Looking at the finalists thus far..

[Geo]

I can't help but think we are light years away from being able to compete, at that level...Not saying we'll never be, but I am not sure we have enough juniors coming thru (say like Cronulla or the Broncos) showing signs of great potential, as future players.
I know you can argue that the finals are a different game, and they are, but I can't see how, had we made the 8, we would have done anything more than make up the number.

Grim...


We got within 7 of the Minor Premiers, within 4 of the eels, within 2 of beating Souffs, within 8 of raiders, and we easily beat the Sharks.

We have a lot improvement to go but not light years away. Like other years, the only thing that has kept us out of the 8 is losses to teams below us.

We beat every team that finished below us..

 

[Tiger5150]

I can't help but think we are light years away from being able to compete, at that level...Not saying we'll never be, but I am not sure we have enough juniors coming thru (say like Cronulla or the Broncos) showing signs of great potential, as future players.
I know you can argue that the finals are a different game, and they are, but I can't see how, had we made the 8, we would have done anything more than make up the number.

Grim...


We got within 7 of the Minor Premiers, within 4 of the eels, within 2 of beating Souffs, within 8 of raiders, and we easily beat the Sharks.

We have a lot improvement to go but not light years away. Like other years, the only thing that has kept us out of the 8 is losses to teams below us.

We beat every team ***that finished*** below us..

Yes but Titans and Warriors ***were*** below us when we played them, we should have beaten both of them and if we did, they would have ***finished*** below us as well. Kinda the whole point.

 

[Geo]

I can't help but think we are light years away from being able to compete, at that level...Not saying we'll never be, but I am not sure we have enough juniors coming thru (say like Cronulla or the Broncos) showing signs of great potential, as future players.
I know you can argue that the finals are a different game, and they are, but I can't see how, had we made the 8, we would have done anything more than make up the number.

Grim...


We got within 7 of the Minor Premiers, within 4 of the eels, within 2 of beating Souffs, within 8 of raiders, and we easily beat the Sharks.

We have a lot improvement to go but not light years away. Like other years, the only thing that has kept us out of the 8 is losses to teams below us.

We beat every team ***that finished*** below us..

Yes but Titans and Warriors ***were*** below us when we played them, we should have beaten both of them and if we did, they would have ***finished*** below us as well. Kinda the whole point.

Still wouldn't have made the 8 had we beaten them tho..

 

[Russell]

with Madge saying what he said to Roach about how he needs Benji gone to implement his defensive systems and strategies properly as well as Webster moving on, tells me that we'll be having a massive pre-season based around defence. I have zero concerns about our attack and believe that's up to standard, but if we can drastically improve our defence I don't think the 8 is especially out of reach.

That's all good but we still have Joey Leilua and Nofoaluma on the right. If Talau can replace Leilua we may just be there but no chance if Leilua remains.

You really need to let this Joey thing go Paws.

He is a very good centre and will be again now that Benji is no longer inside him.

1 - In attack he will actually get the ball, which is a great start to making a break.

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

 

[Krammy]

Is finishing 8th or 7th really much of an achievement these days anyway? If we finished 8th or 7th we probably get rolled just like Knights do yesterday anyway

Rather make it, and have an actual shot of going deep into finals footy than limp in

Unless you’re on a run aka Parra 2009 or Cows 2017 more than likely you’re just cannon fodder. For example not sure what confidence knights can take out of making it then just getting blown off the park

Conversely, Newcastle looked okay for the initial period after I tuned in just after half-time. They were within range and had they'd provided one stronger set in defence or taken their chances then, the knights would have been a big show in the current game of momentum, where one mistake, lapse or referee's decision can change a game and it did.

Good point.

But the lack of desire in a finals game is pretty concerning with the talent they have. Up at 14-0 then letting in 46 unanswered points is no excuse, even if a referee shifted momentum in the 2nd half. Just imagine if souffs didn’t have butter fingers in the first 15.

I don't know if anyone noticed in the sheds at half time with the scores at 14 all. O'Brien was 'going off' with a lot of Newcastle players having their heads down. Conversely in the Souths dressing room, it appeared calm with quiet conversations happening. At the time I thought this does not look good for Newcastle. The next forty minutes proved it.

