COACH’S REPORT: COMETS VS SUNSHINE COAST RD 2 22/03/2010

When asked, all coaches will tell you one thing – winning away from home is a more than pleasing experience.

The weekend’s match against Sunshine Coast provided that experience for me.

While having a slightly weaker side than in round one, the Sea Eagles, supported by their usual contingent of Manly Sea Eagles squad members, were a very similar side to the one that won the Queensland Cup Grand Final in 2009.

Going into the match we knew that we had to get on top early as the Sea Eagles are known for their fast starts and with the quality of player that they possess, we knew it’d be a tough ask trying to chase down a lead.

We got off to a great start and after seven minutes and with two tries on the board, the boys were full of confidence.

The confidence showed through from the opening set of the match when Sea Eagles hooker Cameron Joyce was forced from the field, concussed and wobbly under foot, after getting in the way of Comets winger Dallas Williams and one of his customary demolishing runs.

Without Joyce on the paddock and with usual halfback Trent Hodkinson called up to the NRL side, the Sea Eagles lost their sense of direction.

Despite the lack of direction from the Sunshine Coast, the Comets boys were patient and played a very structured game with halfback Matt Minto and Ben Hunt combining to direct the team around the park.

Both were rewarded with tries while Ben kicked four goals.

The only drawback from the game was when Aaron Summers was sin binned for 10 minutes after swearing at a team mate.

However, without this act of stupidity I wouldn’t have a recipient of the Tool of the Week Award. So thanks and congratulations Aaron!

This coming weekend we play the Easts Tigers at Langlands Park.

Luckily, for our supporters’ sake, the match will be televised on the ABC at 2.00pm on Saturday afternoon, so make sure you tune in.

With the Easts versus Mackay game called off over the weekend due to Cyclone Ului, the Tigers will either come into the game rusty or rested. I wonder what we’ll get.

No matter what, our boys will have to be up for it if they want to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Lastly, I’d just like to congratulate Dallas on becoming the second most capped Comets player behind Heath Egglestone.

Congratulations Dallas and keep playing the footy that we all love to watch!