This was the first time I've re-watched the match since it was broadcasted live so I found it surreal watching it again. Some thoughts.
- I wonder where Luke Rooney would be had he abandoned Penrith's sinking ship? He certainly was a talent back then.
- Crag Wing once again outplayed his starting hooker. Some things just stay the same don't they. ;-)
- Barrett is an awesome ball player, but his kicking game leaves a lot to be desired. I also found it funny when he fore-armed Thurston in the first half given the Blues fans defence. A grub of the highest order, only second to Paul Gallen.
- Kimmorley receives quite an unfair wrap for his performance. It wasn't THAT bad, it just wasn't good. In saying, when Johns was available the selectors did make the right decision.
- I recall Simpson was supposed to have a wow of a game. I only recall two good runs, the rest I barely noticed him. In fact, Fitzgibbon was the only good forward out there for the Blues.
- Despite fielding a superior team and having a better coach the Blues just lacked one vital ingrediant, anticipation. The maroons were ready to bash them to pillar to post and at the end of the day, the Blues really did rely on the likes of Mini and Barrett to save their asses.
- I'm amazed at how much Slater, Thurston and Smith had improved. They all showed signs of what kind of players they were set to become despite their obvious flaws. Slater was guilty of miss timing a number of runs, which often left Lockyer stranded. Thurston had a good running game, but wasn't confident enough to pass or kick. In saying, I thought he stood up when Lockyer was having trouble to in the later stages and he made a very impressive debut. Smith lacked the traits that would go onto define him like being able to kick out of dummy half and his combination with Slater.
- Given he built an entire career on that one performance, Webb had an inconsistent game if I've ever seen one.
- Price, Civo and Thorn were all awesome as was Crocker.
- Why did the Queensland side consist of 5 (6 if you include Crocker) utilities in their side? No wonder they lost the series.
- Lockyer really needed Hunt out there.
- Williams try was fine, BotD at it's finest. There were some other odd decisions through out.
