Spearheaded by a five-star performance from Glenn Stewart, Manly-Warringah turned in a clinical performance to defeat the New Zealand Warriors 24-10 and take out the 2011 NRL premiership. Returning to football after a three-match suspension, Stewart drew a performance right out of the top drawer, scored one try himself and laid on two others in a standout performance that ensured the premiership trophy made its way north of the harbor bridge for the second time in four years.

Honours were even for much of the first half with each set of forwards giving their rival pack a searching examination. The Warriors dodged a bullet when William Hopoate was ruled not to have scored in the twentieth minute. Seven minutes later James Maloney slotted a penalty goal for the Warriors after George Rose was penalised after an indiscretion.

The Eagles hit back immediately when Brett Stewart stormed on to an inside pass from Daly Cherry-Evans to cross for the first try of the match. Lyon converted for Manly to lead 6-2.

An inspired play from Glenn Stewart in the shadows of half-time delivered the Warriors a real body blow. From deep inside his own territory Stewart placed a deft grubber kick that was gathered by a flying Michael Robertson who found Cherry-Evans who scored adjacent to the uprights for Manly to go to the break leading 12-2.

Seventeen minutes into the second half Glenn Stewart scored a well deserved try in right hand corner following a kick regather by William Hopoate who then flicked a miraculous pass inside for the backrower to touch down. Lyon converted from out wide to take a seeming iron grip on the contest at 18-2

The Warriors breathed life back into the contest when Manu Vatuvai capitalised on some dazzling evasiveness by halfback Shaun Johnson. An unsuccessful conversion attempt left Manly ahead 18-6. The Warriors continued their spirited comeback, largely on the back of some smart offloads by Feleti Mateo, resulting in a 68th minute try in the corner to Elijah Taylor. Maloney’s missed conversion from left the Sea Eagles in front 18-10.

Lyon put the result beyond doubt when he scored out wide close to full-time. Departing winger Michael Robertson converted to wrap up the scoring at 24-10.

Sea Eagle backrower Glenn Stewart was a worthy recipient of the Clive Churchill Medal winner. 2008 Churchill winner Brent Kite also turned in a strong performance against the heavyweight Warriors pack, and was ably supported by Anthony Watmough. Manly owe much of their premiership success to their ability to slow down the Warriors at the play the ball, giving their lateral defence ample time to shut down Warriors attacking raids.

Winning captain Jamie Lyon was full of praise for his team and spoke glowingly the effort of halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, “The only fault he’s got is he is a Queenslander!” he quipped.

Victorious coach Des Hasler paid tribute to his charges for their consistency through the season. The Eagles were prepared superbly for the decider by Hasler, who took time to laud the vanquished Warriors. "I think they did themselves proud, a great culture, a great club," he said.

For the Warriors the grand final loss is really a case of “what might have been.” The 14-point margin might be a little deceptive; the Warriors matched it with their opponent and in the second half had actually outscored the Eagles until Lyon’s try in the 38^th minute. At various stages, the Kiwis looked the better outfit, yet failed to convert the chances they created into points on the board.

Manly-Warringah 24 (Brett Stewart, Daly Cherry-Evans, Glenn Stewart, Jamie Lyon tries, Lyon 3, Michael Robertson goals) defeated New Zealand Warriors 10 (Manu Vatuvei, Elijah Taylor tries, James Maloney goal.)

NRL Grand Final Crowd: 81,988

Geelong have taken their third AFL flag in five years with a comprehensive 38-point  win over arch-rival Collingwood in the 2011 Grand Final. The match was played in cold and greasy conditions, courtesy of some unpredictable Melbourne spring weather.

After enjoying much of the momentum, Collingwood 9.3 (57) led Geelong 8.6 (54) at halftime in a match that was played at a fierce tempo and shaping as classic contest, clearly showcasing how these teams finished 1-2 in the competition proper. The Cats had rallied to register three of the last four goals of the quarter to trail by just three points - after leading by one at quarter-time. Immediately prior to the long break Geelong forward James Podsiadly was stretchered off with a dislocated shoulder. Podsiadly was replaced by Mitch Duncan and subbed out of the game.

