Welcome to the Goose Step!
We are back! And its high time, with the Senior Semi-Finals getting underway, we thought we would give some insight, or just something to read while your waiting for the game.
And yes, its not finals time for the Women’s Premiership yet, but it may as well be, with two massively important games on Friday Night! Anyway here we go.
Westpac Women’s Premiership – Friday – 6:40pm & 8:00pm
Charlottes Vineyard Sports Pavilion, Ellenbrook
Round 16 – Sea Eagles vs Giants – 6:40pm
The competition is the closest it has been in years, and the rise of the Sea Eagles is a huge part of it. With Joondalup the defending premiers being up and down this year, the Sea Eagles have taken the opportunity to improve out of sight. For one team, its a must win to make the finals, while for the other, its a chance to head straight into the grand final with a big win.
For the Sea Eagles, its do or die. Unfortunately their for and against is going to work against them, so its win or go home, and even then it may not be enough. But you get the feeling that the other teams would be happy to see the back of them. Boasting a hugely improved line up, the one factor they have above others is speed, speed and more speed. Boasting the talents of April Alan, Sinead Loundes and Ada Cox, they have been burning their way through teams. Add in the mercurial Melodie Toby the Sea Eagles are a team to be afraid of. And they got the shot in the arm they needed, when Brianna Young and Missy Buchanan showed up at their doorstep. Can they get the W and make a run at the competition?
The Giants have been up and down all year. With numbers and injuries piling up, they limped into the final half of their season after starting on fire. But the troops are returning on time and they looked set and ready for the finals. Anneka Stephens returns, Jeune-Kelly Biddle is in great form, and with Elle Warren, Taryn Wylie and Zion Taurima in the fold, the Giants have got some speed of their own. While a win would give them a shot at the Minor Premiership, a big win would almost secure it, and that means a free ticket to the Grand Final. Watch for winger Mata Moekaa, who leads the competition for tries. She can get over at any stage.
Round 16 – Rabbitohs vs Roosters – 8:00pm
In the other game, the teams will be watching the first game with great curiosity, but both for different reasons. If the Sea Eagles win, it means the Roosters must beat the home side to get into the Preliminary Final next wee. However if the Giants win, the Rabbitohs will be out to stay in first place and get that free ticket to the grand final.
For the Rabbitohs, they still have question marks around whether they can put a full 80 minutes together. Losing the grand final last year ended their run of premierships at 5 straight, and they will desperate to rectify that mark. But one thing is for sure. The unbeatable stigma that once followed the Rabbitohs is gone, with every team getting a win against them this year. Kailey Thompson is back, and they’ve lured Huia Swannell back in for the semi finals. Mahinarangi Clair and Ariana Ruru-Hinaki add class to the red and greens, while the emergence of Demi Goldsworthy as a quality hooker has surprised many. Taliana Mika has also been making waves as a strong finishing winger.
For the Roosters, they will be looking to make sure they put a scare into the teams in front of them. A win here would be a massive mental advantage, as they would play the Rabbitohs again next weekend. But the unpredictable nature of the Roosters play, has had their staff and supporters pulling their hair out at certain times this year. Keisha Marshall is back in Roosters colours, and hasn’t missed a beat, while the return of Alex King has added some much needed class to their side. And while the forward pack, with Horner, Foster and the mercurial Kahurangi Peters has been strong, the injection of Beth Norton into the lineup gives them a dominant play maker they have craved this year.
Women’s League Tag – Saturday – 11:30am
Blueforce Park, Charles Riley Reserve, North Beach
Minor Premiers – North Beach Sea Eagles
Major Semi Final – Sea Eagles vs Lions
The big question remains. When at full strength, as they should be for the finals, can anyone stop the Sea Eagles? The Lions get the first crack at them, and while a win would be great, you get the feeling they wouldn’t mind going the long way to the GF if that ends up happening.
The Sea Eagles won the competition last year off the back of stifling defence and speed to burn, and if it can be believed they have only gotten better. Their playmakers in Anahera Te Rahui, Charmondelae Whaanga and the Robinson Sisters are another year older, smarter and more experienced. And they added more speed. Tessa Pokia, adds to the already lightning speed of Emily Arriagade-Magoffin and Loundes. Alan, a 2 time Grand Final MVP, adds even more class and they will take a tonne of beating.
The Lions, under the astute coaching of Sean Terrell back at the helm, saw off their close rivals the Titans last week to get first crack at the Sea Eagles juggernaut. But they are not afraid. Boasting the red and white ferrari in Brooke Carroll, classy halves in Norton and Michaela Turner-Wallace, and the experienced and Imogen Howes & Zarah Suamili, they will bring all their experience and defensive tenacity to bear in this match.
Franklin Offshore Stadium, Lark Hill Sportsplex, Port Kennedy
Elimination Semi Final – Titans vs Giants
The Titans have been scrapping with the Sea Eagles and the Lions all year for the chance to be in the top 2, and have come up just short, and now have to contend with a dangerous Giants team who will see this as a free shot at causing some problems.
The Titans are a great side. Unlike the other top 2 sides, they arent the fastest team in the world. But are a rugged defensive outfit, who you do not want to let get near your tryline. While not possessing the devastating pace of the Sea Eagles or Lions, they’ve got some brilliant playmakers of their own in Shayla Taiwhati, Rose Graham and Hereripene Williams. But its their stable of battlers that adds to their side. Players like Rubina Trego, Taylah Taiwhati and newbies like Cassi Wilson have all brought an energy that is infectious, and the Titans have benefited.
Well the Giants are here. And they were the best of the rest this year, and will be playing with a free pass and wild abandon. While they aren’t the juggernaut they once were, when they get it right they are still a very difficult side. Adding some amazing Tigers, such as Louise Smith and Kennedy Joe-Solomon, they have joined forces with some veteran Giants and will take a nothing to lose attitude into this weekends match!
What a weekend for the ladies! Get down to the games for some great rugby league!
