Manly and Melbourne right in the mix again
April 27th 2008 03:16
The 2007 Grandfinalists look set to threaten again
When you think of premiership contenders, what qualities stand out the most?
Attitude comes to mind. So does flair, passion and commitment.
Both Manly and Melbourne have these components in bucket loads. After such irregular starts to the season they are finally making their mark in this years competition.
The Sea Eagles lost their opening two games of the season against the Sharks and Newcastle respectively. The Storm lost back to back games for the first time since early 2006.
Many believed that the invincible aura of both the dominate clubs in 2007 was starting to deteorate. Fourteen other teams were starting to lick their lips.
But no one told the other two.
In the space of four weeks ,Both the Sea Eagles and the Storm have answered their respective critics with imperative performances that have once again highlighted why they have been the yardstick for so many teams.
They never say die. Their structure and form are perfect. They are a high performing machine that never seems to run out of gas.
It is a pleasure to see these two teams suffocate opponents through their effort alone on the field week in week out.
Against the Bulldogs yesterday,Manly were behind 10-zip and in trouble.
Sonny Bill Williams was looking dominant and was eager to rip in. The Dogs were looking ominous.
Sixty minutes later the Sea Eagles were leading by 20. Brett Stewart scores one of the best tries you'll see and Matt Orford is orchestrating Manly's attack as easily as Eminem raps.
That performance alone says alot about the character that this team posesses.
No disrepect to Souths but if the Bulldogs lead by the same scoreline against the Rabbitohs, the score could have been anything.
Unlike Souths though, Manly thrive on adversity and it is in this case that they produce their best football.
Brent Kite in particular showcased a performance that did his chances of rep selection no harm.
In a dominant performance he made 28 tackles, made 13 hitups and ran for 150 metres.
This alone layed the platform for the likes of Orford and Stewart to really take control.
Kite's effort was superbly backed up by Manly's number seven.
If Orford cannot break into this years Origin squad for the Blues it would be a clear travesty to NSW hopes for Origin supremacy.
He has done all that has been asked of him. Many people think that he chokes on the big stage.
Although he has been left wanting on some occasions, Orford is a big game player and really needs this chance to proof his credentials.
Just give him a shot.
If the Sea Eagles were impressive last night, then the Storm really deserve the highest accolade this writer can offer.
After losing Billy Slater to a nasty eye injury and then being on the wrong end of a lopsided penalty count, Melbourne had no reason what so ever to win that game last night.
With Thurston and Bowen looking in top gear for the Cowboys, the Storm really should have capitulated.
But like the premier team they are, they keep coming back for more and eventualy escaped with the two points.
It was not the most polished performance you were going to see from the Storm but nevertheless they are a champion team with a team full of champions.
The likes of Inglis, Smith, Cronk and Hoffman performed their respective roles with great composure.
But it is Melbourne's lesser lights that really provide this team with the power and ability it needs to win games.
I refer to the likes of Lima, Quinn, Turner and Blair. These individuals always play within the team structure and have always provided the reigning premiers with the necessary ingredients to become the dominant force they have become today.
With Craig Bellamy in charge and Cam Smith leading the team beautifully, the only thing that appears to unsettle the Storm is the salary cap.
They have already lost Folau to Brisbane next year to compound the losses of Matt King, Ben Cross and Clint Newton.
In the end the Storm will suffer for their success.
But for now they remain a team that will consistently challenge for the NRL's greatest prize.
| 74 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