Geelong came into the match with one doubtful player, Steve Johnson – he survived the encounter unscathed to turn in a starring performance. Collingwood, on the other hand, came in with two doubtful players, Ben Reid and ruckman Darren Jolly. As the match unfolded, both players seemed to experience serious problems – Jolly from very early in the game and Reid towards the end. Tom Hawkins, undisputed star of the third term, marked numerous times in the fifty over Reid. Hawkins kicked three goals in the third term and in the final quarter set up a Johnson goal with a quicksilver handball.

The most telling statistic from the second half is that Geelong outscored Collingwood 10-3 in the term, due in no small measure to their 8-3 clearance success the third quarter. Geelong were getting the ball and using it well, methodically taking the game away from their opponent by kicking to their tall marking forwards who all performed very admirably. Collingwood had several players down on their best form, with even Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan largely held in check by Cameron Ling.

Geelong had many stars who performed solidly in laying the foundation for victory. They achieved their win through bustling endeavour, better exploitation of clearances and outnumbering the Magpies at any breakdown of the ball. So dominant were the Cats in this department that they appeared to have at least one extra body, everywhere - an advantage more traditionally enjoyed by Collingwood.

Jimmy Bartel, Hawkins and Johnson were inspirational for the Cats, with Bartel awarded the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground. Johnson, in doubt until an hour before the bounce, finished with four majors.

The grand final marks Collingwood's third loss for the season - all have been against the Cats.

The victory marks Geelong’s third flag success in five years, following their wins in 2007 and 2009. Geelong mentor Chris Scott became the thirteenth coach in AFL history to prepare a premiership-winning team in his debut coaching year.

2011 AFL Grand Final Result

Geelong 18.11 (119) def Collingwood 12.9 (81).

Saturday 1 October 1, 2011

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Crowd 99,537

Grand Final: Geelong v Collingwood

MCG Saturday 1 October 2011

It is fitting that the two best and most consistent teams throughout the season will contest the 2011 AFL Grand Final decider. Between them, Geelong and Collingwood have sustained only five losses this year. The sides have met twice in 2011, with Geelong coming out on top in both encounters, the controversial nature of their round 8 success somewhat erased by an easy 22.17 (149) 8.5 (53) victory in round 24 at the MCG.

Both clubs go to the decider with injury worries. The Cats will closely monitor the recovery of half-forward Steve Johnson (knee), whilst the Magpies expect both All-Australian defender Ben Reid (hamstring) and ruckman Darren Jolly (groin) to take their places in the starting line-up.

For flag success the Magpies must get the ball inside 50 regularly to generate goal-scoring chances In their two clashes this season, Geelong managed to stymie Collingwood’s signature free-flowing game, comfortably winning the inside 50 count on both occasions. To take advantage of the presence of the Twin Towers, Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes, the Magpies must conjure a way of advancing the ball forward often. Leon Davis generates much of Collingwood's attack from the back half with his accurate passing, and curbing that could help the Cats on the path to another flag.

Collingwood are entitled to be more highly rated, but Geelong will face the bounce as favourites, especially if the injuries to Collingwood’s Jolly and Reid are more serious than originally thought. In the elimination final the Pies ran down Hawthorn, a physically more effective outfit than Geelong; using this form as a benchmark it is reasonable to conclude that they will beat Geelong. The Magpies complement their tremendous depth with a number of outstanding players. Geelong has a number of outstanding players as well, but they cannot match their Collingwood rivals for depth down the back end. In their numbers 19, 20, 21 and 22 Collingwood have a huge advantage and this run in a game like a grand final will serve to get the Magpies home. Geelong will hold Collingwood early and may establish a lead but they will not be able to run with Collingwood late in the third quarter and through the fourth quarter. The Cats have numerous points of excellence and a lot of quality but they do not have the run and the grunt of Collingwood. For this reason Collingwood are tipped win - even if Geelong are leading at half-time.

