Can't take too much out of this win, given the weakened teams, but some random thoughts, (without attempting to be comprehensive) for what it's worth:
Winning without BK - Yes!
Rose missed a tackle badly on Cooper Cronk that led to a try. Commentators pointed to lack of footwork which is probably right. Apart from that miss he played well & is a v. interesting prospect.
Consistent lack of pressure on their kickers was again pointed out, correctly, by Pearce. Needs some work. Hicks in particular fantastic under bombs. Our kicking by both Monas and the Ox was superb. And the surprise packet was Travis who did some very good long kicks. Even Choc put in a v. good one for a trap ingoal.
Lots of errors by both sides. Slippery ball.
Interesting stat that Travis is the second most penalised player in the NRL. Must be mostly for high shots and early season penalties for talking to refs. Has the chats problem under control now, and hopefully can reduce the high shots, but he was superb again against the Storm.
TV commentators glowing in praise of Dunley & referred to his popularity & respect from his Manly peers. They were also glowing in commentary on Burns.
Cooper Cronk and Donnelly were superb for them. How did we let Donnelly go if he can play like that? Their left winger Smith S????? looks interesting. Hard to handle. Not seen him before. Their fullback also looked v. fast. Where do Melbourne get these young players? Can we get some?
The younger Stewart pulled off a superb try saver towards the end. Few players would have had the pace off the mark to make that tackle. The older Stewart looks bigger every game he plays. I agree with Ryan he should get more game-time off Willo. He did well again.
Good to see Hicks score two and set up another with a tap-back. His first from Geyer's drop was hilarious. Makes the bloopers tape of funniest/worst ever mistakes.
Holding them scoreless for the first half was a great, and rare, if very lucky, outcome.
Watmough needs specific training on watching the ball right into his hands. But like to see his stats. Seemed to take the ball up extremely well.
Good to see Bryant can strike off the naked jog with his first ever top grade try.
Interesting with all the forwards out that Cuthbo was in 2nds - presumably to give him more time to work on mobility. The players that came up didn't let the side down. Dunners was right about their enthusiasm.
The most important game of the season is the bye next week!! Great timing with the rep games. Matai had a forearm problem & Ox a leg (ankle?) injury. Matai's try was a determined effort that should shut up his knockers for another week. Heard that BK may have not just calf, but slight groin strain. Hope its wrong. Groin strains can be a nightmare. Can be very difficult to shake.
