Highlights: Sea Eagles surprise Cowboys 30-8

The Eagles just turned up and wanted it more. I was a little disappointed with the Cowboys senior players like JT, Morgan, Cooper, Linnett and Bolton. They looked tired and those boys are in key positions. It's why the new boys struggled. Cherry- Evans and the Trbojevic bothers are certainly the big players in the Eagles team. Nate Myles lead from the front and his aggression certainly fired up his team mates. I do have a problem with Myles hit on Javed Bowen. It was high and reckless and I can't believe it wasn't a penalty. His work on Feldt's leg in the tackle was also unwarranted and overly aggressive in my opinion. These two incidents were concerning considering the first was a shoulder/ head charge and the second was as bad and as grubby as a cheap dangerous cannon ball on an already held player. I wondering if the MRC is going to see it the same way?

Geoff,I'm his biggest fan...sarcasm mate..

JT played like an average half. It's funny how Cowboys wins are always credited to how JT is but when he is there and they lose no one talks about some of his bad decisions during the game. Anyway, I am happy the Eagles won. The whole of that back line cannot operate without the Big guys in the middle. Even JT cannot do that. But when he kicks a field goal, it's all "JT"

Hi eye, how well do you know DCE to call him a "lousy good for nothing". If you don't know some one well keep your opinions to yourself.

Must have been relying on inconsistency at the judiciary because it was hard to see him getting off in light of the Taupau decision. Might help with carry over points later in the year.

Oh Ponga can play. Best kid I have ever seen and that is why it hurts so bad. He was the chosen one!!! But he has gone to the dark side.

Easy to say in hindsight to take the week and move on but we obviously thought we had a good chance to get him off. We have had a dream run with injuries the last few years, so all our boys have played a lot of footy. Two weeks off could be a blessing in disguise for him. Biggest Manly hater in the world here but they out played us last night. If I can my opinion on Manly, they are a ticking time bomb. No way Barrett is coach next year and that isn't his fault. Manly need to get rid of Old Bob and bring Hasler back.

I suspected the Cows would struggle too, but I was sure Manly would struggle more.

That surprises me KC. I'd love to have a Ponga type at Manly for off the cuff spark. Too close to call, so many variables over such a long distance. Storm for me are the most reliable but struggle to look outside the box in finals matches. Panthers and Raiders are my favourite to watch and Cronulla should finish in the four. Whatever, just make sure you've got control of the remote.

KC - what do you think about the Cows fighting the LoLo shoulder charge? Seems a bit reckless given Scott gone as well. LoLo would be back this week if they'd pleaded guilty.

I'm in the miniorty but I don't want Ponga there but that's me. LoLo comes back in two weeks and he will obviously make a massive difference. I also have a gut feeling Scott is going to make it back for finals. Going to be a great comp this year. Panthers to me are the best team, so we have to improve to match those boys.

You mean the eight? As a fan, the 8 is'nt a priority at present, just enjoying a real gutsy first win of the season. Granted, Manly got the Cows at the right time but they weren't without their own issues. Manly don't have the depth to match the high flyers over 26 rounds so will need a generous run with injuries. At best I reckon they could sneak into the the eight. Their goal line defence against Parra and NQ was arguably the best of the opening rounds, if they can improve their ball control they'll cause a few more upsets. How about your mob, KC? Different side without Scott and Jase T. Regardless, they'll be thereabouts when it counts. Ponga a must every week...Bevan French X-Factor.

come on eJ..have a go ! I stuck my chin right out there,couple of their supporters fired up at me...but,hey..put 30 on them..nice to see that lousey good for nothing back flipper DCE put some egg on faces..

agree with you Joe, but I am sure Lawrence was told a few years back he is not eligible to play state of origon as he played for tooo long in WA. Pity

eJ, was pleasantly surprised by the Sea Eagles last night. I predicted that they would get a flogging. I guess being written off makes a team dig deep and fight, just like what the Titans did. Blake Green is complimenting DCE nicely, Api is a stylish rake who is massively underrated. Nate, Brent and Marty give as good as they get. The teleplay between the Turbo bros awes us every weekend. Walker coming into his own and Taufua and Uate showing glimpses of their hay days. This side has the potential to beat the best. Great win, looking forward to them backing up with the same effort against the Dogs at Brookvale.

Not being smart but as an eagles supporter do you see your boys making the right?

I also thought the Cows would struggle, but I kept it to myself on here, as I didn't know if Manly would take advantage of it. Both teams were missing key men in the middle. But Manly had an extra game to adjust, which was crucial. You could see guys like Brenton Lawrence last night take it upon himself to be the forward leader. Nate Myles too. The week before they were all at sea not knowing what to do without AFB there to take a timely hit up or for Taupau to hit hard in defence when the team needed a lift. And once they'd lost the middle, Souths ran riot. The Cowboys will be better for the run. They'll make changes at training and whilst they always knew Scott and Taumalolo wouldn't be there, it often doesn't hit until you are out in the middle and realise that the work won't get done if you just rely on others. I thought Coen Hess was very good, the guy doesn't stop.

Can't win them all. Good win eagles, out played us, no complaints at all. We are going to be right. Not playing great but still two out of three. Onto titans!!!

Jimmmy, agree with your assessment. Forward JT is such a game changer and Scott is the leader in their pack, without both they lacked purpose and direction. Or call it the Broncs-Cows golden point factor - the week after they produce their lowest quality of football. Just like their lack lustre effort in last years GF qualifier where they were pummelled by the Sharks.

Great win by Manly in Townsville. After the Eels upset on Friday this was even bigger. Sure the Cowboys had injuries but as seen by the Titans on Friday that only counts for part of a game. The Manly boys turned up to play big time. I thought DCE had his best game by far probably read all the criticism on the Roar about earning his pay. Koroisau was dangerous with the ball and a workhorse in defense. Brenton Lawrence was very strong in the middle, probably putting his case forward for a QLD jersey. Turbo bros were solid as usual. Green also had his best game as did Walker in the centres and Uate on the wing. Cowboys were their own worst enemies, compounding their injuries with a serious case of the dropsies. I don't know what the final error count or completion rate was but I'm sure it's pretty poor by their usual standards. They were badly missing the big boys in the middle and Manly handled the loss of their big boppers much better. Two big upsets in a weekend is why fans watch the NRL, on their day a team can turn it on a put on a masterclass and this was one of those days for Manly and the Titans. Is it the beginning of their revival or a flash in the pan performance. Looking forward to next week at Brooky after this performance with their old mentors team the Dogs. That game just got a lot more interesting!