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Anthony Minichiello sets up dream NRL SuperCoach grand final against wife Terry Biviano

THE Daily Telegraph’s promotions department must be over the moon. Terry and I have somehow set up a dream grand final clash this weekend.

THE Daily Telegraph’s promotions department must be over the moon.

Terry and I have somehow set up a dream grand final clash this weekend.

Who would have thought that when we signed on as SuperCoach ambassadors this year we’d be the last two standing?

As you’d expect, our competitors are crying foul, saying the Telegraph have staged the whole thing.

They are claiming collusion. A promotional stunt.

“The Telegraph rigged it for a Mini, Terry final,” claimed last week’s conquest More Chilli during a heated text message exchange.

I understood the anger of More Chilli — a quality team run by my nephew’s best mate.

He was the top player in our league all year, ranking in the top 1,000, and had just been taken down in a massive upset.

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He had watched every SuperCoach video and read every article for the entire year, and yet all the hard work came to nothing as my former Italy teammate James Tedesco led us to victory as captain.

Anthony Minichiello and Terry Biviano will face off in the SuperCoach grand final.
Anthony Minichiello and Terry Biviano will face off in the SuperCoach grand final.

I knew More Chilli was hurting … so I thought I’d do the noble thing and kick him while he was down.

“If you want to learn from The MinCats’ coach, there is an assistant coaching role open for you next season.”

I can categorically deny there was anything suspicious about Terry and myself ending up in the decider.

Personally, I think the claims are just sad — almost as sad as Terry’s constant gloating that she is going to win this weekend.

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Josh Jackson’s consistency is invaluable.
Josh Jackson’s consistency is invaluable.

The MinCats are high on confidence following our massive week, where we scored 100 points more than Terry.

My boys are ranked 3,000th overall to Terry’s 15,000th.

It’s a mismatch.

I’ve made just the one change, which was forced through the injury to Bryce Cartwright, who has a lacerated kidney.

Even with no trades left, I’ve got two great back-up players in Bodene Thompson and Josh Jackson.

I’ve opted to for Jackson as the Bulldogs are playing a woeful Warriors’ defence and could put on a cricket score.

The boys are primed. The coached is primed. Everything is pointing towards a victory lap for The MinCats come Sunday afternoon.

The only issue could be over confidence.

Or if Terry and the head honchos at The Telegraph rig it.

This week’s team (with last week’s scores): James Tedesco (125), Blake Ferguson (30), Dylan Walker (34), Semi Radradra (48), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (145), James Maloney (69), Johnathan Thurston (43), Jesse Bromwich (63), Cameron Smith (78), Paul Gallen (79), Corey Parker (73), Simon Mannering (40), Shaun Fensom (90). Interchange: James Segeyaro (98), Josh Jackson (55), Adam Reynolds (42), George Burgess (45)

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/anthony-minichiello-mini-cats-are-the-supercoach-team-of-destiny/news-story/bf46e21599032087c5c7ebcf1e831cf9