NRL TOP FINALS PICKS | Thebigtip

It’s finally here. The NRL finals have arrived and the eight sides still in contention for a premiership should all rightfully fancy their chances in a season that was one of the closest on record. Which teams will continue their march towards destiny?

GOLD COAST TITANS V NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

What a team the Titans have become. Since their inception in 2007, John Cartwright’s men have wasted little time becoming premiership contenders, securing a top four spot this season to coincide with last year’s third place finish. The key now will be to see whether the Titans have what it takes to win a finals match. In their maiden finals appearance last season, the Gold Coast lost both matches to the Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels that ended their premiership campaign on a sour note. The Titans will be desperate to perform well in front of a packed Skilled Park, which has become somewhat of a fortress for the Gold Coast. Their opponents, the New Zealand Warriors however will be no pushover. Ivan Cleary’s men are firing at the right time of the season and are playing a disciplined and physical brand of football. The Warriors away form this season has also been excellent, winning seven of their twelve games on the road.

Titans key man – Scott Prince

The Origin halfback is arguably the dominant no.7 heading into the finals. His kicking and passing game close to the try line is unmatched and if the forwards can lay him a platform, Prince will cause the Warriors defence all sorts of problems. Prince only trails Penrith halfback Luke Walsh in try-assists this season, setting up 24 four pointers. Add his ever reliable goal kicking and it’s easy to understand why a good performance from Prince will most likely see the Titans win the first finals match in their short history.

Warriors key man – Manu Vatuvei

The Jonah Lomu of rugby league, Vatuvei is the most destructive winger in the NRL and for good reason. Not only can he score tries at will, (he has already scored 19 in 18 matches this season), but his 110 kilo frame has constantly paved the way for the Warriors to start their sets in great field position. Vatuvei is essentially a forward with the speed of a backline player, and with those two traits mixed together, it is no secret why the Test player ranks as the most influential winger in the competition. If the Titans fail to back up Prince’s kicking game, Vatuvei will tear the Gold Coast defence apart.

Tip - Titans

WESTS TIGERS V SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Both the Tigers and Roosters have been a joy to watch this season when in form, and this clash should arguably been one of the most entertaining finals matches in years. The prospect of Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah coming up against Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce speaks volumes about the attacking quality which is set to be unleashed at the SFS. The Roosters beat the Tigers twice this season, including the 2nd round fixture which saw a total of 76 points scored between the teams. Tim Sheens’ men however have the better form heading into the playoffs, winning three of their past four matches, while the Roosters have only won two of their past four, including last week’s dire 18-8 win over the wooden spoon Cowboys. With both sides known for their risk taking, the team which keeps their error rate down in this clash will most likely walk away with the win.

Tigers key man – Benji Marshall

The last time Marshall played finals football, he steered the Tigers to a premiership victory and one thinks that he is a better player now than the one which captivated NRL fans all over back in 2005. When given space to move, Marshall is the most exciting player to watch in the competition, with his running, kicking and passing game all key attributes to his lethal bow. If the Roosters continue to play with ill-discipline, Marshall will tear Brian Smith’s men apart, just like he did in a memorable encounter back in 2009 at the SFS.

Roosters key man – Todd Carney

Carney is one of the players expected to severely challenge for the 2010 Dally M Medal. That speaks volumes about his performances in a season where he has helped the Roosters make the finals just twelve months after obtaining the wooden spoon. His combination with Mitchell Pearce gives the Roosters the most lethal halves pairing in the finals. Between them, both Carney and Pearce have set up 30 tries this season to coincide with Carney’s 15 four pointers and 81 goals. If the Roosters can stay patient with the football and keep their error rate down, Carney will come into his own and most likely steer the Roosters into the second week of the playoffs.

Tip – Roosters