The aspect of last nights game that has left me thinking that we can have a real shot at the title this year is the aura of Foran. Although he is a quality ballplayer and runner, Kieran was lured to the club first and foremost for his leadership; highlighted by the fact he was named captain this week. At every breakdown of play or try scored, he had something to say. This is exactly what we need as a club.
Another thing about last night that has made me very confident is the fact that Kenny Edwards is getting time on the right edge with Beau Scott rotating to the middle. For the past couple of seasons at Newcastle, Beau has been locked into that right edge for every minute he has played, though his no b*llshit defence was just as strong when shifted. A part of the reason I would have liked to see Kieran on the left hand side when he was originally announced was that he would have a genuine attacking threat in Manu playing one spot next to him, which is ideal for someone of the calibre of Foran. Knowing that Edwards is almost certain to get some time next to him on the right has swayed my opinion on this front.
In 2013, Justin Horo left the Eels as a borderline first-grader and managed to find himself plunked next to Foran on Manly's left edge, in which by the end of the year was one of the form second-rowers in the game ultimately thanks to the presence of Foran. Watch the little clip below and you will see how Kieran demands high performance and doesn't accept mediocrity from the players around him. Kenny Edwards will have a breakout year if he gets even close to 30 minutes a game on that edge.
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BRING BACK SANDOPE!