Magpies lost 52-26 to Manly this afternoon. Watched the game on Bar TV and was getting excited after 15 mins that this team had turned the corner. I could say so much, mostly negative, but I don't have the time so here are a few points.
- Made Brandon Wakeham look like Adam Reynolds and Raymond Vaega always plays like Brian To'o against us.
- Reuben Porter, deadset shithouse performance, at least 2 dreadful efforts in defence for line breaks to Manly for tries, crucified a try late with an unnecessary attempted flick pass.
- We looked good when Vaka Aho, Kit Laulilii & Jaxson Rahme were on as our middles (first 20 mins, last 20 mins). All 3 played well and were our best in a well-beaten team along with Faataape.
- A number of Manly's tries were scored off poor individual efforts. Tui'tupou too far in from the wing, Faataape 1-on-1 miss, Mason blundered a kick through another try on a platter for Manly, Hope 1-on-1 miss and Porter see above.
- Faataape actually was visibly pissed at himself for the miss and dug deep to make amends & scored two strong tries.
- Tavana looks better than Mason at fullback.
- Our new backrower Elie El-Zakhem also looked good off the bench in his 1st game. Physically he looks a decent backrow depth prospect with ball skills (and more intent than Porter).
- Tui'tupou made a few handling errors too and also countered it with some strong carries and a long break. Rocks'n diamonds, older version of Junior Tupou maybe.
- Tim Johannssen via the eye test has gone a bit backwards from last season, not as many PCM and struggles to win the contact in D but effort is still there. IMO not being used right & possibly spent too much time on fitness in pre-season rather than gym for strength & power???
- Something is not working on the coaching side. On paper this side is much better than the results it is dishing out and the 'air in the team's balloon' seems to be sucked right out when things go against us in games - visible lack of intent & IQ around the 20 min of games.
- Heath Mason is on a Dev contract for this year (nowhere have I seen that he shifts to top 30 next year). He has a lot to prove over the coming months to be in the running for a top 30 IMO. At the moment, his form is more aligned to a T&T for next year.
- Thought Jaxson Rahme was very good at lock and Aho & Laulilii keep improving as our starting middles. A lot to like there.
Be interested in other's thoughts on this game.