The big story pre-game was the will he, won’t he saga of Darren Lockyer, and while it would have been epic (and could still be), it seems common sense has won. Join us from 7:45pm for live scores and blog of the Manly vs Broncos preliminary final.
The Broncos dressing room is full of young heads, and Lockyer was one of the old ones used to staring down the pressure and leading the Baby Broncos out the other side.
Moving in to replace him is Matt Gillett, who is a strong young player, but not a five-eighth by trade.
He has been instructed to play his own game and run the ball, so a lot of the play making pressure is likely to come on off Peter Wallace.
Captain-in-waiting and second rower of the year Sam Thaiday will be the man to build the inspiration, but it will be up to Peter Wallace to guide the team around the park, something he is used to doing in the absence of Lockyer due to Origin commitments.
Manly have the youngest halves combination in the game, yet absurdly they rank among best.
Both have the ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck, and both are more than willing to take the line on.
Indeed, if you turned on the television after years in exile from the NRL, you would swear they were at least five years older.
At every opportunity when they were destined to be too inexperienced, not up to the pressure, they have stepped it up a notch.
Key Match Up
The biggest one will be the battle of the halfbacks. Wallace has the experience, while Daly Cherry-Evans has the x-factor, and barring some kind of second year syndrome which is never cured, will be the premier halfback of the competition.
Cherry-Evans has the luxury of an unchanged game plan, and will be looking to feed his experienced men, who have gotten the job done before, and steer Manly into their third Grand Final appearance in five years
Wallace will have to make sure that the young team is focused and aware, and the job will be immense on such a big stage, and with the blow of one of the best players of the modern era watching on from the sidelines.
My Tip
Wayne Bennett claimed that Brisbane can’t win without Lockyer, and while I don’t agree, the most likely outcome is a Manly victory. Sea Eagles by 10.
Razza
Guest
I am no expert but i said in an earlier blog that if the Eagles kept their penalty rate down in the tackles, being offside and if they fell on the loose ball more often, "it would be all over red rover", well they did just that and are into the 2011 grand final. Play like that next Sunday fella's and you will be holding the trophy up no matter who you play, what a win.
cdavi267
Roar Rookie
I dunno why everyone praises Sammy Thaiday so much. I mean, he is a great bloke off the field, with all the chartitable work that he does, which is great, but I just can't see him being a good captain. For starters he can't go a whole game without giving away multiple penalties, and he knocks the ball on. For seconds, he can't really use the captincy to his advantage because he is a bit too quiet. Thirdly, how can Sam be the captain when his on report all the time. He just does too many really stupid mistakes and as the captain of a great footy side, the Broncs just can't take the risk of having an indisiplined player leading the side into a huge final, like last night, and not having any sort of intesity or game-plan at all. All in all, give Corey the captincy and work on Thaiday's disciplin.
Stu
Guest
That's the stupid system we have. Take the early guilty plea during the season for a nothing tackle and have carry over points keep you from playing a GF. I don't think the NRL needs a Manly Melbourne final. I'd put money on another all in. What's sitting out a few trials going to do? I'd like the Warriors or Storm to win from here. Kiwis have been the bridesmaids before and I don't think many clubs could come back from what Melbourne have been through. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Mals
Guest
Matai may still have carry over points so maybe he will get rubbed out but in his defence he did try to pull out of the tackle on Yow Yeh. T-Rex might get charged with a careless high tackle. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Stu
Guest
Hi mals, you know when the refs pull an incorrect play the ball penalty they're making it up. Ah well, I can't see Manly beating the storm or warriors. Especially if Matai gets his justice. I did say if, stranger things have happened. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Mals
Guest
Suck it up Stu you whinging fairy, bashing Manly all through the commentary, Manly thru to the Grand Final! How do you like them apples?!? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
For the people who wanted to know, the crowd was 31,894.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
I really can't see Matai playing next week, the post match review will pick up the first knee and the second was pretty blatant. If Manly complete their sets like they just did though, then they will be almost impossible to beat.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
Jamie Lyon was simply superb, both in defence and in setting up tries. Manly had an absolutely amazing completion rate, and thoroughly deserved their win. Matai will most likely miss next week after two late knees in tackles, the second of which was placed on report.
Stu
Guest
Gee I hope the manly thugs see justice at the judiciary. For Brett Stewart to only get a week for a king hit is a joke. Well there's 1 Sydney team in the comp. Come on storm or warriors. Can't wait to hear DES find something to whinge about. Maybe the lack of frequent flyer points only leaving the state once since may. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
FULLTIME - MANLY defeat Brisbane 26-14 and will meet the winners of tomorrows game between New Zealand and Melbourne.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
No try, obstruction and Manly have the penalty with 2 minutes to go.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
Video referee - the Broncos have a chance but it looks like Corey Parker is in the way. He was pushed by Cherry-Evans, but he pushed him first.
Stu
Guest
They all had both feet I front of the line anyway. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
78' Robertson pulls off a try saving tackle and in the next play a penalty was called to the Broncos (not sure what for).
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
The Sea Eagles have completed 32 of 34 sets. I don't know what to say.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
75' Jamie Lyon puts in a grubber over the sideline within 20m after a great set from Manly, this looks like the end of the Broncos season.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
Conversion is unsuccessful (just) 26-14 to Manly. Brisbane need two converted tries.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
72' TRY BRISBANE - Copely scores a try on the sideline to give Brisbane a glimmer of hope after a solid backline move.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
70' Justin Hodges is tackled on the last, turnover, Brisbane need a try right now.