 

[The_Return]

with Madge saying what he said to Roach about how he needs Benji gone to implement his defensive systems and strategies properly as well as Webster moving on, tells me that we'll be having a massive pre-season based around defence. I have zero concerns about our attack and believe that's up to standard, but if we can drastically improve our defence I don't think the 8 is especially out of reach.

That's all good but we still have Joey Leilua and Nofoaluma on the right. If Talau can replace Leilua we may just be there but no chance if Leilua remains.

You really need to let this Joey thing go Paws.

He is a very good centre and will be again now that Benji is no longer inside him.

1 - In attack he will actually get the ball, which is a great start to making a break.

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

I agree. Joey is a damaging runner of the ball and i can only remember 2 or 3 times all season he was given early ball and each time he tore up the opposition. We all know Benji was a ball hog, hopefully if AD is inside him at 5/8 he might get some early quality ball and we can appreciate an International and grand finalist centre playing alongside Nofo.

 

[tiger05premier]

with Madge saying what he said to Roach about how he needs Benji gone to implement his defensive systems and strategies properly as well as Webster moving on, tells me that we'll be having a massive pre-season based around defence. I have zero concerns about our attack and believe that's up to standard, but if we can drastically improve our defence I don't think the 8 is especially out of reach.

That's all good but we still have Joey Leilua and Nofoaluma on the right. If Talau can replace Leilua we may just be there but no chance if Leilua remains.

You really need to let this Joey thing go Paws.

He is a very good centre and will be again now that Benji is no longer inside him.

1 - In attack he will actually get the ball, which is a great start to making a break.

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

I hope you are right Russell

I have my doubts

Time will tell though

 

[pawsandclaws1]

with Madge saying what he said to Roach about how he needs Benji gone to implement his defensive systems and strategies properly as well as Webster moving on, tells me that we'll be having a massive pre-season based around defence. I have zero concerns about our attack and believe that's up to standard, but if we can drastically improve our defence I don't think the 8 is especially out of reach.

That's all good but we still have Joey Leilua and Nofoaluma on the right. If Talau can replace Leilua we may just be there but no chance if Leilua remains.

You really need to let this Joey thing go Paws.

He is a very good centre and will be again now that Benji is no longer inside him.

1 - In attack he will actually get the ball, which is a great start to making a break.

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

Sorry Russell, I've seen enough of him over the years. I was shocked we purchased him and everything he has done this year has confirmed my view on him. The opportunity coast of Leilua could be Burton or Staines.

 

[tiger05premier]

with Madge saying what he said to Roach about how he needs Benji gone to implement his defensive systems and strategies properly as well as Webster moving on, tells me that we'll be having a massive pre-season based around defence. I have zero concerns about our attack and believe that's up to standard, but if we can drastically improve our defence I don't think the 8 is especially out of reach.

That's all good but we still have Joey Leilua and Nofoaluma on the right. If Talau can replace Leilua we may just be there but no chance if Leilua remains.

You really need to let this Joey thing go Paws.

He is a very good centre and will be again now that Benji is no longer inside him.

1 - In attack he will actually get the ball, which is a great start to making a break.

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

Sorry Russell, I've seen enough of him over the years. I was shocked we purchased him and everything he has done this year has confirmed my view on him. The opportunity coast of Leilua could be Burton or Staines.

I was hopeful Madge would get something out of him but was left extremely disappointed

Considering he thinks he is the best center in the game

 

[mike]

Storm vs Penrith Grand Final with Storm to win.

Raiders vs Penrith GF with Raiders for the win.

 

[TheDaBoss]

Apart from raiders and Panthers game

The rest of the finals games so far have been dead boring imo

 

[kiwitiger]

with Madge saying what he said to Roach about how he needs Benji gone to implement his defensive systems and strategies properly as well as Webster moving on, tells me that we'll be having a massive pre-season based around defence. I have zero concerns about our attack and believe that's up to standard, but if we can drastically improve our defence I don't think the 8 is especially out of reach.

That's all good but we still have Joey Leilua and Nofoaluma on the right. If Talau can replace Leilua we may just be there but no chance if Leilua remains.

You really need to let this Joey thing go Paws.

He is a very good centre and will be again now that Benji is no longer inside him.

1 - In attack he will actually get the ball, which is a great start to making a break.

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

so why did Madge keep selecting him? By dropping Benji would solve these problems why did he not? Is Madge to soft or does he not see this? i hope your wrong or else we have a bigger problem with the coach.

