NRL always want big fan-base clubs like Eels Dogs and Broncos contending at the pointy end, but sometimes their teams are just too crap to get there.I’ve just done rounds of other team forums and the comments are pretty much the same - expecting the game will be managed favouring the Sharks and ultimately the NRL’s bank balance. The suspicion and cynicism is quite sad tbh.
Not only that, but Panthers look bored and unimpressive, Chooks clunky and have had to call up their 2nd tier Test stars, Sharks keep losing and Storm are robotic but unlikely to capture the imagination of the wider fanbase.
So... the best storyline for this years finals will be the resurgence of Manly and Cowboys!
Manly just need to win today to set it all up.