What a weekend it was for the Sea Eagles. It's time to look back at it all in our weekly 'The Things We Learnt' column.
Back to Back
Well, what a win that was for Coach Trent Barrett and the team! In a match that had everything from four sin bins, time keeping debate, a send-off, and two dust ups, how good was it to see the Sea Eagles come away with the two competition points. Yes, there are plenty of talking points from the game, but what everyone should be saying is how DOMINANT the Sea Eagles were in the second half to keep the Storm tryless for the game. The first half saw several chances created down the right edge as the boys frustrated the hell out of the Storm by playing our game, not theirs. And then, after the two melees and what happened, the boys muscled up when they only had 11 men to not only score tries but just rip the heart out of the Storm to record win number four and go back-to-back for the first time this season. How good!
A 'sweet' song
Every team victory song is sung with much joy, but when you beat (make that, crush) your arch rivals and reigning premiers on their home soil, well, it is even more special. That win alone is going to be hard to beat as best victory of the season, and there are plenty of more to come! To top the night off, we had 'Sweet Caroline' pumping as Head Trainer Alex Ross and his crew of Cam Dyer, Connor Daly (and yours truly) packed up the dressing room late into the night. To quote Neil Diamond, "Good times never seemed so good". And yes, Rossy, we be lost without you!
Wingers flying high
When it comes to diving for the ball and planting it down, winger Matthew Wright is one of the best as shown with that miracle try against the Storm. Where Cameron Munster switched off thinking the kick from DCE was going out, Matty stayed alive. And what about Akuila Uate's magical try when he kept his feet in-play to score. On top of this, we have Jorge Taufua itching to get back into the NRL side. soon.
Welcome home, Trent
With Dylan Walker out injured for six weeks, the arrival of experienced five-eighth Trent Hodkinson last week could not have come at a better time. 'Hodko' will use his experience to get the team into the right positions on the field to allow our backs to do their work. Plus, his goal-kicking is invaluable too. It's great to have Trent back home again after making his NRL debut in 2010 for Manly.
Storm front heading for Lottoland
Lock in Saturday, July 14 now for when the Storm return to Lottoland. And after all the drama at AAMI Park, this Round 18 clash will be an absolute beauty. The Club already has big plans to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of that famous 40-0 premiership victory over Melbourne in 2008. This is a game not to be missed. Secure your tickets now and let's pack out Lottoland, Manly fans!
Rivals go down
It was a great weekend for Manly with victories in all three grades. To knock over fierce rivals in the Melbourne Storm in the NRL and the North Sydney Bears (Intrust and Jersey Flegg) makes it even better. Plus our Harold Matthews team beat the undefeated Western Rams (who won the CRL Andrew Johns Cup) in a City v Country clash at Mudgee on Sunday to be crowned U16 State champions. Well done to all of our teams.
The 'clap' awaits us
The Sea Eagles' travelling roadshow continues this week with a trip to Canberra. And don't our friends down there just love us after Dylan Walker got the better of them last season! Friday night will be cold and we will be greeted by that Raiders 'clap', so rug up Manly fans and get behind the boys like you did at 'Brookvale North' in Brisbane and 'Brookvale South' in Melbourne. See you there!