 

[Lauren]

Agree with you a little @pawsandclaws1. I always thought of Joey Leilua as one the game's best attacking weapons and his game this year, seemed more reflective of his attitude than who was around him.
I also agree with @russell about the defensive deficiencies and not getting enough ball though. However as a player of his experience - with some rep honours(for Samoa) - he should have no problem consistently fulfilling his role in the team, yet he was unable to rise to the occasion when needed.

For his price bracket this year was a fail IMO.
I think confidence is the key, as while it can be destructive for him it is also his best trait. I wish to see more of that from him. The Joey who's unstoppable everytime he touches the ball.

 

[voice_of_reason]

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

One thing that's become very apparent through the finals games is how easily teams create an overlap and the wingers are left with no option but to come in and try and take the centre. Of course the winger's unmarked and they score out wide.

What's even more surprising is it's happening to every team - roosters, storm, Riff whoever. I'm not sure whether it's a consequence of fullbacks playing in the line and not being able to cover an 'up and in' defence or whether the 'six to go' is causing general fatigue through the middle resulting in the inside edges not reading the defence properly.

The other thing is the general speed and execution of the better teams. When halves play with depth and fullbacks like Paps and Tedesco hit the ball at speed they disrupt the defensive line and it's very, very hard to defend against. Souths run a very effective double block play and they seem to score at will.

On top of that is the ever present risk of a well executed kick behind the line when the wingers are up. It's incredibly hard for a winger or centre to turn 180 degrees and match pace with someone running straight through a gap to open space.

It's nice to know we're not alone with edge defence issues but seeing what's happening it's not surprising games are averaging 56 points (according to something Freddie said in commentary).

 

[Russell]

with Madge saying what he said to Roach about how he needs Benji gone to implement his defensive systems and strategies properly as well as Webster moving on, tells me that we'll be having a massive pre-season based around defence. I have zero concerns about our attack and believe that's up to standard, but if we can drastically improve our defence I don't think the 8 is especially out of reach.

That's all good but we still have Joey Leilua and Nofoaluma on the right. If Talau can replace Leilua we may just be there but no chance if Leilua remains.

You really need to let this Joey thing go Paws.

He is a very good centre and will be again now that Benji is no longer inside him.

1 - In attack he will actually get the ball, which is a great start to making a break.

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

so why did Madge keep selecting him? By dropping Benji would solve these problems why did he not? Is Madge to soft or does he not see this? i hope your wrong or else we have a bigger problem with the coach.

The problem is gone - just need the right 5/8.

 

[hobbo1]

with Madge saying what he said to Roach about how he needs Benji gone to implement his defensive systems and strategies properly as well as Webster moving on, tells me that we'll be having a massive pre-season based around defence. I have zero concerns about our attack and believe that's up to standard, but if we can drastically improve our defence I don't think the 8 is especially out of reach.

That's all good but we still have Joey Leilua and Nofoaluma on the right. If Talau can replace Leilua we may just be there but no chance if Leilua remains.

You really need to let this Joey thing go Paws.

He is a very good centre and will be again now that Benji is no longer inside him.

1 - In attack he will actually get the ball, which is a great start to making a break.

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

so why did Madge keep selecting him? By dropping Benji would solve these problems why did he not? Is Madge to soft or does he not see this? i hope your wrong or else we have a bigger problem with the coach.

The problem is gone - just need the right 5/8.

So you reckon ALL of our right side defensive issues were caused by our previous 5/8 ?

 

[Russell]

with Madge saying what he said to Roach about how he needs Benji gone to implement his defensive systems and strategies properly as well as Webster moving on, tells me that we'll be having a massive pre-season based around defence. I have zero concerns about our attack and believe that's up to standard, but if we can drastically improve our defence I don't think the 8 is especially out of reach.

That's all good but we still have Joey Leilua and Nofoaluma on the right. If Talau can replace Leilua we may just be there but no chance if Leilua remains.

You really need to let this Joey thing go Paws.

He is a very good centre and will be again now that Benji is no longer inside him.

1 - In attack he will actually get the ball, which is a great start to making a break.

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

so why did Madge keep selecting him? By dropping Benji would solve these problems why did he not? Is Madge to soft or does he not see this? i hope your wrong or else we have a bigger problem with the coach.

The problem is gone - just need the right 5/8.

So you reckon ALL of our right side defensive issues were caused by our previous 5/8 ?

