really I thought Frank Hyde would have been around up to the early 90's
Frank Hyde article just before the 1977 Grand Final
By Frank Hyde
September 17, 1977
What price a draw in the grand final on Saturday?
I'm serious. There isn't a struck match between
these two sides.
While I favour Parramatta and I am tipping them
to win, I wouldn't be at all suprised if Saints won.
This is a game when I think every tipster worth
his P&O cruise would like to sit on the fence.
I've spoken to at least 100 people about the
grand final and the opinion on the outcome is 50-50.
There has been a lot of uncertainty about
Parramatta's form in recent weeks.
If, and what a big "if" it is, they reproduce last
Saturday's form, I have no doubt they will win.
Their grafting, grinding style is what wins grand
finals. It may not be spectacular, but it gets results.
I believe Parramatta would rather be playing
anyone but St George.
Saints certainly haven't been unduly worried
about the Eels this year.
Their coach, Harry Bath, says: "Parramatta are
a workable side. They lack brilliance. I have them
worked out."
How's that for confidence!
But Parramatta have power.
They have the power close to the rucks and it
was this "Parra Power" that helped them crack
Easts last week.
I also rate Parramatta stronger in defence close
to the rucks.
The two players who loom as Parramatta's
danger men are Reddy and Shulman.
Shulman has the acceleration to skip through
the defence and Reddy has the strength to do
likewise.
I wouldn't be at all suprised if Parramatta won
on Mike Cronin's right boot.
He is overdue for a match-winning effort.
Perhaps it will be "third time lucky" for Mike,
who has had a wretched time with his goal-kicking
in his last two games.
I'll be singing the club songs before the start of
the first-grade grand final.
I invite you to join in and help make this the
grandest grand final of them all.
Thanks to the many people who has sent me
good wishes for this, my 25th call of the "big one"!