The Storm and Roosters will be there when the whips are cracking and finals footy rolls into town. Of that there can be no question.
That was the overwhelming thought that came to mind both during and after Thursday night’s epic showdown between the two competition heavyweights who have shared the last three premierships and four of the last six grand final spots between them.
I wanted to give this article a specific angle. Maybe the ridiculous form of the Morris brothers. The coolness under pressure of Kyle Flanagan. Or how the Storm played their first complete game of the season and suddenly looked like world-beaters.
But in the end it kept going back to that thought – that this round opener was the best game of the season so far and maybe one of the best games in recent rugby league history.
It was just that good.
And before anyone points out that there were a combined 29 errors between the two sides, this is one of those games where stats don’t really tell the whole story.
It was a story of two teams playing with energy, pace and intent for the entire 80 minutes.
Cameron Smith (Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
If it was risk-free footy from the two teams at the height of their powers, then that error count would be unacceptable. But it wasn’t.
Both teams were happy to throw the footy around, speculate in their attack and then make up for any errors they made in their defence, and with the gears motored through with ease, it showed that neither of these sides have an equal in the competition.
Sure, Parramatta put on a good show against the Roosters a few weeks ago and the form of both Newcastle and Penrith has been strong, but the chance of them competing with either Melbourne or the Roosters based on last night’s game?
It’s not nil, but it’s in the ballpark.
What made it even more impressive is the fact both teams are adjusting to injury issues, with Trent Robinson losing both lock Victor Radley and back-up hooker Sam Verrills last week, while Craig Bellamy lost his star half Cameron Munster.
Ryley Jacks was able to step into the team and perform his role without stress, while Jahrome Hughes stood up and ran the ball with intent, speed and class, his passing game also showing the way.
That allowed Cameron Smith to be in control of the kicking game, the ageless skipper directing traffic admirably.
The Roosters also took to their issues like a duck to water, with each of their forwards standing up, as they did last week against the Dragons with 15, to lay the platform. They seemed to be the better of the two sides for long portions.
While Luke Keary is their main man in the halves, it’s the revelation of Kyle Flanagan’s improvement that continues to surprise on a weekly basis.
While the young half scored the opening try of the game, he took over the long-range kicking game, allowing Keary the time and space to run the ball. In fact Flanagan had almost 300 kicking metres by the time it was all said and done.
Coming into the new season the Roosters’ biggest problem appeared to be replacing the retired Cooper Cronk, who is doing his job in the media as well as he did it on the field. Flanagan is getting better with every week after the bumpy start before the coronavirus shutdown, and his defence has also been rock-solid, making 38 tackles last night.
It’s not only the way he played the game; it’s the way he conducted himself under pressure, icing a penalty goal and field goal within a few minutes of each other to seemingly hand his side the game before another young gun, Ryan Papenhuyzen, tied it up with a stunning drop goal of his own.
Kyle Flanagan (Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Again, the Roosters were guilty of making errors under pressure, but that’s simply because they played a brand of footy designed to score points, and errors will follow against a good defence in a high-paced game.
The trend of these teams in the middle of a dynasty recruiting excellent youngsters was on display right across Suncorp Stadium. Flanagan; Papenhuyzen, who ran for over 200 metres; Jahrome Hughes; Brandon Smith; Tino Fa’asuamaleaui; Nat Butcher; and Joseph Manu.
It’s hard to pinpoint a player who was off their game in this clash of the big guns, and credit should go to both coaches for the way they prepare their sides for such a huge game. To be able to have so many youngsters still finding their way all come out and perform in a fast, high-stakes game at the top of the table is a credit to both clubs and is just part of the reason they will both find themselves in the hunt for yet another premiership not only this year but for years to come.
But of course it’s not just the young players, and both of these sides have their share of experience.
Again, the coaches have a role here. The way Bellamy is able to shape players like Dale Finucane, Felise Kaufusi and the seemingly never-ending career of Cameron Smith should be applauded.
Smith was absolutely outstanding last night, but it was his on-field leadership that stole the show. Whether in the halves or as hooker, he didn’t make a bad decision and changed the game on its head when he moved back into the hooking role during the final quarter or so.
On the other side of the coin James Tedesco continues to churn out magnificent performances to the tune of 271 metres, Daniel Tupou never wavered and their forwards, led by Siosiua Taukeiaho, who continues improving somehow, never looked like slowing down.
And then there are the Morris twins, who both scored and are both in career-best form in their mid-30s. It shouldn’t be allowed to happen, but it is. The Roosters system and the way Robinson sets up his team has a big play in that.
In the end Melbourne kicked the winning penalty goal on the back of a silly play from Jake Friend, but the result will barely be remembered in the coming weeks.
It ebbed, it flowed, it was topsy-turvy and never once did a team look comfortable with the result.
And that’s what this sport can do when the two best teams in the competition square off. Melbourne found their mojo for a full 80 minutes and the Roosters were put to the test.
