The Serve

Woozy Monaghan brilliant

What a brilliant performance from Michael Monaghan, as Manly deservedly look forward to the grand final. However, I am concerned at how he was allowed back onto the field when he has suffered a concussion in the first half.

My colleagues in the commentary box argued that he had to make the decision as to whether he would return to the field.

I disagree with that entirely.

His prognosis was there for all to see. The shaken head, the blinky eyes, he wasn’t there at all. So, how could he be expected to make any sort of decision? It would be akin to giving the keys to a drunk and telling him to drive home.

A decision like that has to come from a considered medical opinion. In saying that, he was wonderful in the second half. He has proven himself to be the Sea Eagles best player, more important than Matt Orford.

Remember back to the Origin, when the Blues were struggling for halves, Phil Gould was laughed at when he suggested Monaghan should be the New South Wales number seven. Hindsight would prove that was an astute observation.

The Cowboys were never in this contest, and I don’t believe the loss of Carl Webb and Jason Smith was the difference. It was such a significant gap between the two sides, a gap that Webb and/or Smith would not have closed.

Consider also that Manly had their own issues with Monaghan and the excuses dry up quickly.

Before the weekend I suggested that the grand final winner would come out of the Melbourne/Parramatta match. I have to alter that thinking, in that while I believe this is still the Storm’s competition, Manly would match up well against the Eels.