What a tough old game that was. Very tough. We killed ourselves in that first half with errors which is extremely frustrating, I reckon we would've got close if we'd held the friggin ball. I know it's cliche but it wasn't a great refereeing performance tonight. They were allowed to lay all over us, give second efforts in the tackle and tackle us high and no penalties blown?!! Fug me!
The second half was better. We lost our way late but it just goes to show we can play good footy if we hold the ball. I'm pleased that we kept fighting too, it's a great sign and we missed that last year. Here goes.
Johnston: Was okay. Defused a few kicks and almost created some opportunity close to the line. Almost scored off Cook but just couldn't quite get in the right position.
Moceidreke: Again was okay. Took a few risky air swings trying to save tries/defuse kicks which almost cost us and looked a little nervous in defence which is totally understandable for a debutant. His late footwork is impresse and he took some strong runs. Good for him to get a try too.
Talaki: Had a tough game, it was just hard for him to get into the game so he had little impact.
Jennings: Had some strong runs and looked dangerous at times but a few errors marred his performance.
Goodwin: Was good. He tried really hard, made some great runs and did so much of the shit work. He impressed.
Walker: Brilliant in the first half, looked very dangerous and caused trouble. However, sadly he went missing a bit in the second when we needed him most.
Reynolds: A tough game. Had some good kicks but also some average ones. Not up to his usual standard. He did run the ball more though.
T.Burgess: Well, what can I say. Utter shit from him I'm sorry. Can't hold the ball and just trots to the defensive line and doesn't run hard like he should. I'm sick of his errors, something has to be done!
Farah: Not the greatest of game from him. Made some bad kicks. Did make some good scoots from dummy half though.
Clark: Not as good as he has been but still solid. Made some errors and had a few bad runs but he tried and got through a lot of work.
Turner: Solid. Did a lot of work and imo, stepped up in Sam's absence.
Sutton: Was great. Some awesome runs and a lot of energy. I was really pleased with him.
Sam: Was good before he came off. Nice runs and a monster in defense! It's a shame he couldn't return, we missed him.
Cook: He was better tonight. Provided some spark and energy. Created a few opportunities but we just couldn't capitalize on them.
Crichton: Made a couple of errors but other than that was good. Ran hard on good angles and was solid in defence.
Musgrove: He was good. Every aggressive and had a lot of purpose about his play. No errors either. If only the twins could play like him.
Rochow: Has improved. He really lifted in the second half and had good go forward.
Something needs to be done about the twins ASAP I'm sick of it!
Anyway, overall this game isn't one to loose your shit over. Our flaws in tonight's game can be fixed. Yes we made errors, but that was in terrible conditions. We didn't score many points because the Roosters defense was too good.
Our attitude is the big one. We didn't give up, we kept fighting, this attitude was missing last year. That's one huge positive to take out of the game.
