First of all - BIG CONGRATULATIONS - to everyone who turned out tonight. I was in the Swarm and had so much fun with all of you. To those I caught up with - always a pleasure, and to new friends - even more of a pleasure. The supporters truly gave it to the Storm tonight, it's just a shame that only 7500 made it. :-)
I rarely boo - but it was great to give it to the Storm. After this game, I feel closure and that we can honestly say that despite them still being an illegal team - we were ALL OVER them tonight. Our defence was superb, there were bodies in motion and things just look to be right in the world again.
I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate our boys. I have said in recent weeks that it breaks my heart to see the boys not playing as a team. Tonight, we played as a team. We played with courage, we played with determination and we played with passion. One only needs to look into the eyes of Ben Smith and our Courageous Captain in any replay to see how much the boys wanted this win.
Huge congratulations must go to -
1. Justin Poore - his best game in the blue and gold. Me thinks the love he is getting from the crowd is helping him along. He was SO incredibly solid and hit every ball up with gusto.
2. Our Courageous Captain - Led with passion tonight, especially in that second half.
3. Ben Smith - Never have I seen him so vocal. He played out of his absolute skin tonight and deserves all the praise he should get in this coming week.
4. Kiss Keating - Had a really solid game. Put some absolutely beautiful kicks in and even scored a try. Our halves looked so much more solid tonight, they led, they were vocal and their kicking game improved dramatically. for all those who think he should be dropped - his performance tonight showed just why he is so important to our team.
5. Feleti Mateo - Need I say anymore. He was back to his best tonight.
Other notable mentions include the ever solid Super Mannah and Joel 'Ever' Reddy.
Tonight reminds us all what our boys can do. So please - remember this great feeling the next time we lose and remember that it is when we play as a team that performances like this come out. :-)
P.S. Some very special news. I had a chat (and a kiss on the cheek) from Shane Shackleton, who was looking VERY sharp in a suit and beautiful tie. His recovery is coming along well and he is hoping to be back towards the end of the season. AWESOME NEWS!!!
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That is the newest Eels mascot - Sparkle. :-) Sparky's girlfriend!
I too had another great time down with the Swarm, last time I went was that bloody hot day against Manly. So for me its 2 times in the swarm for 2 wins, haha.