Where is our team at at the moment?

[InBenjiWeTrust]

We are 16th - that's where we are at.

IMHO, in the last 2-3 games we finally shown that light is the end of the tunnel, and not another locomotive. 😉
Sheens started with something he does best, by selecting young players (Bula, Tupou, Pole) and significantly improving To'a and Twal. ALL no name players, no-one on this forum could see from all that doom and gloom of the previous three years, when the ONLY way was buy expensive "stars", or like too many cried for, fold the club!

 

[Telltails]

Api was poor. He just kept taking the wrong option. Brooks was running around trying to get the ball. When he kicked the field goal with 5 minutes to go he had to go looking for it and he did it. He tried to do it again as well. I don't blame Brooks at all for the poor execution.

I was thinking you can't resign Brooks if Api is going to go away from him like that but after calming down I think it's a coaching issue.

If Brooks wasnt a reluctant leader there would be no confusion who the ball should go to in a key moment. Api was given the leadership role because Brooks has continually failed to lead. It's going to take more than a few good performances for the team to trust that he is the man to go to in the clutch plays - as he ideally should be.

 

[earl]

If Brooks wasnt a reluctant leader there would be no confusion who the ball should go to in a key moment. Api was given the leadership role because Brooks has continually failed to lead. It's going to take more than a few good performances for the team to trust that he is the man to go to in the clutch plays - as he ideally should be.

I think it's best to blame players for their faults based on how they actually play rather than trying to read their minds. I saw Api stuff up in that game and I saw Brooks run around to kick a field goal in the last 5 minutes.

Api is definitely a better player than Brooks but that needs to get fixed.

 

[Telltails]

I think it's best to blame players for their faults based on how they actually play rather than trying to read their minds. I saw Api stuff up in that game and I saw Brooks run around to kick a field goal in the last 5 minutes.

Api is definitely a better player than Brooks but that needs to get fixed

There is a history of blaming players who take the lead around Brooks. It has done the team and Brooks no favours. Their was enough field position and possesion to win the game before the dying seconds and singling out Api with any blame for that ahead of others is way off. No team should aim to win a game in the dying seconds and then point fingers when it doesn't come off.

 

[diedpretty]

But look at his impact, no other WT player had that impact!
Also, we have to take into account that he become the first grader only this year, and that he is 20 years old!
We have to give him a break, as he is certainly one of the best young forwards in the NRL.👏🐅💪

Huh? what are you on about? I said he was a good player and it was only inexperience that caused him to panic on that last play.

 

[Halbrowne61]

And yet when Pole had the ball and was moving to the right we had a 3 on 2 overlap - Nofo was screaming for the ball and Pole turned back and ran to the middle. That play was the one that ruined any chance to set properly for a field goal - Pole either had to continue to the right and put the ball through the hands or just cart straight up the middle to get an easier shot at FG. He did neither and in doing so also chewed up the clock. He is a good player but that was just panic caused by inexperience.

I repeat run to the middle and take the field goal . That was the percentage play, boring but correct.

 

[Buttface]

We needed Api or Brooks to step up and direct play to build up to it and neither did unfortunately. I single them out because they are our 2 most senior spine players, you would expect your halfback to organise it but Brooks didn't so thought Api might fill the void but never did.

Api is probably use to having a decent 7, it may take a few more games to realise he needs to cover everything.

 

[earl]

There is a history of blaming players who take the lead around Brooks. It has done the team and Brooks no favours. Their was enough field position and possesion to win the game before the dying seconds and singling out Api with any blame for that ahead of others is way off. No team should aim to win a game in the dying seconds and then point fingers when it doesn't come off.

I'm not trying to be difficult but some of your post doesn't make any sense. The history of blaming players other than Brooks is clearly incorrect. Brooks has been blamed more than any player in the game that I have ever seen. Let's just put that to bed.

I am singling out Api because when I was watching the game it appeared obvious to me that Api kept going right even though Brooks had made a bust to get us up the field. Watch when Brooks takes the field goal - he runs to the other side of the field. He was actively trying to get involved.

I basically agree that you shouldn't point fingers at the last second play because it's too late but I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about a chunk of time prior to that. I don't think Api got the balance right out there.

I do agree about not crucifying Api for his game. He was significantly better than Simpkin and he can really play. I just think he and the coaching staff need to get the team playing better footy.

I feel the same way about IP. Sure he is playing pretty good footy but we need more. These are high quality players.

 

[earl]

Api is probably use to having a decent 7, it may take a few more games to realise he needs to cover everything.

This is my concern. That is what he was doing. I think if he does that we have to let Brooks go. It's dumb to try and do it all when it doesn't come off.

Brooks was great out there. He kicked a field goal that should have won us the game. The other players let him down.

