Last night’s win against the Dragons may just be the most decisive victory for the Sea Eagles this season.
While my money was on Manly, I didn’t expect them to win by this much. The score finished a blistering 36-6 that would have been 36-0 if Josh Dugan hadn’t managed to find his way over the try line in the last four minutes.
For Trent Barrett, things have just been looking more and more desperate over the couple of weeks.
After all, the boys from Brookvale hadn’t won a game since Round 8 – and even then it was only against the worst Knights side in Newcastle history.
For many Manly fans, it would have seemed as if the match against the Panthers in Round 14 was going to be the comeback Manly needed, and the Sea Eagles must have had that late Penrith resurgence in mind over every minute of the second half last night.
Still, Brookvale put on a show last night that was more than worthy of the victory.
Although it’s not saying much, I don’t think I’ve seen the Sea Eagles gel so well at any other point this season, which is pretty remarkable given that Brett Stewart was down for the count.
While lots of Manly players had special moments, a few performances stood out in particular.
Jorge Taufua put in a brilliant performance on the wing, landing two tries at the 34th and 52nd minute. The first came off a catch that had to be seen to be believed, as the Manly winger scooped up the Steeden a millimetre from the ground and planted it over the line.
Jamie Buhrer put in a brilliant 95-metre run for his try at the 67th minute, as did Dylan Walker for the second of his two tries (at the 28th and 38th minute respectively).
Although the Dragons put in a few big runs – Tyson Frizell made a courageous effort to catch Walker – they were pitifully outdone by the Sea Eagles when it came to metres and possession, with Mitch Rein providing very little guidance from dummy-half.
Walker’s double-whammy just cemented the connection to the fateful clash against the Panthers, as well as making this Blues supporter very grateful that Laurie Daley wasn’t given another twenty-four hours to make his Origin selection.
Daly Cherry-Evans also took the edge of Dugan’s consolation try at the 76th with a beautiful harbour bridge pass to Beau Wiliame a minute before the final siren.
Only a fairly spotty night from Jamie Lyon and a great final run from Dugan prevented Manly racking up a staggering 42-0 win.
For all that the team gathered and coalesced – Apisau Korisau provided some good direction on the back of play-the-palls – it was Tom Trbojevic who really stole the show.
If there was ever evidence that Manly needs to pass on the custodian baton, it was last night’s game.
Here, there and everywhere, Turbo shone particularly bright at the beginning of Manly’s sets, although he managed to rack up some 125 metres in the process as well.
Despite a bracing opening set, Manly proved that the Dragons are still the worst attacking team in the competition.
However, you can’t simply put the Sea Eagles’ victory down to St George’s disorganisation.
For the first time in a long time, it felt as if Brookvale was in fortress mode, and that only happens when the team is on fire as a team.
The next question Manly have to ask themselves is what to do with Stewart: with the team firing so well with Trjojevic at the back, what role now for the Prince of Brookvale?
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