You just can't get enough of this! Although i'd say worst loss(es) were the first to the Storm (another heartbreak after the GF) and the one to Souths (40 pts!!!), but i thought the Beaver loss was a very nice touch.
*****
Year In Review – Manly Sea Eagles
Written by: Paul Zines
December 3rd, 2008 8:36am
LeagueUnlimited.com's Paul Zines looks at the Sea Eagles’ 2008 NRL season.
Premiers – Manly Sea Eagles
They say you have to lose one to win one. However, calling Manly’s 40-nil victory over Melbourne as just a “win†is a massive understatement. Coming up against a side that had won three Minor Premierships in a row, a side that had been the benchmark for years, quality players and coaching staff, the Grand Final was supposed to be a daunting task.
In 1975, Eastern Suburbs beat St.George 38-0 and no one thought that this would be broken, especially considering how closely fought the NRL has become. Well now Manly hold the record and have silenced the critics in the biggest possible way that even the most die-hard supporter could not have predicted.
Reasons:
State of Origin: Unlike the Storm, Manly only had Brett Stewart in the Origin side and this proved to be a huge advantage for them, bringing some much needed consistency.
Matt Orford: The ‘Ox’! He has been criticized for not lifting and taking control in the big games. After taking out the coveted “Dally M†award for player of the year he dedicated the award to his peers when he stated, “to my team-mates, none of this is possible without these blokesâ€Â. The job wasn’t done though and nothing would compare to a premiership. On the big stage, he was a leader, he was brilliant and he held the trophy high!
Steve Menzies: “Menzies, Menzies, Menzies!!!†the commentators shouted as winger Michael Robertson passed the ball on the inside to the man who had played 349 matches for his beloved Manly club. Every player dreams of a fairytale finish, but he never would have imagined a try in a 40-nil Manly premiership victory. His leadership was well needed and nothing can put a price on what he have to the club. There needs to be more players like him!
Other Points:
– Coach Des Hasler’s perfectionist approach and toughness
– Underestimated wingers – discovery of David “Wolfman†Williams and Michael Robertson scoring a hatrick in the Grand Final
– Outstanding props with Josh Perry finally proving what an enforcer he is and Brent Kite winning the Clive Churchill medal for best on ground in the Grand Final.
Gains:
Chris Bailey Five-Eighth Knights
Tony Williams Winger Eels
Shane Rodney Back-row Panthers
Losses:
Steven Bell Centre Les Catalans (ESL)
Steve Menzies Centre/Back-row Bradford Bulls (ESL)
Mark Bryant Back-row Celtic Crusaders (ESL)
Luke Williamson Back-row London Harlequins (ESL)
Best Win of the Year: See Melbourne’s “Worst Loss of the Yearâ€Â
Worst Loss of the Year: Steve Menzies going to England (that’s right I made a joke – there were no real stand out losses for the Sea Eagles)
2009 Headline:
“Any chance of trying to make it work again? - Northern Eagles
Odds to win the Competition:
$3.75 (courtesy of SportsBet)
Where will they finish next year?
Author's 2009 Prediction:
1st
LeagueUnlimited.com's 2009 Prediction:
1st
*****
Year In Review – Manly Sea Eagles
Written by: Paul Zines
December 3rd, 2008 8:36am
LeagueUnlimited.com's Paul Zines looks at the Sea Eagles’ 2008 NRL season.
Premiers – Manly Sea Eagles
They say you have to lose one to win one. However, calling Manly’s 40-nil victory over Melbourne as just a “win†is a massive understatement. Coming up against a side that had won three Minor Premierships in a row, a side that had been the benchmark for years, quality players and coaching staff, the Grand Final was supposed to be a daunting task.
In 1975, Eastern Suburbs beat St.George 38-0 and no one thought that this would be broken, especially considering how closely fought the NRL has become. Well now Manly hold the record and have silenced the critics in the biggest possible way that even the most die-hard supporter could not have predicted.
Reasons:
State of Origin: Unlike the Storm, Manly only had Brett Stewart in the Origin side and this proved to be a huge advantage for them, bringing some much needed consistency.
Matt Orford: The ‘Ox’! He has been criticized for not lifting and taking control in the big games. After taking out the coveted “Dally M†award for player of the year he dedicated the award to his peers when he stated, “to my team-mates, none of this is possible without these blokesâ€Â. The job wasn’t done though and nothing would compare to a premiership. On the big stage, he was a leader, he was brilliant and he held the trophy high!
Steve Menzies: “Menzies, Menzies, Menzies!!!†the commentators shouted as winger Michael Robertson passed the ball on the inside to the man who had played 349 matches for his beloved Manly club. Every player dreams of a fairytale finish, but he never would have imagined a try in a 40-nil Manly premiership victory. His leadership was well needed and nothing can put a price on what he have to the club. There needs to be more players like him!
Other Points:
– Coach Des Hasler’s perfectionist approach and toughness
– Underestimated wingers – discovery of David “Wolfman†Williams and Michael Robertson scoring a hatrick in the Grand Final
– Outstanding props with Josh Perry finally proving what an enforcer he is and Brent Kite winning the Clive Churchill medal for best on ground in the Grand Final.
Gains:
Chris Bailey Five-Eighth Knights
Tony Williams Winger Eels
Shane Rodney Back-row Panthers
Losses:
Steven Bell Centre Les Catalans (ESL)
Steve Menzies Centre/Back-row Bradford Bulls (ESL)
Mark Bryant Back-row Celtic Crusaders (ESL)
Luke Williamson Back-row London Harlequins (ESL)
Best Win of the Year: See Melbourne’s “Worst Loss of the Yearâ€Â
Worst Loss of the Year: Steve Menzies going to England (that’s right I made a joke – there were no real stand out losses for the Sea Eagles)
2009 Headline:
“Any chance of trying to make it work again? - Northern Eagles
Odds to win the Competition:
$3.75 (courtesy of SportsBet)
Where will they finish next year?
Author's 2009 Prediction:
1st
LeagueUnlimited.com's 2009 Prediction:
1st