Grand Final Preview

(Sunday, 4.20pm - ANZ Stadium, Sydney)

Another season of Rugby League draws to its climax on Sunday when the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs clash in the NRL Grand Final at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.

Capping off what has been season full of excitement and a hotly contested premiership, the Grand Final is fittingly full of fairytale storylines. Highlighting the even nature of the competition two teams that finished the regular season in third and seventh place respectively have made it through to the final stage.

Coming off two red hot finals performances Souths are set to enter the Grand Final as one of the more dominant favourites in recent memory. The Rabbits have already disposed of the two teams which finished atop of the regular season ladder. They completely dismantled Manly in Week 1 of the Finals before dispensing of reigning premiers and arch rivals the Roosters in the Preliminary Final.

On the other hand the Bulldogs were fortunate to scrape into the Top 8, after losing their final two regular season fixtures. They were able to ride their luck with all of their direct rivals dropping points in the final round, leaving the Dogs alive.

After their poor finish to the season Canterbury bounced back to form with a huge win over Melbourne in Week 1 of the Finals before holding on to beat Manly in Golden Point the following week. A thrilling hard fought victory over the fast finishing Penrith in the prelim was enough to see the Dogs reach their second Grand Final in three years.

Whilst Canterbury name has been synonymous with success over the past two decades it has been a much different ride for South Sydney.

The foundation club is most successful side in League history with 20 premierships, but after a long period of mediocrity they take their place in their first Grand Final since their win in the 1971 decider. There terrible run reached a low point in 2000 and 2001 when Souths were excluded from the competition, before their eventual reinstalment for the 2002 season.

However expect the red and green army to be out in force on Sunday. Despite the lean times Souths boast one of the biggest and most vocal fan bases in the NRL, and after several years of playing NRL matches in Perth they also count on many WA fans.

Looking forward to Sunday, the Grand Final encounter pits two teams with similar strengths against each other. Both teams have plenty of big forwards, good halves and dynamic outside backs.

Behind a huge pack Souths have simply overpowered their opponents; their performance to beat Manly in particular looked like men vs boys. In his last season playing league before departing to English Rugby Union Sam Burgess has dominated all year and confirmed his place as one of the very best in the game. His size, strength and mobility will be a huge handful for the Bulldogs.

With Burgess and his brothers the cornerstone of a pack that consistently lays a platform it is no wonder they exploit teams with smart halves, pace to burn out wide and one G Inglis at fullback.

Canterbury though won't be bullied in the middle of the park boasting their own long list of classy big men. Expect the opening clashes to be fierce as each side battles to assert their physical superiority.

In an intriguing twist, both teams are set to take to the field missing their normal hookers. In what is a key position, particularly in the modern game it remains to be seen which team will adapt better. Souths have the luxury of calling on Apisai Koroisau who excelled in the position during Isaac Luke's extended injury lay off earlier this season.

For the Dogs captain Michael Ennis may not have been officially ruled out but is surely no chance of taking his place in the line up suffering from two clean breaks in his foot. Des Hasler loves the game of intrigue and is unlikely to clarify the team line up until the latest allowed one hour before kickoff. With several options available the most likely scenario is that Josh Reynolds moves into the hooking role with either Josh Jackson or Tony Williams moving into the 6. That will enable Hasler to play another big body from the kick off against the massive South Sydney pack before bringing youngster Moses Mbye into the action later in the match.

If the match hangs in the balance in the final minutes the Bulldogs will take confidence from their remarkable winning record in close matches this season. Ice cold halfback Trent Hodkinson sealed victory over Manly with a Golden point field goal only two weeks ago after they strung three consecutive 1 point wins together earlier in the season.

In a Grand Final experience counts and here the Bulldogs hold the edge. After being here only two years ago and with Des Hasler coaching his fifth Grand Final in eight years Canterbury know what to expect. On the flip side only Greg Inglis and veteran winger Lote Tuquiri have played in the big dance previously.

So who will win? After three sudden death matches in a row, in two of which the Dogs were probably lucky to hold on for the win, I don't know that they will be able to match it with a relatively fresh and full strength Rabbitohs outfit.

Watch the big guys go toe to toe early but Souths may well steamroll to a big win late.

In a match sprinkled with superstars of the game there are plenty of enticing betting options in the Clive Churchill Medal market. After a great showing in the Dally M medal count Sam Burgess is a warm favourite to be named the best player of the Grand Final. Burgess has been sensational all year and it's hard to argue against his spot at the top of the market.

Next in betting, Greg Inglis is sure to get plenty of support to once again collect the medal he won in 2007 (despite the Melbourne Storm later being stripped of the premiership). Inglis is one of the best players of a generation and always makes an impact in the big games.

For the Dogs, prop James Graham has been the inspiration behind their title run. The Englishman is in a rich vein of form and his battle with compatriot Sam Burgess will go a long way to deciding the match.

Trent Hodkinson has had a dream season. The NSW halfback guided the Blues to their first State of Origin series win for 9 years and now has a shot at his first premiership.

There is still plenty of value at longer odds including Souths John Sutton at $17, Dylan Walker at $21 and the Dogs Josh Jackson at $26.

TAB is offering a Clive Churchill Medal bet special available for a limited time only beginning at Midday on Sunday.

1 bet will get you 4 chances in the medal with popular picks Greg Inglis, Sam Burgess, James Graham and Trent Hodkinson all included. The price of $4 for the group is huge overs.

South Sydney flyer Alex Johnston ($7) found his way over the tryline 17 times this season and Greg Inglis will justifiably be hugely popular at $9.

Dylan Walker is one of the finest young talents in the game and must be a chance at the longer quote of $13 with Sam Burgess the best shot amongst the big men at $15.

One of the Bulldogs best over the past few weeks is underrated centre Tim Lafai. At $15 he looks a good option to nab an early four pointer. With a potential move a bit wider either Josh Jackson or Tony Williams could be good value at the quote of $26.

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