In a huge morale boost, Collingwood’s Dane Swan thoroughly deserved his win the 2011 Brownlow Medal. Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Lewis, Luke Ball and Travis Cloke are stars and the other seventeen Magpie players are footballers of the highest calibre. The depth of talent in the Collingwood team circa 2011 is arguably one of the most comprehensive in the history of Australian Football.

There will be an emotional component in the coaches' box, with Collingwood’s veteran Mick Malthouse exiting after 28 seasons. In pure contrast, Geelong’s Chris Scott, twice a grand final winner as a player, has guided his charges to a premiership decider in his debut season.

Geelong is now favourite at $1.85 with Collingwood currently out to $2.00. With the odds indicating a close result, the Magpies represent slightly better value for the punter seeking to place a winning wager on the eventual flag winner. Miller's Guide recommends Sportsbet for your Grand Final bet.

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Rugby League followers on both sides of the Tasman will be well served when the 2011 NRL Premiership decider kicks off at ANZ Stadium at 5pm on Sunday 2 October.

This trans-Tasman contest is a true promoter’s dream, as the black hats (Manly) square off against their rivals from the Land of the Long White Cloud, with NRL premiership honours as the spoils. It seems that all in the Rugby League world, save for Sydney’s northern peninsula, are looking towards a Warriors win.

In so many respects this theme is old and recurring – the feted Manly versus an underdog opponent, a scenario as familiar and comfortable to the Sea Eagles as a favourite t-shirt. Whilst Manly will start favourites, a little analysis reveals this grand final decider as a genuine even-money proposition.

Anyone who witnessed the Warriors’ display of brute strength combined with flashes of match-winning brilliance as they ended the Melbourne Storm’s season cannot deny the Warriors have the personnel to beat any other outfit. Club allegiances and personal bias aside: what other team in the 2011 NRL premiership would have matched it with the rampant Warriors last week?

Sunday’s opening exchanges will be fierce. Much will depend upon how the Warriors handle the early pressure. The Manly forwards will be looking to contain the bull-like charges of the Warriors’ Sam Rapira, Jacob Lillyman and so significant is this contest the final scoreboard may well be decided in that frenetic first fifteen minutes.

The skill of the halves pairings is the equivalent of anything witnessed in the NRL in recent seasons. For Manly, Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans have steered much of their club’s fortunes this season, week-in, week-out their contributions ranging from very good to brilliant. The Warriors duo, James Maloney and Shaun Johnson came together relatively late in the season but have answered any questions put to them by opposing teams.

If the Sea Eagles can claim any clear advantage it is on the score of consistency. Their structured game contrasts markedly with the unpredictable, free-flowing style of the Warriors. Manly will also be looking to create tryscoring chances with their right-field attack. It is here that Glenn Stewart combines so well with Jamie Lyon to create scoring opportunities for Brett Stewart and Will Hopoate.

Another factor that will contribute to the outcome will be the performance of the respective benches. Whether he starts or is thrown into the fray after 20 minutes, Feleti Mateo will require plenty of watching by the Manly defenders. Against the Storm, Mateo played a similar game to the one unleashed by Paul Gallen in Origin II this year. Livewire utility Lance Hohia, in his farewell to the NRL, can be expected to have a telling involvement.

The clash of the coaches highlights an engaging twist. Ivan Cleary who learnt his football in the Manly junior nursery is Penrith-bound next season, and will match wits and gameplan with Des Hasler, a Penrith product who left the foot of the mountains and became a legend at Manly.

Manly are entitled to be favourites. However, at $1.50 they are a shade under the odds. Had Melbourne earned the right to play Manly in the decider, the Storm would have started equal favourites. Using this as a guide, the Warriors’ impressive win over the Storm stamps them as the real value bet at $2.70.

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For those looking for a value bet at double-figure odds, we suggest a stake on Anthony Watmough (Manly) as first tryscorer currently paying $15.00 at Sportsbet, with a saver on Jacob Lillyman (Warriors) to take the Clive Churchill Medal which is currently paying $29.00. Either one of these is sure to make your Grand Final one to remember, no matter who you want to win.

