If you aren’t a huge Rugby League fan or are new to the game, here are ten reasons to watch tomorrow’s 2011 NRL Grand Final.
1) It’s New Zealand versus Australia. Everyone loves this sporting rivalry. Cricket, rugby union, netball, soccer – Kiwis love to beat their Aussie counterparts and vice versa. If the Warriors win tomorrow, they will be the first team from outside the Lucky Country to win Australian rugby league’s club competition.
2) It’s just like this year’s AFL grand final. A lot of people seem to hate Collingwood because they have a history of success, have won lots of premierships and have been accused of poaching the best players from other sides. Manly can claim all of the above and more. Even Sydney folk are divided on whom they are supporting.
3) Manu Vatuvei. Nicknamed “The Beast”, this hulking winger running at top speed is a sight to behold. Watch him skittle opposition defenders and carry blokes on his back. With a set of gold teeth, afro hair, 1.89 metres tall and 112 kilos, this guy is what Jonah Lomu was to rugby union or Wayne Carey did for the AFL.
4) Young guns. The halves in both the Warriors and the Sea Eagles are all under 25. In fact Shaun Johnson, Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran are under 22. It is always exciting to watch young athletes in any code be put on the biggest stage and see how they go. What’s more, these guys are in charge of directing their sides around the park. Freakish talents anyone can admire.
5) The fullbacks. The last line of defense. Kevin Locke and Brett Stewart are two of the code’s top custodians. Electric speed, exuberance, no fear, lightening feet.. these guys are worth the cost of the train ticket to ANZ Stadium plus extra. Amazing skills.
6) Big hits. We all love those massive collisions – bone on bone, the thwack as heads rock back, thunderous plays which inspire others – you be guaranteed a fair share of big tackles. Watch for Brent Kite or Glenn Stewart for Manly and Ben Matulino and Sam Rapira for the Warriors to shake some of their opposition up.
7) Touch football. Johnson is a former touch rugby star and his try to set up Lewis Brown last week against the Storm showed these freakish skills. If you enjoy touch footy or appreciate the skill involved, keep your eyes glued to the young Warrior halfback.
8) Goal kicking. Its central to many other sports – AFL, rugby union, even American Football – and the two on show tomorrow are among the game’s best. James Maloney leads the way for the visitors striking at 90% halfway during the year while Jamie Lyon is a consistent sharpshooter for Manly.
9) ANZ Stadium. The second largest ground in Australia behind the MCG, seating up to 83,500 spectators, it is the only venue in the world designed to host five professional sports – rugby league, football, cricket, rugby union and Australian rules. It will be breathtaking viewing. And then there’s the action on the field.
10) Most importantly...don't risk looking like a sporting idiot. On Australia’s biggest sporting weekend of the year, featuring the AFL and NRL grand finals, people will talk about what happened. Don’t look like a donkey when people talk about it on Monday. Recite a line or a big hit or who scored the winning try.
Enjoy everyone!
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