NRL Round 26 - Knights Vs Warriors - 2:00pm Sunday, 30th of August - Go Media Stadium

frankLauda said:
What do we think will be the mindset of the team going into this game? Must win, rest players, play to just get through the game unscathed? A hint from Hollbrooks presser is he said it would be good to get a home semi but he thinks the team can win away fine.
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We play Rabbits regardless (almost), so is an away game worse than a possible home game with a key injury or suspension?
Though based on the extra strapping and limps coming into the team the past few weeks maybe a two week breather might be good.
Then there is the whole match fitness thing after a two week hiatus.
I’d hate to be making the call.
 
frankLauda said:
What do we think will be the mindset of the team going into this game? Must win, rest players, play to just get through the game unscathed? A hint from Hollbrooks presser is he said it would be good to get a home semi but he thinks the team can win away fine.
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I think we need to be competitive, and try and iron out some areas of our game. You don't wanna go into finals being belted, regardless of the week's rest. I'd be focusing on trying to put together a good defensive effort regardless of the result, we know we can score points.
 
Grug said:
We play Rabbits regardless (almost), so is an away game worse than a possible home game with a key injury or suspension?
Though based on the extra strapping and limps coming into the team the past few weeks maybe a two week breather might be good.
Then there is the whole match fitness thing after a two week hiatus.
I’d hate to be making the call.
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Looking at their record this year they have 7 home wins and 7 away wins so they don’t exactly perform any better at home anyway.

A home final would be nice for fans but it’s definitely not vital. Would be nice next year if they really focused on making their home ground a fortress because at the moment they don’t really gain any advantage from it weirdly
 
I don’t get the talk of resting players etc, when we get a week’s rest anyway.

But if you’re in any doubt, look at the Raiders last year. Got cocky and ran out a NSW Cup team in the final round. Got absolutely flogged, and went out in the finals in straight sets. We’re nowhere near the level where we can just send out a b-team and know we’ll be at our best in the finals … we need all the momentum and continued development we can get!
 
Grug said:
We play Rabbits regardless (almost), so is an away game worse than a possible home game with a key injury or suspension?
Though based on the extra strapping and limps coming into the team the past few weeks maybe a two week breather might be good.
Then there is the whole match fitness thing after a two week hiatus.
I’d hate to be making the call.
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We are still on track to play the Cowboys at home. The deciding game will be Rd 27 Rabbits v Roosters. If Roosters rest a whole bunch of players and Souths win, they will come 6th. But if they lose, they'll finish 8th and Cowboys 7th (provided Cowboys win their next 2)
 
Just saw the time slot for this game. 12pm in Auckland. Hopefully it’s a dry track, this time slot will suit us more then them.

They definitely have us in the forwards but I think we have a better backline. Although Dom a loss. We will go in the same throw it around style play from our own half. Seeing this time slot gives me more confidence. If was a late or night game no chance.

I didn’t realise Jones was available. Toss up between Jones and Saulo for Frizz’s spot, maybe lean to Jones cause he has a late offload.
 
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Celticman98 said:
I wouldn't rest anyone for this. We literally have the bye the week after.
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I'd rest everyone if I could - but not really "rest" them - I'd have them doing a big training camp before the finals.
Finals are all that matter now - this game is just a chance to pick up injuries.
 
I'd rest Gags for another week.
A guy with his experience and proven effort in big games will be invaluable in the finals if we can get him fit.

I'd run DeCourcey on the right wing. He is a great mate of McEwen and had a great combination with Hunt in Ball and Flegg, and right wing is his best position IMO.

I might replace Manu with ESL if Manu has any niggles. He could be a match winner in finals if we have him fit and ready to fire.

Jones and Saulo both went well in reserve grade, but Jones went off HIA and didn't return. Anyway, I'd use them to save the young guys from getting beat up before finals.

Best needs a run for fitness, but I'd take him off early if possible. He's another proven big game performer we need for finals.

Graham to play big minutes to let Crossland have a light week.
 
Billy said:
I'd run DeCourcey on the right wing. He is a great mate of McEwen and had a great combination with Hunt in Ball and Flegg, and right wing is his best position IMO.
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Worth giving Nonu a shot?
Agree that ESL should have a run with first grade this week. Him and saulo. Maybe reduce or give Mooney a spell.
 
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