So the 2018 NRL Grand Final looms as not a great one for the neutrals, with neither club particularly likable or their football style imagination capturing.
That may seem like sour grapes from a fan of one the vanquished sides, but the 2018 NRL Grand Final doesn’t jump out as a potential classic.
There will be plenty of wrestle, tackle, refereeing, and slow motion footage set to inspirational music.
I guess thanks to a very generous judiciary decision for Melbourne the best attacking weapons for the Storm (Billy Slater) is available and the Roosters best Latrell Mitchell are both available to play. We won’t get into the Billy Slater being cleared too much, but will certainly be looking for a similar service at the next speeding fine.
But it is hard not to watch the 2018 Grand Final and not want to support someone or be interested, so here is our Neutral’s Guide to the 2018 NRL Grand Final.
WHAT IS THERE TO BE EXCITED ABOUT 2018 NRL GRAND FINAL DAY
The NRLW Grand Final?
Yes.
The short burst of NRLW has shown they deserve a permanent and expanded presence in rugby league. For Broncos fans it is a last chance to take out some silverware this season.
Based on current form, they should win easy. But they are playing the Roosters, and it could be a big day for the Chooks.
May the Rabbitohs be invited to play next season.
The NRL State Championship Final?
Absolutely.
This fixture is entering its fifth year, and the ledger is even at 2-2 between the two states.
This years sees the Intrust Super premiership winners from NSW Bulldogs take on the Redcliffe Dolphins from Queensland.
We love the game of course, and wonder why it took so many years to implement.
It gives both competitions more relevance, and fans can either jump on the bandwagon to stay interested or just enjoy a different type of rugby league before the big wrestle.
p.s. Go Redcliffe – in honour of Unofficial Celebrate a Dolphin week.
The Pre Match Entertainment?
Depends.
If Gang of Youths is close to your type of thing then congrats.
We’re wondering why it is needed at all. Well, apart from the fact that the NRL wants to be the NFL.
We of course would prefer a Mascot decathlon, 100m sprint with players from each club, or the biggest game of Junior football played on the full length field with only Under 12’s and hundreds of kids per side. We even suggested a raft of Semi Radradra entertainment a few years back.
It could be worse. And has certainly been worse.
The Coverage?
Yes and No.
Yes for the Fox League coverage all day. Free from most of the boofheads who are there due to name rather than insightful analysis or entertainment.
Yes to Channel Nine’s coverage of the State Championship match. If Peter Psaltis get the chance to call it. Same for Scott Sattler.
Nein/No to the pisspoor attempt that Channel Nein will make for the 2018 NRL Grand Final. Featuring no ones favourites – themselves.
It will be the usual dross delivered in the usual style, leaving most Fox Sports snobs in no doubt that the subscription is worth every cent.
This will be the fourth and final time we have to suffer them for the season.
SOME THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN THE 2018 NRL GRAND FINAL
- The Fullback battle between Billy Slater and James Tedesco. One is destined to take the mantle of best number 1 from the other who is retiring. They get one final chance to show who’s boss on the big stage.
- Latrell Mitchell v either Storm centre in rugby league’s biggest game of niggle for the year.
- An 80 metre special from Josh Addo-Carr.
- A Dylan Napa special hurt sandwich.
- At least three penalties from Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
- The mid game on field refereeing assistance from Cameron Smith.
- The Half Time Analysis on Channel Nein….or not.
- Gus Gould will being a first class tit during commentary
- Full Time
- A post game retirement from Cameron Smith, not allowing Billy Slater his own solo farewell.
2018 NRL GRAND FINAL BETTING
Betting goes hand in hand with rugby league, but with so many markets how does one invest?
There’s many betting companies with many betting options. But some do provide a service where you can offer up your own betting requests.
In that spirit here are some of our suggestions.
- The Half Time interview as they walk from the field will take less than 5 seconds. None of it will be worth the trouble to player or viewer.
- At least one intercept try.
- Jared Waerea-Hargreaves to concede 3 or more penalties.
- 3 or more players swear live on TV in the post match interviews.
- Gus Gould to have one bust of repeating a phrase ten times or more during commentary.
- Billy Slater to drop the first bomb he attempts
PICK A SIDE TO TEMPORARILY SUPPORT
If none of the above interests you, then why not simply pick a side for the 2018 NRL Grand Final to support.
But who? A hard question that we will attempt to answer on your behalf.
WHY A NEUTRAL SHOULD SUPPORT MELBOURNE STORM
- If you are a Queenslander, as there are enough Maroons in the Storm set up to cheer for.
- If you are from anywhere other than NSW and hate Sydney.
- If you think Billy Slater should be given the send off he deserves. The judiciary did.
- You enjoy WWE, given the Storm are pioneers of the ruck wrestle.
- If you have any Fijian background and want to get behind Suliasi Vanivalu.
- If you hate the Roosters.
- If you love refereeing.
- If you a little purple on a sports uniform.
WHY A NEUTRAL SHOULD SUPPORT ROOSTERS
- If you are from NSW and want a cherry on top of great season for NSW rugby league.
- If you are from Adelaide and hate Melbourne for stealing the Grand Prix and other things.
- If you play golf.
- If you like big hits from a player like Dylan Napa.
- If you like players with personality like JWH, Latrell Mitchell, and Blake Ferguson.
- If you love Chicken.
- If your dog hates storms.
- If you hate the NBN.
