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Allay any concerns you may have had – the footy is well and truly back!
And what better way to reinforce it than via controversy in a Parra and Manly game – who would have ever thought of that!
For the record I don’t think “that pass” was forward, but to suggest that one call in an 80 minute game robs a team of victory is short sighted. In this case it was definitely not a true reflection of that game. Besides that, I don’t really care how we beat Manly as long as we do.
We could discuss the previous 79 and a half minutes, after all, they had a fair bit to do with the result! There were numerous contentious calls that went against both teams – as will always be the case in a game contested by two highly talented teams, and controlled and adjudicated on by human beings.
The unavoidable truth that all Manly supporters must accept is that their team pushed the envelope with marginal passes throughout the entire game and they ultimately paid a late price.
The post match reaction was absurd. I expect that fake ‘outrage’ rubbish from journalists who just want the clicks, but ex players and NRL administrators should know better. Let’s hope that pandering to an outraged media’s wishes is not the new norm for the NRL that I will have to get used to.
On the game itself, I found it hard to select a standout. I thought all of the players did their job. Some made crucial errors and some made brilliant decisive plays, but again that will happen in every game and for the most part they defended the errors well.
Dylan will benefit from Nathan Brown’s return.
I thought we missed Nathan Brown. Manly rushed up in defence all night in an umbrella style and we tried to pass over it. It gave them time to slide. Nathan Brown and his short passing game would have exposed the gaps on the inside presented by the rushing defence and given more time to Moses and Dylan Brown. With that in mind, I was surprised we did not kick in behind the rushing defence even more than we did.
So this week we move onto another rivalry. Rivalries are not all the same but many have one thing in common – one team believing they are big brother and the other team wanting nothing more than to show them that they are just as strong.
Parra’s rivalry with Manly had its roots in the Silvertails early success. The accompanying superiority complex of their club and fans naturally annoyed Eels fans.
This week is different.
Sweet, sweet victory
Penrith see Parra as the big brother, the one who see themselves as bigger and superior, the one who had success earlier. For Penrith, Parra is the big rival. This is the game Penrith fans have to win.
For Parra supporters we see them as the annoying little brother who often surprise us. It is a danger game for Parra because Penrith will be up for it.
I find Penrith to be a predictable and boring team to watch. But I have seen this script before. Against Parra they play for 80 minutes. If we turn up with the right attitude, and have the right mix of aggression and composure, we will win. If not, Penrith will be there in the 80th minute snapping at our heels waiting for the ball to bounce their way.
Over to our team. They have improved, I have no doubt about that, but this is another test.
Can they match Penrith’s energy and desire?
Only time will tell.
Shelley
