A Good Start To The Season....Now What?

[Nutz]

Round 1 we could have and possibly should have won against a much improved Knights side.
It was a far better defensive display compared to last year. The Knight's have some attacking weapons in KP and BB but we kept them relatively quiet.
Round 2 we put a disjointed Eels side to the sword 32-6 but it was our defense that impressed me the most. The Eels only got on the board with minutes to play.
Round 3 we finished all over the top of a side that boasts some awesome players at the Dolphins home ground, 30-18.
The way we came back in the second half was something that we couldn't do in previous years.
I've been harping on about the club seemingly not doing enough to address our woeful defensive efforts for our wooden spoon era. Maybe they have done more than what meets the eye.
I think the addition of a couple of elete sportsman has turned the club around already.
A great coach once quoted...
"Confidence is contagious. So is a lack of confidence." (Vince Lombardi)
I think the greatest attributes Luai and Turuva in particular have bought to the club is they are so used to winning that they only know one way to play, a winning way.
Other players are already showing that they are feeding off this. We are staying in the fight.
AD'S goal kicking, a big tick. The re-emergence of To'a.
Alex Twal getting better eack year. He still looks like he needs to take up yoga
So what now as we prepare to play the Warriors at Campbelltown Stadium.
Benji keeps saying in pressers that we have a lot to learn.
I'm guessing that's more about our new backline to gel and know how each other plays and anticipate each other's thoughts and actions.
Our backs will take another 3-6 games playing together before we see more cohesion.
My advice to the team right now would be to just do the 1%'s and stay in the fight. Just play the high percentage game and the attack will happen.
So far, that seems to be what's happening. The game plans have been very simple.
Skelton's hammy may make him unavailable so I guess Staines jumps in. I think the quick shifts on the 5th may continue with the speedster on the wing.
I'm so rapt in Birds signing. He brings arrogance, confidence and toughness. He won't be dominated.
Hunt's fitness is nearly there, and he's so good to watch coming off the back fence.
Any thoughts where we go from here. Any fears or are you confident we'll win this one too.

 

[Tigerm]

Round 1 we could have and possibly should have won against a much improved Knights side.
It was a far better defensive display compared to last year. The Knight's have some attacking weapons in KP and BB but we kept them relatively quiet.
Round 2 we put a disjointed Eels side to the sword 32-6 but it was our defense that impressed me the most. The Eels only got on the board with minutes to play.
Round 3 we finished all over the top of a side that boasts some awesome players at the Dolphins home ground, 30-18.
The way we came back in the second half was something that we couldn't do in previous years.
I've been harping on about the club seemingly not doing enough to address our woeful defensive efforts for our wooden spoon era. Maybe they have done more than what meets the eye.
I think the addition of a couple of elete sportsman has turned the club around already.
A great coach once quoted...
"Confidence is contagious. So is a lack of confidence." (Vince Lombardi)
I think the greatest attributes Luai and Turuva in particular have bought to the club is they are so used to winning that they only know one way to play, a winning way.
Other players are already showing that they are feeding off this. We are staying in the fight.
AD'S goal kicking, a big tick. The re-emergence of To'a.
Alex Twal getting better eack year. He still looks like he needs to take up yoga
So what now as we prepare to play the Warriors at Campbelltown Stadium.
Benji keeps saying in pressers that we have a lot to learn.
I'm guessing that's more about our new backline to gel and know how each other plays and anticipate each other's thoughts and actions.
Our backs will take another 3-6 games playing together before we see more cohesion.
My advice to the team right now would be to just do the 1%'s and stay in the fight. Just play the high percentage game and the attack will happen.
So far, that seems to be what's happening. The game plans have been very simple.
Skelton's hammy may make him unavailable so I guess Staines jumps in. I think the quick shifts on the 5th may continue with the speedster on the wing.
I'm so rapt in Birds signing. He brings arrogance, confidence and toughness. He won't be dominated.
Hunt's fitness is nearly there, and he's so good to watch coming off the back fence.
Any thoughts where we go from here. Any fears or are you confident we'll this one.

I agree, we should be 3 & 0.

It's early days and we've had false dawns before, but I see enough already to say that we will certainly win more than we lose, so I think it's fair to start dreaming of top 8.

It was going to happen sooner or later, I think we are just so use to losing, we just can't see it.

The team that they have assembled is amazing, considering we are the 3peat Spooners.

And the fact that they are contributing, is wonderful.

