How did my NRL finals week 1 predictions go?

I am a man of modesty. But I think I was pretty dead-on with my picks last weekend. Here's what I said and what actually happened.

"St George will decimate a depleted Sea Eagles side and fly to the preliminary final with momentum on their side":
28-0, anyone? Now it's true that the depleted Manly gallantly held the Dragons to just one try until the 64th minute but once those floodgates opened, the class of the Red and Whites was plain for all to see. They now enjoy a week off and will face the winner of Canberra vs. Wests in week three.

But that very class that St George displayed is a curse as much as it is a blessing. The Daily Telegraph called the Dragons "controlled, measured, patient and methodical" in their performance over the weekend. Against a team full of X-factors in a fortnight, methodical and controlled may not be enough. To win NRL finals, you need to take chances, something their opposition - whether it ends up being the Tigers or Raiders - know plenty about.

"Titans v Warriors is another hard one to pick ... Gold Coast have the talent to shake up the finals series":
OK, so I didn't make a balls-to-the-wall call on this one, but I did say there were injury worries around Mat Rogers, Scott Prince and Ashley Harrison, who all played. Gold Coast now get their week off and face up against the winner of the Roosters and Penrith. This is likely to be the Roosters (more on that below), but I truly believe the Titans are building to something. Each year they're getting better, and with Scott Prince on the park they're a formidable side.

"Saturday night's qualifying final between the Tigers and Roosters ... Trying to pick a winner for this one is hard":
And boy was it ever, even in the 99th minute. Saturday night's game will go down as one of the great Rugby League finals matches. With the scores locked 15-all at fulltime, even regulation extra-time couldn't decide this one, with the game lasting 100 minutes. If you missed it check out the video below:

VIDEO: Roosters pip Tigers in NRL thriller

The Roosters got the spoils, but the Tigers can hold their heads high. The game was also not without refereeing controversies, and ended with concerns over Benji Marshall's fitness, though latest reports suggest he will take the field against Canberra this weekend.

"The Raiders should continue their dream run with a win against Penrith on Saturday night":
And they sure did, albeit in a tight contest. The Raiders are playing with incredible belief right now. The Tigers next week will be a test, but with the likes of Terry Campese, David Shillington and Josh Dugan firing, Canberra could almost beat anyone right now. As for the Panthers, they face up against the Sydney Roosters, who are high on their remarkable triumph and boasting the Dally M Player of the Year within their ranks. I don't see Penrith getting the better of them.