In another's colours...

It's all happening in the NRL 2006 Season. So far we've had;

Two sin binnings (one, two), a streaker, a 'pest', a broken cheek, a dislocated shoulder and couple of upset wins...

The highlight of the round for me so far was being able to see Steve Bell play his first game for Manly. It was actually a lot harder to watch then I thought it would be. This sounds really silly right? I know and I can't explain... We'll maybe I can by saying "We know him", you know? He's not just another player. We spoke to him after EVERY home game and EVERY away game we went to. EVERY game since mid-2001. He was ALWAYS there and ALWAYS up for a chat, no matter what. Of course, there was also his performance on the field. He was a star for Storm. and he never got the shout outs he deserved. However, we knew he was a star --- Sheesh, I knew from the first time I saw him play for us (Trial Game - Albury, 2001).

Tuning into the delayed telecast of the Manly v. Raiders game on Foxtel tonight, I got this crushing sense of sorrow the moment I saw him on the field. He was no longer wearing the Storm colours and never would again. Instead, there he was in maroon and white. Manly colours. Another team's colours. It was all wrong. I didn't actually ink but I'll be honest and say that my eyes did well up a little at that point. Hey, no eye rolling - I'm being honest here :)

He had a good game. No. He had a great game. He scored two tries, the second was brilliant and at a time when nothing much was doing for Manly. Defensively, he and his partner on the wing, Chris Hicks, have a bit of work to do but I am sure once they get used to each other's game things will be fine.

Manly lost their game against the Raiders but according to Foxsports: "One of the few positives for Manly was the enterprising form of new recruit Steve Bell, with the centre crossing for two of his side's three tries."

Manly are extremely lucky to have him on their side. I sure wish he was still on mine.