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Billy Slater

Storm

Storm
 
Storm

Jamie Lyon

Sea Eagles

Billy Slater was simply unstoppable early in the season, scoring nine tries in his first five games including doubles against the Raiders, Rabbitohs, Titans and Roosters. Having scored two tries in each of his first four games, he then fell one try short of becoming the first player in 100 years to make it doubles in his first five. He also broke the record for most tries scored in premiership history by a fullback when he scored his 130th against the Gold Coast in Round 3.
Billy Slater
 
Jamie Lyon
Now in his sixth season with Manly and 11th in the NRL since debuting with Parramatta in 2000, Jamie Lyon has developed into one of the most complete attacking players in the Telstra Premiership. The Sea Eagles co-captain has been inspirational in 2012 with his dynamic running game – combined with his playmaking abilities – helping Manly re-establish their standing as one of the competition’s powerhouses.
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GalleryPlayer StatsVideo
 
Billy Slater Storm
 
Sea Eagles Jamie Lyon
 
Never write off the Storm. That's the message Melbourne sent to their rivals with two remarkable wins in Rounds 24 and 25. The first saw them come back from an early 12-0 deficit to snatch a thrilling 19-18 win over Brisbane thanks to a late Cooper Cronk field goal; the second saw them score two tries in the final two minutes to overcome an 18-10 deficit and steal a 20-18 win against Cronulla.
Melbourne's big three slice up the Penrith Panthers.
Melbourne's big three has perfected a set play that has become their trademark over the past two seasons. It's all pretty simple really. If the Storm manages a quick play-the-ball on the right edge, Cameron Smith will fire a pass from dummy-half to Cooper Cronk down the short side and he will pass inside to a flying Billy Slater to slice through.
After their infamous 2011 clash at Brookvale Oval that saw Adam Blair suspended for five weeks and Glenn Stewart three weeks, Manly and Melbourne squared off at the same venue again in Round 15 with the Storm prevailing this time 26-22.
Billy Slater was simply unstoppable early in the season, scoring nine tries in his first five games including doubles against the Raiders, Rabbitohs, Titans and Roosters. Having scored two tries in each of his first four games, he then fell one try short of becoming the first player in 100 years to make it doubles in his first five.
The Storm's big three slice up the centre of the Titan.
Melbourne's 2012 campaign very nearly got off to a rocky start with one of the pre-season competition favourites trailing Canberra 19-18 with just five minutes on the clock. But with five minutes remaining, Cooper Cronk placed a deft chip towards the posts and Billy Slater leapt highest to score a thrilling match-winner as the Storm snuck home 24-19.
The Storm fullback rises above to steal victory from the Raiders
Two of Melbourne's biggest wins this season came against Penrith, who they thrashed 44-10 in Round 9 and 46-6 in Round 22 for a combined score of 90-16. And they were significant for a number of reasons.
Is there a team to match Manly on the right side of the field when the Stewart brothers hit top gear? Manly boasted one of the best left-side attacks last year but they shifted their focus to the right in 2012, crossing for 35 tries.
Arguably Jamie Lyon's best season in the NRL: in particular his contribution assisting team-mates to the try line. Lyon ranks No.1 among centres for try assists (15) and line-break assist (13).
No sign of second-year syndrome as he performed solidly. Made more tackle busts than any No.7 (81). Proven ability to provide the match-winning play " evidenced by his two tries at the death against the Warriors in Round 21.
The Sea Eagles centre wins the race against the Roosters.
Came from behind to defeat Broncos in last minute in Round 10. Reeled in an 18-point-deficit to defeat the Warriors 24-22 in Round 21 courtesy of two late tries to Daly-Cherry Evans inside the final eight minutes. These two games pivotal should they finish in the top four.
A flurry of hands sees the Sea Eagles score a great team try.
The Sea Eagles string together a series of solid passes to score.
Second to the Bulldogs for scoring tries from over halfway, with 13 to date. None better than Daly Cherry-Evans' in the 10th minute of their season-opening victory in the 2011 GF with the Warriors.
 

The inside ball

Saturday 4th August

Fringe King

Friday 10th August

The inside ball
Fringe King

It’s the play that has bamboozled many an opponent. Usually called from a quick play-the-ball on the right edge of the field, hooker Cameron Smith will fire a ball wide to Cooper Cronk on the right who quickly shoots an inside pass – often while looking the other way – to a flying Billy Slater to steam into the gap. It’s a move that all sides are aware of, but stopping it is another thing.

A graceful carrier of the football on the right edge, Lyon can beat his opposite number with a classic in-and-away, or send his winger or fullback through with a brilliant piece of improvised skill (as he did against the Broncos in Round 25, scoring a try himself and also setting up Brett Stewart). Lyon has scored nine tries this season and has added six line-breaks and 51 tackle-breaks; however it is his value as a ‘third half’ in the centres that sets him apart.

 
 
StormBilly Slater
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Sea EaglesJamie Lyon
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