the end of a Gould article today
At this point, let me introduce some statistics, regarding the Manly season so far. Manly have scored 384 first-half points this season, that's the best in the NRL. But they have scored only 173 second-half points, that's the worst in the NRL.
Five times this season, Manly has been held scoreless in the second half of games. Twelve times this season they have lost the second half to their opponents.
Five times this year they have led at half-time, only to surrender their lead and eventually lose the match.
On several occasions this season when reviewing their performances I have asked the question, ''Are they fit?'' It seems that both physically and mentally they are incapable of sustaining their best for a full 80 minutes of NRL football.
Well, it happened again yesterday.
They lost the second half 24-0.
Their discipline deteriorated.
Granted, a number of crucial calls went against them, but their reaction of showing obvious frustration and then playing ''angry'' football is hardly the response of a team with professional attitude control. The crisp attacking play of the first half was now replaced with a panicked rabble as they frantically tried to arrest their alarming slide.
Manly were also confronted by a Roosters team that had suddenly found its confidence. The hosts looked meek and mild in the first 40 minutes. Their attacking execution was awful and their defence looked as brittle as a toothpick.
In the second half the Roosters tackled like demons and some of their attacking play was breathtaking.
I was left stunned at the final score of Roosters 30 Manly 14. Did the Roosters win or did Manly lose?
With one game left before the finals, I suggest it's very important that both teams answer this question honestly if they have aspirations of challenging for this year's title.