Many scribes and fans will tell you a win is a win, but that is most definitely not the case for last nights game.
Cronulla were fantastic! They had a real upvibe intensity to their game, defended like trojans and were breaking the line with ease. In fact, they were a pleasure to watch and deserved to win that game. As an opposition supporter, I find it easy to say they were dudded by the refs on some crucial calls. As poor as NQ were at points in the match, they still put some nice plays on that Cronulla had little difficulty snuffing out. That can be put down to their defensive desperation. They and their supporters can feel very proud of their efforts.
I only wish I could say the same about my own club. The stark difference in attitude was there for all to see. It was just all too hard for the NQ boys. Why bother with doing the little hard things when you can just toss it in and let a non-finals contender make you look second rate? Precious little positives can be taken out of the match.
There's no doubt that injuries are having such a negative effect on the side. Matt Scott is playing in excruciating pain, and it's not only affecting his contribution, but also his ability to lead with effectiveness. His drop in intensity has meant everyone else has dropped their bundle. Thurston has come back from his injury far too early. He hasn't been able to find his rhythm at all. So with a leadership group being this severely restricted, the playing group has collectively lost any sense of urgency and desperation. For a supporter, it's nothing short of painful to watch.
It's too late now to try and turn the season around. Other clubs are now ramping up their intensity in the race for finals positions, and the hollow feeling of being left behind has set in. I think the best we can hope for is to cause some club real trouble in their finals campaign.
What has come out of the situation however are some positives. Ray Thompson was terrific in taking on a more dominant playmaking role. His pass to Hall was the culmination of his heavy involvement, crisp and classy such as it was. I enjoyed the confidence he displayed in taking on the line, and his kicking game. The more he works on that passing game, the more dangerous he'll become. Because he's already troubling the line and making breaks. The club must stick with him.
Jason Taumalolo is a revelation! I can't believe an eighteen-year-old could be that strong. He was making Paul Gallen look like a weakling. At present it seems his best position is in the front-row, so a few other players would now be worrying about nailing down a regular first grade spot.
The club has got to throw caution to the wind next week. There is nothing to lose in taking on the Warriors on their home patch. The current methods and game plans aren't having that much success. If we continue on the current course the finality could be very embarrassing.