 

[simonsatiger]

Back on topic!! I think we are in a pretty good place atm!! From my end im going into every game with the thought that we are a chance of winning!! Havent said that in years!! Big pack that goes good every game and a backline thats getting better and better with potentially some big stars innit.

Sheensie has a record of putting kids in and it working and its the same this year!! Pole,Bula,Toa and Junior all pups and look stars of the future!!

Im very happy how we are going more of the same please!

 

[Tigertilidie32]

Back on topic!! I think we are in a pretty good place atm!! From my end im going into every game with the thought that we are a chance of winning!! Havent said that in years!! Big pack that goes good every game and a backline thats getting better and better with potentially some big stars innit.

Sheensie has a record of putting kids in and it working and its the same this year!! Pole,Bula,Toa and Junior all pups and look stars of the future!!

Im very happy how we are going more of the same please!

Agree. Now you mention it you're right lol, it's been forever since I started watching all games thinking we have a chance here. Obviously we've had a couple of games that got away from us but am very happy atm with this mob so far.

 

[Halbrowne61]

Yep...they were a disorganised rabble, but I think they felt they could score and Win the game rather than kick a field goal which would only have taken the game to golden point with a chance of Us then losing.

I get what they were trying to do but it’s more or less what we always try to do. Go for the Hail Mary play when wiser heads should have prevailed.
If we’d gone to GoldenPoint then that’s a whole different scenario, at least we would had a chance.
As it was, WE LOST, so all the razzle dazzle 3 tries in 8 minutes doesn’t count for didlly squat. Especially on our points score.

 

[TieDye]

I'm not trying to be difficult but some of your post doesn't make any sense. The history of blaming players other than Brooks is clearly incorrect. Brooks has been blamed more than any player in the game that I have ever seen. Let's just put that to bed.

I am singling out Api because when I was watching the game it appeared obvious to me that Api kept going right even though Brooks had made a bust to get us up the field. Watch when Brooks takes the field goal - he runs to the other side of the field. He was actively trying to get involved.

I basically agree that you shouldn't point fingers at the last second play because it's too late but I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about a chunk of time prior to that. I don't think Api got the balance right out there.

I do agree about not crucifying Api for his game. He was significantly better than Simpkin and he can really play. I just think he and the coaching staff need to get the team playing better footy.

I feel the same way about IP. Sure he is playing pretty good footy but we need more. These are high quality players.

You may be onto something.

 

[liltiger]

Api was poor. He just kept taking the wrong option. Brooks was running around trying to get the ball. When he kicked the field goal with 5 minutes to go he had to go looking for it and he did it. He tried to do it again as well. I don't blame Brooks at all for the poor execution.

I was thinking you can't resign Brooks if Api is going to go away from him like that but after calming down I think it's a coaching issue.

They just looked spooked and indecisive, seemed like they wernt sure to go for a try or the field goal, you might be right in regard to the coaching it's something they need to address.

 

[Stevec]

Cant believe all this negative talk about the last minute .We score 19 pts in about 6 minutes and give away a penalty to be down by 1 pt .Then we get a penalty 20m from our line and start a set on our 40 m with about 100 seconds left .We solved first problem needing to make a lot of meters very quick . Then we didn't pull off the miracle So what ! Most teams wouldn't. Two things won Canberra the game
- Canberra strategy of deliberately lying all over the tackled player slowing our play the ball
Ricky even admitted they probably deserved their 8 repeat sets but felt we should have had one or two against us .It was only after the ref got so fed up with the incessant ruck infringements that he binned one of them . Pity it took him 68 mins to act
After that it wasn't just the 13 on 12 but Canberra stopped infringing as they couldn't risk another bin .Then we went bang ,bang ,bang and field goal .Note we made 90 m in 4 consecutive sets that takes some doing ! Pole did some great hit ups here .
- Canberra 3rd try should have been NO TRY .Rules are Rules Brooks was pushed over and it wasn't a gentle push but everyone missed it .
We are a good side and will get better !!

 

[Halbrowne61]

Cant believe all this negative talk about the last minute .We score 19 pts in about 6 minutes and give away a penalty to be down by 1 pt .Then we get a penalty 20m from our line and start a set on our 40 m with about 100 seconds left .We solved first problem needing to make a lot of meters very quick . Then we didn't pull off the miracle So what ! Most teams wouldn't. Two things won Canberra the game
- Canberra strategy of deliberately lying all over the tackled player slowing our play the ball
Ricky even admitted they probably deserved their 8 repeat sets but felt we should have had one or two against us .It was only after the ref got so fed up with the incessant ruck infringements that he binned one of them . Pity it took him 68 mins to act
After that it wasn't just the 13 on 12 but Canberra stopped infringing as they couldn't risk another bin .Then we went bang ,bang ,bang and field goal .Note we made 90 m in 4 consecutive sets that takes some doing ! Pole did some great hit ups here .
- Canberra 3rd try should have been NO TRY .Rules are Rules Brooks was pushed over and it wasn't a gentle push but everyone missed it .
We are a good side and will get better !!

