Max Taotua and Pheonix Godinet the 2 real shining lights in todays game for me. Pheonix in a couple of runs showed just what he is capable of. Unfortunately didn't see a heap of ball after that point. Super positive sign to see a 17/18 year old backrower produce that in NSW Cup.
Max Taotua handled the step up with ease and looked very dangerous.
Plenty of ups and downs for a lot of the other boys.
Kit looked incredible with ball in hand and has made huge developments in his game in this area. His job over the pre-season is to now work on his defensive aspect and the 1% stuff.
Solo looked comfortable with ball in hand and ran well. But laziness/unwilling to put his body on the line at times in defence in the last 15 minutes hurt (and has been the question mark over him moving forward). Coming off contract at end of 26' and with Benji recruiting the likes of Roberts and Geyer (along with the emergence of Pheonix), Saukuru will need to show he is willing to put his body on the line and work on the stuff off the ball. I never doubt his attacking ability and I rate him highly. I really hope he succeeds...but it is a huge 6 to 12 months ahead for him.
After 55 minutes I thought we were looking on top and I was starting to think "by how many" in our favour. Unfortunately the shift in momentum and lack of defensive resolve today determined our fate.
Not end of the world stuff and the roster doesn't need to be fully blown up (yes some changes...but not everyone!). Plenty of young blokes got some valuable experience today and this year. The loss doesn't cover over cracks that may have happened had we potentially won the match and it certainly gives the boys who are here next year areas to work on.
Last year these Cup boys were getting pumped like this every game and it was not a pleasure to watch. There have been improvements in 2025 and we had a stretch this year where finals weren't totally out of the question. They were actually great to watch!
Some tweaks to the roster, some more experience for the younger lads and a big pre-season should see us continue on an upward trajectory.
The Miracle Thread - Mathematical Chances 2025