Is that one group or two.

I'm so old.

Two.

Wombats - indie band

All Angels - classical 'cross over' band (as described by the RFL in their email! They supported Katherine Jenkins on her recent UK tour)

Madness, Scouting for girls now this. Is it a step up or step down? I'm stopping going to these bashes the entertainment aint what it used to be.

Saints will be pumped for this one, that's for sure.

In 2007 we wanted it more, in 2008 they got complacent after the first try but this season they are underdogs, long will want to go out with a bang and they'll be extra eager to avenge the last 2 years.

Leeds are favourites and going for a 3rd title on the bounce.

I think saints will be playing on more emotion than leeds, they're going to give it everything but that may also mean rash decisions and silly errors. They're going to really muscle up in the forwards though, i expoect them to give our pack a bashing.

The last 2 seasons saints have tryed to play too expansive. They aren't like that under potter though and i think his style will serve them better.

Heart says leeds, but head says 3 times on the trot is too good to be true, so saints.

It is a very close call but I do think we have the beating of them but do worry about being favourites!

The one thing that no one has mentioned yet is goal kicking and it is clear that Saints are really struggling with the boot from the tee. Long is just not up to the job and Eastmond is not as good as he thinks he is and I think he will struggle even more under pressure! Put that against Sinfield with very able back-up from Smith and Burrow if required and it could come down to the two-point opportunities that are successful or indeed not!

If Webb, Ali and Bailey aren't playing then our bench would look quite poor...

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

17. Kirke
19. Burgess
21. Worrall
25. Pitts

Quote ="efcrhino"If Webb, Ali and Bailey aren't playing then our bench would look quite poor... 3. Smith 2. Donald 23. Watkins 4. Senior 5. Hall 6. McGuire 7. Burrow 8. Leuluai 14. Diskin 10. Peacock 11. JJB 18. Ablett 13. Sinfield 17. Kirke 19. Burgess 21. Worrall 25. Pitts'" Ali will be playing, he was only away with the flu. www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=15576 Quote "St Helens captain Keiron Cunningham is prepared to defy medical advice if necessary to lead his side against defending champions Leeds Rhinos in the engage Super League Grand Final. The veteran hooker played in Saints’ 14-10 semi-final win over Wigan Warriors with pain-killing injections to combat a hairline fracture in his hand and was today undergoing scans after experiencing further discomfort. However, St Helens coach Mick Potter says Cunningham is a definite starter on Saturday - and with centre Matt Gidley (groin) and prop Tony Puletua (shoulder) also set to defy injury, he will take his place in a full-strength side."'" This is the kinda style we went into the Challenge Cup Final 2005, when Senior was injured but yet still played. I guess the players from Leeds will know where to go for on them and there weak spots.

Quote ="efcrhino"If Webb, Ali and Bailey aren't playing then our bench would look quite poor... 3. Smith 2. Donald 23. Watkins 4. Senior 5. Hall 6. McGuire 7. Burrow 8. Leuluai 14. Diskin 10. Peacock 11. JJB 18. Ablett 13. Sinfield 17. Kirke 19. Burgess 21. Worrall 25. Pitts'" Ali will be playing, he was only away with the flu. www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=15576 Quote "St Helens captain Keiron Cunningham is prepared to defy medical advice if necessary to lead his side against defending champions Leeds Rhinos in the engage Super League Grand Final. The veteran hooker played in Saints’ 14-10 semi-final win over Wigan Warriors with pain-killing injections to combat a hairline fracture in his hand and was today undergoing scans after experiencing further discomfort. However, St Helens coach Mick Potter says Cunningham is a definite starter on Saturday - and with centre Matt Gidley (groin) and prop Tony Puletua (shoulder) also set to defy injury, he will take his place in a full-strength side."'" This is the kinda style we went into the Challenge Cup Final 2005, when Senior was injured but yet still played. I guess the players from Leeds will know where to go for on them and there weak spots.

same 19 as last week acording to radio Leeds

That could still mean Worrall for Bailey and Watkins for Webb.

So then what's everyones score predictions????
I reckon Rhinos 19-10 saints.

Saints 18 Leeds 14

Leeds 26-10 St Helens

Not gunna call a prediction for this one, dread to think what the game will be like and really think its going to be the closest final weve had over the three years, really hope we can live up to the favorites tag, and pull off a record breaking win.

it's in my preview come thursday mate

Leeds kickers 2009 (All Comps)

Kevin Sinfield 119 from 153 (78%)

Lee Smith 14 from 15 (93%)

Rob Burrow 1 from 2 (50%)

Ashley Gibson 1 from 1 (100%)

Leeds Overall 135 from 171 (79%)

You have to be confident that if Sinfield was injured at any point during the game that Smith is a very able replacement although he has only had 15 attempts.

Compare that to Long (according to SL website) with 49 from 78 (62%) and Eastmond 31 from 43 (72%) we really do have the goal kicking advantage!

Those will probably be SL regular round only if they come from there (excluding WCC, Challenge Cup and SL Play Offs) or in other words incomplete.

That said Eastmond's record (and he appears to be first choice now) is better than I would have expected. Kicking 7.3 compared to 7.8 (out of 10) is not a massive disadvantage. Perhaps Leeds should give the job to Smith.

And when you consider that the majority of trys scored in these finals are scored out wide, it could make all the difference.

Sinfields goal kicking recently hasn't been too hot, but I'll back him every time in the huge games.

I did yesterday. Not sure where though

Arghh well, if you can't prove it!

It's not like you to back against leeds but I have to agree.

Winning 3 grand finals against a team as good as saints is a bit too good to be true, i think on the day their desire will be greater.

in 2007 and 2008 i was nervous.... i'm not nervous so far this year and cannot decide if thats a good or bad thing!!?

just glad we are at old trafford to defend our title, worst position to be would be at home watching two others platy to take the trophy away from us whatever the outcome!!

Quote ="Inflatable_Armadillo"Arghh well, if you can't prove it! '" viewtopic.php? ... 6#14622746

Quote ="Inflatable_Armadillo"Arghh well, if you can't prove it! '" viewtopic.php? ... 6#14622746

I am not sure tvoc if Eastmond has it in him to keep that average up for an entire season. My gut is telling me that had he attempted anywhere near as many as the top five kickers that he would not maintain 72%. To be honest, it is a little better than I thought as well!

As for Smith, as well as the sample being low, I would actually argue that he has generally kicked from the tee under less pressure than Sinfield and has kicked a few of those once Sinfield has gone off for a 'rest' and Leeds have the game in the bag already. You might be right though... 9.3 out of 10!

Bugger, oh well, great minds think alike!