KEY POINTS:
The last four weeks have culminated in the two best teams 'wrestling' it out for the NRL premiership. I say 'wrestling' tongue in cheek and, despite the controversy of late, this is lining up to be a game worth watching.
Or will it? Traditionally the semifinal fixtures are open, free-flowing affairs with excitement through to the final whistle but, as we saw last week, the free-flowing affair was only one way.
Both the Warriors and Sharks were given a serious lesson on semifinals football and the level required to match the talents of teams at the top of their game. Firstly, the Sharks played the Storm back into form and were never a chance of toppling last year's premiers.
The Sharks lack of attacking quality was again highlighted last week and if they do not change their style of play, 2009 will not be as successful and in fact they will finish out of the top eight.
The Warriors were also on the end of a faultless display by Manly and, as Ivan Cleary said after the game, the Sea Eagles were a class above them.
The Sea Eagles played exactly as we knew they would - a fast start in attack and a strangling defence to limit the opponents' set of six to scrambling runs in the hope of breaking the defensive line to instigate momentum.
It worked well. In doing so, Manly and the Storm showed their prowess at scoring tries from both well-worked set plays and long-range scoring through support play and individual brilliance.
Now everything is set for the final with two teams in form. Despite the Storm playing without inspirational captain Cameron Smith, they showed they lacked little in all facets of play.
Manly also proved their stylish, systematic and sometimes provocative play will win over fans from all quarters, even though most rugby league fans dislike Manly for no real reason.
Their precision has left many people in awe, especially the purist like me who loves the structure of a game. But I also marvel at freakish play as displayed by Brent Stewart with his between-the-legs pass to Steve Matai.
The Storm have, on many occasions over the past three seasons, displayed the attributes that Manly now possess but have stumbled through the last five weeks until last week's fixture against Cronulla.
So it is time for the two best teams to show their full potential in the showpiece game of the year. Can they both live up to their potential or, more importantly, can they live up to the expectation of their potential? Who will succumb to pressure? Will the difference be the coach?
This is a game that has no real indication as to who will be the winner. Both teams are favourite for the same reasons and that is what is so compelling about this match.
My choice is for a Storm win because they have more individual brilliance across the board than Manly but, still, this game is what you might call a true grand final.
