minor premiers will host eighth-placed and reigning champions Brisbane in week one of the NRL finals on Sunday at Olympic Park in a re-match of last year's grand final.

While many have discounted the Broncos' chances this year without Test five-eighth Lockyer, who is out for the season with a knee injury, Storm fullback Billy Slater says they remain a danger team.

And with good reason after a vastly under-strength Brisbane put Melbourne to the sword at the same venue just last month, before the Storm escaped with a 14-6 victory.

"Obviously minus Darren Lockyer is a bit of a blow for them but they've had a lot of time to get their combinations together and play without him," Slater said.

"They stuck it to us down here a couple of weeks ago and we only just beat them by a try, I think.

"We're definitely not going to be taking them lightly, they've got a good mental attitude, they're always up for big games.

"They've done it all before, they've got some good players in their side and we can't be taking anyone lightly now, it's a new season now.

"It doesn't matter how many games you've won during the year, it's not going to matter come Sunday."

Slater joined coach Craig Bellamy and skipper Cameron Smith in talking up the Storm's improved mental fortitude following last year's grand final capitulation.

He put it down to the experience of playing in that decider.

"We're more experienced this year.

"Last year that was the first time pretty much anyone apart from Matty Geyer had played in a grand final.

"We're a lot more experienced side this year so hopefully when we're put under pressure, and we will be against the Broncos, we'll come through."

Slater said there would be no added motivation for his side to eliminate Brisbane as revenge for last year's defeat.

"We haven't got rid of them yet, try telling them that they're gone.

"We've just got to focus on what we can do, if we start thinking about knocking them out of the finals, that's when they're going to come and bite you."

Coach Bellamy agreed and said his side didn't need any extra incentive to win its first title since 1999.

"Twelve months ago is twelve months ago and I can't remember what happened two days ago let alone last year," Bellamy said.

"All I'm worried about is where we're at at the moment, last year is done and dusted, we can't change it and no-one else can either so we'll just worry about this year and we'll just take it a week at a time.

"We've got a game against the Broncos here and we'll prepare the best we can and hopefully we'll perform to the best of our ability."

? 2007 AAP

[Super Cronk]

Just reading that there is only 7,500 tickets left, looks like a sell out!.

[HodgoBerro]

yeah i was looking at going on sun but not many seats left n its def berro isnt playing so thought its best to look forward to the UK

[Kelvinator]

its one tooth

its the broncos problem till 31 Oct

he signed a 4 year deal not 5 with hull

its a risky move for berrigan as his face could possibly cave in if the cheekbone breaks again

maybe i was doing something right after the raiders game by kissing him on that cheek.....lol

One tooth left?? Or one tooth gone??

[PROMETHEUS]

One tooth left?? Or one tooth gone??

If its one tooth left he should go to Newcastle..would fit in with the Cessnock crowd!

[HodgoBerro]

If its one tooth left he should go to Newcastle..would fit in with the Cessnock crowd!

no wonder berro put egg sandwiches and jelly down as his favourite foods!

seriously hes only missing 1 tooth i dont know why you men are having a hissy fit about it. us women dont mind

[jenny]

Geyer happy to start off bench

By Steve Mascord

September 05, 2007 12:00am

MELBOURNE veteran Matt Geyer was keeping his chin up last night after failing to win back a starting spot for the finals.

While South Sydney's David Peachey comes to grips with his career ending in Premier League, coach Craig Bellamy said 32-year-old Geyer would almost certainly survive the chop when he trims his five-man bench for Sunday's fourth qualifying final against Brisbane.

Geyer missed last Sunday's win over Gold Coast with a rib injury. Steve Turner and Anthony Quinn have been picked ahead of him.

"You can't let egos get in the way - you've got to go with what's best for the team," Geyer said. "(Competition) has been good for the team all year.

"It's probably only Cam (Smith), the halves and the centres who have not really had to compete for their positions this season."

Bellamy said Geyer had been named on the bench because "he's more versatile than the other two".

Brisbane named the same starting side as the one picked before Sunday's Parramatta debacle.

Whether Justin Hodges is again switched to the centres remains to be seen. Nick Kenny replaces David Taylor (thumb) on the bench.

