Finals Week One
Melbourne Storm 12 d. Parramatta Eels 6

2006 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Storm unconvincing in knocking out Eels
Sun September 10, 2006
Minor Premiers Melbourne have advanced to week three of the Finals after defeating Parramatta 12-6 in a match that never reached any great heights and doubts about the Storm's ability under Finals pressure will start beginning to surface.

Melbourne got off to a great start when Steve Turner was on the end of a great backline set play and Cameron Smith converted from the sideline for the Storm to lead 6-0.

The Storm were the dominant side in the opening half and should have been up by more than six points. They finally extended their lead just short of half-time when Antonio Kaufusi powered his through in a great 15m burst to the line. Smith added the extras and Melbourne went into the break leading 12-0.

Melbourne came out in the second half a completely different sides as cracks in what has been a pretty much untouchable unit started to be exposed - except the Eels tactics were very poor and they weren't patient in wearing down the Storm.

Glenn Morrison had a try disallowed when replays weren't conclusive as to whether he scored or grounded the ball. It was a very close call and once again brings the 'Benefit of the Doubt' situation into play. The video referee has some merit but the NRL should look at bringing back 'In Goal Judges' as they can provide the extra angle for when the Video is unsure.

Daniel Wagon got Parramatta on the board when he backed up a break from John Morris to score under the posts with Brett Delaney converting. The Eels were back in the contest with plenty of time remaining but were playing like they had to score off every set of six.

In the final three minutes Delaney made a great break down the sideline only for Billy Slater to make a great cover tackle but Delaney's inside pass was knocked into touch by the Storm. The scrum feed was a complete mess by Parramatta where the pass was wildly thrown and they absolutely choked a set of six on the first tackle instead of settling themselves in good field position. Melbourne were able to close out the match and record an unconvincing victory.

Melbourne's wobbles today does open up the competition and now we have a thrilling competition with the six best sides remaining and not much splitting them. The Dragons were most impressive but are the masters of being inconsistent, Manly were gutsy and they have the strike power to strike at any time, the Broncos came into the Finals in good form, the Bulldogs were clinical last night with two players set to return and Newcastle have Andrew Johns.

The Storm badly missed powerful centre Greg Inglis and in their advantage is they have next weekend off where only one win will get them into the Grand Final.

Melbourne are grouped with Manly and St George Illawarra whilst Canterbury are now grouped with Newcastle and Brisbane in the race for the title.


Inglis Out, Webster In
Sun September 10, 2006
Melbourne has been dealt a massive blow heading into today's crucial semi-final against Parramatta with boom centre Greg Inglis ruled out of the clash and he'll be replaced by Jake Webster.

Inglis had been in doubt all week and was ruled fit to play but the mail was yesterday he wouldn't be playing.

Brett White is also out of the clash with Garrett Crossman coming into the starting side. Adam Blair has been promoted to the bench.

Jeremy Smith is the player omitted from the Storm bench.

Parramatta are as per programme and they have to win today to keep their season in tact with their destiny in their own hands.

Manly will be sweating on Melbourne winning so they can keep their season alive.

The Bulldogs are ensured of next week off whereas if the Storm win they get the week off and if the Eels win than Newcastle get the week off.

TEAMS:

Melbourne Storm: Billy Slater, Matt Geyer, Matt King, Jake Webster, Steve Turner, Scott Hill, Cooper Cronk, Antonio Kaufusi, Cameron Smith, Garret Crossman, David Kidwell, Ryan Hoffman, Dallas Johnson. Subs: Michael Crocker, Ben Cross, Nathan Friend, Adam Blair.

Parramatta Eels: Luke Burt, Jarryd Hayne, Brett Delaney, Ben Smith, Eric Grothe, John Morris, Tim Smith, Nathan Cayless (C), Mark Riddell, Chad Robinson, Nathan Hindmarsh, Daniel Wagon, Glenn Morrison . Subs: PJ Marsh, Dean Widders, Josh Cordoba, Michael Vella.

Wed September 6, 2006
• Preview: Storm v Eels
  
Tue September 5, 2006
• Cayless and Vella return for Eels
  
Tue September 5, 2006
• Storm names 20-man squad
  

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