Valheru
Coach
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- 17,644
Obviously not the performance or result we were looking for yesterday. I don't know what it is but the dragons seems to step up for this game and we don't, I said it in the main thread but I don't ever remember us winning as underdogs in this fixture or even playing above ourselves as opposed to saints who do it regularly. To illustrate the point it is 5-6 in ANZAC games dating back to 2011 (I don't count our win in 2020 as it wasn't a proper ANZAC match), however it is 10-0 in non ANZAC games in that period.
On to the actual game and season, I still see no need to panic and there are a lot of 2018 vibes about how the season has unfolded thus far. Defensively we have been fine conceding 52 points the last 4 games which is good going and having the equal 4th best defence overall at this stage. It is the attack that is struggling at the moment combined with very lacklustre starts tot he games which has seen us play from behind more often than not. Yesterday our 2nd half was very good but a few key errors chasing the game cost us ultimately. We didn't deserve to win though and I think we will get far more out of losing than stealing that victory in the long run.
Some change is required but certainly not wholesale. Momo is an issue, he constantly drops the ball when contested (yesterday's was pathetic), is getting given a bath week in week out and doesn't offer anything in attack. I reckon Keighran is the right option as he was serviceable last year leaving young Sualli on the wing who I thought was very good yesterday and will form a deadly combo with Joey as the year progresses.
We also have to find a way to unlock Keary, at the moment Sam is doing it all on his own. Perhaps it is time to swap them back to their natural positions? Our backline greatly benefits from Keary running at the edges and making a decision form there. Sam won't need to play any differently at 7 than he is now at 6 and will continue to play what is in front of him.
Forwards wise we have to forgive JWH and Radley yesterday, apparently both had the flu all week and perhaps should just have not played. SST was very good and young Baker is coming along nicely as well with Collins slowly getting back to form after an ACL and that will just take time as it did with JWH in 2016/17. I am a big fan of Sitilli but he does have a defensive lapse in him and needs to clean that up sooner than later. We would potentially benefit with N Butcher starting and Sitilli coming off the bench as impact.
Hooker? We don't really have much option here than to stick with Verills. He is obviously playing for his career at this stage with Smith arriving next year. Looks like our best option for this year is a combination of him, Hutch and Watson.
Last note on yesterday's game, we have to forgive Tupou as well, he has been near on our best the first 6 games.
3 SST
2 Sualli
1 Walker
Bulldogs next and I expect the team to be hurting, come out firing and produce a good performance. If they don't then we will be at the stage where more significant changes are required.
On to the actual game and season, I still see no need to panic and there are a lot of 2018 vibes about how the season has unfolded thus far. Defensively we have been fine conceding 52 points the last 4 games which is good going and having the equal 4th best defence overall at this stage. It is the attack that is struggling at the moment combined with very lacklustre starts tot he games which has seen us play from behind more often than not. Yesterday our 2nd half was very good but a few key errors chasing the game cost us ultimately. We didn't deserve to win though and I think we will get far more out of losing than stealing that victory in the long run.
Some change is required but certainly not wholesale. Momo is an issue, he constantly drops the ball when contested (yesterday's was pathetic), is getting given a bath week in week out and doesn't offer anything in attack. I reckon Keighran is the right option as he was serviceable last year leaving young Sualli on the wing who I thought was very good yesterday and will form a deadly combo with Joey as the year progresses.
We also have to find a way to unlock Keary, at the moment Sam is doing it all on his own. Perhaps it is time to swap them back to their natural positions? Our backline greatly benefits from Keary running at the edges and making a decision form there. Sam won't need to play any differently at 7 than he is now at 6 and will continue to play what is in front of him.
Forwards wise we have to forgive JWH and Radley yesterday, apparently both had the flu all week and perhaps should just have not played. SST was very good and young Baker is coming along nicely as well with Collins slowly getting back to form after an ACL and that will just take time as it did with JWH in 2016/17. I am a big fan of Sitilli but he does have a defensive lapse in him and needs to clean that up sooner than later. We would potentially benefit with N Butcher starting and Sitilli coming off the bench as impact.
Hooker? We don't really have much option here than to stick with Verills. He is obviously playing for his career at this stage with Smith arriving next year. Looks like our best option for this year is a combination of him, Hutch and Watson.
Last note on yesterday's game, we have to forgive Tupou as well, he has been near on our best the first 6 games.
3 SST
2 Sualli
1 Walker
Bulldogs next and I expect the team to be hurting, come out firing and produce a good performance. If they don't then we will be at the stage where more significant changes are required.
