The Loft notes these fast facts:
1. Schedule. Our lads have one of the TOUGHEST Schedules with almost 75% of contests contra play-off squads. Times 2 v Redcliffe, Bellamy, Cleary, Easts, Cronulla, Maguire and Gould. That is FOURTEEN games v those in Top 4 OR vying for Top 4. Brutal to say the least especially when trying to compete with even back-ups injured.
Combined with singles contra Manly, Canberra and NZ W that leaves absolutely minimal scope for success especially fielding a patchy side. Again, that is virtually 75% against play-off and dominant clubs. Someone in the Hierachy is firmly against us!
2. Compare to say Penrith. Twice v Parramata, Balmain Gypsies, SS, NQ, Newcastle add in GC et al and for a dominant side they have a relatively EASY Schedule! That is almost HALF Cleary's Schedule is contra IRRELEVANT going nowhere sides!! Cleary has ELEVEN relatively easy contests, whilst we have about 5! This is the exact opposite of what proper Scheduling looks like and what the NFL does.!!
3. I highlight the critical mid-season in particular when a squad can suddenly emerge. Well here, The Schedule really helps. Penrith were at the bottom early June then they ran into: Parramatta x2, SS, Balmain Gypsies x2 , GC, Gould, Newcastle x2, NZW and Boom! That is, EIGHT OF THEIR TEN mid-season games were contra NO-HOPER sides!! Surprisingly, they suddenly got confidence back and then go on a streak. Bravo NRL Hierarchy Bravo said Cleary!!
By contrast we have confronted for TWO MONTHS: NZW, Canberra, Gould, Bellamy, Manly at their Grog House and Cleary then Cronulla!!
With a patched up squad we have had little chance to RECOVER to Regain Confidence with that Schedule. Cleary has had it easy by comparison, gifted to allow them a confidnce re-gain whilst our lot are given barbed wire to eat!