(Refs aside) Its been a long time since I seen a game with such a stalemate in the middle, neither forward packs gave the other an inch and there was no "roll-on" that entire game, penalties and errors aside almost every set started and finished in the attacking teams own half. Despite Parra's dominating score from some freakish outside talent, I'm sure experts will say that the battle of the backs was the decider in this game. Moses vs Milford, Jennings vs Roberts/Moga, Radradra vs Oates.
Though the domination we showed with long range efforts, I would argue the true battle was in the middle between two of the toughest and hardest players in the game today. I think we were witnessing the birth of a a truly great rivalry that will show through Club, Origin and Representative football for years to come. Nathan Brown and Josh McGuire. McGuire is toted as "The Enforcer." and the next Australian lock and Nathan Brown is the buy of the year and one of the hardest done by to not don the sky blue this year.
Stats say one thing (Brown absolutely dominant) but I dont think they truly reflect the dignity of the battle that was played between the two former props. Both are the only players to run for over 100m tonight (with Brown running for over 200m). Nathan Brown has now won the last two battles between the two, and McGuire will remember that. Even as he runs out for the Kangaroos, he will know if it wasnt for some shoddy selecting in June, he may not have had that spot.
Radradra was man of the match but for me, the most influential player on the outcome of this match was Nathan Brown.
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I knew he was a good player, but didn't think he was this good
We need him back, unstoppable in full flight.
Nathan Brown will make the World Cup Squad and of Brown and Gutherson aren't the 1st 2 picked for NSW next year then we will never win a series.