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. Tuaupiki. 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)

 

[Meth]

I thought Capewell was much more underwhelming than Niukore

 

[Penrose Warrior]

I Capewell was much more underwhelming than Niukore

I agree, although I wish someone would remind Marata he's a massive bastard who used to put fear into opposition edges.

3. Healey. I know he hasn't played an NRL game yet but I reckon he might be putting pressure on Egan for the starting 9 jersey this season. If he goes well next week, has to be in our round one team.

2. Tuaupiki. Bitter sweet because he very likely is only injury cover. I don't reckon he's a winger. And I'm not sure he'll make it at our club unless there's long term injuries. Could possibly play a similar 6 role to Jayden Campbell, but we have a few of those.

1. Vaimauga. Solid, uses his frame, that offload for the CNK try was music to my eyes.

CNK was solid, which he generally is. Metcalfe also ran the show pretty well.

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

I went to the game so i got to see a few different things compared to the telly.

3. Bunty
I thought we should of got rid of him and kept Zyon. But his post contact metres and hitups were impressive

2 Tauapiki
Like most in here agree, he needs to be in the team somewhere.

1. Vaimauga/Metcalf/Stowers Smith

I know im the CEO and Managing Director of the FO club but seriously WTF is up with this guy. So So much potential with his size and speed but ZERO fkn brains. We were sitting on his side in the 1st half and I just laughed at the unsuprising errors he produced. I was watching when the SHarks were doing a play down his side and he moved up and then he just laboured back and it looked like he just drifted off to another planet as the following play the ball Martin and Pompey moved up and he just slowly turned around and then relized he was about 4 paces behind them. Its like he completely switched off???

Worst Warriors of all time. Makes Dane Neilson look like Latrell!!

Luke Capewell was close to the sh1t stain that Kosi was. He just had no skill or attacking nous to fool a defender. He can play reserve grade and stick Laban in there

2nd half was great when all the young ones came on. So much to prove and all the enthusiasm to match. Funny thing, my Mrs goes when did Jazz come back and play for us cos he is having a great game. Was actually Stowers Smith lol
Sharks could of done better with the crowd, not opening the gates (actually only 1 gate) to let about 9000 people in at 7pm was rubbish.

Also it is the 1st game of 2025 and already the young Sharks supporters with a few beers in them were on the obnoxious racist vibes in what they were yelling out.

So yeah, only a trial but i like what i see