cf2 is back
Reserve Grader
Back with a vengence, CF2 files this report from almost the front line:
Player ratings:
Brett Stewart: Won us the game with two first half sensationally intelligent try assists, the centimetre perfect cut out pass to Taufua, and the inspired unzipping of the Dogs mid field defence to pour downfield and deliver a clever early pass to Lyon, giving our equally clever captain the time and option of passing to an unmarked Matai, or as he chose bamboozling everyone with a show and dummy to score untouched himself. Solid as ever in defence with his measured kick returns and sensible use of his hard working wingers.
Jorge Taufau: The silent weapon gets better with every match, and great to see much improved handling.
Steve Matai: Solid as a rock as usual, always there when needed, and plenty left in the tank. You know it's a really good night when Stevie goes 80 mins without an injury scare.
Jamie Lyon: Ever the true professional in every facet, including the letter perfect sideline kicks back on song (even if he did miss a simply one later).
David Williams: Really pleasing to see Wolfman and Taufau working as a team and the results show.
Keiran Foran: Not a blinder per se, but there for anything and everything he needed to do. Just a tiny line break away from a solo try in coming weeks too.
Daly Cherry-Evans: The hair cut's a shocker, but he continues to look like a 10 year veteran with the ball in hand.
Tom Symonds: Simply had to be given the 13 jersey, really impressive. No wonder the Chooks are upset to lose him.
Justin Horo: The great thing with Horo is his obvious enthusiasm, clearly loving being part of a positive culture, and the work rate shows.
Anthony Watmough: Gallen esque performance, 19 runs, 199 metres, 26 tackles, and a well deserved 10 min early mark. Not surprisingly Ch 9's MOM.
Brenton Lawrence: A prop with pace and a side step, how good is he! 137 busting metres
Matt Ballin: The usual monster tackle haul (41).
Brent Kite: Ageless performance from the evergreen prop.
Bench:
Richie Fa'-aoso: What a wrecking ball weapon to bring on. Love it!
Joe Guluvao: Never fail Joe always does whats expected even in his advanced years.
Jamie Buhrer: Hate writing this, but somehow, suddenly, looks like the slightly weaker, or perhaps more kindly slightly less dominant link in the team, most likely simply due to the fact he no longer has to lead our bench but simply be there support it. Not a bad thing.
Jason King: What a great bonus having Kingy as no 17
THE GOOD:
Where to start?
Defence: Once again premiership winning defence going within a whisker of a 3rd nil scoreline. Barely missing a tackle and protecting the fortress with enormous pride.
Attack: Joey Johns influence on our halves is enormous, last night effectively taking Barba (39 metres) out of the game, and allowing our origin like back line to do their jobs magnificently.
Bench: Not meaning to bag ex players, but the likes of Lussick, Harrison, Rose and Mauro simply don't compare to the 2013 line up. Quality benches win matches, and titles.
THE BAD:
Couldn't find much last night, other than DCE's silly do.
THE UGLY:
Ennis. Fair dinkum he's got to be the most annoying bloke since Simon Woolford.
SUMMARY:
There's a lot to like about the beginning of this season, even taking into account the 2nd gear slip on the Gold Coast. Injuries are the key, if we can keep this 17 on the park, and of course add Glenn, we will go very close to winning the comp. Early call I know but I'm very impressed. A few big weeks ahead with the Sharks at Brookie, the rep weekend, and then a monster Fri night South game back at Brookie.