The New Zealand Warriors booked a 2011 NRL grand final appointment with Manly-Warringah with a solid 20-12 win over minor premiers Melbourne in front of a 25,580 crowd at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
The eight-point margin is not an accurate reflection of the difference between the two sides on the night, with the Warriors dominating their opponents for all but the first ten minutes.
It was the home side that opened the scoring after five minutes when Storm backrower Sika Manu strolled through a yawning gap to score close to the posts for Cameron Smith to convert. That, however, was the only time during the match that Melbourne was to hold the lead.
The New Zealanders, steadied by some solid work in the centre by Lillyman, Mannering, Rapira and Packer, levelled with a converted try to Bill Toupo after twelve minutes. Shortly afterwards, James Maloney benefited from a gem of an offload from Micheal Luck to score under the posts.
In the 35th minute Gold Coast-bound centre Beau Champion made it 12-all when he burst on to a Billy Slater pass and streaked 60 metres to the tryline. In the shadows of halftime, Maloney slotted a penalty for the Kiwis to hold a 14-12 margin at the break.
It was to be 37 minutes into the second half before another point was registered. Throughout the half the Warriors played sensible, composed football that enabled them to deny the Storm any genuine scoring opportunities. As the clock wound down, will ‘o the wisp halfback Shaun Johnson threw a series of dummies as he drifted towards the left flank where he found centre Lewis Brown who crashed over. Maloney converted from out wide to take the final score to 20-12.
The Warriors revealed plenty of steel in their makeup to deny Melbourne any scoring opportunities during the second half. In essence, they borrowed a blueprint from their opponents and used it to plot their demise. The Warriors employed the trademark Melbourne tactic of making plenty of ground with surges from dummy half. They backed this up with astute pinpoint kicking and relentless defence to ensure the Storm were forced to seek field position from deep within their own territory. Their defence around the rucks largely nullified Storm captain Cameron Smith’s ability to control and dictate the tempo.
The Warriors now face Manly-Warringah in the grand final in Sydney next Sunday, their second trip to the premiership decider after their loss to the Sydney Roosters in 2002.
NZ Warriors 20 (Bill Tupou, Lewis Brown, James Maloney tries; Maloney 4 goals) def Melbourne Storm 12 (Sika Manu, Beau Champion tries; Cameron Smith 2 goals)

Manly-Warringah became the first side to qualify for the NRL grand final with a methodical 26-14 win over Brisbane in front of 31,894 at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday night.

The men from Sydney’s northern peninsula made an ideal start in the windy conditions. The Eagles received two early penalties to carry them into the opposition twenty for hooker Matt Ballin to crash over from dummy half after only four minutes. Jamie Lyon’s conversion put Manly in front 6-0.

Manly raced to a 16-0 lead through tries to Will Hopoate (10^th minute) and Brett Stewart (20^th minute). Stewart capitalised on a wonderful delayed pass from half-back Daly Cherry-Evans to touch down in a handy position for Lyon to convert.

Jharal Yow Yeh kept the Broncos in some contention when he scored a classic winger’s try close to half-time. The Queensland and Australian rep made an athletic leap to claim a cross-kick from Matt Gillett to send the sides to the break with Manly ahead 16-4.

Hopoate claimed his second try early in the second stanza when he dived over in the corner, again after some great lead-up from Lyon and Cherry-Evans.

Even sixteen points down the Broncos were not going away. Peter Wallace burst on to a clever offload from Corey Parker to touch down under the posts. Parker converted, leaving Manly a slightly uneasy ten points in front.

Brisbane’s hopes, however, were dashed shortly thereafter when Manly’s Kieran Foran trailed a midfield bomb and wrenched the ball from the grasp of fullback Gerard Beale to score. Lyon’s conversion put the Sea Eagles in front 26-10 and effectively into next Sunday’s premiership decider.

The match was played at a very swift tempo in the sometimes blustery conditions. The Eagles played solid, mistake-free football on the back of the platform laid by their forwards. Cherry-Evans performed with the aplomb of a ten-season veteran and his judicious kicking troubled the Broncos. Manly’s Tony Williams and Steve Matai were both placed on report and the duo will face a few anxious moments in the first days of grand final week.

