CC Roosters 34 def Balmain 16
The game was far closer than the scoreline suggests. Errors and poor discipline hurt the Tigers. They dropped the ball over the line twice in the first half and went to the break down 10–4, with a player in the bin. Tries either side of halftime made it harder, but...
Balmain 40 def CC Roosters 4
Outstanding defensive effort, and Isdale’s class really showed in attack. Kanaan was excellent at the back. I’ll wait until after the Round 3 clash with the Eels before I get to excited, but it’s a very promising start.
I’ve always been a fan of Isdale, so I’m glad to see him back in our system. That said, it was a bit of a surprise given he was still part of the Sharks squad only a few weeks ago.
He definitely makes a big difference, although he’ll be playing behind a much smaller forward pack. I’m assuming...
Not sure Tyler Birnie is with the club anymore. I also think Kanaan will start at fullback. If they’re smart, they’d at least have Karnib on the wing, but who knows.
Jerry Leau and Ocean Vaivela are the two to watch for mine. Ocean in particular stood out in last year’s Wests Tigers development...
It’ll be interesting to see which side gets named this afternoon. There was talk earlier of a few forwards coming down from QLD, but I’m not sure that’s still happening.
I’ve heard there may have been a falling out, though I’m not sure how accurate that is. From a WT perspective, it makes sense to bring him to Balmain to keep him within the WT system. What surprises me is that he’s only trialled in the centres and on the wing — if it were up to me, he’d be the...
I’d be concentrating on both Harold Matts teams and the WSM SG Ball side. Balmain look like they’re in for a long season in SG Ball, whereas their Harold Matts team is clearly their strength this year.
Tyler Birnie was great in his first game in SG Ball but it was Cohen Benson that was best on ground imo.
A well organised and gutsy team that constantly turn up for each other.
A lot of talent across the park in this game.
The ones to keen an eye on from Balmain -
Sioeli Iongi - Represented NSWCCC in the ASSRL Championships last year. This kid is a unit and has been impressive each time I’ve seen him play. Still a year young but he’ll handle the step up easy...