2006 Grand Final

[Steve]

Been a shocking week so I picked up the DVD from JB's earlier this week. Looking back on the game:

How baby faced do some of the players look - Thiaday, Hunt, Cam Smith... Those boys have really packed on the facial hair since.

Our defence was what won us the game. The cover defence and work on our own goal line was exactly what's required in big games like Grand Finals. Melbourne clearly deviated from the game plan which had worked all year for them and without a plan B they were found wanting.

Those 3 dud decisions the Storm got in that 5 minute period midway through the second half really knocked the stuffing out of them. The Berro shepard Simpkins missed and the Slater high tackle which wasn't were huge calls. Ditto the Hodges touch which went into touch and led to us getting the scrum. We definitely got the rub of the green that night.

Webke's post match interview is great viewing. He was just overcome with emotion and simply can't find words to express the feelings of gratitude to the players and the club. He didn't say much but the interview was one of the most memorable in years. He loves the club and with the events of the past week it makes me sad there aren't enough father like figures like him to steer our current young crop around.

The final thing I think worth mentioning is it really rams home the importance of big match experience. Brisbane just knew what needed to be done to win the trophy whereas the Storm looked occasionally flustered and that led to bad passes, bad reads and poor ball security. It's that big game experience which gives me some hope for us tomorrow night. We're facing probably the best drilled football side in the last 20 years but we know how to win big games. And tomorrow is just massive given the people we're saying goodbye to and the shocking week we've had.

I think if we were to win tomorrow night it could possibly be the club's finest hour. I'm so pumped to give it to the Storm. I hope they know we're coming for em' :evil:

 

[gUt]

Good post Steve. I've watched this game a couple of times on nrl.com. It's a good, tense game but I remember thinking at the time that both teams looked a bit tentative. The Storm never really got going.

A more enjoyable game is the game against the Bulldogs in that finals series. I would urge anyone who has an hour and a bit to kill on the net, go back and watch that one. It's an absolute pearler.

 

[pennywisealfie]

or the 2nd half of that game is good enough hehe

 

[Coxy]

Yeah, first half of the Bulldogs preliminary final was pretty frustrating to watch actually. Lots of poor play from the Broncos gifting opportunities to the Dogs and then they took them.

Second half the Broncos just tore it up.

 

[Steve]

The second half of the Bulldogs preliminary was the best footy this club has played in about 5+ years I think. I could watch that second half all day.

 

[mick]

The second half of the Bulldogs preliminary was the best footy this club has played in about 5+ years I think. I could watch that second half all day.

The second half against the Roosters last week was bloody close to it, too. icon_thumbs_u

 

[gUt]

See I reckon you need to watch the first half as well to get a better sense of the second half turnaround.

 

[subsbligh]

Those 3 dud decisions the Storm got in that 5 minute period midway through the second half really knocked the stuffing out of them. The Berro shepard Simpkins missed and the Slater high tackle which wasn't were huge calls. Ditto the Hodges touch which went into touch and led to us getting the scrum. We definitely got the rub of the green that night.

You're so right - watched the game on bigpond the other night.

The King no-try followed by the hand of Hodge, were crippling for the Storm and it showed on their players faces. A more experienced team would have risen (no slight on the Storm).

Also, the next day was the Roosters game. Biggest difference for me - Petero and Webcke. The Roosters smashed us and those two had such an awesome presence on the field which was notably absent from 2008 squad.

What we need at the moment is Steve Price/Wiki bookends. Our forwards are just not experienced/bonded enough to pull themselves out of a shitheap.

 

[Coxy]

See I reckon you need to watch the first half as well to get a better sense of the second half turnaround.

Yeah, but I don't want to remember how I felt at half time. I was almost resigning myself to going to Sydney to watch the gangbangers (note: I didn't use the R word) vs Wrestlemania.

The euphoria when it didn't go that way? Priceless.

I still remember the jumping around, dancing, hugging with all the other Broncos fans at the leagues club where we watched it. Gold!

 

[Astroboy]

See I reckon you need to watch the first half as well to get a better sense of the second half turnaround.

Yeah, but I don't want to remember how I felt at half time. I was almost resigning myself to going to Sydney to watch the gangbangers (note: I didn't use the R word) vs Wrestlemania.

The euphoria when it didn't go that way? Priceless.

I still remember the jumping around, dancing, hugging with all the other Broncos fans at the leagues club where we watched it. Gold!

Just imagine BEING there wih Rocky and the rest of the crew Coxy. THAT was gold! [icon_drun [icon_drun [icon_drun

You reminded me of how I felt at half time too. Pretty dirty at how we'd played and some dud ref calls. But the 2nd half - fair dinkum, every try was celebrated like it was a last gasp GF win!

Then they came over to thank us all after the game, then Webcke came over later for an impromptu Ch9 interview, with us all absolutely giving it to Gus in the background [icon_lol1.

It was a shame that party had to end eventually.

 

[Hamm.0]

The hand of Hodge? Surely you mean the myth of the hand of Hodge. that ball was a knock on nomatter who you support. Correct call....Storm suck.

 

[last|soldier]

I agree Hammo. Knock on Hoffman hahah. Him crying was the greatest moment in the history of Rugby League.