A Magical Weekend
Friday afternoon I find myself once again at the airport headed up to Brisbane for the 3rd time in 4 weeks. This time flying up the day before the game rather than on game day. As usual with my away travel buddy Michael.
Sydney airport was full of different team colours. Not only Souths, but Panthers, Eels and even a couple of Cowboys fans. It was a sign of things to come over the weekend.
Magic Round weekend was here.
The usual quick flight to Brisbane and head to the motel to watch the second game.
Saturday morning was just the usual waiting around before heading to the ground. A walk to the train station then on our way to Suncorp.
Everywhere you looked there were different jerseys. By the time I had walked to Caxton Street I had seen every team represented. Even saw old Steelers and Bears jerseys on my travels.
The Caxton
I couldn’t resist walking down Caxton Street and walking past Caxton St Hotel. Just to soak up a bit of the atmosphere. There always seems to be a buzz around Magic Round up in Brisbane. It didn’t disappoint.
Finally get to Suncorp. A place that has felt like home the last month. We have certainly made it feel that way. Michael and I make our way to our seats just in time for the first game to kick off.
The Lucky End
We were in the Souths supporters Bay. Either side of us where the Panthers fans and Dolphins fans. Ended up being the lucky end.
First was the Panthers vs Warriors game. Warriors were certainly the crowd favourites there. Then the Dolphins vs Sharks. No surprise that the Dolphins had the crowd on their side.
Finally it was our turn. The nerves were starting to hit. Our recent form has been great, but this is a team where we have a poor record against. We had only beaten them 6 times all up. They beat us earlier in the year.
Still we are a different teams. Me being nervous before a game is nothing new. I’ll be just as nervous next week as well.
We Are The Team
It was time. Time to announce to the NRL that we are the team to beat.
It didn’t take long for the Magic to appear. On our first opportunity it was the Latrell and Cody show. The instinct and understanding these 2 have of each other was on display in that first try. What a great start.
It wasn’t long before we were in again. What looked like a backline movement to our left ended up being a rare try to Host who ran a great line off a Cody pass.
Often in the first half we were under pressure defensively. Constantly turning the Storm away. The defence of the previous week against the Broncos was on show once again.
The Boys Kept Turning Up
Every time it looked like the Storm were going to break us the boys kept turning up for each other.
Finally the Storm broke us not long before halftime. As happens so many times we concede off a kick. Still heading into the break up by 6 with less possession was a huge positive.
Suncorp Second Halves
There seems to be something about this team and second halves up in Suncorp. We just seem to dominate. I guess it could also be said about many of our wins this season.
The magic of Latrell was on display early with a kick put through for the milestone man Alex Johnston. That’s try 170.
AJ was in the thick of it again 5 minutes later. This time going through the hands to get his second try of the match.
We were in control of this match now.
Time To Celebrate
Another try off a Walker kick to Tass and the result was beyond doubt. With 10 to go we could celebrate. Our Magic Round perfect record was in tact.
There was a soft late try to the Storm. Would have been good to keep 2 heavyweight teams to 6 points in back to back games, but it didn’t mater.
A late chance for a hat trick to AJ was bumbled.
“Glory Glory” beating out over the speakers.
The coach deserves special raps for this win. When we played the Storm earlier in the year they rushed up on us and cut us off every time we went out the back. We really learnt from that and changed our tactics. Three of our 5 tries were from kicks where they tried to rush us. When they held back we made them pay through the hands.
It was a masterclass by the man known as JD.
Cody Magic
Cody Walker was like the round says, magic. Not only his kicking, but his passing as well. Some of the passes he is making is as good as I have seen from him.
He wasn’t alone though. There wasn’t a poor player for us. Everyone played their part.
The forward pack dominated the Storm. Every bench player came on and continued on. Special mention to Liam Knight. Coming back from the injury that he did was a massive effort to do what he did in just his second week back.
The lesser known players are really stepping up and doing their job. The likes of Chee Kam, Milne, Tass, Cartwright and Host all had strong games. They are all making it hard for JD to drop them when players return.
Lachy In Control
Lachlan Ilias is really starting to find his role in this team. Criticised for his involvement last year, he is taking more control. He now leads the NRL in try involvements. Even his kicking game has improved out of sight. That kick where he saw he had extra time so ran it to then get the kick away, then make the chase to put pressure on Coates to force him to drop it just shows where he is at right now.
The whole spine is clicking too. Latrell continues his good form as does Damien Cook. Cam Murray just doing what he always does.
Undefeated At Magic Round
The night was over. An early flight in the morning so it was back to our room. Our Magic Round experience was over for another year. Our undefeated run on Magic Round continues.
It has been a great run for us of late. Beating the Dolphins, Panthers, Broncos and now the Storm. Now we face the Tigers who have found a bit of form themselves winning 2 in a row. A game they usually get up for. Hopefully we take this game like we have the last month.
A Magical Weekend.
By Josh Kemp for Bunnies TV.
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