And where’s the logic in getting thrashed 32-4 in a trial game …
What positives were had ?
What combinations were cemented?
Logic has nothing to do with the result. Madge didn't plan for the side to get routed in the second half. There is another thread with direct quotes from Madge about the next trial, how he used the Panthers trial to intentionally give as many players as possible a run against quality opposition. The result is irrelevant, it's the individual performances that count.
In terms of cementing combinations, exactly what do you think the side has been doing all Summer? Assuming Madge runs out the real FG-type side against Warriors, we are talking 1 x 80 minute game where he tested new combinations, rather than cementing existing ones. E.g. Benji and Brooks have already played 40-odd games together in the last 2 seasons, you don't need them out there during a trial to get their combinations right.
Positives had is an easy one - testing players out at a higher level. Seeing who could handle quality opposition, see if anyone clicked in a certain position, blow out the cobwebs and get a little in-game conditioning done, give some kids a run without negative repercussions.
**Some of these statements are so silly, about going out to prioritise winning the trials match above all else. If winning was the only concern, we could have taken our Top 17 down to Coogee Oval and annihilated the Dolphins a few times.**