Sadly, with this result the curtain has dropped on the club career of Bronco immortal-to-be named Darren Lockyer. Locky’s cheekbone injury kept him out of the elimination final. It is doubtful though if even his inspirational presence could have made any difference to the final scoreline, with Manly leading from the fourth minute and always seeming in control.

Manly-Warringah 26 (W Hopoate 2, K Foran, M Ballin, B Stewart tries; J Lyon 3 goals) def Brisbane 14 (J Yow Yeh, P Wallace, D Copley tries; C Parker goal).

Sydney Football Stadium 23 September 2011

Crowd 31,894

Magpies, Hawks in Battle of the birds

A place in the 2011 AFL grand final is the prize up for grabs when Collingwood and Hawthorn square off at the MCG in tonight’s preliminary final. Oddly enough, these clubs have not met in a finals match since 1978. Whilst the Magpies will start favourite, it is worth keeping in mind that the Hawks have won five of their last seven against Collingwood.
These sides last met in round 15 when Collingwood 15.16 (106) defeated Hawthorn 9.11 (65), by 41-points. Both sides enter this sudden-death eliminator with form that can only be rated fair. The Pies dispatched the Eagles by twenty in their last outing, although the Eagles managed to get to within seven late in proceedings. Hawthorn recorded a solid win over Sydney last week, after leading by forty at the long break.
Much will depend upon how the Hawks deal with the Twin Towers, Travis Cloke and Chris Dawes. Even with Ben Stratton back in the lineup, Hawthorn will need to ensure supply is cut off further up ground. One bleak statistic for Collingwood supporters is that Cloke and Dawes each average only a solitary goal per game against the Hawks.
Collingwood’s form has unquestionably tapered off in the latter part of the season; however, they can realistically be expected to lift following their one-week layoff. Scott Pendlebury is one Magpie who has been in superb recent form and his stats reveal 30-plus possessions in seven of his past eight matches. Another plus for the Pies is the improved form of Heath Shaw after his return from suspension.
The outcome of this grand final eliminator could well rest with the Hawthorn “X-factor.” The perception is that Collingwood have more run; yet if the Hawks control the midfield through Smith, Whitecross, Sewell, Lewis and Hodge – and do it for four quarters – they can set the scene for the freakish skills of Lance “Buddy” Franklin at the pointy end.
A month ago, Collingwood would have been at prohibitive odds to win this one. Now it shapes as an even-money bet, making the Hawks tremendous value for the punter at their present price of $3.85.
If you are keen to get a bet on tonights blockbuster, Miller's Guide recommends you do so at Sportsbet, one of Australia's best online sports betting companies.
At time of print, Sportsbet has the Pies vs Hawks match up as follows

COLLINGWOOD         $1.28
HAWTHORN            $3.85

As is always the case with Sportsbet, they are offering a rather enticing exotic on tonights game as well. Sportsbet are labelling it the 'Buddy 5 Goal Refund'.
Put simply, place any bet market on the Pies vs Hawks game with Sportsbet. If Lance Franklin scores 5 or more goals, Sportsbet will refund your 1st bet if it happens to lose. You simply can't get better than that folks. Full Terms for this bet are below*.

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Geelong to spoil West Coast fairytale

