3 minute read

A look at the second week of the NRL finals and what it means for the rest of the series.

WEEK TWO OF THE NRL FINALS AT A GLANCE:

RESULTS:

* Semi-final: South Sydney 34 bt Manly 26

* Semi-final: Melbourne 32 bt Parramatta 0

THE WASH-UP:

All year the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne were expected to meet in the grand final, but that clash has come a week early. The Storm shut out the Eels 32-0 to book a spot in the preliminary final against the premiership favourites. Nelson Asofa-Solomona dominated up front while Josh Addo-Carr was electric in the win which ended the Eels' season. On the other side of the draw, controversy marred the Rabbitohs' come-from-behind 34-26 win over Manly. Jake Trbojevic was sin-binned for a professional foul and the Rabbitohs scored twice while he was off.

INJURIES:

Rabbitohs - Alex Johnston (head knock), Adam Doueihi (head knock), James Roberts (hand); Eels - Clint Gutherson (head knock), Tepai Moeroa (head knock), Marata Niukore (head knock).

KEY MOMENT:

Josh Addo-Carr cost his side dearly the week prior when he spilled the ball on his own line, allowing Canberra to snatch victory. But he bounced back emphatically, showcasing his electric speed on his way to a scintillating 70 metre solo try in which he bamboozled six defenders.

KEY QUOTE:

"Do I think we were dudded? Yep, I think we were dudded." Manly coach Des Hasler blows up at Jake Trbojevic's sin-binning by referee Gerard Sutton.

KEY STAT:

Every side that has scored first in all six finals matches this series has gone on to win.

JUDICIARY:

Eels - Maika Sivo (shoulder charge).

NEXT WEEK:

* Preliminary final: Canberra v South Sydney at GIO Stadium, Friday, 7:50pm

* Preliminary final: Sydney Roosters v Melbourne at SCG, Saturday 7:50pm.