Wests Tigers v Manly TRIAL ..*Spoilers

[cochise]

I also want to mention that the rubbish about the team not getting along can be put to rest, I was seated directly behind the bench and the players were one unit supporting each and enjoying each other company. There is a really good bond amongst our playing group. I even saw Packer revving up Hartigan and Madge during his stint on the sideline.

I noticed this at the ground. They looked like they were really enjoying each other’s company and well bonded. Different level of camaraderie on display today to what I have seen the past several years.

After one of the tries in the second half all the boys on the bench were sitting in a circle and just looked in great spirits. They were also very vocal in their support of the players that replaced them.

 

[cochise]

Fitzgibbon made a great back and passed to no.6 who dropped the ball with no one in front. It wasn’t the best pass but it was catchable

Are you joking? It was a shocking pass. He shows potential but his defence needs a lot of work and if he can’t pass from left to right he needs to do a lot more practicing BUT at least he looked.

I will say he made a nice break in the first half from dummy half and there were a couple of times he received a pass behind him with the line wide open. Could have ended up with 2 tries at least - I think he is a work in progress.

It wasn’t that bad. It was definitely catchable.

One issue I have with that play is the player who dropped it looked straight to Fitzgibbon to blame him for the pass. One of very few disappointments from the day.

 

[cochise]

If Mbye somehow gets the fullback positon over laurie im not gonna be happy

In round one (because AD is suspended), I would have Mbye at fullback and Laurie at 5/8.

Either way, Laurie will be in there.

Laurie at this stage is a much better fullback than 5/8th.

 

[avocadoontoast]

If Mbye somehow gets the fullback positon over laurie im not gonna be happy

In round one (because AD is suspended), I would have Mbye at fullback and Laurie at 5/8.

Either way, Laurie will be in there.

Laurie at this stage is a much better fullback than 5/8th.

Agree I’d have Laurie at 1 and play Mbye at 6. Such a shame AD is suspended.

 

[Ultimate Warrior]

"I LOVE LUCY", has to be one of the best shows of all time!

And when he makes an error we can say “Lucy! You have some explaining to do!” 🤣

 

[JC99]

I also want to mention that the rubbish about the team not getting along can be put to rest, I was seated directly behind the bench and the players were one unit supporting each and enjoying each other company. There is a really good bond amongst our playing group. I even saw Packer revving up Hartigan and Madge during his stint on the sideline.

I noticed this at the ground. They looked like they were really enjoying each other’s company and well bonded. Different level of camaraderie on display today to what I have seen the past several years.

After one of the tries in the second half all the boys on the bench were sitting in a circle and just looked in great spirits. They were also very vocal in their support of the players that replaced them.

They got rid of the guys causing problems and brought in guys who want to be at the club and are real characters with good attitudes. Tamou will be a big influence on it too, he saw how effective the brotherhood at Penrith is and will try have that here too.

The big test will be when we lose a few games ? some of those few players who have doubts might come out of the woodworks but hopefully not

 

[cochise]

Just back from the game and must say I am very impressed, high quality effort from the boys today against a lower quality team.

I think Laurie looked amazing today at Fullback and feel that role suits him much better than the 5/8th role. He is very elusive and looks dangerous every time he gets his hands on the ball, he chimes in so well on sweeping backline plays.

Roberts looks dangerous when ever the ball his in hands and it was very reassuring to see him getting early ball in space.

The 5/8th spot is really now the most difficult decision for me, Madden was fantastic in the 1st half and compliments Luke Brooks so well, Doueihi than came on in the second half and really dominated. For me after being disappointed in Madden in last weeks game I probably have him just in front of Doueihi.

Probably the most pleasing aspect of today's game was the control Luke Brooks had over the side, I really like him playing both sides of the ruck and he was just in the right place taking the right options all the time.

Our front rowers were great, multiple times they were taking multiple hitups in a set. Both Joffa and Tamou played 27 mins straight to open the game. I was also very impressed with Stefano, he has lost some weight and it is evident in his game. I though Mikaele fought really hard to prove a point when he got on which was pleasing to see.

Luciano is about to go to another level, he was so damaging running the ball and it was so great to see him starting to look for the offload again, he is going to destroy some teams this year.