He hasn't shown his hand yet, but I give a lot of credit to Luai, his off the ball work is keeping everyone on their toes. When he finally shows us his game, watch out.

Then of course, we will have both him and Galvin start gelling it's buckle up time.

I think Galvin will stay and learn his craft for Luai, as will TDS stay to learn from Api. Why would they go?

Good times ahead and a dynasty awaits.

 

[Nutz]

I think we are just so use to losing, we just can't see it.

Agree, that's what I meant by Luai and co only know one way.... WIN
and as Lombardi said, confidence is infectious but so is lack thereof.
How many times have you seen our body language drop last year after the opposition scored. They often just submitted.
However twice already this year we stayed in the fight. Running on the 5th and scoring a great try whilst behind shows confidence to play like winners.
I thought Samuela Fainu looked more agro with a nude nut compared to his now normal hairdo.
All the players need to shave their heads or have crew cuts and get barbed wire tattoos across their faces.

 

[Nutz]

I agree, we should be 3 & 0.

It's early days and we've had false dawns before, but I see enough already to say that we will certainly win more than we lose, so I think it's fair to start dreaming of top 8.

It was going to happen sooner or later, I think we are just so use to losing, we just can't see it.

The team that they have assembled is amazing, considering we are the 3peat Spooners.

And the fact that they are contributing, is wonderful.

He hasn't shown his hand yet, but I give a lot of credit to Luai, his off the ball work is keeping everyone on their toes. When he finally shows us his game, watch out.

Then of course, we will have both him and Galvin start gelling it's buckle up time.

I think Galvin will stay and learn his craft for Luai, as will TDS stay to learn from Api. Why would they go?

Good times ahead and a dynasty awaits.

You can see Benji is grooming DaSilva to eventually replace Api.
DaSilva and Galvin have been mates during pathways and won a HM title together.
The Dynasty your talking about could last 6 years with our spine at the top.
Imagine the NSW SOO team in 2027 being Bula, DaSilva, Luai and Galvin the spine and Skelton and Turuva the wings and May best forward on ground.

 

[Tiger05]

Any thoughts where we go from here. Any fears or are you confident we'll win this one too.

I said at the start of the year that we would win the comp. That would be extremely unlikely but we have a squad that can compete and could win the comp.

We have a good pack of forwards, enough outside backs, a quality spine and our depth isn't terrible.

The question to me is can we develop a quality attack. We are only going to go far if we get out attack firing. That hasn't happened yet but we have time.

We should win this week but we should have won the first week. Canberra had to beat Manly yesterday and they were smashed.

Benji has to get the attack firing. We won't make the finals and we definitely won't progress in the finals unless we can blow teams off the park.

 

[Nutz]

I said at the start of the year that we would win the comp. That would be extremely unlikely but we have a squad that can compete and could win the comp.

We have a good pack of forwards, enough outside backs, a quality spine and our depth isn't terrible.

The question to me is can we develop a quality attack. We are only going to go far if we get out attack firing. That hasn't happened yet but we have time.

We should win this week but we should have won the first week. Canberra had to beat Manly yesterday and they were smashed.

Benji has to get the attack firing. We won't make the finals and we definitely won't progress in the finals unless we can blow teams off the park.

Api's suspension and Luai leaving Galvin basically by himself in the trials really hasn't been a perfect preparation for our spine. Bula too wasn't perfect prep.
Trust me, it takes time for a backline to become a well oiled machine.
Now that block plays are scrutinised more than ever, there is now a trend of transitioning quicker. Setting up the final raid requires heads up play and finally quick slick passing.
Young fellas like Galvin have been bought up under this new form of attack an looks comfortable.
However guys like AD still look a little clunky.
Let's assess in 4 weeks We'll know how we are going by then.

 

[DJDL]

You guys are doing well, and it's good to see.
To me you still look short 1-2 dominant middles, plus an edge and a centre.

May is doing well, but needs help.
Royce only plays short stints so I'd like to see another big body out there.

Seyfarth has improved, but I think to really challenge you need a Solomona Fainu clone on the right.

And I'm not sold on either of To'a or Douei.

But you're not far off.

 

[Tiger Ted]

I’m extremely pleased with what I’m seeing with our team.With our excellent spine props & wingers we undoubtedly have the ingredients of a very competitive team who are a contender for the 8.As I’ve said a no. of times my concern is depth in the forwards.As much as I want Taylan May to arrive at Concord I’d prefer a few decent forward recruits

 

[Tigerm]

You guys are doing well, and it's good to see.
To me you still look short 1-2 dominant middles, plus an edge and a centre.

