Farah still in box seat despite Tigers defeat
May 4th 2009 23:19
Although Bulldogs hooker Michael Ennis won the Channel Nine man of the match award after his side’s 22-20 win over the Wests Tigers, rival Robbie Farah should still consider himself the strong favourite to lead NSW out of dummy half when the first State of Origin kicks off in June.
Indeed the Ennis - Farah rivalry was just one of many influences that saw over 25,000 fans make their way to ANZ stadium and watch the Bulldogs account for a Tigers side pundits wrote off following Benji Marshall’s failure to take the field because of the flu.
But if yesterday’s game was supposed to be one sided, nobody told the Tigers.
After a poor start, which saw Bulldogs winger Hazem El Masri score the opening try, the Tigers starting playing with composure and this allowed them to play the attacking football that has served them so well this season.
In their maiden visit to the opposition 20 metre line in the first half, Tigers five-eighth Tim Moltzen scored a crisp try, courtesy of Farah’s smart play from dummy half.
Although the Bulldogs regained the lead, thanks to a lucky try to El Masri, the Tigers looked the more potent in attack, despite the absence of Marshall.
Tim Sheens’ men tore the Bulldogs to shreds on the stroke of halftime, thanks to a terrific short side raid off a scrum which saw Beau Ryan score the first of his two tries.
The sniff of an upset was on the cards, and it was enough for the Tigers to race out of the blocks in the second half, forcing an error from Andrew Ryan, and then scoring a try courtesy of Todd Payten.
Despite conceding points early, it was the wake up call the Bulldogs needed to revert back to the form that has seen them only lose one game so far this season.
Thanks to the terrific yardage gained by front rowers Ben Hannant, Michael Hodgson and Greg Eastwood, key players Brett Kimmorley and Ennis were allowed enough time and space to dictate terms for the home side.
It was the Kimmorley - Ennis combination in the end that saw the Bulldogs hooker score under the posts, thanks to an accurate grubber by the former Sharks player.
Ennis’ four pointer seemed to take his game to a new level, and it ultimately proved decisive as he provided the grubber that allowed Bronx Goodwin to score in the corner.
As Ennis started to gain the ascendancy in his battle against Farah, the Tigers captain counter punched, assisting in Ryan’s second try that should have sent the game into golden point.
Tim Gallant’s missed conversion, however, was enough to see the Bulldogs claim a vital win which now sees them move to the top of the NRL ladder.
Although the Bulldogs position on the table cannot be questioned, the Ennis - Farah battle is still yet undecided.
Even though Ennis found himself on the winning side, one feels Farah performed just as well, or better, to see him have first crack at a NSW Origin jersey.
Regardless of who they pick though, one thing is for certain: the Ennis - Farah rivalry is one Blues selectors hope will continue as they seek to find a worthy heir to take the place of champion hooker Danny Buderus.
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