1. Dugan - I liked his involvement tonight, played a bit of distributor and had some nice touches, looked a bit clumsy at times though. Massive metres as usual and looks quick. Still deserves his spot.
2. Matautai - Should not play on the wing, as simple as that, heart attack material under the high ball, doesn't know how to finish a try. (this time and in the panthers game he stepped inside when every other winger would have taken them on the outside) and has too many errors in him. Drop him or move him to left centre
3. Aitken - Really like this kid, just needs to be coached a quick passing game, his run first attitude hurt us with Dugan unmarked on the wing. Still deserves his spot.
4. Lafai - I really don't know, I have never seen him get any clean ball... And that is Widdop's fault, this guy can beat the first defender most times, but I have never seen him one on one. I'd say drop him but I don't think his form is necessarily his fault.
5. Nightingale - Safe as houses. If he was playing on the right, in his preferred position, 2 tries tonight. Losing speed, but persevere for now.
6. Widdop - Worst I have ever seen him play. In fact he hasn't played well all year. His short kicking game is usually a weapon, tonight it cost us. based on the amount of points we are scoring, he and his halves partners should take the brunt of the criticism I'd say drop him but dropping your captain is not the right move
7. McCrone - I liked some of the set plays down the right and he did give Aitken some early ball which was good. Still not sold, a solid halfback utility at least. Not first choice so who knows.
The Pack. The pack have performed admirably this year and I don't think the issue lies with the forward pack, especially not the back row. JDB, Friz and Thommo are shining lights this year. The starting props are doing their job, we havent conceded many points in the first 20 so they are doing something right. It would be good to see them make some more metres, 100+ consistently but I reckon that will come with time.
One of my biggest concerns is our bench.
Cooper - He is our best bench forward and is unlucky not to be starting. But he is a grinder.
Mathews - Errors everywhere and provides no punch in attack
Marketo - Provides no Punch or creativity
Lui - Is just another grinding prop
Havili - underused as a strike player and when playing as a back rower does have errors in his game.
These are just my thoughts, sorry for the long post. Happy discuss solutions (not sacking the coach or the board, just with the team)