Manly have a triple boost for Saturday's third qualifying final against unchanged South Sydney with Chris Hicks (calf), Luke Williamson (back) and Steve Menzies (groin) all named.

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes brought Mark O'Meley (quadriceps) back for Saturday's second qualifying final against North Queensland.

With Sonny Bill Williams to be suspended, Willie Mason goes to the second-row in a reshuffled pack. Lee Te Maari replaces Fred Briggs on the bench.

The Warriors recalled Ruben Wiki (ribs) for Friday's first qualifying final against unaltered Parramatta. Patrick Ah Van fills in for Manu Vatuvei (knee).
Telegraph

[Super Cronk]

Im not a fan of having a winger or centre on the bench, sure geyer is "versatile" (Still not that great of a 5/8) But it seems sort of pointless. But Bellamy is teh coach of the year, im not....so what do i know

[HodgoBerro]

Craig Frawley is expected to return this Sunday from a hamstring strain pending a fitness test on thursday

Source - The Courier Mail

[jenny]

Storm like 'climbing Everest': Lockyer

September 5, 2007 - 3:55PM

Scaling rugby league's dizzy heights is nothing new to Brisbane skipper Darren Lockyer - a new display he unveiled at the Broncos Leagues Club proves it.

But even the inspirational Brisbane leader sounded daunted by the challenge that lay ahead for his team, comparing a depleted Brisbane taking on Melbourne in Sunday's NRL qualifying final to "climbing Mount Everest".

After happily unveiling a new "Triple Crown" display at the leagues club that chronicled his 2006 NRL, State of Origin and Tri Nations successes as captain, Lockyer was in a more sombre mood as he assessed the Broncos' finals chances.

Brisbane have been written off as $5.50 outsiders for the NRL grand final re-match at Olympic Park after Shaun Berrigan's bold bid to return from facial fractures failed.

He joined the likes of Lockyer (knee), Karmichael Hunt (hamstring), Brent Tate (knee), David Stagg (shoulder) and David Taylor (thumb) on the Broncos injured list.

Add the fact that Brisbane are still reeling from last Sunday's 68-22 loss to the Eels and no wonder few rate them against runaway minor premiers Melbourne, who have been gagging for vengeance since their loss in the 2006 decider.

Lockyer held on to a flicker of hope, saying Brisbane's brave 14-6 loss at Olympic Park four weeks ago showed they could stay alive in the NRL finals at a venue dubbed "The Graveyard".

"We had pretty much everyone on the park last year (when they won the 2006 title) and with the finals coming around this year we are missing a lot of quality players so this weekend is like climbing Mount Everest," Lockyer said.

"But the performance we had down there four weeks ago will give them a bit of confidence."

Lockyer was the first to admit that the Broncos dropped their heads against the Eels last weekend but did not expect a repeat performance in their must-win finals clash.

"Last weekend was the first time in a long time when the result didn't mean too much so I guess mentally the guys switched off," he said.

"But this week they know there is no second chance.

"You never say never. The guys have always had that spirit where they never give in.

"Last weekend was probably a different kettle of fish but this week they will be doing everything they can to get the victory."

Lockyer said the 2006 grand final result ensured Melbourne would not be taking the depleted Broncos lightly on Sunday.

Quite simply, the game will be personal for the brewing Storm according to Lockyer.

"What's driving them this year is last year's loss in the grand final," he said.

"They won't be taking us easy.

"But, for the Broncos, last weekend's performance will give us motivation to want to prove a point - that last week (against the Eels) was a one off."

Lockyer could afford to smile when reflecting on his 2006 heroics while looking up at the Triple Crown display personally commissioned by the player and on loan indefinitely to the leagues club.

It features the jerseys he wore in the NRL grand final, Origin decider and Tri Nations final.

"The whole year was all about proving a point," Lockyer said.

"But there hasn't been much luck for me this year as opposed to last season."

? 2007 AAP

[PROMETHEUS]

Go Broncos!:woot:

[Dragons]

What do you do when a horse has a broken leg?















Shoot it

Go Storm

[Super Cronk]

Go Broncos!:woot:

Awesome, your going for the Broncos....i was scared that you would bring bad luck to the Storm if you went for them.