LIVE GAME Round 8 v Sharks

Live Game Discussion
watersider said:
View from behind the posts:

You don't see the game properly there but you pickup different things.

That tackle by Galvin at the end was incredible. The change of direction by Hazelton and just the space he had and him running at speed and Galvin just took him down. That's the sort of play we've been missing recently and there were a number of other try saving efforts as well, but that one was special.

Also worth mentioning the next play afterwards as well, which demonstrated the team work and desperation. Sharks looked to have two extra players and we still defended our line. Remarkable.

People knocking luai's play and getting a little frustrated by him, but I thought he looked crisp and threatening for us. Yeah, I'd like him to take the ball more and be the option, but I think that's more team plan than his fault.

When luai was off the field with the HIA we conceded a try the boys were quiet and disconnected. API eventually talked to them but they looked exhausted. When luai was on the field he brought the team together, a clear leader and something we've missed. He still obviously has to play well but I think that part of his game is impressive.

Turuva is all energy. He seemed to be taking multiple hit ups each set and was brilliant in his runs. Fast and strong.

Everyone saying seyfarth stank it up and that may be true but his contact in tackles and his positioning in defense looked quality. He seemed to run across field a bit but it still looked effective.

It looked like a quality game with few errors out there. Cronulla were firing at the end with slick ball movement and strong running on the edges. Kennedy and fonua Blake looked particularly good, but their whole team looked good. I really thought they were going to get us and I wasnt even that upset because the wind and the momentum were so strong in that second half.

TDS is adding so much sharpness when he comes on the field. He's really progressing well.

The forwards played like a unit. Everyone praising May, but he didn't really stand out to me for once (beside his long unit), but what did stand out was just the cohesion of the group. Despite sharks looking increasingly dominant the forwards held up well and made the sharks work for everything.

The little effort plays were rewarded today. It was a great win and a huge atmosphere, a really special game to have been at.
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Great wrap up Ws. One player who hasn’t received much kudos on here yet so I’ll give a shout out is Brent Naden.

Made some crucial decisions & tackles in defence and was strong in his carries all night. Ran for I think the 2nd most metres in our team behind May and a couple of times still looked a bit ginger.

I’ve thought that Naden is a better winger & even fullback than centre where he can be found out defensively. Now he has a chance to lock down this spot and even try to keep it ahead of Skelton.
 
We played for the full 80 minutes today and did it again in golden point.

There is one thing that we need to work on though and that is our 5th tackle kicks either side of half way.

We simply don't get enough distance or height on them and we are giving teams the first tackle on their 20 or 30.

We won today, but if it had gone the other way, we would be howling about a number of things that need work, the most glaring all season being the depth of our kicks and enough height to allow the chasers to pin teams against a sideline or within their 10.

Other than that, you can't fault the effort.
 
We can't keep carrying Seyfarth. There has to be a better option. He just doesn't carry his load.
That trying to slap the ball thing he does when he thinks he can't make a tackle is pathetic. If you're close enough to slap the ball then you're close enough TO MAKE THE FREAKIN TACKLE!
He also left Galvin isolated when Cronulla ran through him to score.
There has to be a better option, at this point I'd prefer they have a members draw and pluck someone from the crowd to replace him.

Twal was outstanding again.
Hunt and Sione off the bench were huge.
Bula is just not getting involved enough
 
Hi Team, just got back from doing the Darling River run over the Easter/ANZAC period. Got back in time to catch the game and like you all was impressed with our resolve. There is still much to work on but Benji has got us in the right frame. I'm not going to go into depth of what I took from the game as most of the key points have already been covered.

I do want to touch on the attacking side of the game though. We are still clunky but as many have already pointed out Sam F is starting to hit his straps and our edge plays are getting better; however, we seem to be too much ad lib and not enough structure.

I am going to go into depth on our attack in the deep dive but what I think we are expereincing is the evolution of our attacking structues. I have raised it on several occasions but for ad lib footy to be enabled it needs to be conducted within a structure. We are starting to see our edges understading when and where to run. It is easy to do this at training - but until you have game intensity that timing tends to be off. Sam F, and to a lesser extent our Baby Giraffe are starting to provide targets, in the right place and at the right time for our halves to hit.

In addtion Benji does not appear to be content with following what other teams are doing in attack. Which is a great thing as doing so means that we will forever be behind them in this regard. This is not for the feint hearted and we are going to make errors that may be costly at times; but, there is potential that once we have the mechanics right for us we will be playing a brand of football that the others teams will only come up against a few times a year whereas we will be facing the same type of attack, for the most part, week in week out. That is a distinct advantage.
 
Man I feel like big red is coping it.
The dude gives 110% everywhere. He like twal are glue guys imo they do what ever the team needs.
He plays above his ability for sure 46 tackles (top for the team) only 2 misses) invlvoled in the charge downs always chases, plays with effort. He is one of the reasons we are 4 and 4.
We know his running game is weak ish but that's not we need from him atm. Need a dog that defends and hustles hard
 
Our goal line defence is as good as it gets
Many teams would be envious of our ability to defend our line
Credit goes to everybody but a special mention to Galvin bringing down Hazelton with a legs tackle that saved the game late

Two areas however need work
Our ability to scramble in defence when opposition makes a break from long range
Our attack when we are close to their line ! IMO we burn a few too many tackles with crash plays .We have a talented backline with ability to sidestep opponents especially Toa but Douehi and Turuva and Naden can also do this
Galvin is getting better with putting on moves but Luai needs to run the ball a little more
Our forward pack although not the biggest punch above their weight and Terrell May the buy of the year is freakish with his fitness .Maybe the only Front Rower in the NRL who can go flat out for 80 mins .What a motor !
 
Yes weve had a lot of sin bins and many are overreactions to minor contact
However the Sin Bin of Fonua Pole for his tackle on Hazelton wins the award as the most ridiculous one in recent memory
Not only should he be not charged ( as shoulder on shoulder is legal )
But he should receive a bloody apology
Cronulla drew level 2 mins after this .Nearly cost us the game !!!!
 
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