Two weeks ago Geelong beat Hawthorn by kicking the ball into the forward 50, their tall men outmarking the smaller Hawks defenders. By contrast, West Coast feature a very good defensive line that includes Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn and Eric Mackenzie.
For Geelong, Tom Hawkins came of age in the clash with Hawthorn. Can he do it again? Other tall men for the Cats who will drift forward regularly are James Podsiadly and veteran ruckman Brad Ottens.
Sibling rivalry will feature in the extreme with Scott Selwood lining up against big brother Joel. Widely regarded as the best tackler in the AFL, Scott diluted Chris Judd’s effectiveness last week and has set himself for a repeat performance.
At the other end, Geelong’s famed defence, full of all-Australian superstars, may be tested by the energetic Eagles forwards. This game, however, will be won in the midfield. Here, Geelong will field six or seven big-bodied and very effective units, including, perhaps, Joel Corey who may return from injury; if he does play, Corey will add impact-plus. Eagles Matthew Priddis and Daniel Kerr are superb players but overall lack quality support.
West Coast are just two wins away from completing a last-to-first, wooden spoon to premier fairytale. The Eagles will carry plenty of momentum into this clash and will draw confidence from their eight-point win over the Cats in their sole 2011 meeting. However, a couple of statistics point to a Geelong victory. In broad terms, playing at the MCG represents a home game for the Cats, where significantly, the Eagles have won at only one of their past eight appearances.
Conclusion: Geelong will keep getting the ball, using it effectively and should win well. The Eagles’ undoubted passion and the prospect of a fairytale grand final appearance will not be enough to secure a win for the West Coast.
Sportsbet has the current prices on both teams.

GEELONG         $1.21
WEST COAST    $4.65

If you don't yet have a Sportsbet account, we have good news for you. Sign up now using our exclusive Miller's Guide link and Sportsbet will give you a free match bet up to $250. Simply create your account using our exclusive link below, make a deposit, and your first bet up to $250 will be matched by Sportsbet. It doesn't get any better than that.

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*SPORTSBET BUDDY 5 GOAL REFUND TERMS

1.    The Refund Offer applies only to wagers placed over the Internet or Mobile phone at m.sportsbet.com.au. Only the 1st bet on the Collingwood v Hawthorn match will be deemed eligible for the Offer. A 1st wager can be placed on any Match betting market prior to the start of the match and be eligible for the offer if it is a losing wager.
2.    For the Offer to be valid, Lance Franklin of Hawthorn must score 5 or more goals for the match including Extra Time.
3.    Free Bets placed on a selection are excluded for the Offer. Multibet wagers are excluded from the Offer.
4.    The Refund offer will equal the value of the Members 1st bet stake on each match to a maximum refund of $100 cash per member if the 1st bet is a losing wager.
5.    The Refund will be credited to the member’s account as a separate cash transaction within 24 hours of the completion of the match and the member will receive an email confirming the refund has been paid on Monday 26th September 2011.

With the NRL finals entering the final stages, John Colledge provides Miller's Guide with exclusive insight into how he see's this weeks match ups as well as a review of the best bets for anyone looking for a little flutter on any of this weekends games. Who said the Sea Eagles being the favourite would be a stretch? Not Sea Eagles Cheerleader Tamar Leek, that's for certain!

Locky out – Eagles soar to favouritism

Friday night at the Sydney Football Stadium will see plenty of questions asked and answered as Manly-Warringah and Brisbane vie to become the first team to qualify for the 2011 NRL Grand Final.

The two most obvious questions for fans to ask about the Broncos are: can they win a sudden-death finals match without inspirational skipper Daren Lockyer to usher them around the park? And did they play their grand final a fortnight early in their epic 13-12 win over St George Illawarra last Saturday?

Lockyer’s presence will be missed, no doubt. However, with Matt Gillett now claiming the No 6 jersey the Broncos will enjoy the luxury of replacing an immortal with a potential superstar. Sam Thaiday returns to the Broncos pack after serving a suspension and his charges on the right of the ruck and his ability to offload after attracting multiple tacklers will trouble Manly’s defence.

Questions arise regarding Manly’s ability, minus their forward stalwarts Jason King and Glenn Stewart, to defeat a quality opponent in a knockout finals encounter. Their recent off-field dramas have been well chronicled, but coach Des Hasler, a consummate professional, will have done everything in his power to ensure his players’ minds are focused upon football and nothing else.

This match could well be decided by the respective halves pairings. For the Eagles, Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran have performed solidly, at times brilliantly, throughout season 2011. With 355-game Broncos veteran Lockyer missing, much of the kicking in general play will become the responsibility of Peter Wallace, one of the most consistent players week-in, week-out in the NRL. Gillett’s late season form has been of such quality that he is regarded as a selection chance for the Australian team to be named after the finals series. Queensland great Wally Lewis has publicly endorsed Gillett’s replacement of Lockyer at five-eighth, claiming the 21-year-old will handle the position with ease.

