One thing that is often overlooked is the McDermott factor. Love him or hate him in a one off his game plans/management have been second to none
Whilst I think Cas will benefit from the last game I don't think they are the force they were earlier in the season. This will only be close because Leeds tend to grind wins out these days

Brilliant game to look forward to.

Local rivalry,best team all season against the best team in grand finals...Recent form suggests we'r going to struggle, for me the key for us is being within 8 points of them going into the last 20,if we can do that or better then id like our chances. Losing stevie ward is a massive blow for us, maybe ferres can put his leeds career to date behind him and have his best game for us in the one that counts. Win or lose, massive well done to brian and the lads for getting to another one, it looked highly unlikely coming into the season.

Happy for darryl powell that he's in the grand final, always had a lot of time for him dating back to his playing days for us. He's done an amazing job at cas when you look at where they were when he got there, theyr a quality team, playing some lovely stuff. Id love to see darryl back at headingly at some point, Best coach in the league by a country mile for mine (holbrook looks quality but too small of a sample size so far) . Just hope we can find a way to spoil darryls night on saturday.

Happy for cas as a club and there fans aswel, they've been through some hard times but have worked hard to get through them, theyv had no shortcuts with no wealthy owners throwing money at it like some clubs have had the luxury of doing and here they are, best team all season and worthy grand finalists.

Really dont like luke gale though,great player but a cocky sod.

Really cant believe we'r here again,another grand final with another chance to send club legends out on a high. Theres somthing special about our club imo.

Safe and enjoyable weekend to everyone from both sides going next week. Hopefully the games a cracker.

Great post matt , previous meetings count for nothing now. 1st v 2nd with a local rivalry to boot. Your forwards were fantastic last night and if we don't stop the go forward of Singleton and co , Parcell could have a field day from dummy half. May the best team win , hopefully all fans from every club can have a beer and a chat together .Safe trip to all fans making the journey , should be a cracker.

Quick one...anyone tell me which end of OT we have this year?

Back in the usual East Stand this year. Cas have the Stretford End (end near the tunnel)

If we're to win next week, we need parcell to play 80mins. Taking him off for burrow seems to take the edge off our attack every time. Throw rob on to run at the defence but don't take parcel off.

yep. which Is why I said it wouldn't shock to see burrow at 7. moon was largely anonymous last night again.

I disagree with this, Moon was busy last night keeping Sneeyd in check, mostly well done

it feels like you've said this every week about moving moon back to centre and playing burrow in the halves. But it's not going to happen, they've played together all year they're not gunna break up one of the most important combos in the side now. And to be honest, I really don't think burrow can do a job there anymore anyway. I know you don't like moon at 6, you mention it every week, and I would agree he is a better centre. But to me, with what we have, he is our best option there. McGuire plays much better along side moon, than he does with burrow or sutcliffe. And that's important.

Cas are rightfully favourites and if they beat us next week I will sincerely congratulate them , but this GF reminds me a bit like 2008 did saints go 23 games on the trot without defeat? and the week before they beat us 38-10 to get to Old Trafford first. In the build up to the final Saints fans were constantly reminded that when you're on a long winning run you are one win nearer to your next defeat . Its similar with Cas beating us how many times on the trot? they cant keep beating us in perpetuity and next week might end that run. They will be conscious of this too.

It's 8 I think now.

HMM interesting

Moon was playing at centre for most of the second half! Burrow was at halfback and Parcell at hooker, and our attack was pretty blunt in that formation.

On the other side Hull haven't won at Headingley for 10 years and so it continued on Friday night

Is anyone aware cas were selling champions scarves and what not before the saints game, talk about counting your chickens.

That's the narrative we need to go with this week, like Wigan last year where they created this story of having 30 players injured. We're the downtrodden bitche$ of cas, who will get a hiding, cas only need to turn up.

'Cas' weren't selling anything of the sort. It was a guy trying his best to make a quick penny by flogging cheap scarves and shirts - and he was selling them before the League Leaders Shield (when it was guaranteed that we only needed one win from 7 to finish top, aka technically champions)

No-one is taking this game lightly. But if that's what you need to get fired up, then feel free.

Not official ones.
Maybe from a cheap sales vendor on the streets.
Tbf I’ve not seen any and I live very close to the town .

yes of course and Saints had 5 GF losses on the trot.

Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story. A profound lesson indeed.

Most Cas fans ain't confident. We know Leeds turn up to big games and the underdog tag will help you too. Pressure is on us which got to a few players in the semi like Ben Roberts.
Yeh we have won 8 in a row against you but all runs must come to an end and I hate to say it but it wouldn't be a shock to me if it's Saturday.
I would say good luck but that would be a lie.
I would say may the best team win but again if that's you that would be a lie also.
I do however hope for a good game where we take the win.

Obviously I want the Rhinos to win but I hope it's a great game worthy of the Grand Final & that the ref does not have a major role in the outcome.
Cas rightly are the favourites but Saints showed that they can be rattled & that they should have won.
I hope we can do the same on Saturday with a different outcome.

Nobody is taking it has a given that cas will win yes we are capable if we find the right performance but so are Leeds.lets hope it's a great game and occasion.the town is buzzing in Cas and ticket sales have been in huge demand where down to under 3k tickets and our half of the stadium is sold out.

Gutted for Steve ward games like this you want all the best players on the pitch.i don't see our 17 changing from last week unless Ollie Holmes is fit then it would be gadwin springer that makes way.

And Leeds have 6 winning GF on the trot so something has to got to give

yes Saturdays game is intriguing and it will be just about the end of the golden generation era . A few of them are still there to have their pre game talks that worked in the past JJB is good at that apparently

Cas' 8 game winning streak vs Leeds
Against
Leeds' 6 game winning streak in GF's