RUNNING ROOSTER: Joey Manu covered more than 300 meters in about 30 runs. This man, who fills in as fullback for James Tedesco, never lets you down. Tedesco missed the Storm game on Thursday due to a concussion, but he should be back next Thursday. Anticipate the age-old controversy around the merits of Manu wearing the No. 1 jersey for the Roosters. How would you handle King Ted if you did?
BRAVE PONGA: The Knights have a difficult player in Kalyn Ponga. Despite clearly experiencing discomfort from a hip injury in the middle of the first half, the fullback persevered. Late in the game, his charge downfield put the home team on the attack. Due to habit, Dally M judges will most likely award him six points. An Englishman Kaipearce-Paul possessed some lovely
touches for the Knights, preventing Lindsay Collins from trying, and setting Bradman Best up for a four-pointer.
JENNINGS’ 300th: Michael Jennings secured a victory to commemorate his 300th NRL encounter. Before the game, there was a lot of discussion over Jennings’ “past conduct” and whether or not he should have been permitted to play. Latrell Mitchell of South Sydney is being jeered by rugby league fans without cause, but when Jennings carried up the ball a couple of times in McDonald Jones Stadium, the crowd fell silent. You get the idea.
“These fans know their footy,” said Adam O’Brien, the Newcastle coach. Never before have I heard such irate cheering at the conclusion of a game in a stadium. It’s noticeable how much Kalyn threw a tantrum at the end when Junior Pauga held her down. You would like to believe that we kick the goal and that it was a professional foul and sin-bin. However, clinging to this tonight won’t make things better. It will not benefit these guys. We had some things we needed to improve on. Kalyn’s hurts. He performed an amazing job for us. He is resilient. There is never any doubting that child’s toughness.
ROOSTERS COACH TRENT ROBINSON: “I felt the competition was excellent.” Manu will always make contact with the ball at the beginning of a set, its conclusion, and its necessity.”