May is doing well, but needs help.
Royce only plays short stints so I'd like to see another big body out there.

Seyfarth has improved, but I think to really challenge you need a Solomona Fainu clone on the right.

And I'm not sold on either of To'a or Douei.

But you're not far off.

Cheers
Both centres have been surprisingly quite good for us.
TBH, I’m not unhappy with Seyfarth, Sa Fainu and Twal atm.
But hopefully always looking.

 

[Nutz]

You guys are doing well, and it's good to see.
To me you still look short 1-2 dominant middles, plus an edge and a centre.

May is doing well, but needs help.
Royce only plays short stints so I'd like to see another big body out there.

Seyfarth has improved, but I think to really challenge you need a Solomona Fainu clone on the right.

And I'm not sold on either of To'a or Douei.

But you're not far off.

Royce seems to be fitter all of a sudden. I think the torture camp took it out of the big fella.
Your right though, one more big unit would be good.
Rumour has it that Payne Haas has been given the green light to negotiate for a release early and is keen to join his best mate Sione Fainu at the Tigers.

 

[Tiger05]

Let's assess in 4 weeks We'll know how we are going by then.

If I didn't make it clear in my post it could take a lot longer than 4 weeks. It's not something to judge so quickly but we will go nowhere unless we get our attack right.

As for a timeframe I honestly think we only need to find attacking form late in the season. We need to win games though up until that point.

 

[Tiger05]

You guys are doing well, and it's good to see.
To me you still look short 1-2 dominant middles, plus an edge and a centre.

May is doing well, but needs help.
Royce only plays short stints so I'd like to see another big body out there.

Seyfarth has improved, but I think to really challenge you need a Solomona Fainu clone on the right.

And I'm not sold on either of To'a or Douei.

But you're not far off.

I think our middles are better than fine. I think we can match any bunch of middles in the comp. I also think our edges are servicable.

The squad is fine.

 

[Tiger05]

Cheers
Both centres have been surprisingly quite good for us.
TBH, I’m not unhappy with Seyfarth, Sa Fainu and Twal atm.
But hopefully always looking.

We have a good squad. It's not fantasy footy. Those guys you mention have been great. To'a and Doueihi have also been awesome.

 

[Nutz]

Ill

If I didn't make it clear in my post it could take a lot longer than 4 weeks. It's not something to judge so quickly but we will go nowhere unless we get our attack right.

As for a timeframe I honestly think we only need to find attacking form late in the season. We need to win games though up until that point.

I'll go by what Benji said. He wants to see improvement in every game.
This is the best way to analyse how your team is going.
If your not improving, even slightly, then the chances are your going backwards.
Baby steps are better than nuppin.

 

[Tigerm]

Ill
I'll go by what Benji said. He wants to see improvement in every game.
This is the best way to analyse how your team is going.
If your not improving, even slightly, then the chances are your going backwards.
Baby steps are better than nuppin.

Though we were starting from the bottom step, so anything looks like an improvement.
TBH, I not unhappy with how we are going and as we grind on, we will only get better.

 

[Nutz]

If I didn't make it clear in my post it could take a lot longer than 4 weeks. It's not something to judge so quickly but we will go nowhere unless we get our attack right.

As for a timeframe I honestly think we only need to find attacking form late in the season. We need to win games though up until that point.

Yep, gotcha. I don't really care how we win and by what margin.
The best thing for us is to have a healthy for and against towards the backend of the season.
Which means no 70pt thrashings.

 

[Nutz]

Though we were starting from the bottom step, so anything looks like an improvement.
TBH, I not unhappy with how we are going and as we grind on, we will only get better.

Mate I'm rapt. What were we last year 5-0 or something like that? I can't remember.

 

[Tigerm]

Royce seems to be fitter all of a sudden. I think the torture camp took it out of the big fella.
Your right though, one more big unit would be good.
Rumour has it that Payne Haas has been given the green light to negotiate for a release early and is keen to join his best mate Sione Fainu at the Tigers.

I didn't realise we needed another reserve grader?

 

[Tiger05]

I didn't realise we needed another reserve grader?

How good is Hass. I reckon May is a top tier prop but Hass is so much better than him. It's crazy shit. I have never seen a prop with Hass running ability.

 

[Nutz]

How good is Hass. I reckon May is a top tier prop but Hass is so much better than him. It's crazy shit. I have never seen a prop with Hass running ability.

Did you have him as your captain, He scored me 212 pts