It was very frustrating to look for Field's involvement in the second half. Wanting him to get the ball and wanting him to do well. To be honest, with Widdop getting so much ball, as others have noted, I would not have noticed Field if I had not watched for him. I agree with Benny V's comment that Field would be better off in the Cutters for his own development. But I can imagine the possibility of Mary selecting him on the bench and throwing him into the game once it is lost or alternately leaving him on the bench the whole game if it's a tight one.
Many Forum members have noted the real problem (other than the coach) is Widdop. Kicking bombs to the left instead of to Nene on the right was just idiotic. I would have thought kicking for Nene would be a fairly simple one line in a game plan. I left the stadium depressed, thinking of what it indicates for the season ahead. Yet enough opportunities were created that with better passing and bombing for Nene the game could have been much closer.
At this stage, I would be saying to Field, "Jai, you are the future for this club. But we want you to continue your development in the lower grades for now. Next season's 5/8 spot alongside Hunt is there for the taking. Be ready to grasp it with both hands."
I would go with McCrone at the moment to provide some direction with Havili on the bench to provide some spark as opponents tire.
I was at WIN last week and the Olympic Stadium for the Charity Shield. The 2 venues just don't compare in terms of spectator enjoyment. At WIN I was close to the action. On Sunday I felt so much more like a distant observer. 12,000? So much for the RGRV!