Geyer should have worn the #6 in the final, Inglis is a centre, not a half/five-eighth. Folau was easily the Storms best, not that it was difficult, he will be a great addition to the Brisvegas side, and hopefully his maturity at such a young age can rub off on the idiots up there.
Manly deserved to win, they were outstanding, but I don't think they actually beat Melbourne. That was not Melbourne who turned up on Grand Final night, that was a group of look-a-like impostors. Cam Smith would not have made the difference, nor would have Hoffman. I think it's about time Manly had a decent amount of rep players in both Origin and National duty, Watmough, Kite, both Stewarts and even Perry should be given a spot in the 30 man squad.
Makes me wonder how much Cronulla would have lost by if they had have beaten Melbourne last week... 86-0? 90-0?
I think that is it for Melbourne, they'll remain a strong side, and top 4 contenders, but I cannot see them remaining the force that they were, they will drop back into the lead pack. Manly have another 2 seasons or so of top quality (as long as they remain injury free), Cronulla will also be finalists again next season (but stand no chance of winning the comp), Penrith, the Dogs and the Cowboys should be the big improvers, Canberra and New Zealand will be top 8 again.
I'm very interested to see how Brisbane and St George go with their new coaches, how Parramatta, Tigers and Easts fare since all 3 were massive disappointments this season, and what excuses Souths come up with for the 2009 season.
Looking For: Wreckers Saga TPB Collection (with Requiem)