Quality win Manly.
Before tonight's game, they were a team that played well in patches only to become their own worst enemy and effectively beat themselves. At times they appeared directionless, failing to come up with the big plays at the right time, allowing their opposition to get the better of them.
30 odd minutes into tonight's game and it appeared to be the same story for Manly until Daly Cherry Evans reminded everybody what he can do. On his day, there's few halfbacks in the competition who can provide what he can offer and he turned the game on it's head with two massive plays for his side. First it was the 40/20 to manufacture the opportunity, then it was the pin-point grubber for Taufua to dot down in the corner. It was shades of 2013, a welcome sign for the Manly faithful.
From there, Manly were able to extend their lead by a further two tries. One was the result of some lovely anticipation from one of the game's most gifted athletes, the other was part determination and part lazy defence from the Cowboys who were struggling for enthusiasm after a poor end to the first half.
The most pleasing thing for Barrett would be the Sea Eagles goal line defence in the final quater of the game. They frustrated the wounded Cowboys into error and didn't concede a single point despite the Cows best efforts. This isn't the first time the Sea Eagles have been impressive on their own line, their goal line defence was one of the few positives to emerge out of Round 1 and if they can use it as a foundation they could find themselves in the thick of it come September.
As for the Cowboys, they were poor after two consecutive golden point thrillers. Minus their forward leaders in Mat Scott and Jason Taumalolo as well as key playmaker Lachlan Coote, they were listless and injuries through out the night didn't make their jobs any easier. In Rugby League, it's difficult to be at your best week in and week out and I'd be shocked if they don't produce an improved performance against the spirited Titans next week.
Finally, if Kevin Walters is serious about winning this years series he has to find a place for Coen Hess in his 17. Not only is he one of the most exciting youngsters in the game, he's also one of the form backrows. The Maroons dynasty was founded on giving guys like Cam Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Sam Thaiday and Nate Myles a chance when they were young, I believe a similar gamble has to be made on Hess.
