Around the Grounds

[Woosh]

How did Lomax end up with the goal kicking duties?
NSW would’ve won if the old man was kicking for them

 

[Yosh]

Just on Ponga, he made one half break yesterday. He used to make 5-6 every game. His passing game was dangerous because defenses were worried about his running game. Feels like he has lost his running game this season.

Never was an effort player like Edwards but at least he was super dangerous with the ball throughout most games but that's gone now. Wonder what he is thinking.

 

[Apey]

View attachment 103305

How did Lomax end up with the goal kicking duties?
NSW would’ve won if the old man was kicking for them

Can you ask ChatGPT if NSW would have won with Dane Gagai kicking goals for NSW please?

 

[Woosh]

Just on Ponga, he made one half break yesterday. He used to make 5-6 every game. His passing game was dangerous because defenses were worried about his running game. Feels like he has lost his running game this season.

Never was an effort player like Edwards but at least he was super dangerous with the ball throughout most games but that's gone now. Wonder what he is thinking.

Age. Ponga can’t keep relying solely on individual brilliance.
He should look at how Shaun Johnson and Benji Marshall evolved their games as they began to lose their speed and agility.
The worry is that Ponga has never really been a student of the game

 

[Woosh]

Can you ask ChatGPT if NSW would have won with Dane Gagai kicking goals for NSW please?

haha are you still upset about the Wong no try?

 

[Yosh]

Age. Ponga can’t keep relying solely on individual brilliance.
He should look at how Shaun Johnson and Benji Marshall evolved their games as they began to lose their speed and agility.
The worry is that Ponga has never really been a student of the game

He is just entering his prime? Only just 27. Not like he is 33....

 

[Apey]

haha are you still upset about the Wong no try?

Why are you sharing that video? I already knew the only reason you gave a shit in the first place was because Gagai talked about it in the press conference.

No, I was hoping you using ChatGPT to reinforce your opinions was going to be a fresh new addition to your posts in here.

 

[Woody90]

100% on the defending in the line bit. If anyone thinks that is on Ponga... well I don't know what to tell you anymore.

I just really don’t think Slater coached him to stay defending in the line and not being ready to defend where he needed to be. Honestly he wasnt even in the frame when a few of NSW tries went through. It was really rookie stuff.

FTR I don’t think KP defending in the line so much was his biggest error last night. More brought it up to say I don’t think injuries were hampering him too much given he seemed to be looking for contact.

 

[Burwood]

Anyone not watching it, Newcastle boys are doing well for NSW U19. Votano setting up 2 tries in quick succession and Hopwood getting over the line.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

Votano needs to get to kicks on the full though. He's let a couple bounce now to near disaster

 

[AusKnightRKO]

Both boys have had a great night.

 

[Woody90]

Hopwood looks an incredible prospect tbh. Still needs to fill out too. Looks like he could be the best junior we’ve had come through in a long time. Helps he plays a position we need too.

Votano’s very classy. I have some small concerns regarding his athleticism for the NRL, hopefully another off season will help.

 

[Woosh]

He is just entering his prime? Only just 27. Not like he is 33....

He looks 37 though. Poor lad hasn’t aged well.
He’s been taking a battering ever since he came into first grade.

Some players tend to peak early, particularly those who rely heavily on their agility.
Milford is a prime example.
His best years came early in his Raiders/Broncos days.
After losing some of his athleticism, he tried to being more of an organiser, but it was clear his heart wasn’t in it

 

[Walk On Home Boy]

I can't excuse Ponga for the way he played last night. Thought he was worst on field. Not just defensively but he's atrocious under the high ball. The most alarming aspect for me though is that he's lost agility and pace. His best years are behind him and this rabble of a club wasted those years. For me the clubs greatest failing is not putting a good enough side/coach around Ponga over the past 6 years. Unforgivable.

I'm pretty close to saying it's time to move on from Ponga. He's either injured, out of form or trying to carry the whole team. He's 27. He's not getting faster or more durable from here.