It was rugby league at its absolute best. Long may it continue.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
While taking a sideline conversion he slipped and landed on his backside as the ball sailed over the black dot.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
A good low tackle makes energy progress as the ball carrier hits the ground, an energy sink, rather than the body tackler who loses energy in making the tackle but the tackled player usually gets up quickly so a second tackler is needed to lay on the ball carrier. Low tackles could be rewarded by not allowing the tackler to proceed until the tackler is standing ready for the PTB but it'll never happen as the calls for a faster game outweigh the desire to reward good play.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
TB, that says a lot about them, it was funny!
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Last years rules were hindering the games flow and that's why they were changed. Klein didn't help the flow by not blowing the whistle. You could claim that last year but not this year. The six again thing is a valuable deterrent even if it's rarely used. The six again rule can easily be interpreted differently in the future if the NRL decides that it has gone too far. Just give the defenders more time to get off.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yes but hes got plenty of experience and hes played plenty of games, you would think that a mistake like that or a hot headed snap would be made by a rookie..
Aw
Guest
Injuries have I think now stopped the Roosters chances this year of making it to the GF. 2nd or at most 3rd wk of finals. See if I'm proven wrong. Won't make it easy for anyone
DJM
Roar Rookie
Yes. I understand my mob, the Raiders, have played 19 golden point games in their history and won 10 of them. So they’ve got 20 competition points in those 19 games, almost exactly the same total as if those games had been draws. Makes you wonder what the point is.
Birthday Suit
Roar Rookie
What a game. As a Roosters fan it was a painful loss, but damn, has to be one of the best regular season games I’ve seen in at least a decade. Even without the crazy finish it would have been a classic. Although both teams scored off mistakes, it does feel like the Storm really benefited from some uncharacteristic errors from the Roosters. As many people have mentioned, the Roosters play a high speed, high risk game and all it takes is a bit of a luck and a great team (like the Storm) to benefit from them. But how often do you see Cordner drop the ball cold 3 (or 4?) times? Or Tupou make an absolute mess of multiple high balls. It might just be me wearing my Roosters glasses but I’m still confident that we’re the team to beat this year and clearly have the highest ceiling. This is where Robinson’s skills as a coach come in to keep the team engaged after that sort of contest. Having said that, the cupboard is looking a bit empty now and an injury to Keary / Tedesco / Friend or a key forward and things will be looking very different. Also, come on Tahs. Could be a long night.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
GFBS, I thought the PTB was just about right last night. A couple of quibbles but overall good. The players were gassed at times but it wasn't ridiculously fast. Pretty sure the forwards weren't happy about extra time!
The Barry
Roar Guru
How good was their pretend stink when the Dragons and Bulldogs got feisty one night...?
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
TB, agree. They were on the "other" team last night but I love 'em, I think they're beauties. So professional, so smart and seem to be good blokes as well. I even agreed with Gus - professional try scorer.
Rob
Guest
I don't watch all the Storm games but I have noticed that Munster gets targeted with too much involvement. Like Thurston could be targeted and become predictable Munster sometimes looks like he puts a lot of pressure on himself to create something IMO. That's one of the best all round team displays I've seen from them in a while. I don't think Smith would waste an opportunity to get the ball to Munster when he needs it. A good Centre consistently creating points on and edge wins Premierships IMO. Look at the damage Morris did last night. Don't under estimate the value of a centre like Bob Fulton winning 3 out 4 grand finals in the centres and 0 out 1 at 5/8. These blokes have also proved the centre position Mitchell, Bird, Lyon, Gasner, Gidley, Renouf, Fitler, Daley, O'Connor, Meninga, Cronin and my personal favourite Justin O'Neil in 2015 slicing through the middle to score under the sticks.
Ralph Malph
Roar Rookie
Yes Scott I agree, however I think with this contentious self control of refs calling 6 again on minor issues gives to much power for a ref to see fit which team he prefers to win. Captains need at least three challenges per match including 6 again calls.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
You are certain that the Storm and Chooks will be there when the whips are cracking Scott? I've read something similar half way or so thru many seasons in the past and fairly often it hasn't been true. I remember the same being said about the Cows and Broncos in the season after their GF.
soapit
Roar Guru
yeah not a bad idea to have no kicks for goal in golden point at least. helps the refs make calls as well. they dont want to decide games so often end up putting their whistle away for a lot of stuff.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
That's been missed by the critics. It's a huge plus for the game. Empowering the captains was always going to be a good thing. There was plenty of talk before it was introduced that it in effect would diminish the respect of the refs but it's just accepting that refs can't get every call right and now there is a solution. No sport should hide the truth because an official might not like being found to be incorrect. It's much better than being told after the game that he possibly altered the result anyway.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
"I’m sure you and Crispy remember that year fondly?" .....mate, let's just say 2009 was a great deal better then our 2008 season! ;) The whole P'mtta district was certainly on a high and very optimistic of breaking their drought and snatching another GF win. A magical run by the Eels and a shot in the arm for their supporters - didn't last long though! :stoked:
Scott Pryde
Expert
I did indeed. https://www.theroar.com.au/2020/03/27/the-games-you-must-rewatch-during-the-nrl-shutdown/
Superspud
Roar Rookie
Scott it may have been you that wrote an article during the pause in the competition earlier this year. It was the list of games to rewatch. It has inspired me to compile a list of games this year that will go straight to the playlist to pass the summer away.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Bit like he JT13... You go "he has been quiet tonight." And he actually ran 230 metres.