I can't say I enjoy watching Thursday night games. It usually means a long wait until the next game and I really miss my footy. A couple of points about last nights game.
- We have seen a few "how to beat the Panthers' game plans and Manly's DCE ball was pretty to watch for a while, until it unravelled under the pressure of the Panther's relentless defence. DCE ball can go in the dustbin along with the "Bash the Panthers" game plan the Storm come up with.
- We were a bit "meh" last night. But it should be pointed out we were missing Luai, Tago, Kenny, Leniu and Peachey. That's quite an upgrade to the side even though the stand ins did their job and secured the win.
- Fo those who advocate putting untested NSW cup players in to replace injured players, I would like to draw your attention to the footage of Luke Sommerton gasping for air after about five minutes of playing first grade. It was quite a contrast between the two hookers with Soni showing the benefits of having multiple stints on the bench to prepare him for the step up. I thought Sommerton showed promise but obviously needs more experience and an off season to prepare his body for the rigours of first grade. Between the two they got the job done, well done boys.
- I said on here a few weeks back that it is only a matter of time before we worry whether we can fit Kenny under our salary cap, because right now he is under valued. I rated Api, yet our defence has improved since Kenny took on his role full time. Ivan chose to start him in the GF and the Manly game showed why. He sets the tone for our defence. He brings a toughness and speed in defence that makes yardage through the middle very difficult for the opposition. Not only difficult, but he belts you hard and by the end of the game I am sure the opposition forwards dread seeing him loom up in defence. A warrior's heart is very underrated in these forums and Kenny is a true warrior.
- I would love to have been in the room when Manly come up with the "we will kick the ball back to them early in the tackle count and make them bring the ball back. It will tire them out". "Tire them out you say?". "Yeah, their back three will have to bring the ball back". "Oh, you mean To'o, Turuva and Edwards will have to do the work?","Yeah", "Just so we are clear, our plan is to kick the ball back to three players who currently are 1,2 and 6 for run metres in the NRL?","Yeah then we can pin them down, what could possibly go wrong?".
As game strategies go, its up there with "My plan is to slug it out with Tyson. Really go for it", "We shall man mark Messi out of the game", "Lets put two men on Jordan, he can't handle the pressure". As Tyson said "Everybody has a plan until they are punched in the face". Cue Garrick, holding a bloody nose.
