TEAM LIST Round 3 vs. Bulldogs

Team List
1. Jahream Bula
2. Charlie Staines
3. Brent Naden
4. Starford To’a
5. Junior Tupou
6. Adam Doueihi
7. Brandon Wakeham
8. Alex Twal
9. Apisai Koroisau (c)
10. David Klemmer
11. Asu Kepaoa
12. John Bateman
13. Fonua Pole

14. Justin Matamua
15. Stefano Utoikamanu
16. Joe Ofahengaue
17. Shawn Blore

best possible 17 but probably wont happen

we'll get some rubbish bench with a utility and some lightweight like seyfarth or tumeth unfortunately the coaches dont help themselves
 
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I have been silent since Sunday and have rewatched the game a couple of times to see if I could fathom what is wrong with our team. I don't think it's Sheens or the coaching staff though. We saw against Canberra that when what they are trying to achieve is executed it can work.

Despite some atrocious efforts on the weekend I also don't think it is really about individuals. Although a couple of them in their current positions are simply not up to the task. The problem that I have seen over the last two games is cohesion - it is the ability of the collective to deliver.

Good teams make the 1%ers to get them through adversity. I don't think it is that we are lacking effort, despite what it may look like, I think we are lacking cohesion. 60ish% completion rates highlights the issue in neon lights.

Lack of cohesion results in frustration and errors. The evidence is everywhere if we care to look: Api making breaks up the middle but no-one flooding the play; Brooks searching for hole runners and being left out in the cold and Twal trying to ballplay with no support are all examples of effort without cohesion.

On the other side of the fence we simply have glaring deficiencies that make certain players unsuitable for the roles they are playing: Daino under high ball, Brooks as an organiser, AD in defence and as a link player and Nofa's attitude are good examples.

Despite the terrible start we have put in I think there is an opportunity to correct the imbalance.

I doubt they will start with it but I think that re-balance could be Wakeham in at halfback. I know that he isn't dynamic but I think he could do the job of driving the team around the park and providing the coordination that we appear to be missing. I would like to see Brooks to 5/8 and AD to the centres; but I expect Brooks will backfill Api. Staines at FB to cover Dainos issues under the high ball is a good move.

I think Nofa only holds his spot because TT and Daino are injured.

In the forwards our hand has been forced a little because ICE has been rubbed out. I trust we will see Bateman in for Tumeth. Not holding my breath though.

I don't think that the game plan or the coaching needs to change too much:
  • Play direct for the first 15 to settle the game - running at spaces not faces.
  • Get the ball to the edges with shape from there.
  • Second phase play off a bent or broken line only.
Nice read and for me, spot on assessment.
But quality recruitment for 1 and 7 positions is a priority for us.
Experience players that, when things get tough, can motivate by example and take the game by the scruff of the neck when needed.
 
1. Jahream Bula
2. Charlie Staines
3. Brent Naden
4. Starford To’a
5. Junior Tupou
6. Adam Doueihi
7. Brandon Wakeham
8. Alex Twal
9. Apisai Koroisau (c)
10. David Klemmer
11. Asu Kepaoa
12. John Bateman
13. Fonua Pole

14. Justin Matamua
15. Stefano Utoikamanu
16. Joe Ofahengaue
17. Shawn Blore

ideally
Toa, really.
He must have improved since last year !
 
Matt Burton bombs heading Charlie Stains way with JAC and Kikau chasing them down ..
Absolutely but at least I think CS will try and catch on the full, unlike Laurie who backs away.
Hopefully plenty of practice this week with Doueihi trying to emulate Burton and Staines and wingers catching.
 

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