I think fans shouldn't be so harsh on the second half. Personally I was more admarent of Manly's ability to score points at will when required then necessarily the Sharks defensive failings. Do not forget that they are the premiers for a reason and remain one of the best teams in the comp. Even with a woeful performance they almost won which is characterstic of the top teams.
Having said that I despise Manly, the refereing square ups are a disgrace and Flanno still needs to find the formula that keeps our foot on the pedal for the full 80 mins. The gameplan was working and I don't think he necessarily changed it but something happened with our players in the back end that really needs to be addressed. I don't think it was as simple as Manly got possession. In the first half we didn't let them get possession! If we can play like that every week we need to get used to being front runners because that first 40 mins was utterly impressive in any conditions yet alone wet ones where some errors could have been excused but we were near perfect. Give me a good reason Flanno why you can't get the team up with that sort of motivation and attitude every week cause if you do on raw power, discipline and talent alone we will win games. And as our new structure continues to settle and evolve we could become a real force. Our backrow is devestating!
Can you believe Geoff Toovey critising the refs in the papers against his team and Manly fans complaining they didn't have the ball. LOL what a bunch of winges.
The cross field kicks were more precise than they have been in a long time and did lead to some good results at times but still too much reliance on them. At times Carney had the defense a bit rambled and should have sent the ball through the hands to our backs but instead weant for the kick. Need to play what's in front of us guys.
Bakuya is incredible, massive strength and speed. Robson, well who would've thought he would be such a handy buy but needs to do it all year for us and even better. Great debut in our colours, impressed he just turned up like that and did exactly the job he needed to. Said alot about his character and maturity.
Best was impressive, I love seeing an older dog still have plenty to offer. Played out of his skin. I grew up watching him play for the Sharks back in the ET days so couldn't be happier for him.
Ross was better than usual as well and less mistakes than Im used to from him. Love that bump he gave forran (I think) late in the game.
Gards is a special talent, he can do things other FBs in the game can't. His defensive positioning can be coached but you can't show a player how to be elusive and guttsy like he is. I thought he stepped up after some poor games.
There was a Manly fan next to me shaking his head all game and comments around the pub were Sharks turned up to play tonight and they were all urging Cronulla to get over the line late in the game. I thought we were toast to be honest. Was bit of a hollow feeling at the end, was great to end up winning but after such a fantastic first half and Manlys fightback it almost felt like it wasn't supposed to be. We made it so hard my nerves were shot and I would have like to seen more points from us or at least keep Manly to only the 1 try.
End of the day an amazing result considering everything, our season was on the line and we got the job done.