I have a lot more to say about this game but better leave it here for now.

Thanks for this @cochise, always great having someone there at the match.

What else did you see in person that we couldn’t really view at home?

Was Roberts just as quick as it shown on live TV?

Who had a loud voice on the field?

Did Tamou seem to fit the captaincy role well, on and off?

Also I seen @Everything-WT was also there, what were your thoughts?

Anyone else also in attendance? 🙂

Tamou is going to be one of the best captains we have ever had, this guy is a true leader. As we ran onto the field he turn to players to set their minds to work. The respect he is held in really needs to be seen to be believed, every player that left the field, especially the forwards, approached him as they came off. He is going to pull this club together.

Hartigan is running the bench for us and is constantly on the walkie talkie to Madge, this pair are a class act on and off the field. Communicated with Hartigan briefly and he indicated we played well but not well enough which was pleasing as well.

 

[InBenjiWeTrust]

Amazing how big a difference depth in all positions has on the team.

In general, I agree, however, we still miss another FB and LW, potentially with
Gebbie, and Fitzgibbon/Robert-Davis this could improve😛ray:

 

[cochise]

If Mbye somehow gets the fullback positon over laurie im not gonna be happy

In round one (because AD is suspended), I would have Mbye at fullback and Laurie at 5/8.

Either way, Laurie will be in there.

Laurie at this stage is a much better fullback than 5/8th.

Agree I’d have Laurie at 1 and play Mbye at 6. Such a shame AD is suspended.

I'd personally play Madden. I am a Mbye fan but Madden and Laurie damaged his position in the side with great performances today.

 

[Bones]

Amazing how big a difference depth in all positions has on the team.

In general, I agree, however, we still miss another FB and LW, potentially with
Gebbie, and Fitzgibbon/Robert-Davis this could improve😛ray:

Roberts-Davis has looked pretty average from what I’ve seen, which admittedly isn’t that much. Mbye is the other fullback though so I think we have that covered.

 

[cochise]

I also want to mention that the rubbish about the team not getting along can be put to rest, I was seated directly behind the bench and the players were one unit supporting each and enjoying each other company. There is a really good bond amongst our playing group. I even saw Packer revving up Hartigan and Madge during his stint on the sideline.

I noticed this at the ground. They looked like they were really enjoying each other’s company and well bonded. Different level of camaraderie on display today to what I have seen the past several years.

After one of the tries in the second half all the boys on the bench were sitting in a circle and just looked in great spirits. They were also very vocal in their support of the players that replaced them.

They got rid of the guys causing problems and brought in guys who want to be at the club and are real characters with good attitudes. Tamou will be a big influence on it too, he saw how effective the brotherhood at Penrith is and will try have that here too.

The big test will be when we lose a few games ? some of those few players who have doubts might come out of the woodworks but hopefully not

Mate Tamou influence on the players is already very evident, things like when any player arrived at the game today they went up to each of the players and greeted them, they all also did this as they came off the field.

The clubs new initiative of the players handing out balls after the game and interacting with fans is also going to be a good driver of club culture.

 

[avocadoontoast]

If Mbye somehow gets the fullback positon over laurie im not gonna be happy

In round one (because AD is suspended), I would have Mbye at fullback and Laurie at 5/8.

Either way, Laurie will be in there.

Laurie at this stage is a much better fullback than 5/8th.

Agree I’d have Laurie at 1 and play Mbye at 6. Such a shame AD is suspended.

I'd personally play Madden. I am a Mbye fan but Madden and Laurie damaged his position in the side with great performances today.

Did you think Madden was great? I thought he held his own but I didn’t think he was overly impressive. I personally think he’s a fair bit off NRL. In saying that, not sure how good Mbye will be at 6.

I thought AD was fantastic when he came on though.

