The eye of the Storm forecast for Manly
August 2nd 2008 08:17
Israel Folau was unstoppable close to the line
The Melbourne Storm yesterday got rid of the Titans for season 2008, its simple.
They have become an incorporation who leads from the front.
Melbourne have never been a team to talk their chances up in any contest. Most of us claim they are once again the team to beat in league's centenary year.
Unfortunately for the Gold Coast, they were caught in a tussle not even Hercules himself could wrestle out of.
In the end, the Titans were never going to leave Olympic Park with the two competition points.
Although John Cartwright's men kept it real for the opening thirty minutes, it was only a matter of moments before Melbourne's intimidating aura would surface.
When it did, the Titans were eaten alive. All hope evaporated and stars such as Scott Prince, Luke Bailey and Mark Minichiello were forced to look on in despair.
The Storm just did their thing at the graveyard. Greg Inglis and Israel Folau were unleashed mid-way through the first half and they tore the Titans apart.
Inglis in particular was superb. Not that we expect nothing less from his regime on the footy pitch.
The QLD superstar scored two tries, including a special four pointer where he fended off three would-be defenders close to the line.
Inglis' talents are extreme in both class and excitement. His temperament to produce freakish abilities in pressure cooker games is something worth witnessing.
While Sonny Bill Williams' departure will hurt the NRL in terms of revenue, Inglis is one player many fans and kids alike embrace.
Whether it be the fend or the speed, Inglis impersonates everything Rugby League holds dear.
But on the other side of the coin, there is Israel Folau. A young dynamo that has already experienced both a Grand Final victory and State of Origin glory for the Maroons.
He alone assassinated the Titans and their bid to cause the most unlikely of upsets.
Folau produced a platinum performance last night. He shook Jordan Atkins confidence with two bullocking tries on the wing.
If that was not enough, the Storm sensation also ran well for 121 metres.
As season 2008 skips by the Gold Coast, the Storm show no signs of grieving.
They are a side full of intimidation in both attack and defence. Captain Cameron Smith leads his men well with the serious attitude needed to assert dominance in the NRL.
Judging by their win over the Titans, only the Manly Sea Eagles, Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks look capable of replacing Melbourne as premiers in 2008.
Mind you, if everything goes according to script and form, the Storm will emerge as champions at seasons end.
Their ignorance for success is bliss. They are a side constantly responding to critics ,whether it be in regards to the infamous 'grapple tackle' or the 'chicken wing'.
Ultimately, Melbourne just let loose when the weekend comes along, eager to push all opponents in their way for premiership glory.
But as dominant as they are, the Storm will face drama in the face when they play Manly next Friday night at Brookvale Oval.
Their record there is not strong, not to mention it is a game the Sea Eagles have been waiting to witness their eyes on since their humiliation at the hands of the Storm back in round 5.
No doubt the concept of that match-up will be premiership favouritism.
If the Storm can emerge from Brookvale with victory next week, their identity as the true power of the NRL will enhance.
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