Brookie surface looked like a bowling green - flat and green and stood up to the two games with only a few divots in the southern end.
The NYC had a few standouts - JakeTrbojevic is a star now. Fantastic that he is maintaining his escalation to the higher grades.
Suni Fatialofa scored two great tries. Looks like Trex and plays like Matai - one to watch.
Jamil Hopoate was also a standout in the quarter he played. He is more of John's build and was great at dummy half and very fast in the middle. Lets hope he is maturing mentally to build into a professional athlete.
The NRL game, only had the regulars in the third quarter. The try set up by Matai, screaming across near the center of the field to offload to Snake and he, to Matty, was worth the price of admission alone.
Matai looks really fit and speedy and was in everything.
The standouts for mine were - Dane Chisholm - runs just like his Dad, kicks, tackles and is soooo fast. Look forward to seeing him play NRL level this year.
Peta Hiku caught everything at fullback (till Snake came on for the 3rd quarter). Again very fast and he had to run to catch quiet a few.
Justin Horo played like Choc, so look out for him this year.
Ligi Sao was fantastic in support and defence, another speedster.
We had an Manly NYC Player on report for a shoulder charge, was too fast to pick up his number. In the NRL, Brenton Lawrence earned a penalty for the same thing. But gee, it is such a great impact when it is below the neck - pity that it's now but a memory
In summary, the Players all look fit and were sprinting at speeds only wingers used to do. Manly Staff must have really concentrated on this in the off season.
Choc was limping badly after he cooled down. He came off after about 15 minutes but was very effective till then.
I don't know who the animal was that scythed Chez in the knee as he kicked. But Chez came off and had ice on his right leg, and the bastard who hit him illegaly came off too, as he basically knocked himself out.
This really concerns me as Thaiday did the same thing to Chez a in the 2011 semis, and yes we get a penalty, but the defensless kicker in the air is at risk of a broken limb.
All in all it was a great event, with about 5,000 people on a warm but very windy Brookie night.
March 1st, 4-7pm is the season kick-off at Brookie. Players will be presented and the Team posters will then be available.
The hats are now at the Outlet for pick up by Members now.
