Although a disappointing end, people seem to forget it's just the nines. We made the finals last year and started the season off terribly.
Nines this year, proved its purpose.
Bird will prove to be a damaging centre. The solo try in the first game was evidence that he can spark opportunities on the edge from
nothing.
Barba has his confidence back, showed safe hands, good positional play, attacked the line and found the holes. His defence was caught out a few times, but that's understandable considering the structure of the nines. Barba has proved his defence when it matters, my biggest concern was that he's lost his speed and flair which I was happy to be proven wrong.
Taga was disappointing. He was damaging in previous years in the nines. Made no impact and had too many unforced errors.
D. Fifita impressed me. Ran hard, straight and burst though the line multiple times and with continual improvements to match fitness will be quite a handy forward for us.
Chad was the most impressive to me. Took control of both games. Was involved in everything, great defensive reads and had a strong running game. I've got no doubt he and Maloney will form a great partnership in the halves.
Mcllwrick had played a good tournament, it's good to see we've got good depth in our hooker department between he and Brown should injury hit Ennis.
Leutele played well and consistent. Just lacks that X factor about him.
All in all, makes me adamant that Barba has to start at fullback, bird to the centres which leaves Val another year on the wing to break all those try scoring records.
We're in for a good year Sharkies
