Disappointed we lost a game we could have won, but also not too disappointed that it didnt hurt our diff that much
I am sure we will hear the words gutsy, courageous etc to describe that, and sure, the defence on our own line may have been. But the only reason that description could be used was because we were so *censored* in the other 80m on defence. Our line speed is non existent on defence, and what we did tonight will not get us anywhere in the finals, they made metres at will while we struggled all night long. Needs a ****lod of work. Was infuriating to see us defend our line for set after set, do the job, then make the stupid play, eg Menzies 'pass' from dummy half to put ourselves back in that position.
Des should take a bit of blame for this one too. Menzies playing centre after a midweek origin, with a fit Stephenson in PL was the worst coaching call of the year. Menzies is adequate at centre, but Hicks is far better in the role.
Our forward pack was completely dominated too
And a quesiton, i know the commentators said injured, but to me it looked as though Des hooked Burns, can anyone confirm either way ?
Stewart needs some huge work on his kick returns, they lack any spark and he never looks like beating a man. If he gets that he will be the complete player. Back yourself Brett and use you pace
To the players
Matai was huge, our best imo. Looked menacing in attack, making plenty of the forwards metres, and did some good things on defence too. Watmough was awesome, as with Matai, full throttle all game long.
Rose put together his best game in a Manly jumper and deserves plenty more opportunity this season.
Dunley put on an improved performance, still wouldnt be in my side but was ok tonight
Kennedy was just Kennedy
Leuluai made good metres all game and deserves to keep his starting spot.
Now to Orford, absolutely awful tonight. If there is a perception that he cracks in the big games, well tonight did nothing to help that. Kicking game was average and option taking was abysmal. The feild goal before halftime, why ? Grubber or high kick for Robertson 1000% better options. After Menzies break gets caught on the last tackle,not even looking to pass. Near the end, we finally got a good attacking position, he throws a long ball to Robertson on the 2nd, Stevie Wonder could see the only result was going to be Robbo in touch. Hopefully has a huge one next week to atone for tonight
All that probably sounds a bit negative but just my thoughts from tonight. Not hugely disappointed in the effort they put in, but has knocked my confidence for the remainder of the season back a few levels in some areas too. Plenty of work to do, but i know we can fix it up
I am sure we will hear the words gutsy, courageous etc to describe that, and sure, the defence on our own line may have been. But the only reason that description could be used was because we were so *censored* in the other 80m on defence. Our line speed is non existent on defence, and what we did tonight will not get us anywhere in the finals, they made metres at will while we struggled all night long. Needs a ****lod of work. Was infuriating to see us defend our line for set after set, do the job, then make the stupid play, eg Menzies 'pass' from dummy half to put ourselves back in that position.
Des should take a bit of blame for this one too. Menzies playing centre after a midweek origin, with a fit Stephenson in PL was the worst coaching call of the year. Menzies is adequate at centre, but Hicks is far better in the role.
Our forward pack was completely dominated too
And a quesiton, i know the commentators said injured, but to me it looked as though Des hooked Burns, can anyone confirm either way ?
Stewart needs some huge work on his kick returns, they lack any spark and he never looks like beating a man. If he gets that he will be the complete player. Back yourself Brett and use you pace
To the players
Matai was huge, our best imo. Looked menacing in attack, making plenty of the forwards metres, and did some good things on defence too. Watmough was awesome, as with Matai, full throttle all game long.
Rose put together his best game in a Manly jumper and deserves plenty more opportunity this season.
Dunley put on an improved performance, still wouldnt be in my side but was ok tonight
Kennedy was just Kennedy
Leuluai made good metres all game and deserves to keep his starting spot.
Now to Orford, absolutely awful tonight. If there is a perception that he cracks in the big games, well tonight did nothing to help that. Kicking game was average and option taking was abysmal. The feild goal before halftime, why ? Grubber or high kick for Robertson 1000% better options. After Menzies break gets caught on the last tackle,not even looking to pass. Near the end, we finally got a good attacking position, he throws a long ball to Robertson on the 2nd, Stevie Wonder could see the only result was going to be Robbo in touch. Hopefully has a huge one next week to atone for tonight
All that probably sounds a bit negative but just my thoughts from tonight. Not hugely disappointed in the effort they put in, but has knocked my confidence for the remainder of the season back a few levels in some areas too. Plenty of work to do, but i know we can fix it up
