The mighty Warriors are now in the NRL grand final after beating the Storm 20-12 at AAMI Park tonight.
The visitors played clinically, stuck to their game plan of dummy-half running, good kick chases and most importantly didn’t freeze. They backed their ability and didn’t give the likes of Cameron Smith or Cooper Cronk any chance to play footy.
I thought young half back Shaun Johnson was brilliant and captain Simon Mannering lead the way beautifully. James Maloney’s sideline conversation to make the scores 20-12 showed a calm mind under pressure. He has been their best player this year.
It also continues on the brilliant tipping form of Andrew Marmont who picked Manly and the Warriors to make the grand final. He even said it on national radio. Actually, national Australian radio (check it out - http://www.radiosportnat.com.au/audioplayer/1316736461.mp3). Someone should buy that man a VB.
Actually, all those Melbourne Storm fans will be spewing into their VBs tonight and for many seasons to come. I’ll have a Carlton Draught instead.
The Warriors showed they are the real deal and will not be overawed by next week. Their class of 2011 is punctuated by a lot of youth but can call upon Michael Luck, Lance Hohaia, Mannering and others to keep them in shape. And they can go out successfully giving coach Ivan Cleary, Hohaia and Aaron Heremia the perfect send off.
Look out Manly, the Auckland boys are coming to get you.
No comments:
Post a Comment