 

[Snake]

I watch what's going on off the field a lot ...this group of players have a real bond ..Tamoe's leadership on and off the field was evident at last a real leader!
The most pleasing aspect was there was no drop in intensity when new players were brought on ,this is a major indication of the head space the group in general are in leading into the season proper.
Brooks looks very fit and definitely leaner than he has been the last few seasons, the club needs to bring in another half with experience when injury does comes if they want to be a serious finals contender .Tuki Simpkins will be a revelation Imo it has been a long time since a forward with his ball off loading capabilities has been in a Tigers jersey a good defender to boot plenty of skills there not just a battering ram !Not getting to excited as I saw a lot of issues there today which will become evident when the season starts ,all in all the club has done well in recruiting some exciting individuals and the player group seem in a good space which is a positive !

 

[Thaiger]

Fitzgibbon made a great back and passed to no.6 who dropped the ball with no one in front. It wasn’t the best pass but it was catchable

Are you joking? It was a shocking pass. He shows potential but his defence needs a lot of work and if he can’t pass from left to right he needs to do a lot more practicing BUT at least he looked.

I will say he made a nice break in the first half from dummy half and there were a couple of times he received a pass behind him with the line wide open. Could have ended up with 2 tries at least - I think he is a work in progress.

The pass was to the hooker and should have been caught, the pass wasn't the best but it is one I'd hope the players still catch.

That’s rubbish. It was straight at his knees and hard. I happened to be almost right in line.

Clearly he needs to work on his left to right passing. And for the hooker to be upset - yes I would be too at this level. Nothing wrong with expecting better when you’re competitive. I’m sure Allan would agree it was a shocker and if he didn’t that would be even more disappointing.

He is allowed to make a mistake by the way - just don’t sugarcoat it.

 

[cochise]

If Mbye somehow gets the fullback positon over laurie im not gonna be happy

In round one (because AD is suspended), I would have Mbye at fullback and Laurie at 5/8.

Either way, Laurie will be in there.

Laurie at this stage is a much better fullback than 5/8th.

Agree I’d have Laurie at 1 and play Mbye at 6. Such a shame AD is suspended.

I'd personally play Madden. I am a Mbye fan but Madden and Laurie damaged his position in the side with great performances today.

Did you think Madden was great? I thought he held his own but I didn’t think he was overly impressive. I personally think he’s a fair bit off NRL. In saying that, not sure how good Mbye will be at 6.

I thought AD was fantastic when he came on though.

Madden was really good today, didn't have the flash plays that Doueihi had but was very good playing a traditional 5/8th role. A lot of the balls that got us into space out wide in the 1st half were from Madden.

No argument that Doueihi was fantastic after his errors when he 1st game on. Though I will also point out that he played against the weaker opposition.

 

[tigger19]

Tamou was impressive in his first game for the club,a real leader who never gives up at both ends of the field,I thought Garner played well and defended well,Laurie and Luciano outstanding,Laurie needs to be FB round 1. Think Madge will go with Madden at 6 round 1. Agree Tuilagi should be upgraded to top 30

 

[cochise]

Fitzgibbon made a great back and passed to no.6 who dropped the ball with no one in front. It wasn’t the best pass but it was catchable

Are you joking? It was a shocking pass. He shows potential but his defence needs a lot of work and if he can’t pass from left to right he needs to do a lot more practicing BUT at least he looked.

I will say he made a nice break in the first half from dummy half and there were a couple of times he received a pass behind him with the line wide open. Could have ended up with 2 tries at least - I think he is a work in progress.

The pass was to the hooker and should have been caught, the pass wasn't the best but it is one I'd hope the players still catch.

That’s rubbish. It was straight at his knees and hard. I happened to be almost right in line.

Clearly he needs to work on his left to right passing. And for the hooker to be upset - yes I would be too at this level. Nothing wrong with expecting better when you’re competitive.

Mate it wasn't knee height, if I dropped that pass I would be dirty on myself not the guy who passed it.

 

[Telltails]

Douehi has to be the team after rd1 for mine and he looked very comfortable at 5/8

 

[cochise]

Douehi has to be the team after rd1 for mine and he looked very comfortable at 5/8

I am still concerned by his passing right to left.

 

[BAGNF05]

Douehi has to be the team after rd1 for mine and he looked very comfortable at 5/8

Luci and AD are the potential superstars this club needs. Brooks also classy. The whole pack looks hungry and fit. Weak opposition today and it’ll be much tougher in two weeks but good signs.