I've been critical of DCE plenty at times over the last year or two because of what I perceive to be a lack of willingness to get down and dirty and really compete on all the little plays and drive his team over the line. wanting to play too pretty, throwing a hospital or forced pass instead of digging into the line himself and taking the tackle when the pass isn't on, or just diving on a loose ball.
That said I was at the game on Saturday and thought DCE was outstanding in those areas. his 1% efforts were as good as I have seen from him. He tried everything.
We were just beaten in all ways on Saturday, Penrith Forwards got on top, they got all the ball and all the set restarts and posession , they had most of the luck, Cleary played the best game he's played in years, our defensive issues out wide were exposed and we got flogged. OK it happens.
I think we'll bounce back this week if do the fundamentals right. Last week was a bit freaky to me.