Big game this, after the disappointment of last week.
Whilst we are fresh after a bye with injuries returning, we have origin disruption to half our spine. This is a chance to either showcase our youth, prove how we deal with the origin-induced disruption, and test our depth in many positions should players be unable to back-up (which you would think is a strong possibility given its in Townsville with a 2-day turnaround)
At home, Bozo to honour, decent opposition in the Cowboys who are also rested after a bye, with momentum and small pool of injured players compared to us. Could be quite overwhelming.
This is the sort of game you expect Melbourne would win handsomely if they were in our shoes. We need to develop that kind of culture where we don't lean on cop-outs and excuses (like the absolute garbage Refs last week) - we just need to find a way in these games.
There are plenty of 'first graders' that are now regarded as fringe - guys like Walker, Suli, & Taufua - and they need to excel should they be chosen. These players that were formerly regarded as first choice need to play hungry, re-earn their spot. Some of their careers likely depend on it.
We simply need to win these sorts of games, and have our depth step in with a vengeance and a point to prove. Some players have done that brilliantly - Harper, Guac, Sipley come to mind as depth who are deservedly frontline now on performance. Hopefully the returning veterans feed off their enthusiasm and feel they must also earn their spot.
Barrett introduced a soft mental underbelly to the squad in my view, and you can see it afflicting the Doggies now - who had oodles more grit and competitiveness under Dean Pay.
These are the exact sorts of games that previously we would not only lose, but would also trigger a run of poor form that positions us firmly as also-rans. Last start against the Knights saw the re-emergence of that trait. It has to be stamped out, starting with the Cowboys on Friday.
Lift boys, Lift for Bozo, and start building the foundations of our Fortress again.
PS one more note: If Lottoland have abandoned stadium sponsorship, resulting in their name being dropped from the tickets/ground, then good fkn riddance. Partnering with that merchant of human misery was a stain on our brand, and regardless of the money they offered it was a pact with the devil. It was karma that we had such a poor record at Brookie with that parasite branding our beloved oval. I hope that relationship is over. Fingers crossed URM buried that scum where it belongs - at Kimbriki tip.
