23.5

[ozenzud]

I was optimistic at the start of the season. Very concerned about our centres though. As its turned out, our centres are settling down and developing OK. Our halves are good. I'd say its been the injuries to Locke that have been the problem.

I reckon Manu might have made a big difference to the game on Saturday. It was one point. Omar cost us one try and didn't offer the go forward.

We had no hooker and that is going to make us pay over the next few weeks too.

I was optimistic because I thought Luck would play most of the season. His experience is invaluable in a young team. Mannering has been bloody good, but got stepped by that halfback and Lousi didn't come across quick enough to cover....would Michael have made it?

 

[Penrose Warrior]

To me it brings home the value of senior players. We had a good core last year - Luck, Lillyman, Berrigan etc who have played many seasons of NRL, played in big matches, Origins, GFs etc. They may not be demanding of a spot on talent alone but they make up for it in other avenues.

This year, Luck hasn't surfaced, Lillyman has been out for long periods, same with Friend, same with Rapira, even Locke etc. Yes those players leave gaps in terms of what they bring from an on-field skill perspective but also in terms of on-field talk, composure, experience that rubs off before the game, during the week at trainings etc.

Last week was a perfect example. Hugely-talented No.7, perhaps the most in the comp, but didn't get the job done because he'd never really been there before.

 

[Warrior@Heart]

Mannering has been bloody good, but got stepped by that halfback and Lousi didn't come across quick enough to cover....would Michael have made it?

I thought it was actually Lousi's fault for not moving up off the line, to me it looked like he left the gaping hole. If your defence is sliding you stay on their outside but yeah I think Luck would have definitely made that tackle.

 

[Benek]

Interesting that our points against per game is about the same as average age. I hope that proves to be an inverse relationship and as age increases defense improves!