What a great occasion. The whole day was magic. Obviously if results had have gone differently it would have been better, but it was a fairytale for the growth of the club and New Zealand Rugby League in general that we had three teams representing us in the Grand Final. Terrible way to lose reserve grade, poor Ivan Penehe's last ten minutes were a bit Paul Carriage-esque. I thought the Bulldogs deserved their win, they were very fluent with their short interchange of passes around the ruck and it gave them great momentum. Congratulations to them. Credit from the Vulcans to Anthony Gelling, Glen Fisiiahi, Pita Godinet (not so much defensively) in particular, I think they can leave with their heads held high. There is a lot of talent and speed off the mark between Godinet and Fisiiahi, if they fix up a couple of defensive deficiencies they could go onto have great careers.
Onto NYC, if I thought Ivan Penehe committed the ultimate choke, the NYC mob nearly outdid him. The last 11 or so minutes was just straight out panic-street material. I thought it all started when Jordan Meads made a break... the following 3 tackles the Warriors proceeded to crawl out of dummy half to make a combined total of 2 metres forward and 7 metres sideways. It was if they were going into 'go-slow' mode to slow the game down towards the final whistle. It was way too early to apply those tactics. Great effort from the Cowboys and commiserations to them on mounting the comeback. I feel for the young chap who missed the goal. A lot of outstanding talent in that game, the backrower for the Cowboys #12 was exceptional. He is going to be a very fine NRL talent I feel. From the Warriors, despite some pandemonium moments towards the end Hurrell, Taukiaheo, Palavi, Ikahihifo, Havili to me have the makings of very good first graders. All the best to Adam Henry too with the Roosters.
Finally the big dance. Magic to see so many Kiwis flying over especially for the game. The national anthem and the haka was great to be a part of in such a cauldron of Kiwis. Manly, what I can say, congratulations to them. They were the better team and thoroughly deserved their win. Glenn Stewart was a constant threat and is just so smart on the edges of the ruck exposing weaknesses in defence with his deft ball play. To me, Manly were just very well organised. Their spine knew their role including Glenn Stewart and performed them extremely well. I thought the first 20 minutes was incredibly tight with a lot of good forward play and solid defence. It was a terrific feeling out period. The back end of the game I think showcased one of the premier talents in rugby league. Shaun Johnson is an absolute champion in the making. With a lit bit more maturity, and some improvements in defence, and a confidence to continue to take the line on he is going to make a lot of special tries. I feel Johnson and Maloney could strike up a lethal combination long term should James get the offer he wants and remain with the Warriors. That will be the challenge, keeping the spine of this team together - the four way rotation, Mannering, the halves, Locke, Vatuvei, the halves, Mateo... if they can keep together for a few years with a few U20s coming in then I feel we'll jag one sooner or later.
Either way, great occasion and congratulations to the Manly fans. Enjoy the moment, one day I hope to experience the emotions you guys got to experience last night. Finally, all the best to Lance Hohaia, Aaron Heremaia, Brett Seymour, Joel Moon, Shaun Berrigan and in particular Ivan Cleary as they embark on new futures. John Ackland midweek summed up Ivan Cleary best. He's the first Warriors coach not to get the boot and leave on his own wants, and he's the first Warriors coach to have set this club up for a great future when he leaves. I wish him all the best at Penrith, I struggle to think of anyone in the Warriors history who has a greater impact on the Warriors as a club and for that he deserves a lot of respect. Great season of NRL, bring on 2012.
