Match Discussion: Round 1 vs North Qld @ Allegiant Stadium, Paradise / Las Vegas NV

[Zoidberg]

Gagai’s main issue is his speed.

 

[Walk On Home Boy]

Gagai’s main issue is his speed.

Butchers a lot of finishes and last passes these days too

 

[Dr Dr Gimedanews]

If we're ANY chance of winning a premiership in the next 5 years, KP needs to be in the team.

Losing KP would be a massive blow to the brand, the roster, and a dent to any chance of a Premiership. You don't win trophies without a KP in your side.

Talk of making the roster better without him is just absurd

Win a spoon and talk of improving is about moving on one of the worlds best players?? jeez

 

[Dr Dr Gimedanews]

2. Our full strength spine is worthy of being excited about, let's hope they stay healthy once Sharpe returns

was awesome - Sharpe's stats for only 20 min of game time match or better the output of both Smith and Clifford (minus the kicking) - the kid is a gun. What he could be at game 100 is something to look forward to.

Loved Crossy's 40/20 also, wish he'd work on a running game - if only we had at the club one of the best dummy halves to ever play the game to teach him.

 

[Walk On Home Boy]

I really hope we can keep our best side on the park for the majority of the season.

 

[Apey]

Don't think it's been mentioned - have a look at how many players we had in support for Best's try. Normally it's just Ponga and maybe one other bloke to pass to if he's lucky. They might not have been in ball receiving positions but it was nice to see some bodies there! Same with Mooney being in position for Dom's knock back.

 

[Allstar Knights]

Crossland was good at 9. 0 runs but plenty of tackles, good service and didn't overplay his hand like Mahoney because he doesn't need to. If he can keep things simple, he'll balance the spine out perfectly. His defence and effort areas are invaluable for us imo.

 

[perverse]

Don't think it's been mentioned - have a look at how many players we had in support for Best's try. Normally it's just Ponga and maybe one other bloke to pass to if he's lucky. They might not have been in ball receiving positions but it was nice to see some bodies there! Same with Mooney being in position for Dom's knock back.

Yep, I noticed the same thing - even Crokes was flogging himself trying to get there for it. I was impressed, and also frustrated that Holbrook managed to teach them how to do that after a single off season when it's been a problem for years.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

I wanted to give props to 2 players in particular.

Dylan Lucas: He did a number on Luki for most of the game and kept him quiet. Given he was their main weapon out wide it was a major factor in the win

Mat Croker: While he isn't a dynamic hard running middle, he tackled his dick off and more importantly acted as that link between the pack and the halves. He continues to offer great value which every team needs

 

[Allstar Knights]

I wanted to give props to 2 players in particular.

Dylan Lucas: He did a number on Luki for most of the game and kept him quiet. Given he was their main weapon out wide it was a major factor in the win

Mat Croker: While he isn't a dynamic hard running middle, he tackled his dick off and more importantly acted as that link between the pack and the halves. He continues to offer great value which every team needs

Croker seemed effective as a starting 13 and he played decent minutes and like you said, good link man and tackled his butt off with some tough carries out of our end when we looked tired.

He's never going to be effective as an impact forward off the bench with shorter minutes in the way AOB used him. He just doesn't have that body type or impact that's required, and I would say is better used as an endurance sort of player.

We probably hope for better options in the future but if we are going to use Croker this year, I think this is the only way to use him.

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Not going to lie, I honestly had no idea that Blake Green was on the Cowboys coaching staff this year lol

 

[perverse]

Not going to lie, I honestly had no idea that Blake Green was on the Cowboys coaching staff this year lol

Nor did I. How he and AOB walked into new roles so readily after the mess last year is beyond me tbh.

 

[Woosh]

Early days but is it fair to say Newcastle have the best 1–7 in the comp but the weakest 8–17?

 

[Burwood]

Nothing wrong with our 8-14. It just falls off a cliff after that.

 

[Dr Dr Gimedanews]

Early days but is it fair to say Newcastle have the best 1–7 in the comp but the weakest 8–17?

1-7 to rival the best, if Brown and Sharpe develop they're certainly up there.

Pack ? Certainly bottom 1/3 of the comp?

 

[Frederick]

Early days but is it fair to say Newcastle have the best 1–7 in the comp but the weakest 8–17?