Manly’s title aspirations were dealt a major blow last night, as they were steamrolled by defending premiers St George Illawarra 24-6.
Built as a possible Grand Final preview, the Sea Eagles had the perfect opportunity to announce themselves on the big stage.
However they were reduced to just another notch on the belt of the Dragons.
Missing arguably their best defender in Beau Scott, the Dragons’ defence was simply breathtaking.
They took what has been the corner stone of their success for the past two and half seasons to a new level last night as they defended as if their season depended on it.
It was suggested the Dragons had been in a mid season form slump, having only picked up one point from their last three games. The Origin period of the year is always a battle and injuries to key personnel had several ‘experts’ alleging the Dragons were in a form slump.
Those thoughts were laid to rest with a complete performance that will be remembered for a very long time.
Missing representative players Matt Cooper, Beau Scott and Ben Hornby, and up against a team that were coming off six straight victories, the Sea Eagles threw absolutely everything they had at the Dragons but to no avail.
I challenge you to tell me when the last time you saw a team defend 36 consecutive tackles inside their own 20 and keep their try line in tact. It just does not happen in modern day rugby league.
The Dragons self-belief rose another level on the back of one of the best defensive displays seen in years.
Back at WIN Stadium for the first time in this season, you would have struggled to find one of the 18,974 fans not on their feet applauding what they witnessed. The game was won at that moment.
Manly had gone into the game as equal premiership favourites. They came out of the game wondering what they had to do to break down the Dragons brickwall.
Games are certainly won on defence and last night that was proven without any doubt.
Karma Catalyst
Guest
The action of the Manly thug kneeing Kyle Stanley should have been picked up by those incompetent referees. He said that he was trying to prevent Stanley from scoring closer to the posts. That could be considered if Stanley hadn't already scored the try. This is indicative of the "spoilt brat" culture that has been with Manly for decades.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
If the Eagles were soaring, then the Dragons had to be in outer space. Lets hope punishment to anyone wearing a maroon coloured jersey continues this Wednesday night.
apaway
Guest
Shane, you wrote that Manly's title aspirations were dealt a blow. I think every team's aspirations were dealt a blow. St George were fantastic last night.
mike from PNG
Guest
Actually my sons under 11 side went 42 tackles on their line, but the referee was a second half cheat for the home side, but back to the footy, best game I've seen in a while but still Manly are dirty players, elbows, forearms in the neck & face, sticking in the knees & pushing down the man trying to play the ball, OK, OK you say every team does it & yes they do but Manly do it in every tackle, it is time the Refs just penalize them out of the game. Clean up the game REFs, a couple of players should have visited the sin bin last night, here am I a rabbits supporter having a go at Manly, thats a surprise!
shane
Roar Guru
I've never been one to subscribe into the theory it's a 'loss you had to have'. I thought Cherry Evans and Foran went missing at times due to inexperience. I thought their fifth tackle options were poor, especially in that crunch period leading up to half time. Not so sure the bye has come at a good time for them. Will be interested to see how they bounce back in two weeks against the Bunnies.
Mals
Guest
Manly were far too lateral & predictable with their ball movement last night, so a great defensive team like St George didn't have too much trouble containing them. They will be fine Shane :-) Manly had won 6 games in a row coming into last night's game so the streak was going to end sooner rather than later. I believe they were flat after the emotion of farewelling a Manly league great Rex Mossop & the tough win against Parra last Monday. A loss they had to have.