We're a finals team.
I didn't know whether or not I could have said that last week when we let Manly get back into the game through some sheer lazy defence but to their credit the boys have stepped up another gear despite the absence of Hoffman and Thaiday.
And do you know what I loved?
Seeing all those whinging NSW d**k riders whinging about us. You know you're doing well when they're complaining about the slightest thing. The highlight for me was their big cry over the Lockyer voluntary tackle. It happens every week and in the context of the game, meant bupkiss. Like when Stagg tackled Slater over the sideline.
Hell I also love seeing renouf and user give positive critiques. You know how well the team is playing when these two straight shooters wrap them.
Actually, if I'm going to don the skeepe persona, I've got to say the refs were equally bad. Couldn't believe that penalty against us for tackling one of their players in their in-goal. It's one of the ten simple rules of Rugby League, play to the whistle and the ref. sure as hell didn't call held.
But I'm sick of the coverage fans give the refs. Let's talk about the real stars tonight. I'm talking our forward pack. Up against the highly talked about Warriors pack and we absolutely matched them. McGuire was a machine, Hannant was good support and our backrow was a fusion of talent, hard work and luck. Hell, even Anderson came good after his knock on inside our half. It wasn't even the worst mistake, Hala can take that award (FYI Dave you're not SBW, you're much better than that merkin - well at least as a person). And I believe both Macca and Hunt deserve a rap, in fact, they may have been the huge difference in the end. I don't remember seeing much from either Heremaia or Hohaia, while Macca and Hunt were always gifting us momentum from dummy half. In fact, I'll go as far to say that was Hunt's best game in first grade. He looked really threatening at times.
And while I was vocal about his future, Jumpin Jack had another stormer of a game, scoring one and setting two others up. If nothing else, he's had a tremendous 2011 and I'll never forget that (just like I never forgot Carlaw scoring THAT try).
Hard coming up with a 3,2,1 but here's my effort...
2. Alex Glenn - Got the party started with a sensational strip and was a constant threat down that left hand side. Was also very good in d.
2. Josh McGuire - Relentless all night in the middle and could he end up being the front row of the finals? Could he join Jharal as a Kangaroo?
1. Corey Parker - Stepped up well in the absence of Thaiday playing one of his better games where he didn't overplay his hand and just ran some tough angled runs right into the heart of the opposition. Handy in defence and his goal kicking was superb. Happy he scored himself a try.
1. Jack Reed - I know I gave Hunt a wrap and Gillett can also feel unlucky but 2 try assists and a try himself deserves a point and he's been one of the finds of the seasons. Greg who?
Bring on Week 2 (or 3...but seriously 2)