Pretty much - Joey looked better when he got quick ball from Reynolds for a couple of weeks then
went back to being starved.

Look, Benji was not the be all and end all of our RS problems but he made a large contribution.
Without him I think Madge will have much more chance of shoring up the hole and in attack
Joey only needs early ball to cause havoc i.e. make a break or set Nofo on a run to the try line.

 

[hobbo1]

with Madge saying what he said to Roach about how he needs Benji gone to implement his defensive systems and strategies properly as well as Webster moving on, tells me that we'll be having a massive pre-season based around defence. I have zero concerns about our attack and believe that's up to standard, but if we can drastically improve our defence I don't think the 8 is especially out of reach.

That's all good but we still have Joey Leilua and Nofoaluma on the right. If Talau can replace Leilua we may just be there but no chance if Leilua remains.

You really need to let this Joey thing go Paws.

He is a very good centre and will be again now that Benji is no longer inside him.

1 - In attack he will actually get the ball, which is a great start to making a break.

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

so why did Madge keep selecting him? By dropping Benji would solve these problems why did he not? Is Madge to soft or does he not see this? i hope your wrong or else we have a bigger problem with the coach.

The problem is gone - just need the right 5/8.

So you reckon ALL of our right side defensive issues were caused by our previous 5/8 ?

Pretty much - Joey looked better when he got quick ball from Reynolds for a couple of weeks then
went back to being starved.

Look, Benji was not the be all and end all of our RS problems but he made a large contribution.
Without him I think Madge will have much more chance of shoring up the hole and in attack
Joey only needs early ball to cause havoc i.e. make a break or set Nofo on a run to the try line.

Forget the attack ...that wasn’t really my question ..
All three pretty much suck/ed at defending .
Let’s hope whoever is inside bone head BJ can hold there own .

 

[Russell]

with Madge saying what he said to Roach about how he needs Benji gone to implement his defensive systems and strategies properly as well as Webster moving on, tells me that we'll be having a massive pre-season based around defence. I have zero concerns about our attack and believe that's up to standard, but if we can drastically improve our defence I don't think the 8 is especially out of reach.

That's all good but we still have Joey Leilua and Nofoaluma on the right. If Talau can replace Leilua we may just be there but no chance if Leilua remains.

You really need to let this Joey thing go Paws.

He is a very good centre and will be again now that Benji is no longer inside him.

1 - In attack he will actually get the ball, which is a great start to making a break.

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

so why did Madge keep selecting him? By dropping Benji would solve these problems why did he not? Is Madge to soft or does he not see this? i hope your wrong or else we have a bigger problem with the coach.

The problem is gone - just need the right 5/8.

So you reckon ALL of our right side defensive issues were caused by our previous 5/8 ?

Pretty much - Joey looked better when he got quick ball from Reynolds for a couple of weeks then
went back to being starved.

Look, Benji was not the be all and end all of our RS problems but he made a large contribution.
Without him I think Madge will have much more chance of shoring up the hole and in attack
Joey only needs early ball to cause havoc i.e. make a break or set Nofo on a run to the try line.

Forget the attack ...that wasn’t really my question ..
All three pretty much suck/ed at defending .
Let’s hope whoever is inside bone head BJ can hold there own .

Your only a bone head if you have a dope inside you waving to the opposition as they go past.

 

[tiger05premier]

with Madge saying what he said to Roach about how he needs Benji gone to implement his defensive systems and strategies properly as well as Webster moving on, tells me that we'll be having a massive pre-season based around defence. I have zero concerns about our attack and believe that's up to standard, but if we can drastically improve our defence I don't think the 8 is especially out of reach.

That's all good but we still have Joey Leilua and Nofoaluma on the right. If Talau can replace Leilua we may just be there but no chance if Leilua remains.

You really need to let this Joey thing go Paws.

He is a very good centre and will be again now that Benji is no longer inside him.

1 - In attack he will actually get the ball, which is a great start to making a break.

2 - In defence the edge forward, the centre and the winger won't have to come in
because of the incompetence of the 5/8. Makes a big difference if you don't leave
the side gate open.

so why did Madge keep selecting him? By dropping Benji would solve these problems why did he not? Is Madge to soft or does he not see this? i hope your wrong or else we have a bigger problem with the coach.

The problem is gone - just need the right 5/8.

So you reckon ALL of our right side defensive issues were caused by our previous 5/8 ?

Yep