Nicholls: Not a lot to report on for Nicho but that's not to say he didn't play well. it wasn't one of those exceptional games but he still went well alongside the rest of the forwards. 106 meters, 17 tackles with only 1 missed. He certainly played his part in sending us to the Grand Final.
Cook: This is a guy who has been heavily, heavily critcised for his performances in Prelims the past three years. Plenty of that critcism was justified too I feel. However, he also deserves a huge wrap for the way he played. he shook those monkeys off his back and put in a big game. Took his opportunities to run and he had some really good darts. Picked up 101 meters which is always a good indication that Cookie has had a good game. His service from dummy half was faultless, he didn't do any stupid plays, he didn't go missing and as always, he was one of our more busy players in defence. The big play was that grubber back inside for Cody to score, off the left foot mind you! I still have no idea how he pulled that off, was truely one of the great Finals tries! Well done Damien!!
Tatola: Very, very solid. Charged up the middle on every carry and had a reasonable workload in both his stints. It was clear he was keen to take the game on and he played his hand in getting up and over their forwards. 11 runs for 102 meters, along with many other impressive numbers.
Koloamatangi: Was good. Really good in fact. Nothing flashy but he played his role brilliantly and I loved his contribution. Some really barnstorming runs where he'd carry multiple defenders forward post contact, I lost count of how many times that happened. He proved a threat on that left edge attacking their line as well as he took a few short balls and posed as a decoy many times. can't fault him in defence either. Must be a proud moment for a local junior like him to be heading into his first big dance.
Su'A: Not to be outdone by his second row partner, I thought Jaydn also had a pretty good game. Made the one error in a set after points but that was the only real negative of his night. Was super aggressive with his carries as each one had some real purpose. Cracked the 100 meter mark which is always good. Played his role on the end of shape and did look dangerous a few times. I kind of wish we had more guys running off his shoulder though as there was a number of times he was in a bit of space and had an arm free for an offload. On another note, he didn't do to much wrong in defence.
Murray: Where the hell do I start?? I always think "surely this guy can't impress me anymore than he already does," but Cam just continues to do it!! I'm kind of speechless with his performance last night as he really stood up, lead the way and said "follow me." Quality run after quality run, a lot of those followed by a quick play-the-ball. A massive 195 meters which topped the run meters for us, 5 tackle breaks and 35 tackles with none (yes, none) missed!! The stats only tell half the story though. Incredible stuff from Cam!
Benji: Came on and played his role well. Provided good impact and had some nice touches in a short stint. The most noteable was that try assist. A pefect short ball for Campbell Graham. Well done old fella!! Will be one of the great storylines of Grand Final week as he plays his first decider since 2005 in what will most likely be his last game. I'm not crying, you are!
Host: Can't fault Hosty. Didn't have a huge impact on the game but he did his job and that's all you can really ask for.
Burgess: That's two bloody good Finals games in a row now for him. It'd be hard to top Week 1 but jeez, he still played well. Came on and showed some real intent, great energy and he helped maintain the rage of our starting forwards. Picked up 129 meters which is very good.
Arrow: Like Burgess, probably not as explosive as Week 1 but still great. Can't fault Jai at all. It was clear from the moment he came on he was desperate to make that Grand Final. Some really good carries and bruising defence. Good stuff Jai! Through to the first grand Final of your career!
Man, it's still so surreal to say "we're in the Grand Final." Don't know about everyone else but it still hasn't sunk in yet. To actually know that we're there is an unbelievable feeling!!! So friggin proud of the boys, a really emotional moment in the history of our club. My tears were certainly flowing.
I'll touch more on it next week but I really do think we can do this, no matter who we play!!!
For now, let's just enjoy our first Prelim win in four years and our first Grand Final appearance in seven years!!