Our Jersey Flegg team lost 40-20 to Penrith last night.
Once again this team capitulated in a short period letting in 4 tries in the space of 15 mins to be down 22-0.
All too often this season opposition teams get on a roll scoring 2/3/4 tries back-to-back before our boys get back into the grind. Same applies for NSW Cup.
Penrith are one of the top teams in this comp. Our struggles start in the middle (as I have said in previous weeks) with our lack of size & ability to control the ruck allowing opposition fast play-the-balls and big post contact metres, offloads etc.
We have also been the victim of multiple tries off high kicks which we can't defuse. Last night we actually made one of our ex juniors Zak Clarke look like a star - he's ok but we made him look better haha
I now do believe all our club is concerned with this season in Flegg is blooding players who are 1-3 years young for that grade (i.e. 18-20yos) but identified as our top tier pathways talent (Haywood, Duncombe, Nicholas, Godinet etc).
IMO our standout player last night was left edge backrower Mitch Taotua. He was strong with every run, got offloads away, strong in D and was our biggest threat in attack.
Also good were Jared Haywood who came on when we were 0-22 and straight away we looked a different team in attack. Moved to halfback when Conti came off injured, and scored a solo try off a ricocheted grubber he put through.
Solo Saukuru had some strong carries and scored running a good line off a Max Liles cutout pass. Liles was also one of our better players once again.
Two others I'll mention positively are Jeremiah Leatigaga who provided impact off the bench especially off Haywood and Jack Nicholas. He didn't see much in attack or defence but made an impressive line break running straight & hard through the defensive line and looks reasonably quick; scored a try off an impressive deep redzone attack formation (nice final pass from Saukuru); and took a good contested bomb in defence.
Cameron Kanaan was threatening in attack too and continues his very good form since his return from shoulder surgery. Just got to get stronger as the last line of defence but that'll come.
Xavier Tauaifaiga did have some good carries reminiscent of his SG Ball form but his lack of size was really noticeable in this grade with a few poor reads in defence too. I think it's all about exposure for Xavier and then as few big pre-seasons in the gym.
No Max Taotua last night. He may have been held over for NSW Cup today if the NRL squad takes Faataape to Melbourne.
