This match was a one-act affair. After a short tussle for the opening 15 minutes or so, the Sharks soon asserted their superiority and really had this match well in their keeping before half-time. The result was wrapped up with more than 20 minutes left to play and the final quarter of the game descended into a sloppy, mistake-riddled rabble. I'm sure both sides would've gladly called it all off well before the full-time siren.

The Rabbitohs have really been struggling with their game for the back half of the season, and having conceded over 155 points in their last five outings of the home and away season, I was not anticipating anything too special from them in this first weekend of finals football. They delivered even less. This is a team playing without any confidence or resolve whatsoever. For the time being, the magic that took them to the premiers' dais in 2014, has completely evaporated. Despite the fact they have been in terrible form for more than half the season, I've been somewhat surprised at the fact they've turned up and tried to play exactly the same way every week. Now they have a whole off-season to reassess.

The Sharks were brilliant for the first hour of play. Fast, enthusiastic and hungry, they completely overpowered their opponents. The Sharks forwards dominated the middle of the field, allowing their halves Jeff Robson and young Jack Bird plenty of time and space to ignite their outside backs into action. They were guilty of switching off over the concluding stages; but one can excuse them starting to think about preserving themselves for the bigger games ahead.

It's hard to gauge the quality of the Sharks victory given the poor form of the Rabbitohs, however, it's a semi-final win over a celebrated opponent and just another valuable brick in the wall of confidence. The Cowboys will know they are in a game in Townsville next Saturday night. Up, up Cronulla. They were way too good.

Storm players embrace at full time in Sydney. Photo: Getty Images

Storm 20 Roosters 18

This wasn't a classic game by any stretch of the imagination, but it did produce an exciting last 15 minutes of play thanks to the closeness of the scores and a couple of spectacular tries.

The Melbourne Storm came with a plan, stuck to it and executed it well. This is a highly professional football team. Their methodical manner is almost foolproof when it comes to big-match pressure. They controlled the ball well, worked through their repertoire of plays and tested the Roosters in all parts of the field.

The Storm manipulated proceedings so they got to play the game in a manner that suited their own style and which completely frustrated their opponents. The Roosters were out-of-sorts. I'm sure they were well aware what tactics the Storm would bring, however, they seemed unprepared in how to deal with it. In attack they lacked any real focus. It was like they hoped the points would come rather than having any deliberate or recognisable plan on how to attack the Melbourne defensive line. This led to some really uncharacteristic handling errors which stalled their momentum at crucial times and only added to their frustration. Despite the final result only being two points, I felt the Storm were the better team and deserved winners. I do think the Roosters can bounce back.

Bulldogs players enjoy the moment on Saturday night. Photo: Getty Images

Bulldogs 11 Dragons 10

This was a game where you always felt like the Bulldogs were about to stamp their authority and surge away for a clear win. The feature, though, was the courage and fighting qualities of the Dragons players who refused to lay down and accept defeat. Again, it wasn't a pretty spectacle, but it sure warmed you up to see these players giving their all until the final whistle and even beyond into golden-point extra-time. The Dragons fans must be so proud of their lads for the grit and determination they showed. They nearly pulled it off too. They led with only a couple of minutes left and it took some big plays from the Bulldogs to finally declare a winner. It was so typical of the Bulldogs to just do enough in the end to get the result, but it wasn't great form by the same token. I thought the Bulldogs' back-rower Josh Jackson was absolutely outstanding for his side. Dragon fullback Josh Dugan was the best player on the field despite playing for the beaten team. He threw himself into the action time and time again. He could do no more for his side.

Despite the narrow and painful loss, the Dragons can feel very satisfied with their 2016 season where they exceeded all early expectations and covered themselves with glory on their biggest day. The Dogs move onto next week. It wasn't the sort of performance that fills you with complete confidence for the weeks ahead, but we all know this football club can rise to any occasion on their day.

On top: The Broncos celebrate Ben Hunt's try. Photo: Getty Images

Broncos 16 Cowboys 12

Best game of the season. At the end of this match, I stood and applauded both teams for giving us an outstanding evening of rugby league entertainment. It wasn't just the players either. I'm sure they too were inspired by the occasion, the venue, the 50,000-strong crowd and the atmosphere. It was obvious, too, that the two teams were inspired by each other. The rivalry was obviously there; this Queensland derby is always special. But it was also the respect these teams and the players had for each other. It was super intense and highly competitive.

The two teams ripped into each other right from the opening whistle and the players took themselves to a dark place on the fatigue meter to eventually find a winner. It felt like the game was played predominantly at the Broncos' end of the field. The Cowboys kept coming at them with wave after wave of attacking rushes. In reply the Broncos defensive line stood stoically and refused to buckle. I don't think any other team in the NRL could've limited the Cowboys to two tries in 80 minutes of play like the Bronco boys did. It was impressive stuff.

I think the Broncos deserved the win, but I'm not prepared to say there were real losers in this match. The Cowboys can be proud of their efforts for sure and if they are able to lift again and maintain such intensity in every game they play from now on, their premiership aspirations are far from over.

As a rugby league lover though, this game renewed my faith in our game as a code. When it's played like this, there is no better game on earth.

Well done to both coaches and all players who took part. Really great job.