One word - behind. We have come from behind to win both games. Trials sure, but good to see a change in attitude and commitment.
Credit where it’s due, AD played well tonight. Jock was handy as well, but I think AD outpointed him with some his kicks and runs.
Ive been a critic of AD and I will give credit where its due. AD did play well. he kicked well, he ran well and he defended well. He still has a very poor passing game. He killed one overlap and a lot of his passes were either too low or too far back causing a player to have to pause or reach back, halting momentum.
In contrast Maddens passing is almost elite. The way Madden passes so far out in front is so clinical and consistent and his outside backs are receiving the ball at speed at the line forcing the defence to make decisions. The way he positions his backs give the option of hitting the line at a hole or playing out the back and the defence has to commit because of the pass.
If I was Benji genuinely dont know which way I'd go. I also think Latu is the long term best option at 7. Id probably pick Madden at 7. to give credit to my mate Garry who said this to me.....imagine Luai running onto those out front passes from Madden.
One word: Lomu
Young Makisini dropping his shoulders and running over people reminded me of the late great Jonah Lomu trampling over Mike Catt at the 1995 rugby world cup.
He is a rare talent.
Great win from behind and we've got an exciting crop of young players.
What a fantastic effort by the boys
Out of 28 players I reckon I was happy with almost all of then
Such a good warm up for the season and so much good to talk about. Young and old some really good performances
I think Jock is going great however he won’t give you the running threat AD does. And AD will obviously play mostly on that right side which last night was lacking in attack. Star struggled a bit but not having Kai Pierce Premiereship (Kris Gale has given him that name) with him didn’t help. In fact AD had to help Star out a couple of times with some defensive clean up work. Turuva also suffered without KPP not there, it was impotent last night. AD tried to link with Jahream, they did get the first try, but that right edge struggled for the most part. I don’t see any need to change the halves yet. It’s great to know Jock is there, he can really give that Cup side some leadership and hopefully build their confidence through winning games as that will be of great benefit to the club. If through form or injury he’s needed in NRL then we’re lucky to have him on standby. He could even play a part off the bench if we play AD in that lock role for 20 mins or so.Credit where it’s due, AD played well tonight. Jock was handy as well, but I think AD outpointed him with some his kicks and runs.
Ive been a critic of AD and I will give credit where its due. AD did play well. he kicked well, he ran well and he defended well. He still has a very poor passing game. He killed one overlap and a lot of his passes were either too low or too far back causing a player to have to pause or reach back, halting momentum.
In contrast Maddens passing is almost elite. The way Madden passes so far out in front is so clinical and consistent and his outside backs are receiving the ball at speed at the line forcing the defence to make decisions. The way he positions his backs give the option of hitting the line at a hole or playing out the back and the defence has to commit because of the pass.
If I was Benji genuinely dont know which way I'd go. I also think Latu is the long term best option at 7. Id probably pick Madden at 7. to give credit to my mate Garry who said this to me.....imagine Luai running onto those out front passes from Madden.
Every team will have difficulty scoring against Panthers when attacking their line, they’ve always been good defensively there with the exception of early last season. Our right edge struggled without KPP or a recognised edge backrower. AD & Reamy posed some threat but that’s it. When KPP there I’m confident it’ll be better.Depth. We had a couple of our top 17 who didn't play but still held our own against a very strong Panthers line up. When the young guns came on they stepped up and finished off with solid defence and great desire to score and win.
The game got a bit untidy but we look like we have reserves who will challenge for positions.
Our kicking game needs work, we are vulnerable in the air and please work out how to score when in the 20 zone.
Just thinking about it Jock, I’d say he’ll be on that 6 man bench. That gives Benji a great option should a half get an injury but should he give AD 20 mins at lock during a game Jock could slip straight in no worries. Latu probably will need a run or two in Cup before returning to NRL so that’d be about rd 5 or 6. Andrews & Iverson Mattai might have to run that Cup side the first couple of games. Andrews was very good last night & Mattai deserves a crack.
While we are giving raps to polarising players, I’d like to give my mate Twal a plug. Thought he made a few handy runs during the night. Was a bit predictable with his ball playing, but his chase to force the drop out at the end of his stint was admirable commitment for a trial game. Say what you want, but the guy is big, fit and bleeds black and gold.
@russtutty63 I don’t like the idea of swapping and changing positions mid game , the team has looked disjointed for years . If Douehi needs a break bench him and run with Jock . They issue with the 13 needs to be addressed with a permanent spot as does the half back spot there will be no continuity if this position is not locked down ..Laui needs to cement a combination with his 7. I do understand everyone wanting all the best players there ready to get a run but the reality is this team needs to settle on a long term halves pairing and run with it .
@snake it would seem a waste Jock playing cup games. I’m with you on him playing, however it all comes down to what the coach thinks. And combinations have been our downfall the last 10-15 years. And not only halves pairing.
We have to get it right as early as possible, but where does everyone fit?
I don’t suppose AD would like to play right centre again would he 😐
@teddy_s This goes to the ineptness in the red zone the top teams have settle halves this is the key to opening up real success in that area of the field . Just pick and stick whoever it’s pretty simple not with standing injuries. Everyone will not fit that’s the reality but trying to fit everybody in by shuffling positions is worse.
So when Twal needs a break what do u do? Sione? Sione is a middle so could start or give Terrell or Bunty a rest. Murray is doing well so he’s on option. IMO the Tigers looked their best last year when Latu came in and created a 3rd half situation. Plenty of threat & still good defensively for that time of the game when it’s more open, 10 mins either side half time or late in the game. We don’t need to be like most teams and play a rigid system as long as players are capable at adjusting. It also depends upon the game itself, if it’s needed etc. There’ll be different scenarios and with a 6 man bench there’ll be greater options for coaches to react to the state of the game. To me, it’s another small evolution, it becomes more tactical. I could be wrong, coaches might use their bench exactly as always have, time will tell.@russtutty63 I don’t like the idea of swapping and changing positions mid game , the team has looked disjointed for years . If Douehi needs a break bench him and run with Jock . They issue with the 13 needs to be addressed with a permanent spot as does the half back spot there will be no continuity if this position is not locked down ..Laui needs to cement a combination with his 7. I do understand everyone wanting all the best players there ready to get a run but the reality is this team needs to settle on a long term halves pairing and run with it .
@snake haven’t seen this game just yet but the Andrews/ Madden combo looks better in the red zone than AD/ Luai. However they haven’t come up against an NRL squad though. Idk it’s a tough one, but where does Latu fit in when he comes back?
My one word for this game is Cohesion. It seems it’s here in spadefuls. On a lighter note my other word would be Fulton Liam style. Had a quick chat with him yesterday whilst serving him. And he said he’s very impressed with this squad moving forward.
Watching the game on Kayo last night, and the crowd reactions to makas try were pretty special…
