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General Discussion Thread

OldPanther

Coach
Messages
13,404
It seems we actually need one of these.

Items on the agenda:

1. Catering messed up running out of water. How this happens when we have 7 day forecasts and the crowd was a big one half a week out at least is odd at best.

2. Why doesn't Cleary try for a 40/20? Kid has a damn good long kick.

3. Post the random stuff and maybe we claim back the contract thread haha.
 

OldPanther

Coach
Messages
13,404
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/7216d8d42d61a7b4b63be11cdafeccc1

Waqa Blake looming as NSW bolter after surprise first round performance for Panthers

It was the heroic round-one performance that almost never was. Penrith centre Waqa Blake had accepted being ruled out of their season-opening clash against Parramatta after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction over the summer.

It wasn’t until he was a last-minute inclusion in their final trial against Canterbury that he believed he was a chance of taking on the Eels, where he produced a matchwinning effort.

Blake credited the Panthers’ medical staff after he almost single-handedly dragged his side back from a 14-0 deficit with two tries, including a 35-metre solo effort.

“I wasn’t in a rush to try and bring myself back and make myself available. It would’ve been good, but I wasn’t sure,” Blake told AAP of his recovery.

“But the rehab staff got stuck into me and they really worked on me. I thank them. I wasn’t sure if I could last the whole 80 minutes either, but I got out of the woods there.”

Arguably the fastest player in the Panthers squad, Blake has become a key member of the backline and a go-to weapon with the ball.

Now he has his eyes on joining a number of his teammates in hoping to catch the attention of NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler.

“Of course it’s a dream of mine. It’s everyone’s dream to play Origin,” Blake said.

“There’s a lot of quality centres Freddie has to choose from, but I do want to step up and show my game more. It’s only been one game though, so I’ve got to show it every week.” Blake was one of a number of Panthers to impress in their comeback victory, with fellow Fijian powerhouse Viliame Kikau also playing a major role in the win.

Five-eighth James Maloney said the team’s natural ability is their main strength heading into the campaign, and that the onus was on him and halves partner Nathan Cleary to harness it.

“Waqa’s first try, that’s what some of these kids can do. That’s just some of the individual brilliance of this side,” Maloney said.

“The idea of playing eyes-up footy when we have teams on the ropes, when we basically back the footy in this side, we can do that really well.

“There’s domination at times, but there’s a lot to work on. Me and Nathan will do that.”
 

soc123_au

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
18,451
He has some work ahead of him to achieve that goal. Diamonds Blake wouldn’t be out of place. Rocks Blake needs to be buried. Here’s hoping he has an outstanding season in any case
 
Messages
21,867
I reckon the inconsistency issue with Blake is he just doesn’t see the ball enough. Needs it more & he’ll gain confidence.
 

Luke Bowden

First Grade
Messages
6,913
He has improved every season.. I think he may have a break out Year.

But he won’t play Origin. Lock in Dugan and Hayne. Barring injury, they will be the centres.
 

Pomoz

Bench
Messages
2,856
He has improved every season.. I think he may have a break out Year.

But he won’t play Origin. Lock in Dugan and Hayne. Barring injury, they will be the centres.
Maybe, Fittler hasn't shown his hand yet. if it was Daley I would agree, but Freddie is his own man, that's for sure.
 

mxlegend99

Referee
Messages
23,004
Isnt Fittler the guy who picked him to play for City after 4 NRL matches?

If hes in good form I think Fittler would ssriously consider him. I doubt many gyys have a guaranteed spot yet.
 

Sime_11

Juniors
Messages
1,471
Randomly - How fn awesome was the stand up, flags up on Sunday!!!!

Waqa shouldn’t be considered at this stage IMO, Trbojevic should be a centre if he’s not playing at 1. Blake’s saving grace is that BJ Leilua hasn’t got his act together - if he did, he’d go close to being he first blues player picked.
 

franklin2323

Immortal
Messages
33,546
Randomly - How fn awesome was the stand up, flags up on Sunday!!!!

Waqa shouldn’t be considered at this stage IMO, Trbojevic should be a centre if he’s not playing at 1. Blake’s saving grace is that BJ Leilua hasn’t got his act together - if he did, he’d go close to being he first blues player picked.

Would look so awesome at night
 

OldPanther

Coach
Messages
13,404
Randomly - How fn awesome was the stand up, flags up on Sunday!!!!

Waqa shouldn’t be considered at this stage IMO, Trbojevic should be a centre if he’s not playing at 1. Blake’s saving grace is that BJ Leilua hasn’t got his act together - if he did, he’d go close to being he first blues player picked.

It was awesome being a part of it.

Funny in the crowd thread on the main page everyone saying we didn't get 20k fans.
 

franklin2323

Immortal
Messages
33,546
It was awesome being a part of it.

Funny in the crowd thread on the main page everyone saying we didn't get 20k fans.

Cameras show the worst side. That empty bay was Panthers staff who no doubt were on the Western side in the shade. Both hills filled right up. Western stand not a spare seat
 

OldPanther

Coach
Messages
13,404
Cameras show the worst side. That empty bay was Panthers staff who no doubt were on the Western side in the shade. Both hills filled right up. Western stand not a spare seat

Yeah that's how I viewed it. My partner and daughter went to the toilet 15 - 30 mins before kickoff and it took them till almost kickoff to get back. Said it was packed like sardines from the main gate to the stands. By that point the ground was already really filled up.
 

Fangs

Coach
Messages
11,182
Waqa shouldn’t be considered at this stage IMO, Trbojevic should be a centre if he’s not playing at 1. Blake’s saving grace is that BJ Leilua hasn’t got his act together - if he did, he’d go close to being he first blues player picked.

Eww.

Would prefer an ageing Beau Scott over Trbojevic at centre.

Dylan Walker/Hayne (if he pulls his finger out) is my first preference. Tedescow will be fullback and we have better specialist wingers. I don't think Tom has a spot in the team.

Jake on the other hand should be made captain immediately.
 

OldPanther

Coach
Messages
13,404
Eww.

Would prefer an ageing Beau Scott over Trbojevic at centre.

Dylan Walker/Hayne (if he pulls his finger out) is my first preference. Tedescow will be fullback and we have better specialist wingers. I don't think Tom has a spot in the team.

Jake on the other hand should be made captain immediately.

Yeah give it to a specialist centre. Just choose Blake and Roberts. Lots of attack and not as bad defence as the memes suggest.
 

franklin2323

Immortal
Messages
33,546
Yeah that's how I viewed it. My partner and daughter went to the toilet 15 - 30 mins before kickoff and it took them till almost kickoff to get back. Said it was packed like sardines from the main gate to the stands. By that point the ground was already really filled up.

I went to my actual seat after NSW Cup as it was too hot in the Eastern Stand. People stayed under the stand when the game started
 
Messages
21,867
Eww.

Would prefer an ageing Beau Scott over Trbojevic at centre.

Dylan Walker/Hayne (if he pulls his finger out) is my first preference. Tedescow will be fullback and we have better specialist wingers. I don't think Tom has a spot in the team.

Jake on the other hand should be made captain immediately.

Josh Ado Carr a good shot at the wing spot.

Hopefully we see some brave selections from Freddy, none of this same old 5 fullbacks in the backline rubbish. Pick new guys.
 
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