158 replies to this topic

[1976PMJwires]

Sofa anyway, only way I can catch some sleep because of giwildgo jnr.

Bless.


I don't miss them sleepless nights.

Enjoy Saturday.

[bewareshadows]

I think the Eastmond decision is a blessing in disguise. Don't get me wrong a fully fit eastmond would be one of the first names on the team sheet. But this Eastmond has been out for 3 months, playing only matches in that time and each time leaving the field after injury in the first half.

Even if he was healthy and unijured, it does not mean he is at the pace and fitness needed for a GF. And as his speed of foot is his main attribute it would be another gamble. I don't think in a GF you can do what Saints did in the semi and carry a player.

All 17 have to be able to contribute.

Lomax will perform just fine. For me the half backs are not the worry, it's the meli conundrum. Outstanding in attack, lethal in defense (lethal for Saints).

I'd play him at centre in defence every time. But the question is, do you play gardner outside him who is also dodgy at times under the high ball. (but much better when men run at him).

If I had to pick the team I'd gamble and say yes.

This would be my pick

1. Paul Wellens,
2. Ade Gardner, 5. Francis Meli,
30. Jamie Foster, 3. Matt Gidley,
24. Jonny Lomax, 34. Matty Smith.

15. Bryn Hargreaves, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 10. James Graham,
4. Sia Soliola, 11. Tony Puletua,
13. Chris Flannery,

12. Jon Wilkin, 14. James Roby, 17. Paul Clough, 18. Matty Ashurst,


Although dixon and emitt could replace ashurst if he's not match fit.

It gives us a very strong pack for the opening of the game, with some speed to come on from the bench. Clough will be fine to interchange with Hargreaves and I think after the opening, when wilkin or ashurst comes on. Puletua would move up to make a 4th prop.

You could start with puletua on the bench, but Potter has not favoured doing that. I think there is enough rotation in the pack to be able to move people about. Especially if we need to defend solidly.

[bewareshadows]

Also for an opening gambit, on Saints first set of 6 how about, 2nd tackle Graham runs the ball at Deacon, 3rd tackle Puletua runs ball at deacon, 4th tackle Soliola runs ball at deacon, 5th tackle a scoot from Cunningham at deacon.

Deacon looked like a weak link in the line during the Leeds match and I think a few big fella's taking it to him in the opening half will tired those old legs and either go through him or make his kicking for territory less effective.

Also we surely must take a leaf out of the Leeds tactics and when we are kicking from deep make sure Tomkins has to chase the ball on the ground not give him easy catches to run the ball back 20 meters.

I think Leeds had a good game plan but just lacked the ability on that day to take scores from their field position and possession.

[Simon Templar]

I think that if Saints are to win they have dominate in the forwards. With the pack we have I think we're well capable of doing so.
The first twenty mins are not going to be for the faint-hearted. I want to see Soliola and Puluetua maximise their time on the pitch. Both have been immense in the last few games and I can see Saints benefitting not just on Saturday but into next season too,from their second row partnership.

We can always rely on James Graham and Roby to play their usual solid games,and I'm sure KC will be looking to give us Saints fans one last performance to remember him for.

I'm not over confident about winning on Saturday, but the bookies making Wigan favourites means nothing. The Saints/Wigan Murrayfield CC Final is proof enough of that. We managed to mess up the 2nd GF v Leeds when Brent Webb was injured, which made us hot favourites in that one too IIRC.

As Saturday draws ever closer the old stomach is starting to tighten and tension is starting to build. From my seat up in the gods of the North Stand N440-something or other (I'm taking binoculars) I will be shouting for my team, whether anyone will hear me from up there is anyone's guess.

Saints v Wigan the biggest derby in RL in a Grand Final. Pryceless !!

[bewareshadows]

It may seam that I'm being a bit silly with the opening gambit. But I believe that you have to be able to do something different.

I think a short kickoff or an attempt to kick to touch, or even an immediate kick return are valid to try in the opening minutes. If you're going to play a grand final should you play percentages or try to push the play and take a few risks.

[steef]

It may seam that I'm being a bit silly with the opening gambit. But I believe that you have to be able to do something different.

I think a short kickoff or an attempt to kick to touch, or even an immediate kick return are valid to try in the opening minutes. If you're going to play a grand final should you play percentages or try to push the play and take a few risks.

I think it's all about knowing when to take the risks and when to play the percentages, personally i wouldn't want to see my team take any huge risks in the first few sets as if they don't come off (a short kick off for instance) your under preasure from the off. Hard along the ground for touch where the ball can make a mug of somone is a good option, I'm amazed teams don't try it more often.

[Tommy The C5t]

Going for St Helens to win this one, on the back of the Cunningham factor alone.

Now some may say it's ridiculous of myself to even suggest that Cunningham retiring from the game after a great playing career with St Helens is a big enough factor for St Helens to win the game.

But I just have a sneaking feeling that Mr Cunningham and St Helens will finish the season on a high come 19:45 on Saturday night.

Wigan are slight favourites with the bookies and after the season they've had, in winning the Floodlit 9's, finishing top and not to mention the clean sweep of awards at the Man Of Steel awards ceremony it's hard not to see why.

