08 :: R5 Fri :: Storm 26 Sea Eagles 4 @ Olympic

[Manly fLIP]

Well thats the worst mascot i've ever seen. Even worse than our Igor the Vulture. How on earth is that got anything too do with a storm? Looks more like ned kelly's used that bottle of spray paint for a little self decoration.

Surly a better option would be a giant walking cloud? ;-)

 

[Geohood]

Storm 13+

 

[lotti]

Well thats the worst mascot i've ever seen. Even worse than our Igor the Vulture. How on earth is that got anything too do with a storm? Looks more like ned kelly's used that bottle of spray paint for a little self decoration.

Surly a better option would be a giant walking cloud? ;-)

Storm Man used to look alot better but they changed him for our 10th year and he's alot better than the things the NRL came up with for the kids.

 

[gong_eagle]

Manly face Storm with no emotion

By Brent Read and Margie McDonald
April 09, 2008http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23510681-23214,00.html
ANTHONY Watmough has never watched last season's grand final and doesn't plan to. Jamie Lyon has seen bits and pieces, but only after being forced to sit through video review sessions at training.
The same goes for Matt Orford, who spent the entire pre-season trying to forget it.

Then this week comes along, and the surviving members of last year's grand final side are forced to relive one of the lowest points of their careers.

Manly players to a man insist that retribution will be the furthest thing from their mind when they travel to Melbourne this week.

They've been well schooled.
Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler made it clear in the pre-season there would be no talk of revenge. And so the word was struck from their vocabulary, consigned to the dustbin.

Even so, there's no denying last year's 34-8 loss to the Storm in the title decider still hurts.

And Friday night's game at Olympic Park is a chance to exorcise some demons, even if a win won't make up for the blown opportunity.

"I've watched just bits and pieces but it's probably something that's not at the top of my list," Orford said of last year's grand final.

"Not really interested ... maybe in 10 or 20 years' time."

Asked for his memories of the match, he said: "Just the first 20 minutes and then we slipped off.

"My memories of that grand final are walking out, linking arms, singing the national anthem and looking up to see 80,000 people ... that was the highlight for me."

Lyon, back in the centres and back in form, has the onerous task of marking Melbourne centre Israel Folau.

Asked his thoughts on the 2007 grand final, he replied: "I'm not going to go out and watch it on my own.

"It was devastating there for a while. But it's not the end of the world and you have to get over it at some stage.

"I think we're all over it now."

You get the feeling they're all a little envious of Brett Stewart.

The Sea Eagles full-back was knocked senseless early in the second half by a Michael Crocker shoulder charge and remembers little else.

He has watched the game in parts but only because he stumbled across it while flicking TV channels.

"I watched it at the start of the year when Fox replayed it," Stewart said.

"I didn't watch too much of the second half because I knew I wasn't playing."

Stewart cheekily suggested his forwards might seek a little dose of retribution on Crocker this week. But that was as close as anyone got to airing the concept of revenge.

"All year we never got our bums smacked and we probably left our worst performance to the biggest game of the year," Orford said.

"You always think about it. You think about did we do things right, could we change things, just the experience is invaluable.

"I don't know if we could have done anything better. The week before we had a massive game against the Cowboys to get in the grand final.

"The emotion of making the grand final take its toll more than you imagine."

So Orford won't be letting the emotion of this week do a similar thing. As yesterday's media session dawdled along, he grew increasingly agitated.

By the end, he had clearly reached the end of his tether.

"There's no replay, no revenge," Orford said.

"I don't see it like that. I can't understand the hype. It's like a grand final week.

"I can guarantee you we won't be getting caught up in it."
AAP

 

[Ice777]

It's the same old bullsh*t story that's trotted out every year when they ask the losing side how they're feeling going into the game against the team that beat them and if they're after some revenge.

It happened to us when we played the Bronco's after they beat us and we said the same thing. They all say it's no motivation at all and talk it down but i'm sure Manly had this game pencilled in the day the draw came out.

 

[gong_eagle]

Storm v Sea Eagles Preview
Big League
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=50475



