3-2-1 vs. Sharks Trial Match 1

[Wheeled Warrior]

First of all loads of rust but patches of that game started to flow well. All the new additions looked good bar Cleary (still green) but happy we got to watch some Rugba League.

3 - Sam Healy was a revelation. Every touch he had was gold, great service with his crispy passing, running was sharp and read of the game was on point. Sharks let go a good player. Thank you.

2 - Luke Metcalf had a solid game, good speed and brilliant 40/20, I think I'm the only one that picked him at the 7. TMM was invisible on attack but was solid on D. It looks like Luke is the 7 and going to be our first choice goal kicker too. Hoping this will be his breakout season.

1 - Jacob Laban was tough and really put in a hard work ethic for what seemed up to 70 minutes. One error with the play the ball but made up for it with his huge effort.

DM: Edward Kosi

 

[Penrose Warrior]

In b4 Rhythm's 'FO Kosi'

 

[Big Marn]

3. Taupiki. as soon as he came on we looked much more likely to score. Nothing that ive seen from him on screen since he started playing for us makes me think he isnt a good 1st grade player and should be starting somewhere on the team. And he is a better goal kicker than Metcalf too. Sideline conversions last year were clutch.
2. Healey. as per WW. looks good.
1. Metcalf. 40/20 was great. Took too much on and attack looked a little imbalanced. Needed TMM to be doing stuff too so our attack was multi pronged. At the end of the day, he only guided the team to 12 points.

Kosi : i would love to give the guy a break but he doesnt do himself any favours with his self inflicted errors. Do the Warriors have a left wing curse or something? Hope RTS is able to stay fit this year.

 

[Izz]

3 - Tuaupiki - he's a first-grader, no doubt.
2 - Vaimauga - good both sides of the ball
1 - Healey - impressive

Other thoughts:

HM to Metcalf. Liked what I saw from him, though it'll take a while for him to get used to leading a team around rather than chiming in from 6.
TMM needs to get a lot more involved. Called some interesting short-side attacks early in tackle counts but didn't get seem to call for the ball much otherwise.
Deaon Amituanai looks like he makes good defensive decisions and can run the ball strongly, but I don't think he fielded any of the kicks that came his way.
Was hoping Leiataua got more involved. I also can't help thinking his skinny legs are going to be an issue for him down the track
Capewell and Niukore both continue to underwhelm
Laban was decent. Pretty sloppy in the play the ball, though, even after he got pinged
None of the other young lads really caught my eye (I said in the gameday thread that Cleary made some good defensive decisions but still looks a long way off FG)