Sport can be so exhilarating and so devastating, as Anthony Milford and Geoff Toovey found out to kick-off the NRL’s penultimate round.
The Broncos’ 21-year-old Milford turned in one of the most exhilarating performances this season with three big busts on Thursday night that led to three tries before he scored two himself in a man of the match epic.
But it was devastation last night for Manly’s legendary 46-year-old Toovey who ended his near three decade association with the club by having to watch his team being hammered by the Roosters.
Anthony Milford, now there’s a name we are going to mention often in glowing terms in the future. The way he carved up the Rabbitohs defence at Allianz with hardly a hand being laid on him was extraordinary.
His dancing feet were the keys, and how he effortlessly swerved his small 178-centimetre 85-kilogram frame around far bigger opposition made them look foolish grabbing at fresh air.
Add his express speed, and we are looking at a State of Origin-Kangaroo rep far sooner than later.
Milford’s understanding with halfback Ben Hunt makes them the most dangerous pivots of the competition. Not to be outdone, Hunt chimed in with three tries of his own.
That was an explosive but controlled display by the Broncos, as coach Wayne Bennett moves serenely towards his record eighth NRL title.
Geoff Toovey would have dearly loved to be in the mix for a last ditch crack at the premiership, but the shock loss to Parramatta last round, and last night’s big loss to the Roosters killed the dream.
But before that, Manly’s mahogany row killed Toovey’s coaching career by shabbily sacking him. Last night was Toovey’s final appearance at Brookvale where he cemented his legend status as player, coach, and damn good bloke since 1988.
It wasn’t to be.
Down 16-6 at the break, Manly were still in with a sniff until the Roosters put the pedal to the metal in the second half, and that was that.
Among many, there was a large hand-painted placard at Brookvale last night that read
“Geoff Toovey
Better player.
Better coach.
Better man.”
Obviously aimed at incoming coach Trent Barrett, who has a mountain to climb to win over the Manly faithful who will have ‘Tooves’ in their bucket wish list for a long time.
Surprisingly, there were striking similarities in the first two games of the round:
Both visiting teams won – the Broncos at Allianz, the Roosters at Brookvale – and the scorelines were almost identical – the Broncos won 47-12, the Roosters 46-10.
Both won scoring eight tries to two:
Broncos – Ben Hunt three, Anthony Milford two, Jordan Kahu and Corey Oates one each.
Roosters – Brendan Elliott three, Daniel Tupou three, Aidan Guerra and Isaac Liu one each.
And despite the fact both games were vital for many reasons, both crowds were poor – Allianz 12,036, Brookvale 12,911.
Jay C
Roar Guru
There are still 70kg players just as there’s always been – they just weigh 85kg these days… Haha. Yeah that's a better way of putting it. The biggest difference is obviously the professionalism these days. League players used to look like Joe Bloggs off the street because they basically were. Milf looks Tiny next to everyone else but 85 kilos is a good sized fella.
The Barry
Roar Guru
You're stretching it a bit there mate...in every direction. Steve Folkes played 30 years ago at 84kg and was considered light. Little blokes can still play footy and play well they're just bigger than they were. Milford would have played at about 70-75kg in the 80s. But I'm this era he's been on weights, supplements and training programs since he was 14 aimed at getting him big enough to play NRL. There are still 70kg players just as there's always been - they just weigh 85kg these days...?
Jay C
Roar Guru
Yeah. 5 to 10.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
He'd have been close to 10kg short even 20 years ago, Jay.
Jay C
Roar Guru
The difference is at 85kg, Milford would have been a couple kilos shy of qualifying as a lock not that long ago.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
littlerooster.If that is the case,there's got to be an investigation.
paul
Guest
Macguire to newy has a big sniff on it . Souths look like there falling apart and too tired I think madge might be to intense all the time the players get jack of it
Muzz
Guest
From what i've heard there are issues between Madge and one of the owners. Luke doesn't like Maguire and can't wait for the season to end.
Renegade
Roar Guru
I think it's more so that the Knights have made a serious approach with a serious offer... His job at Souths is done - he delivered a premiership and i think the Knights would be good challenge for him.
Muzz
Guest
I've heard Madge wants out and may be heading up to the Knights.
Facts Are
Guest
Luke, no doubt you know, but, your "Since coming to Brisbane" statement, should have been "Since returning to Brisbane". Anthony is born and bred in Brisbane on July 11, 1994 - Them's the Facts Luke.
littleredrooster
Guest
Tooves is going to Souths.
Doc79
Roar Rookie
?? Who do you follow btw??
Samtwocan
Guest
I doubt Tooves coaching career is finished David , his tenure at Manly is but he'll be back . And as far as Trent Barrett is concerned ... Everyone at Fremantle had the sulks when they sacked Harvey and replaced him with Lyons they were all going to hand back their membership , that was until Lyons was more successful . If Manly win their first three games next year all will be forgotten and it'll be TB for mayor .
Luke Rogers
Roar Rookie
Anthony Milford has that X factor. It's great to see talent like that get an opportunity to flourish. Since coming to Brisbane I think we've seen a more consistent Milford. Which brings a thought to mind. It's a shame that other clubs can't get the best out of players. You see time and time again how a player just sits on the edge of something special at one club, and then goes to a 'Brisbane', 'Melbourne', or 'Roosters' and suddenly finds their potential that was always there. I think it would be great for the game if all clubs had the potential to shape and mould the potential superstars the way Brisbane has done and will continue to do in the future.
Jimmmy
Guest
I don't have much time fir Manly but I will miss Tooves. Barrett , just another one game at a time , only worried about what we can control, etc , robot. RL thrives on passion and Toovets has that,in Spades. Best of luck !
The Barry
Roar Guru
Womblat - your last paragraph is bang on. I hear people say we've got to change this rule and that rule to bring the little blokes back into the game and I scratch my head. The little men never went away and there's plenty of opportunity if they're good enough.
Womblat
Guest
I just love how outrageously quick Milford is over 40 meters or so, reminds me of a younger Jamie Soward or going back a bit, the legendary Barry Russell. Blokes like this get the ball and take off and the big mammoths fret like the Border Force on multicultural day. There will always be room for little quick blokes in this game... as long as they can hold their own in defence.