Grand Final dreaming
Last updated: 11th October 2007
O'Connor: Who will win?
Leeds have got the power in Peacock, the speed in Scott Donald and the skill in Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire but for Leeds to win they have to get on top of a red hot St Helens side.
Barry and Terry were at Old Trafford to see James Roby crowned Man of Steel, but who will be crowned Super League champions when St Helens and Leeds clash on Saturday?
Roby edged out Wigan stand-off Trent Barrett and Saints teammate Paul Wellens to clinch the title on a night that also saw Leeds named club of the year and Bradford prop Sam Burgess was named young player of the year.
But talk soon turned to the Grand Final, where defending champions St Helens take on 2004 champions Leeds.
"St Helens was one of those teams that everyone was writing off at the beginning of the season," said Terry on Boots 'n' All Online.
"They said that they wouldn't win the World Cup challenge, but they turned up and got the result.
"With the likes of James Roby and Maurie Fa'asavalu coming off the bench
have Leeds got the power to stop them?"
Leeds have got the better of St Helens twice this season, however came off second best two weeks ago in their semi-final clash.
That encounter was one of the most ferocious and hard fought games in the history of Super League and Barry McDermott believes that speed will be the key on Saturday.
"I believe that whenever St Helens and Leeds meet in a match it is all about speed and agility," explained Barry.
"Wigan are all about power, but I think Leeds beat them in the power. Jamie Peacock was a tower of strength.
"But I think with Saints v Leeds, the determining factor is speed."
Terry believes that while Leeds seem to have plenty of pace and power, they still have to face a superb Saints outfit.
"Leeds have got the power in Peacock, the speed in Scott Donald and the skill in Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire but for Leeds to win they have to get on top of a red hot St Helens side," said Terry.
However Barry was quick to point out to Terry that Saints also have to perform.
"That goes the same for Saints though, if they are not at the top of their game, Leeds could win this game.
"They have some questions too. Will Sean Long be fit? Mattie Smith has been a wonderful deputy for him, but do you leave a player with the experience of Long out?"
The Boots 'n' All were unable to come to an agreement to exactly who would win, so they opened the debate up to those who may just have the inside track.
Paul Sculthorpe (Injured St Helens captain): Well I am going to be out there, hopefully as the water boy. It is going to be another tremendous game. Going off the last game, there is nothing between the two teams. Grand Finals bring the best out of teams and I think it is right that you have the top two teams there.
John Kear (Wakefield coach): Everything points to St Helens, but you must think the emotion factor with Leeds and Tony Smith may just carry them through. I am going for Leeds and it is about time we won something that side of the Pennines.
Justin Morgan (Hull KR coach): While Leeds may have the momentum, I think Saints just have the edge in terms of they have been there and done that. They have some big game players who step up to the plate and I expect that on the weekend. My money is on St Helens.
