We are passed the halfway mark for Season 2009 and just like the past 2 years we are exceptionally well placed to make a charge toward the top of the ladder.
However, unlike last year we have the troops available to make this years start into something we WANT to remember. Because, let's face it, the end of last year (and the year before that...) really hurt. It was a fadeout of biblical proportions.
The end of season fadeouts are not a myth. They are not a 'bogey' (how overused is that term getting this year?!?). But with any luck, and any amount of good management they have been learned from.
And so with 11 games remaining our finals destiny is right where we want it - in our own hands. We don't have to worry about other results - all we have to worry about is winning our fair share of games.
Here is what we have left:
Rd 16: Warriors (H)
Rd 17: Raiders (A)
Rd 18: Eels (H)
Rd 19: Dogs (A - Suncorp)
Rd 20: Broncos (H)
Rd 21: Cowboys (H) **How good will these 3 weeks be all in our backyard**
Rd 22: Warriors (A)
Rd 23: Rabbits (A)
Rd 24: Sharks (H)
Rd 25: Tigers (H)
Rd 26: Manly (A)
I don't want to fall into the trap of predicting which games we will win and lose becuase they are all winnable if we turn up with the right attitude and a fit squad. But I want to make a few points:
- We need 4 wins to make the historical finals cut off of 30 points.
- We have home games remaining against 4 teams in the bottom 8 - (In order) Warriors, Parramatta, Sharks, Tigers. While being respectful to our opposition have to expect to win those games.
- We have 3 games at Titans graveyards - (In order) Bruce Stadium, Mt Smart, ANZ. I would love to see us win one of these.
- We have 3 other home games against top 8 teams - (In order) Dogs, Brisbane, Cowboys. I see no reason why we can't win all of these and reckon that they are the key to our season.
We have a lot to be excited about. I reckon we are poised to make a real charge at it. I will be interested to hear what others think but I am looking at a top 4 finish now. Anything less than top 6 will be a failure. Anything less than top 8 will be a DISASTER!!