2020 Roosters player of the year - Raiders 3 2 1s (Round 17)

[Captain Apollo]

So this thread is for people to vote on their 3,2,1 for the Roosters player of the match from the Round 17 clash against the Canberra Raiders.

Firstly the team stats for the match, courtesy of Fox Sports (source: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/match-centre/NRL20201706/stats) -

 

[Captain Apollo]

Roosters player stats, courtesy of Fox Sports (source: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/match-centre/NRL20201706/playerstats) -

 

[Captain Apollo]

My points go to -

3 points: James Tedesco. 21 runs for 198 metres, 2 line breaks, around 10 tackle busts and 2 tries. Guy was everywhere and was a handful for the Raiders defence.

2 points: Siosua Taukeiaho. 19 runs for 180 metresand 20 tackles. When the tough work in defence was needed he came to the fore.

1 point: Freddy Lussick. Guy who makes 58 tackles deserves a point just for that effort alone.

 

[Valheru]

It was obvious this week was all about defence and in particular nullifying papa and Wighton which they executed perfectly. Wighton kept running at the line but got nowhere and raiders really had no other ideas from there. The only try conceded despite a run of possession against us was from a bit of individual brilliance by Bateman.

Attack wasn't quite there but raiders are a grinding type team and we did enough.

3 teddy
2 SST
1 Freddy

 

[The Fanatical Rooster]

My points go to:

1. Teddy (no question; speaks for itself last night!)
2. Kyle (I thought he probably had his best game for us)
3. Freddy Lussick (I agree Captain, given his tackle count)

SST was solid again, but I felt he was down a bit on his usual standard. That was clear from Robbo's presser in that he said he thought he played well, but also expected more of him. I just think SST is a bit tired after carrying our forwards for a number of weeks now. He needs a rest, which should pay some dividends in the build up to the finals.

It was a great win last night, and I was so happy in that we have every chance now of finishing in the top four. As with previous years, I think we need to finish there to have any hope of getting the three peat.

 

[Valheru]

My points go to:

1. Teddy (no question; speaks for itself last night!)
2. Kyle (I thought he probably had his best game for us)
3. Freddy Lussick (I agree Captain, given his tackle count)

SST was solid again, but I felt he was down a bit on his usual standard. That was clear from Robbo's presser in that he said he thought he played well, but also expected more of him. I just think SST is a bit tired after carrying our forwards for a number of weeks now. He needs a rest, which should pay some dividends in the build up to the finals.

It was a great win last night, and I was so happy in that we have every chance now of finishing in the top four. As with previous years, I think we need to finish there to have any hope of getting the three peat.

We are odds on to finish there now.

Canberra would have to win 2 more games than us in the last 3 as would Newcastle to pass us i.e. if we win 1 of 3 they would both have to win all 3.

Then there is the fact Parramatta are faltering. We probably finish above them from here which is interesting, not sure if I would rather penrith or storm week 1.

There is logic that says playing storm away week 1 is preferable to week 3 and if we lose week 1 we go to penrith/Parramatta side of the draw which means a preliminary in Sydney.

However I think we are more likely to beat penrith week 1 than storm.

 

[Babyface O'reilly]

3. Teddy
2. SST
1. Flanno

@Valheru, are you happy with Robbo’s decision to play Sonny last night, now? Think it was the right call given the little minutes. He’s got three rounds now to build him up to an effective 20minutes before jumping into the finals.

 

[Tommy Smith]

3. Teddy. Absolutely incredible. I feel he's playing at a level now that surpasses Billy Slater. Just a freak in every facet of the game.
2. Flanagan. His best game so far. Took total control of the team with Keary hampered by the ribs.
1. Angus. Only played 30 minutes but changed the momentum of the game. Hit hard in D and made a huge impact in attack. He looks raring to go and might shape up as our best forward from here on in.