Current odds: Sea Eagles $1.45; Broncos $2.75

A value wager: Steve Mattai – first try scorer $8.00

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Storm Warning for Trans-Tasman visitors

Rugby League fans are certain to witness a herculean tussle when the New Zealand Warriors and the Melbourne Storm square off in the NRL grand final eliminator match at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Saturday night.

From the front row right through to the coaching box this clash presents a tantalising contrast in styles. Melbourne is a methodical outfit that relies on a tried and true style enhanced with flashes of brilliance. The New Zealanders play an exciting ad lib game that makes them a danger to any opponent, irrespective of the state of the scoreboard. Even the coaches could not be further apart in manner, Craig Bellamy’s unmistakable passion a far remove from the Warriors’ Ivan Cleary’s calm, almost studious, demeanour.

The Storm execute the basics of Rugby League better than any other team in the NRL, with Bellamy ensuring each of his players carries out his allocated assignment to his optimum. The Storm forwards, led so well in the exchanges by Cameron Smith, invariably lay a solid platform for the silky skills of Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Gareth Widdop to come to the fore later in the match.

This foolproof method of the Storm indeed provides a stark difference in style from the free-flowing, cerebral rugby league played by the Warriors. Make no mistake though, these Warriors are not just a hit-and-miss outfit. Probably more than any other side in the NRL, the Kiwis have the physical attributes to match it with the Storm. Their halves pairing of James Moloney and Shaun Johnson both have that ability to capitalise on half-chances. So too, does Lance Hohaia, the sole survivor from the Warriors 2002 grand final team, who could provide the real “X-factor” off the bench.

Always succinct, Storm coach Bellamy summed up this match in typical fashion: “… what’s happened in the past isn’t going to matter on Saturday night,” he said.

Current odds: Storm $1.42; Warriors $2.95

A value wager: Kevin Proctor – first try scorer $17.00

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The first double-header of the FIBA Oceania Olympic basketball qualification series between New Zealand and Australia - featuring the Tall Blacks and Boomers, and Tall Ferns and Opals - is a sellout.

All 3,500 general admission tickets for game one at Melbourne’s State Netball Hockey Centre have been sold. The double-header will give Melbourne Tigers fans their first look at NBA signing, Boomers' star guard Patty Mills. The Oceania Championship is also a vital series for the Tall Blacks and Tall Ferns, with a spot in the London Olympics on the line.

Game two will be decided at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and game three at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Tickets for both venues are still available.

Tickets to the Brisbane game are now being sold through Ticketek, and for the Sydney game through Ticketmaster.

Two top teams of the 2010-11 NBL season, the Perth Wildcats and Townsville Crocodiles, will meet in the first game of the official pre-season tournament, the Sunshine State Challenge, on September 17 in Rockhampton.

“Both teams participated in last season's playoffs; they are two of Australia's premier basketball teams – and they are coming to Rockhampton,” said Jamie Boon, Operations Manager Rockhampton Basketball. “It will be interesting to see who the local fans will support – my best guess is that a parochial Rockhampton crowd will favour the Queensland-based team.”

The match will feature Australian Boomers representatives, the Wildcats' Damian Martin and Peter Crawford from the Crocs. 216-centimetre Crocs centre, Luke Schenscher, formerly of the Portland Trailblazers and the Chicago Bulls will also play.

Townsville Crocodiles have previously featured in the Beef Capital in pre-season matches; however, it will be the maiden appearance of five-time NBL champions Wildcats at Hegvold Stadium.

This clash starts the NBL Sunshine State Challenge, a pre-season tournament featuring all nine NBL Championship teams. Each team will appear three times during the tournament, with games also played on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. Rockhampton’s Hegvold Stadium in will be the only regional venue to host a match.

The pre-season final will be decided in Brisbane on 24 September.