It's going to be a tough ask for St Helens to produce the goods (minus two of their main gamebreakers in Pryce and Eastmond) and stop a possible fourth consecutive Grand Final loss.

Wigan's defence last weekend at Headingley was a joy to watch, I've never seen anything as formiddable in all my years of watching the greatest game.

The way the scrambling defence closed those half gaps and shut out wave after wave of Leeds attacking play was fantastic and breathtaking.

One of the hardest Grand Finals to call IMO and the two Super League results don't give anything away.

I'll call a Wigan Warriors 18-22 St Helens result.

[Dave T]

I think the Eastmond decision is a blessing in disguise. Don't get me wrong a fully fit eastmond would be one of the first names on the team sheet. But this Eastmond has been out for 3 months, playing only matches in that time and each time leaving the field after injury in the first half.

Even if he was healthy and unijured, it does not mean he is at the pace and fitness needed for a GF. And as his speed of foot is his main attribute it would be another gamble. I don't think in a GF you can do what Saints did in the semi and carry a player.

Couldn't agree more. Whilst he is a great talent, sometimes you just have to write off these players and accept they are not playing and move on. If he was in there, there would be an issue as to how long he would last.

Wasn't it a couple of years ago when Long was brought back for the final after injury and he was way off it?

I also agree with your comments about taking the game to Wigan early on and trying some daring stuff, although that's how I like the game to be played anyway!

Both teams are capable of winning a wrestle, but also both are capable of blowing the other away. This could be a brilliant final.

[Chronicler of Chiswick]

Either way, I'm actually looking forward to a Grand Final for the first time in a while!

[hindle xiii]

Not yet sold out.

It isn't like either had a Cup final a few weeks ago, tight fisted Lancashire buggers!

[Riversiderontour]

Wigan by a pondfull

This Sts side going on about unbeaten in 8, played nowt

no stand off, no scrum half,

Wigan to stride right over the buggers by 30

[Old Frightful]

Not yet sold out.

It isn't like either had a Cup final a few weeks ago, tight fisted Lancashire buggers!

Please concentrate those derogatry comments here

[Old Frightful]

Wigan by a pondfull

This Sts side going on about unbeaten in 8, played nowt

no stand off, no scrum half,

Wigan to stride right over the buggers by 30

And this post to be quoted many times after the game if they don't.

[Riversiderontour]

And this post to be quoted many times after the game if they don't.

cmon I can be positive before hand!

right after we get our collective arses handed to us on a plate I may not be so chipper!

Edited by Riversiderontour, 01 October 2010 - 08:36 PM.

[Old Frightful]

cmon I can be positive before hand!

right after we get our collective arses handed to us on a plate I may not be so chipper!

If it helps, I'm sure you'll win.

Maybe...

[bewareshadows]

I think it's all about knowing when to take the risks and when to play the percentages, personally i wouldn't want to see my team take any huge risks in the first few sets as if they don't come off (a short kick off for instance) your under preasure from the off. Hard along the ground for touch where the ball can make a mug of somone is a good option, I'm amazed teams don't try it more often.

I understand the hesitation to put pressure on your own side at the start. But for me when it's 0 - 0 with 80 minutes to go you can take a bit of pressure. When you're 2 tries down and chasing the game, that when you're already under pressure and taking risks just looks like desparation. I'd much rather take a risk in their half than have to throw it about in our own.

Besides, makes it a little more interesting.

[Wendall]

On Engage SL website it says last few hundred tickets remain on sale.....

[1976PMJwires]

Well its final day.... nerves, excitement and can we / can't we!!!!


Best of luck to Wigan / Saints and enjoy your day.


Wish i was there, but we're not good enough.............. maybe one day


Best Wishes

Paul

[Cofi]

Well its final day.... nerves, excitement and can we / can't we!!!!


Best of luck to Wigan / Saints and enjoy your day.


Wish i was there, but we're not good enough.............. maybe one day


Best Wishes

Paul

I'd like to reiterate Paul's comments above. Best of luck to both sets of fans on the forum.

This game is the culmination of my first 'proper' season as a RL fan. Right from the first game (and my first game of RL ever) in Wrexham, I've enjoyed every single game I've watched - and I've watched every live game much to my wife's indignation. It's been a brilliant season. This truly is a wonderful game. I can't think of any other sport where I feel such an overwhelming sense of admiration for the athletes taking the field. To paraphrase Nobby: RL players belong to the Warrior Race!

Let the battle for the GF begin. I'm not going to offer a prediction because I think the script for this game has been written beforehand: KC - the Welsh International - will score the last try from a metre out and win the game for the Saints! Wigan need to tear up that script before they walk onto the pitch...

[saintsbird]

Woohoo...not only is it GF day its also DERBY DAY

Getting very excited / anxious now. Being picked up at 2.50.....bring it on

May the best team win.
Whatever happens given that before the start of the season I didnt expect much so to finish 2nd & be in the GF is massive. Well done boys

COME ON YOU SAINTS....lets do it for Keiron

Edited by saintsbird, 02 October 2010 - 07:56 AM.