2014 NRL Finals Week 2 Preview
It’s semi-finals time in the 2014 NRL Finals!
Week 2 of the 2014 NRL Finals kicks off on Friday night with the Sydney Roosters going up against a hungry North Queensland Cowboys. This isn't the game we expected to be previewing last week, but the Roosters will have to play again as they went down in a tough battle with the Penrith Panthers in the final seconds.
A lot has been said this week in regard to the speedy return of Rooster hooker Jake Friend. Will he or won’t he play? That seems to be a game-time decision. My money is on him playing.
After last week’s first half the Rooster will be looking to come out swinging, starting fast and hard and hitting the scoreboard early. After his one match suspension, Aiden Guerra returns to the side along with Sam Moa.
In the Queensland camp, things seem as usual, with only one change as Tariq Sims is out with yet another suspension. Glenn Hall will start as his replacement, and Ethan Lowe will start on the bench. Time and time again the Cowboys have failed to travel well. With the added pressure of an elimination final, can they rise up? I don't think so, the rooster should bounce back from last week’s loss.
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I doubt there was an NRL fan in the world that wasn't shocked by the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs victory over the Storm last week. But alas they won and now they'll have to face the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
For the Eagles, Anthony Watmough is suspended after lifting IG during a tackle. Captain Jamie Lyons, meanwhile, beat his charge and is available to play,
The only change for the Bulldogs is Pat O’Hanlon who broke his leg in last week’s game. Josh Reynolds was fantastic last week, returning to career-best form at just the right time of the season.
All in all Manly has been the stronger side. Most people were shocked that the Bulldogs even made the finals. But now we’re here, it’s becoming increasingly harder to ignore them. The Sea Eagles as a unit are struggling, and the Bulldogs are firing on all cylinders. It’s tough but I would have to say this one will fall in their favour.
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
