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.

Because when we play Saints it's a 50-50 game as the recent results between us show, so for us to win all the 3 most important ones would be a shock IMO

Saints and Leeds are the best 2 teams so it should be a good hard match.

IMO it's 50-50. The ain't been much in the games we have played this year and it will be same on Saturday.

Is Webb fit to play? I hope he plays as no player should miss 2 grand finals and the world cup because of injury.

He'll have an injection.

Good post

Barry

the saying that "the more wins you get means that you are closer to a loss" really is apparent to the rhinos on saturday,we are either going to be the first team to win 3 in a row gf's,or the saints will be due their win after their previous 2 losses to the rhinos
i wouldn't be surprised if the saints won on saturday as the sides are so equally balanced
i hope that the best side wins,but with no contenscious decisions deciding the final outcome
still fancy the rhinos to just nick it though

by the way does anyone know who will be doing the pre match entertainment?
scouting for girls and katherine jenkins will take some beating

The way Buderus was limping on friday there is no way he will be playing, not that he should either with Diskins form since he got injured.

There is no way on this planet the Buderus will be named in the 17. Whoever thought that he might was way off the mark.

Pretty much agree with that!

Webb(ive heard its his back again, but It looked like it was his hand when he came on to clap the fans) bailey(looked like it was his hip) and Ali may miss out! Ali has a virus, if he gets over it I would think he defo plays

so our bench maybe something like burgess, worrell, pitts and watkins

It's his collar bone mate.

Which is good from my point of view as we dont want to go there as favourites now do we.....

Leeds' wins in the last 2 years have no bearing on the outcome, either way. Nor do results over last 10 games.

All that matters is who turns up, and plays best.

If both teams play to 100%, it could go either way.

I quite agree - but I am a supersticious old fart and it wont stop me worrying about the little things.. Like the rule of three!

Wombats and All Angels