Alby
Reserve Grader
I don't know what you guys think, but rd1 should be a cracker. Excited to see the new faces come together in Maroon and white. Nerves due to the fact it will be their first game together, and Barrett's first game as a 1st grade coach - but also because we're going up against...(drum roll, drum roll, drum roll)... Dog Hasler.
Now, I don't think it will have the same 2012 media ****stir when Tooves took over, but ffs this game is so important for MWSE on many levels. OK, ok, it's only 2 points to start with - and it's only the first game, BUT!
a) We need to get the (Hasler's got our number) syndrome OUT of our system.
b) A victory will give TB his own sense of belief that he CAN get the job done (esp against a dual premiership winning coach).
c) Oh yeah, and uhmm 2 competition points is always handy.
The Dogs may have lost a bit of strike power in Pritchard and Hodgko (when healthy), but their forward stocks are never short off the mark. Their halfback combo failed to deliver during this seasons finals, but having said that, Manly's halfback combo is an untested one.
Also, I question whether Hasler can find Hopoate's 2011 form? He couldn't spark TREX back into form, but I believe those two (and their halfbacks) will be Des's focal points over the off season.
When I look at both teams on paper, we probably look a bit stronger, and betting agencies should have us favorites, but I believe there is more pressure for us to win than the Dogs.
Oh yeah I forgot, Fulton will be right over Barrett's shoulder.
And Tapau to put Kasiano on his fat ass.
Manly to win (unsure of margin though)
Now, I don't think it will have the same 2012 media ****stir when Tooves took over, but ffs this game is so important for MWSE on many levels. OK, ok, it's only 2 points to start with - and it's only the first game, BUT!
a) We need to get the (Hasler's got our number) syndrome OUT of our system.
b) A victory will give TB his own sense of belief that he CAN get the job done (esp against a dual premiership winning coach).
c) Oh yeah, and uhmm 2 competition points is always handy.
The Dogs may have lost a bit of strike power in Pritchard and Hodgko (when healthy), but their forward stocks are never short off the mark. Their halfback combo failed to deliver during this seasons finals, but having said that, Manly's halfback combo is an untested one.
Also, I question whether Hasler can find Hopoate's 2011 form? He couldn't spark TREX back into form, but I believe those two (and their halfbacks) will be Des's focal points over the off season.
When I look at both teams on paper, we probably look a bit stronger, and betting agencies should have us favorites, but I believe there is more pressure for us to win than the Dogs.
Oh yeah I forgot, Fulton will be right over Barrett's shoulder.
And Tapau to put Kasiano on his fat ass.
Manly to win (unsure of margin though)
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