 

[Valheru]

3. Teddy
2. SST
1. Flanno

@Valheru, are you happy with Robbo’s decision to play Sonny last night, now? Think it was the right call given the little minutes. He’s got three rounds now to build him up to an effective 20minutes before jumping into the finals.

Yep happy with how he was used last night.

Same again next week I would think and then possibly a start against sharks to see how he goes? Especially if robbo is in a resting mood at that point.

 

[Captain Apollo]

Let's face some facts about SBW. He's 35 years of age and has a lot of mileage on him. Considering he;'s had 3 weeks of preparation he won't be starting for us in any game, unless they plan to start him, have him play a single stint of 10-20 minutes and then come off. He just does not have the endurance to be able to play longer minutes than that and would take a lot longer than available to build up to playing more than around 20 minutes.

SBW needs to build up match fitness, so he will play every game, barring injury to himself. If you expect him to be a starter p;laying long minute in 2020, sorry but you are dreaming.

 

[Valheru]

Let's face some facts about SBW. He's 35 years of age and has a lot of mileage on him. Considering he;'s had 3 weeks of preparation he won't be starting for us in any game, unless they plan to start him, have him play a single stint of 10-20 minutes and then come off. He just does not have the endurance to be able to play longer minutes than that and would take a lot longer than available to build up to playing more than around 20 minutes.

SBW needs to build up match fitness, so he will play every game, barring injury to himself. If you expect him to be a starter p;laying long minute in 2020, sorry but you are dreaming.

I don't have any expectation of him being a starter, bench is clearly his role.

If he was going to get one though just to get more minutes in the legs the sharks game would be the one especially if we win next week which essentially seals a top 4 spot.

 

[morley101]

3 teddy
2 Flanagan
1 Lussick

 

[H.H]

3. Teddy. Absolutely incredible. I feel he's playing at a level now that surpasses Billy Slater. Just a freak in every facet of the game.
2. Flanagan. His best game so far. Took total control of the team with Keary hampered by the ribs.
1. Angus. Only played 30 minutes but changed the momentum of the game. Hit hard in D and made a huge impact in attack. He looks raring to go and might shape up as our best forward from here on in.

Glad you mentioned Gus. I had a big day watching local A Grade footy and was at least 12 beers deep by the time I watched the game, so I'm hazy but he really stood out to me, along with Teddy of course.

If that's a sign of what he's going to produce over the next few weeks look out. Thought he was dynamic.

Not sure I'll get a chance to re-watch the game so based on my 'recollections':

3 - Ted
2 - Gus
1 - Flanno (Haven't been a fan but he looked good)

 

[Headless Chook]

3. Teddy
2. Chrighton
1. Freddy

No doubt Teddy was incredible but our defence got us home here. That period just before HT was crucial and we stood tall.

Lussick continues to improve and aside from the lack of finals experience he is a better option than Jake imo. 58 tackles and not one forward pass from dummy half. I thought he was terrific.

 

[Tommy Smith]

I can understand your sentiments on Lussick vs Friend, HC; but if it comes down to the Storm vs Roosters in a GF and Cam Smith is directing NAS, Tino and Brandon Smith at us through the middle, well right now it's Friend that I want every day to defend against that threat.

 

[Headless Chook]

I can understand your sentiments on Lussick vs Friend, HC; but if it comes down to the Storm vs Roosters in a GF and Cam Smith is directing NAS, Tino and Brandon Smith at us through the middle, well right now it's Friend that I want every day to defend against that threat.

There are pros and cons for both. I just get the sense the Friend brain explosions are becoming a bit more frequent. Agree JF is probably the better option in a tense SF or GF.

 

[The Fanatical Rooster]

The fans' poll results were as follows:

1. Teddy (81%)
2. Flanno (5%)
3. Freddy (4%)

It is nice to have picked it for once!

https://www.roosters.com.au/news/2020/09/07/your-round-17-man-of-the-match--powered-by-myplace/

https://www.roosters.com.au/news/2020/09/07/your-round-17-man-of-the-match/