Armchair Expert - Round 8

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Performance of the Week
How can you go past the team running last knocking off the premiership leaders on their own turf? And how is it that every time Manly play Melbourne both sides lift their games and don't give an inch? This battle has truly been the standout clash of the 2000's.

Manly flew in to Melbourne coming off five straight losses and some smart money was being invested on the team to claim their first ever wooden spoon this season. Yet on ANZAC day, this club delivered what we all know and love (although we hate to admit it) about them; grittiness. They were in one heel of an arm wrestle against a team who are the world champions in that art, but came out on top. Melbourne didn't play poorly by any stretch of the imagination, but Manly just wouldn't go away.

And Manly have finally found a prop who can make big meterage; Jake Trbojevic. He is the classic stocky front row forward and at only 21, will mature leaps and bounds this season mixing it with the best.


Paul Carige Award for the Worst Performance of the Week
Trent Robinson. I 100% agree with him that diving is not just becoming, but already a massive issue in the NRL. Players have taken gamesmanship to the next level in trying to win a penalty for high tackles, and at times it feels like we are in South America watching a soccer match not rugby league. But the way he targeted young Dragons centre Euan Aitken after the game was just wrong. The tackle wasn't high by any means but Aitkens head slammed into the shoulder of Dylan Napa and whiplashed back. He wasn't staying down to milk a penalty; he was down because his head got belted in a fair tackle. I'd like to see old Robbo step off his left and run into a shoulder from his fiery redheaded second rower; lets see how quickly you get to your feet, coach.


Surprise Packet
I don't know what Neil Henry has changed the white powder for on the Gold Coast, but whatever it is it's working wonders. Young halfback Kane Elgey has adapted to first grade as quick as any under 20's player in recent memory and is steering the ship brilliantly. His performance against the Warriors was outstanding, no wonder the Titans were quick to resign him for the next two years. Sidekick Aidan Sezer is also playing his best season in the NRL, behind a forward pack coming into their own every week. With quality like Nate Myles, Ryan James and Greg Bird upfront and class out wide in William Zillman and James Roberts, the boys from the glitter strip may just give this thing a good shake.


Russell Packer Medal for WTF Moment of the Week
Kevin Naiqamas' try assist on Friday night was out of this world. Words can't do it justice. If you haven't seen it yet, get out from under your rock and take a look:

Around the Social Media Traps
This week a Rooster pays his respects, Wayne Bennett smiles for the first time ever as Sam Thaiday rocks out with his air guitar and our national teams take a school photo.

Got to visit the Australian War Memorial during the week to pay my Respects to our fallen ANZAC.. Today we Honour all of our Defence Force past and present for making this country what it is today. Lest We Forget
A photo posted by Aidan Guerra (@guerraa25) on
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