Just saw the game in full for the first time. My thoughts are below for anyone interested.
1) Did anyone else think that it looked like a trial game? Heaps of errors, flashes of brilliance, players cramping up.
2) I thought Gardner had his worst ever game for us. It seems like his feet move faster than his brain and he just makes errors. His speed means that he often gets away with them, but he has to improve and get it out of his game. He brings spark but he also contributes to the general rushed, headless chook routine. Under pressure but with enough runs on the board for the moment.
3) Our back row was outstanding. One of Tupou's best games for the Club. He looks like he's finally at the right weight/fitness and not only did he threaten with his ballplay, he made his tackles and carried the ball effectively. Huge turnaround from the Rd 26 loss. Likewise, Smith is just about the most underrated player in the game, particularly his ballplay. Reads the game so well, knows when to pass and when to take the tackle, gets a quick PTB himself or for the forward he takes with him more often than not and of course, a brutal defender. Gal was quiet by his standards but did some good things. Two bad errors but well, he's the Bradman of RL. Bukuya also effective when he came on- outstanding footwork and looks to have put a bit more size on. Real danger man.
4) Gibbs was our best player in the first half by a mile. I've never really rated him but his tackling was outstanding and his hitups solid. If he plays like that all year, he's a much better player than I ever gave him credit for. Hopefully he's copped some of the Sharks prop potion and goes from good defender to all round class prop.
5) I thought Flano used his bench very well, except perhaps his not giving Taga some time in the second half. I thought we had the initiative with our changes all game, but unfortunately Fifita got thoroughly outpointed by Bell and Groat (who was their best forward). Taga toiled in an unfamiliar role and though he didn't offer much, its benefit of the doubt from me. Not Taga-friendly weather.
6) De Gois was ****house IMO. We looked so much better with Morris at DH. Isaac had his runners coming on to the ball far too close to the ruck, he defended poorly and generally looked out of place. I'm putting it down to a lack of time with his forwards and Carney though. If he improves and can find some of his best form, the likes of Ross, Taga and Gal- our best 'go ahead' runners- will improve with him. Good to see him back in the BW&B though.
7) I was a little dubious about whether Carney would do much for our centre pairing, but he certainly did. Both looked dangerous. BUT: I really want to see him running wider more often. He had to skip around two or three defenders to find the space he was looking for when playing at first receiver. Likewise, the couple of times he was tackled on the 5th, the others looked lost for a last play option. And the general lack of structure and control as fatigue set in really emphasized the need for a halfback. The answer is obvious, its just whether he's ready yet and then what to do with Graham...
8) Contrary to Gal's quote, I don't think either team deserved to win. The Tigers maybe more because they lost two key players for long periods and because, well, they managed to do it in the end. But I couldn't believe how much footy was lost by both sides, but particularly us in that first half. Stunned that the boys could mount any sort of comeback at all really. Big upside was that we looked up to pace with the usually fast Tigers. Skill level in the forwards and centres was there too, but not from the back three.
9) All in all, could have been a whole lot worse. Lots of things for Flano to work on, but most will come along quickly I think as the combinations develop. Good that we were up to the pace of the game, the skill level has improved, and we'll be a better side with Mills and Stapo on the wings. Best of all, the boys look confident and know that they not only can beat teams like the Tiges, but will, given enough opportunities. I thought we showed more than a lot of teams did in the first round, and there is some stuff that other teams don't do- the short passing in the forwards, wingers backing up through the ruck, tough, experienced and fast in the forwards and someone who can take on the line and break it in Carney. But we need to be more controlled, better disciplined with the ball and more calm with the ball.
But the start of the season is just about getting points, building combinations and not getting injuries. Missed out on the points- need some early.