Steve, everything you say is absolutely100% spot on but I know my point was about the management of a critical point in the game.
I’ve seen other teams maintain control and do what needs to be done.
I just hope that if that situation arises again we take the percentage play.
Go the Tigers !!

 

[Tucker]

Cant believe all this negative talk about the last minute .We score 19 pts in about 6 minutes and give away a penalty to be down by 1 pt .Then we get a penalty 20m from our line and start a set on our 40 m with about 100 seconds left .We solved first problem needing to make a lot of meters very quick . Then we didn't pull off the miracle So what ! Most teams wouldn't.

Incorrect. Most teams would have secured extra time at a minimum under those circumstances.

Two things won Canberra the game
- Canberra strategy of deliberately lying all over the tackled player slowing our play the ball
Ricky even admitted they probably deserved their 8 repeat sets but felt we should have had one or two against us .It was only after the ref got so fed up with the incessant ruck infringements that he binned one of them . Pity it took him 68 mins to act

There is some truth to this, however BOTH sides were doing it. The game turned into a slog and an arm wrestle due to it.

After that it wasn't just the 13 on 12 but Canberra stopped infringing as they couldn't risk another bin .Then we went bang ,bang ,bang and field goal .Note we made 90 m in 4 consecutive sets that takes some doing ! Pole did some great hit ups here .

It wasnt just the 13 on 12, we had the ball for that whole period. Raiders tried to defend but were outmanned and run over.

- Canberra 3rd try should have been NO TRY .Rules are Rules Brooks was pushed over and it wasn't a gentle push but everyone missed it .

Yes this was an error from officials. Where were the complaints from our leaders? The top sides would have screamed blue murder and forced a review of the interaction. Our blokes were too silent for some reason. They didn’t think it was that big of a deal?

We are a good side and will get better !!

I disagree we are a good side. With a loss rate of 75%, the evidence is clear that the side aren’t doing well holistically. That said, we have some very good players and some others that are improving every week.
I agree we will get better but will add the caveat, we need to recruit a couple more guys to complete the transition from a group of good players, to a good team who win football games.

 

[Tim Sheens]

I could not agree more, and it certainly is a coaching issue! It shows how inadequate and limited our ex-coach was during his overstayed time at the WT!
Our defence under our ex-coach was a laughing stock, it deteriorated from a solid (Cleary) to embarrassing, e.g. compare 60+ scores during Mauire coaching to pre-Maquire to post-Maguire periods.

I think it was in back in late April that I wrote of WT conceding an average of just under 23 points that far into the season, being a huge improvement on the Maguire period, and not considering the blood letting period upon removing him.

Since then the side has sliced a further point off that average to now make it exactly 22, from 264 points in 12 matches. So apart from defending errors and when teams first get into the attacking zone, both the coaches and squad have taken huge strides in getting our defensive act together.

Needless to say, our attack needs more work, with the side bereft of a real strike player.

 

[InBenjiWeTrust]

I disagree we are a good side. With a loss rate of 75%, the evidence is clear that the side aren’t doing well holistically. That said, we have some very good players and some others that are improving every week.
I agree we will get better but will add the caveat, we need to recruit a couple more guys to complete the transition from a group of good players, to a good team who win football games.

IMHO, no-one is arguing that we are already good enough, and we do not need further improvement.
However, if we compare our club with that doom and gloom of the last three years, when many of this forum wanted us to sold everything to whichever bidder, we started to move towards a better future.
A lot of good signs are there already, from no FB, centres, wingers, halves, forwards ...
we now have: Bole, Stynes, Tupou, To'a, Talau/Neden, Twal, Korousau, Kremmer, I Papalii, Bateman, Pole
and Utoikamanu, Matamua, James, Kepoa on the bench.
From "we need many expensive players or we must fold", we narrow it down to manageable one to two solid halves, in just few months!
From no FB, there are now comments like "we are so good that we don't need Tedesco"??

 

[earl]

A lot of good signs are there already, from no FB, centres, wingers, halves, forwards ...
we now have: Bole, Stynes, Tupou, To'a, Talau/Neden, Twal, Korousau, Kremmer, I Papalii, Bateman, Pole

It's a massive improvement but it sucks how few wins we've had this season. I don't think we can turn this season around but I'm hopeful the coaching staff are going to try to turn it around this season.