I'm not going to give my usual analysis because the same problems plagued us tonight that have been the issue all season - lapses in concentration poor last tackle options, not capitalising on opportunities and dodgy goal line defence. One thing that I have noticed though that hasn't really been highlighted is how we play with urgency and increase the tempo of the ruck only when the game in on the line. This has been a worrying trend for us as it proves that we are more than capable of asking questions of opposition defences but seem to play with a slow tempo for most of the game. I can remember a similar situation when we played the eels earlier in the season where they dominated the contest with us hardly firing a shot in anger until the last 10 minutes where we began to speed up the ruck and shift the ball quicker and scored 3 late tries as a result. I don't think it is a terminal issue, I just think its a matter of urgency and that is what ultimately got us the victory tonight.
In terms of performances, I was really impressed with Cook. I seriously don't know why people carry on about the hooker situation - it has not been an issue this season as far as I am concerned; we have to good hookers who each offer something different. Cook's scoots out of dummy half really gave us momentum and eased the pressure for a lot of the forwards. I actually thought it was massive error when Madge took him off as he was playing really well but thankfully he brought him back on as we entered the home stretch.
I'd also like to take time out and praise the efforts of the Burgess twins. In all honesty, I feel that they haven't been that bad this season and have been made scapegoats of our poor results. Yes they have come up with handling errors but they are not making excessive amounts of them; its more the timing of their mistakes that has hurt us. If anyone doesn't believe me then have a look at the stats - the twins are not even in the top 20 players for handling errors this season. Hence, I think it would be fair to say that their poor handling has been grossly exaggerated. Moreover, it is clear to me that both are putting in and running with purpose and aggression. I thought they both played well last week and tonight Tom in particular really charged into the St George line.
The usual standouts for us this season again shone brightly for us - Crichton, Sam Burgess, Johnston had a good game and so did the rookie winger. Lastly, I would like to pay tribute to Bryson Goodwin. I know there are some members on here who love him and some who like to bag him. I think along with Sam Burgess he has arguably been our most consistent player over the last few seasons! I think the reason why he doesn't get more recognition is because he is a winger/three quarter and the result of the game isn't really going to hinge on his performance. Overall, he is a good solid first grade footballer and very rarely lets us down. I was listening to the call tonight and I liked how Greg Alexander praised him and said he is too good to be going to England.
i know r20 agrees...Shadow...
