The Serve

Monday night football: Another Manly win but still question marks

Manly’s 18-6 victory over the baby Broncos was the perfect microcosm of their season. Professional enough, workmanlike, with a slightly sour aftertaste.

With stars from both sides missing, this was a match that in reality was nothing more than a contest for the two points. Two tries in the first half and two in the opening ten minutes in the second had Manly ahead 18-nil and smelling blood. They let the Broncos off in the first half, but with Brisbane forced to make 50% more tackles up by the time the Sea Eagles racked up that fourth try, their fatigue was obvious. Ripe for the picking. A cricket score was waiting. What followed was a sluggish performance that almost let the Broncos back into the contest. Brisbane were gallant, but this was a wasted chance.

It’s funny how perceptions can cloud reality. Melbourne have the reputation for gutting their opposition, yet their for and against is two points worse than the Sea Eagles. The perception though is apt. Manly just doesn’t seem to have the weapons to put sides to the sword. They beat Canberra 32-6 at home, then 46-30 away. Victory over the Roosters 30-8 and really, that’s it. Other wins have been solid, without any sort of brilliance.

Perhaps this is far too judgmental. After all, the Sea Eagles are 9 and 1. Then again, a 9 and 1 record brings a certain expectation. Last Monday, Melbourne found a similar scenario against the depleted Bulldogs. The Storm didn’t miss the opportunity. Because of that killer instinct, they will go into Saturday’s showdown as warm favourites.

Manly is beautifully placed. Aside from building a six point gap to third, they only play one top-eight side in the following seven rounds: Melbourne. That sort of draw should ensure a spot in the top two is put under lock and key. That will mean a cosy run to the preliminary final. The big question is whether the Sea Eagles have another gear.

Saturday will tell us a lot.