Manly's performance against the Storm last week was like the curator's egg...good in parts (as Rex used to say). It was good to see a confident Mateo overcalling DCE early in the match (which seemed to put the Storm defence a bit off balance). Buhrer's desperate last ditch goal line defence was a feature of one of the best comeback matches post knee construction anyone could have . Snake ran freely and his try saver on Koribete was outstanding (unlike the defence which preceded it). Hiku's footwork and evasiveness is top tier...if he had more speed and/or acceleration he could be anything.
The Storm's attack was bog average to be honest. Cronk and Smith looked lethargic and the inside ball from Cronk to Slater was telegraphed and unfolded in slow motion. It was only when Manly visibly wilted after about 55 minutes that the Storm looked threatening.
Manly's defensive pattern looked like it had been tweaked. Depending on the field position , 3 defenders would wedge up quickly around the ruck while the other defenders would move up more slowly in a holding pattern. For the most part it seemed to work.
The inability to play out the 80 minutes has been a trend for a number of years. In 2010 the 2nd half fadeouts were dramatic , a result of too much emphasis on bulking up . Training changed in 2011 and even though Manly were wobbling with 20 minutes to go in the GF they managed to get the job done. The trend has continued to varying degrees and cost Manly in 2013 . Some may say it's only round 3 , but Souths and the Roosters already look supremely fit .
I doubt that Manly will be able to withstand the relentless go forward of the Bulldogs over 80 minutes from what I've seen , unless they get at least 55% of possession. Brett Morris is particularly dangerous lurking around the rucks looking for offloads from Kasiano et al.
Manly will target and get outside Sam Perret . This should be the number one priority. Brett Morris is not a good defensive fullback partly because of his positioning, and his hands can sometimes turn to clay under the bomb. Rona is a relative novice at NRL level...he looks good in the air but his defence has already been found wanting against the Panthers . A short passing game around the ruck with angled runners including Buhrer and Symonds may tire out the Bulldogs forwards and get them arm grabbing (especially Kasiano , T-Rex and Klemmer) . Hodkinson looks underdone post knee surgery (he appears even slower than last year) but he usually lifts at Brookvale.
I see that the Bulldogs have got a lot of penalties already this year by milking the play the ball. Their back 3 and T-Rex are the best at this, taking a big step forward as soon as they get up to play the ball , then getting tangled up with the marker and appealing for a penalty( for offside markers or markers not square). Manly defenders need to stand on the mark where the player is tackled , raise their arms straight away and appeal for a penalty for walking off the mark.
Toovey is doing a good job as coach , but needs to use his bench more judiciously. Injecting a player into the match (not with calves blood Des) at the right time can be a matchwinning decision .