Crushercleal
Bencher
I turned up at Parra Stadium today hoping to witness my team fight to the death this afternoon. All I wanted from them was an effort worthy of finals football and to be in it with 20 min to go. Instead I witnessed the worst half of football by any team I've ever sean in my 15 years or so of seriously follwoing rugby leage and Manly. It was nothing short of a disgrace, worthy of a Jersey Flegg team. Des, you did not have this team mentally or physically ready to play today, and for this I give you the majority of the blame. I fully understand we don't have the talent of the Eels team - I'm well aware there is no Tahu, Grothe or Riddell going around for us. But that is simply no excuse for the pathetic fist 40 minutes I saw, which completely degraded the once-proud Manly jersey. Tackling was non-existent, the kicking game was a joke, and we didn't even have ONE attacking set-play. The Parra fans around me were laughing every time the Eels scored. They actually were taking pity on us. Now I did not see the great players of the 70s, saw a little of our great '87 team, but I saw a lot of our superb '90s team, and there is no way Spud, Ridge, Innes, Toovey or Kosef would have taken this lying down like we did today. My most stinging criticism is for these players and Des:
1. Monas - he's meant to be a leader but why didn't I see him rallying the boys? I screamed at them more than he did. His kicking, catching and passing game was a joke today. This is why we had to get Orford. I've been a fan of him for most of the season, but can't defend him anymore.
2. King - 1 hitup for 8 metres. I do not ever want to see this guy in the Manly 1st grade jersey EVER again. This is not personal, he is simply useless.
3. Matai - do we actaully have defensive coaches? Tackling one-on-one was terrible.
4. Tezza - he talked the talk this weak, but couldn't walk the walk. Simply adds nothing to the team. I loved him over he years, but should have never been playing.
5. Witt - obviously not up to first grade standard. Kicking game was useless, did NOTHING today.
6. Choc - why did it take him 40 minutes to get going? He's got to get his head out of the clouds. 2nd half display was too late.
7. Des - this was largely his fault. He drops Witt for most of 6 weeks, but then brings him back for the most important game of the year. He lets Tezza play, when he is quite obviously the worst outside back in the NRL. He actually has King in his squad over Bryant. He has no set plans. He couldn't fire them up. How does he explain the change in the team's performance over the last 2 months? Give yourself an uppercut, Dessie. You are directly accountable.
You might think I'm being too harsh, but I was embarrassed today. I will ALWAYS support Manly, but not the players who don't even put in an effort. All I can say is thank heavens we have Orford and Bell coming or it would be a long offseason.
1. Monas - he's meant to be a leader but why didn't I see him rallying the boys? I screamed at them more than he did. His kicking, catching and passing game was a joke today. This is why we had to get Orford. I've been a fan of him for most of the season, but can't defend him anymore.
2. King - 1 hitup for 8 metres. I do not ever want to see this guy in the Manly 1st grade jersey EVER again. This is not personal, he is simply useless.
3. Matai - do we actaully have defensive coaches? Tackling one-on-one was terrible.
4. Tezza - he talked the talk this weak, but couldn't walk the walk. Simply adds nothing to the team. I loved him over he years, but should have never been playing.
5. Witt - obviously not up to first grade standard. Kicking game was useless, did NOTHING today.
6. Choc - why did it take him 40 minutes to get going? He's got to get his head out of the clouds. 2nd half display was too late.
7. Des - this was largely his fault. He drops Witt for most of 6 weeks, but then brings him back for the most important game of the year. He lets Tezza play, when he is quite obviously the worst outside back in the NRL. He actually has King in his squad over Bryant. He has no set plans. He couldn't fire them up. How does he explain the change in the team's performance over the last 2 months? Give yourself an uppercut, Dessie. You are directly accountable.
You might think I'm being too harsh, but I was embarrassed today. I will ALWAYS support Manly, but not the players who don't even put in an effort. All I can say is thank heavens we have Orford and Bell coming or it would be a long offseason.