Everyone knows that Jake is arguably the single best tackler in the NRL. We know it, the media knows it, the opposition and their fans know it. But yesterday it was like he took it to another level. Even before Tom went off, Jake was just destroying any Souffs player who dared run at him, especially if their last name was Burgess. He was full on beast mode yesterday.
And that hit on Campbell Graham turned the game. Fully legal, just folded him in half and caused him to drop the ball cold (and all credit to Manase Fainu for having the presence of mind to pick the ball up and just bolt for the line).
Graham doesn't drop that ball and Fainu doesn't score under the posts, its as simple as that. It was the game changer, especially as our attack had been blunted with Tom going off injured.
I know I have been on Jake's case in the past about his sooking when things go against us and that is the main reason why I don't think he should be captain of the team just yet. But this year he seems to have matured a lot and is just getting on with playing the game. He's finally becoming the leader that he should be.
Especially with De Belin not playing, if Jake isn't the NSW and Kangaroos starting lock this year then both Fittler and Meninga should be sacked.