My quick takes from NSWRLTV coverage ...
- We need to expect rollercoaster performances like this with the inexperience & youngsters we are developing through this team plus constant change in combinations.
- Mason was very good in A & D. Dangerous in attack nearly always beating 1st tackler or breaking 1st tackle. Some good strength in his online defence to prevent a couple of tries.
- Alaimalo, after a bad miss for Sharks 1st try, he did well. Made some good yards in attack & came up with a try-saver in D against Stonestreet. Benji did say he'll need half a season to get used to RL. As I mentioned last week, reminds me a bit of Maumalo. Just a bit concerned with his lack of urgency at times.
- Lobb, also quite good. Nice athletic finish for a try, some good timing in D, once again good in the air & great goal kicking. A couple of concerns, tends to fall of tackles, needs to really work on his hit & stick given his size & he has a habit of decelerating when bringing ball back in attack, crouching & almost bracing for contact which limits his PCM & chance of breaking tackles. I think this is an area holding him back from NRL.
- Kit Laulilii a day to forget but he's only 19. Two crucial handling errors which led to two tries in next sets from memory. His head dropped both times. He'll get over it.
- Only players that looked like an NRL place is very soon is Latu Fainu & Matamua. Latu just a class above, say no more, & Matamua looked solid in A & D also prevening a try with a good 1-on-1. Unfortunately undid his great work falling off the dummy-half run which led to Sharks' equaliser in last few mins.
- Kepaoa, this is his level, just does not make good decisions for an NRL start.
- Naden, got some reps, some great urgency to save a try but a brainsnap loose arm high tackle costly. Just a regular thing it seems for Nado.
-Lui Toso & Finau good with their strong hitups. Lui Toso undid all his good work today with the crucial error which led to Sharks getting ball for the field goal in last min.
- Valevatu I thought had better dummy-half service than Simpkin. Hoping Jake is ok after being stretchered off.
- Sukkar was strong but didn't see much ball down his side. Would love to see him used more in attack.
- Vaihu shows plenty of energy but comes up with a few errors.
NEXT WEEK: Some question marks on the fitness of iPap & Twal after the game last night. If iPap has to miss next week, I hope Benji doesn't automatically revert to his 18th man AJ Kepaoa. I would much prefer Seyfarth or Sam Fainu in the backrow with Matamua coming onto bench.