DESPITE both sides making tentative starts in 2008 with 2-2 records, the Storm and Sea Eagles are nonetheless entrenched in the top eight and this grand final rematch looms as a cracker.
The Sea Eagles have plenty of motivation after their 34-8 drubbing in the 2007 decider, while the Storm will be looking to slot into top gear after cruising over the top of the Broncos last week – a relieving win given back-to-back losses to the Sharks and Roosters.
After a worrying first fortnight Manly hit their straps with a 52-6 annihilation of the Warriors, then added further woe to Jason Taylor’s load with a 20-2 win over the Bunnies. Both those games were at Brookvale, however, and with four of their next five games played away, Des Hasler will have his side pumped for a result here.
Significantly, this is Manly’s third game in 11 days; the side remains intact from last round.
Meanwhile the Storm is trying desperately to fend off negative press surrounding their team tactics (“chicken wing” tackles etc) and speculation Craig Bellamy could be off to Brisbane from 2010 – and take a bunch of their talent with him.
While that might seem a long way off the destabilising effect it could have on a tightly drilled unit could be great. And they could continue to find their players before the judiciary, with Matt Geyer and Adam Blair fronting in successive weeks.
On the field the Storm are back rolling efficiently, as evidenced by their comprehensive 28-8 win over the previously undefeated Broncos.
Watch out Storm: Sea Eagles back-rower Anthony Watmough has a point to prove – he labels his game in last year’s decider “the worst game in my life” and knows it cost him a Kangaroos jersey in the ensuing Test against New Zealand.
With the representative season about to swing into gear “Choc” will be out to bury his demons. And he’s flying for the Sea Eagles – his 14 disposals ranks him leading offloader in the NRL and 22 tackle breaks 7th. Plus his 542 metres gained (average 136) for the seasiders ranks second only to livewire fullback Brett Stewart.
Expect him to shadow the likes of Orford and Menzies looking for short ball on the fringes to expose any tired Storm defenders. Is ready to run himself into a frenzy.
Watch out Sea Eagles: The problem for Manly is the Storm don’t appear to have any weak links. They have players ready to punish all around the park. While Billy Slater (average 116-metre gain) and Israel Folau (average 114-metre gain) tend to get most of the accolades, the man the Sea Eagles would fear most this round is Greg Inglis.
He played 60 minutes in his second game back last week, taking on the line (eight runs for 55 metres and an offload) with confidence. Expect him to be primed for this game, and to prove a handful.
Where it will be won: It all gets down to tactics. This game throws together the entertainers with the relentless grinders – the Sea Eagles top the NRL for hot-potato play with a staggering 76 offloads, while the Storm continue to show the ball respect in 2008 with a competition-low 18 offloads.
Chances are Des Hasler has decided to play to his strengths rather than try to match game plans with Craig Bellamy, so they’ll be looking to blow the Storm away with fast, enterprising play.
Down the other end of the field, interesting to note Bellamy’s men made an unusually high 10 offloads last week in demolishing the Broncos (who themselves were limited to an uncharacteristic six). So if anything, expect the Storm to step out of their comfort zone a little in this one.
The History: Played 11; Storm 6, Sea Eagles 5. The Sea Eagles have one of the best records over the Storm in recent years, winning more than their fair share (five of the past eight). But they did blow the one that counts: last year’s grand final. And their past five wins were all at Brookvale Oval.
It’s a different kettle of fish at Olympic Park, where the Storm have won all four match-ups. That’s not good news for the visitors.
Conclusion: With Tony Archer back in the hot seat for the grand final rematch, chances are there won’t be too many penalties.
This will suit both sides, but perhaps the Sea Eagles a little more – given the increased scrutiny on Storm tackling techniques. But you’d be a brave tipper to opt against the premiers at home. A fast, open affair with 40+ points scored, we say.
Match officials: Referee – Tony Archer; Sideline Officials – Steve Lyons & Russell Turner; Video ref – Bill Harrigan.
Televised: Channel 9 – Live 7.30pm (NSW), Delayed 9.30pm (Qld); Foxsports 2 – Delayed 11.30pm.

 

[Garts]

Watmough will have a big game, however it still wont be enough to get us over the line.

 

[Dutchy]

It's the same old bullsh*t story that's trotted out every year when they ask the losing side how they're feeling going into the game against the team that beat them and if they're after some revenge.

It happened to us when we played the Bronco's after they beat us and we said the same thing. They all say it's no motivation at all and talk it down but i'm sure Manly had this game pencilled in the day the draw came out.

Yep. Was easy to tell against Souths were Manly's minds really were.

 

[lotti]

one of the commentators even speculated Manly's mind was on Friday Night's game.

 

[Jatz Crackers]

Well thats the worst mascot i've ever seen.

Crocker had to hide his ugly face somehow.

The thug has a head like a smashed crab on top of a dropped pie.

 

[Johns Magic]

Storm 13+

 

[wittyfan]

Storm will repeat the grand final massacre.

 

[lotti]

I hope not, otherwise I'm really not gonna be happy with them and they know that.

 

[wittyfan]

How do they know that?

 

[cupid]

Sad Attempt at copying Tah Man

 

[cupid]

Sad Attempt at copying Tah Man, even the people on the news were making fun of it.

 

[Ice777]

Even the people on the news were making fun of it? Well that's it, if the people on the news were making fun of it then the Storm MUST change the mascot immediately :sarcasm:

I'm not sure how it's a sad attempt of copying Tah man either considering he only come onto the scene this year while the Storm mascot has been there from day one.

But anyway, i'm not really a fan of our mascot either but the kids like him and he does a decent enough job. Even if he does wear that shade of purple which is nothing like our jersey.

