Very good comeback win to keep our top 5 hopes alive!
Thought we dominated most of the game, just Raiders capitalised early through some poor middle defence from us near the line.
Reuben Porter is not a starting middle, Jayden Tanner is Ron Massey Cup quality & Joe Lovodua's defence lets him down at times.
Whilst some have been critical of Royce, thought helped us get on the front foot along with Vaka Aho & Bailey Hodges. As you said Ted, it's that type of lazy miss which lets him down at times. I also feel that left knee inhibits him & may be a reason why his fitness has been an issue (can't get in the training miles). I wonder whether it needs a clean out.
Other observations ...
Naden just looks class at this level and I also like him at fullback, as his cover defence is good, can chime into the backline, genuinely safe under the high ball, can marshall the troops with his voice & has that bit of x-factor.
Tui'tupou our best once again. He's just a beast and is certainly in career best form from what he showed at the Rabbitohs in 23-24. I think he's drafting himself a contract for next season with his performances these past 2 months.
Taylan May just a good solid 1st hitout. Wasn't helped by our 1st half attack being right side dominant but had a few good runs, a massive tackle, quick play the balls. In racing terms, will be better for the run.
Big Mak in the 2nd half looked very impressive, had much better ball, strong with his carries, quick ptbs as well and got himself a try assist to Tui.
Rahme was strong once again, played 60 mins straight in the middle and showed some decent ball playing. Just ultra consistent. I think with Izaak, he must be under the microscope for a contract next season too.
KMpaz always shows a touch a class at 5/8 which just teases us about his NRL potential. Had a bit more depth in the 2nd half and threw a beautiful ball that put Luke Jack through a gap who found Mak onto Tui'tupou for a try. I'd love to see him at centre at some point. But his ability to play anywhere in the backline except halfback could stand him in good stead moving forward.
Faataape was ok, Lobb was ok and then changed the game with two try-creating aerial wins - we won thanks to the Lobbster, El Zakhem was ok - just this past 4-6 weeks showing this is probably his level, Luke Jack helped set up a try and is a trier but always has a few misses & handling errors in his game which are costly, & Falls was Falls with a better 2nd half and very good kicking game just a bit slow in his attack at times.
Bailey Hodges ... last but not least, his runs on and off the ball & contact in defence helped us significantly in the last 20-25 mins as lock. IMO it is criminal he has been overlooked for a lot of this season with the class & ceiling he possesses. Has just got stuck behind Charlie Murray & Joe Lovodua in Payne's mind it seems but offers a lot more than Tanner & Johannssen who have been regulars. Anyway today's performance will give Aaron Payne a lot to think about. I'd have Hodges ahead of Lovodua as a dummyhalf too. Is the type of player if given an NRL pre-season I reckon would flourish and I know others feel that way too.
Sorry I got on a roll, just happy we won lol