Sea Eagles set to finally land on top
September 27th 2008 12:27
The New Zealand Warriors have been the Cinderella story of season 2008. But when reality took it's course last night, the Manly Sea Eagles were always going to meet the Melbourne Storm in next week's NRL Grand Final.
Fairytales do not last forever and it came to un abrupt halt for a Warriors side who have made history in League's centenary year.
Stopping the Kiwi juggernaut in their tracks though was a Manly side, who have been building for next week’s decider since that loss to the Storm almost one year ago.
The Sea Eagles are now back for another tilt at a title they never really had a shot at winning last season against a Melbourne team who were just merciless.
Twelves months on and the same two foes will have the distinction of playing in the Premiership decider in Rugby League's 100th anniversary in Australia.
Although its the same two sides contesting the Grand Final, the tables have turned somewhat.
The Sea Eagles now have what it takes to dethrone the Storm off their premiership perch.
Despite Melbourne, Manly and Cronulla finishing the season all level on 36 competition points, both the Storm and the Sea Eagles were miles ahead of their opposition this year.
Indeed Melbourne displayed it against the Sharks, without the services of their captain Cameron Smith and internationals Ryan Hoffman and Jeremy Smith.
And the Sea Eagles yesterday evening showed the gulf in class they have over opposition rivals with a trouncing of the Warriors.
Even though New Zealand bombed a try in the fifth minute of the game, there was very little form after to suggest they would be upsetting a Manly side who are filled with class, buoyed with a tenacity to get the job done.
Manly forwards Mark Bryant and Glenn Hall were simply superb in carving the ball forward for the Sea Eagles. They never let the Warriors defence settle, and it allowed the likes of Glenn Stewart and Anthony Watmough to wreck havoc on the fridge of the ruck.
Indeed if the Sea Eagles front six dominate, Manly halves Matt Orford and Jamie Lyon take the game by the scruff of the neck.
And they did so against the Warriors.
Lyon's kicking game in particular was flawless against the New Zealanders, often putting grubber kicks in behind the Warriors defence to gain repeat sets.
All the kicking Lyon was doing relieved a substantial amount of pressure off Orford's shoulders, allowing the Dally M player of the year to weave the passing game that has seen Manly's backline flourish points all season.
When talking about Manly's backline, no doubt Stewart is the prince at fullback.
He once again played the game of his life against the Warriors, scoring a double and having a freakish hand in Steve Matai's try late in the first half.
Indeed Stewart is a match winner of the highest order for Manly and he will be keen to perform in next week's decider after being cast into nothingness in last year's Grand final by Michael Crocker.
But one feels both Stewart and Manly now have the necessary experience to cheer the loudest at the end of the NRL's centenary celebrations.
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