 

[cupid]

your protecting him as if you were wearing that costume, and the melbourne mascott last year was some guy with a lightning shaped head?

 

[gong_eagle]

Watmough seeks Storm redemption
By Todd Balym
AAP
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=50503
Manly forward Anthony Watmough doesn't want revenge over Melbourne - he wants redemption.

The Sea Eagles second-rower had his name all but written down in the Australian Test side prior to last year's NRL grand final only to produce the "worst game of my life" and miss selection altogether.

Speaking ahead of the grand final re-match at Olympic Park on Friday night, Watmough says he is determined to prove himself worthy of rep honours and step up to become Manly's most feared attacking weapon.

His campaign starts Friday when he faces the Storm, his chance to avenge the grand final flop and show new NSW coach Craig Bellamy what he can do in a big game.

"He is the NSW coach, hopefully I can show him I am worthy of playing at that level," Watmough told AAP.

"Last year I think I had consistency but it's no secret I had probably the worst game of my life in the grand final.

"I'm not going to put it down to one game to really step up (now), it is about getting that consistency again.

"(But) it would be good to put a really good performance together against Melbourne.

"I think there's a few more weeks before (Test) selection and I just want to put some good games together and get some consistency."

Watmough certainly has started the 2008 season in the kind of form which catapulted him back into representative contention last year.

After four rounds he is the game's No.1 attacking backrower - ahead of Bulldogs superstar Sonny Bill Williams.

Watmough tops the count in runs, metres gained, minutes played, offloads and tackle breaks.

He has run the ball more than twice as often as Sydney Roosters star Willie Mason, and is at least a football field ahead of his nearest NSW backrow contender in metres gained.

Workaholic Watmough says he made a conscious effort to increase his attacking output in 2008 and hopes his form is attracting the attention of his opposition.

"I want to play a bit more with the ball in hand, catch pass and get little offloads after you're hit," he said.

"It's slowly coming together. Dessy (Coach Des Hasler) has given me a bit more ball, a bit earlier too which is good, and I know I can only get better.

"Every week the opposition will watch the videos and if they see me playing well then they'll do things to try and stop that.

"I hope I am a marked man in a way. Then I know I'm doing my job and that people are taking notice."

Watmough expects the Sea Eagles attack to explode back into form against Melbourne after coming under fire for their lifeless display in the 20-2 win over South Sydney.

"We were probably a little flat from Monday night but we defended our backsides off and we sort of got into the battle up front and it was credit to the boys that we dug our heels in and they didn't score a try," he said.

"I think we'll be better off for the boring run and just defending our backsides off.

"It's no secret that our ball control has been a bit off this year, just a few individual errors let us down every week.

"If we hold the ball we know we can do something with it and that's a positive part out of it."

 

[gong_eagle]

Manly aim to end Olympic Park hoodoo
By Todd Balym
AAP
http://nrl.com/News/Latest/tabid/10244/default.aspx?id=50503
It may not be the graveyard it once was, but Manly prop Brent Kite knows his side must break their own Olympic Park hoodoo to avoid early season premiership pressure.

The Sea Eagles and Storm both enter the grand final re-match 2-2 after indifferent starts to 2008 and Manly head to Melbourne trying to post their first win at the vaunted Olympic Park.

But Kite says the Sea Eagles have taken heart from Cronulla's gutsy 17-16 win there in round two and given the closeness of the NRL it was imperative to secure more early wins so they have some breathing space well before the run home to the finals.

"It was good to see Cronulla have a win down there to remind everyone that it can be done," said Kite.

"(The season) can get away from you real quick. Something we were fortunate to do last year was string five or six (wins) together. It just takes the pressure off.

"Sides coming in from round 15 onwards needing to win a large part of your games - there's too much pressure on the team.

"We know how important these games are and we will be looking to chalk up another win."

But Kite knows victory against the Storm requires much more than what the Sea Eagles have offered in their four previous games in 2008.

While their defence has been immaculate, they are ranked No.1 in the NRL, Manly's attack has been a concern.

Coach Des Hasler sets high standards for his team and demands a completion rate higher than 75 per cent.

But they've reached this target just once this year and it wasn't in their 10 try blitz of the Warriors but rather last week's lifeless 20-2 win over South Sydney.

Manly showed signs of better ball control but that was offset by the inability to convert field dominance into points.

Kite says the Eagles need their defence and attack to combine, and receive some luck, just to compete with the premiers.

"Our defence hasn't been a problem," he said.

"Hopefully we can keep it together down there and then string some attack together.

"In that Warriors game we scored a lot of points but I'm not sure we got there (to our targets) and against an opposition like Melbourne you've got to complete your sets just for starters.

"Then you need things to go your way and a touch of luck."

Manly veteran Steve Menzies, moved to five-eighth to re-ignite the Eagles attack, is looking forward to the early litmus test against the Storm.

"It's a good little test for us at the start of the season and to go down and play the benchmark side," said Menzies.