@The Tooth said:I actually really enjoyed the 9's. Pleasantly surprised with how our team of fringe first graders went, considering I gave them no chance.
For me the main disappointments were;
LAWRENCE: Big disappointment, seen no improvement. Don't want him at centre.
SIMONA: A little disappointed, seemed to lack his normal speed. Still first choice centre.
SUE: Disappointed, was hoping to see more improvement with lots of offloads. See how he goes early rounds in 1st's.
NAQUIAMA: Stand out performances. Showed hunger in every area. Could play centre or wing and would be happy for him to get a go in 1st's.
SANTI: The workhorse we need to replace Fulton.
DRINKWATER: Pretty good, good backup for Moses and Brooks.
BUCHANAN: Big improvement in leg speed and leg drive. Pushes for bench spot.
LIO: Some good signs, only looks good for short minutes atm.
Finally: I'm very excited about FUNAKI. He runs great lines, good hitups and defence. Fell off some tackles but I think he has a huge future. Would love to see him get some bench time. Very inexperienced but his potential is above Sue imo.
I didn't see any of the matches, but if this this assessment is correct, I'm thinking the 3 disappointments, who are guaranteed a first grade spot, probably didn't try too hard to avoid further injury and the 6 impressive ones were busting their guts to try and gain a spot in first grade come round one. That's usually the way it works anyway.