Hopefully Webb and Bailey are ok and Lauitiiti is back so I'd go:

1. Webb
2. Donald
3. Smith
4. Senior
5. Hall
6. McGuire
7. Burrow
8. Leulaui
14. Diskin
10. Peacock
11. JJB
18. Ablett
13. Sinfield

12. Lauitiiti
16. Bailey
17. Kirke
19. Burgess

Worrall and Watkins to miss out.

some of us predicted the 3rd installment back in nov 2008


[urlhttp://viewtopic.php?t=384566&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0[/url
so no surprise that it's a rhinos v saints gf yet again

sorry to say wishful thinking old boy, doubt we will be at full strength -buderus

Round III FIGHTTTT!!!

Let's hope for a threepeat.

The funny thing is that right now, I feel more confident in our ability than I did for both of the last two year, when compared to Saints.

Of course it goes without saying that this will turn into a bag of nerves at about 6pm next Saturday...

I wonder how we will handle the "favourites" tag and will Saints use the "underdog" tag to overturn us like we have done to the them the last two seasons. Hopefully the players aren't cocky at all and go out there with one thing in there mind...

Win.

we start as favourites. That worries me

Likewise, the past 2 GFs Leeds have gone out with points to prove after been writen off.

Play your reserve side and still beat them. That will show your true champion class throughout

I'm more nervous about this one than the last 2 TBH! I think Saints will be very fired up for this one.

after the disastrous senior episode in the '05 cup final, if Buderus isn't 100% he shouldn't play. So:

Webb
Donald
Smith
Senior
Hall
McGuire
Burrow
Leulaui
Diskin
Peacock
Jones-Buchanan
Ablett
Sinfield

Lauititi
Burgess
Bailey
Kirke

Forget Buderus ... Reward those who have done the hard work over the last few months to get us there.

The way siants defended against wigan compared to the way we defended against catalan, i thibnk saints will be champs next week.

Yes, I can see us being pinned down in our own half for large periods and relying on long range tries & a good kick & chase game. Our pack has to be on top of their game and fired up

Yes.

Is anyone suggesting Buderus is in contention?

However, if he is and the consensus of opinion is we should forget him for the biggest game of our year perhaps we should revisit Head High Tackle's thread that suggested he was a waste of money.

You guys still have the edge. Our defense recently has been impressive, with very few of the tries against us not coming from lucky breaks from kicks.

The problem for Saints is our attack. It's now been about 2 months since we scored more than 20 points in a game, whereas Leeds manage that every single week. I can't see us scoring enough points to put Leeds under enough pressure. Leeds will be in a position where scoring 18 points is enough and who would back against Leeds faling to score 3 tries at Old Trafford, I know I wouldn't.

The only way Saints can win the game is if our attack clicks for the first time in months. We're massively overdue a good performance, but that suggests it isn't in them anymore. My bet is for a tight start but with Saints unable to turn pressure into points and Leeds pulling away either side of half time to win by about 18.

I don't think that anybody should walk straight back into a team for a Grand Final after a long period on the sideline, unless there was a major injury crisis. If he was 100% fit @ start of the play off series i'm sure he would be in the squad. So no, we don't need to revisit that thread.

The Great Head High Tackle was right on that and was also right not to write St Helens off for this playoff series.

Amen to common sense.

If we are at full strength with Webb and Ali fit then we have a good chance, would be pretty shocking for Saints to lose 3 GF's in a row though. If I weren't a Leeds fan I'd be tempted by the 7/4 on Saints

I watched the Leeds Vs Catalans game on Friday and went to St Helens last night.

I think the only thing that will stop Leeds winning is their own attitude, for the last two seasons Saints believed their own press and had the attitude that they had only to turn up. This year Leeds could well do the same if they are not careful.

After watching both teams I think both have great defence with Saints being slightly better, but Leeds are a far better attacking team. Leeds will win providing they have the right mental attitude.

Why on earth would it be shocking?

Have you been brainwashed by the gruesome twosome in the commentary box? Saints are there on merit....as are we.

The only difference is we go in as justifiable winners of the hubcap on the back of an impressive winning run of games.

Saints on the other hand, by their own fans reckoning have been under performing all season.

Respect yes, but there is nothing in their armoury which calls for all this jelly wobbling,woe is me, hand wringing attitude.

FFS some of you need to get a grip. This is the best period in the Club's history and this team have played some of the most attractive RL you are likely to see.

Whoever wins the GF will be the best team on the day..... and good luck to them.

I fully expect it to be mine

I wish I shared your optimism mate but I’m not feeling the confidence this year. Saints are due a good performance and it’s just a matter of time before they rediscover they legendary form. I’m hoping it’s a couple of games away yet but who knows?

I’m being pessimistic here because I honestly believe that we have a great chance of making it three on the bounce but let’s not dismiss Saints. It’s not luck that they are in the final either.