MrInvisible said:
Little known fact.. Manly got $90,000 from the NRL for their loss tonight.
Anyway no secret that I'll be backing the Dogs.
Manly were really off the radar tonight, and whilst the Storm weren't brilliant (bombed the knockout punch on Manly a few times before one connected) they did enough for win.
Souths are performing better and improving, BUT their defensive lapses and habit of clocking off during periods of the game can hurt them, in particular against a team like the Bulldogs who lead the comp in long range tries.
Whilst for a Manly fan it may be really hard to admit, but the Bulldogs have come a remarkably long way from last season, with only a few roster changes, and new coaching staff. What hasler has acheived with the Bulldogs this year is nothing short of amazing, even if it's hard to admit.
Everyone is banging on about the Rabbitohs but they are overlooking things. They smashed a REALLY poor Raiders side last week. Before that Melbourne beat them convincingly. Souths have only beaten the Dogs once and that was 20-10 early in the season. Souths have not beaten any of the other top 4 sides though. I reckon they'll choke under pressure.
Bulldogs have come along a long way mate. Honestly, they have amazing balance, and probably the best coach in the game.
Their second phase play through the forwards is revolutionary.
They have a balance between legal wrestle, niggle, skill, speed, mobility and will.
You should win it this season. Your problem with being minor premiers, winning the comp, buying three internationals in Inu, Perrett and Williams, is that there is no way in heck you'll be able to sign the likes of Reynolds, because a team like Canberra, Roosters or someone will give him $600k+ per.
Kudos to you, and your team mate. Enjoy the ride. Last season, watching Manly go through was maybe the happiest time of my life.
Personally, I believe on paper, Manly have a better team than The Bulldogs, but you aren't that far off by way of smooth balance, and your team has fantastic chemistry.
Good luck next week bro. I've said in another thread, I hope there are lots of fights, suspensions (no injuries of coarse, I don't wish that on anyone) and plenty of aggression. I'm sure you'd feel the same if my Manly were playing The Storm.