Camden Trial vs Penrith

[The Rosco]

Ahh . . . bloody trial matches. If we lose, then it's only a trial. When we win, the future looks good !.

On last night's efforts, things are looking good for us tragic Tigers. I went out to the game with another tragic mate of mine and we both walked away feeling positive.
While it is wrong to base season assumptions on 1 trial match . . . that's pretty much all we have to go on. So here are my thoughts . . . . .

Be confident, my fellow fans. Blake Austin is some piece of work. He played a sublime role last night. His passing, dummying and running answers the 5/8 question for us.
While Banasta actually played a good game, Austin is our answer to the 5/8 question. Hands down.
Our backs attacked with purpose. Lawrence's wieght loss HAS put some pace back on him. Pat slotted back in as if he hadn't left. Lulia played strongly also.
The biggest realisation came in the forwards. It took a while to put my finger on it, but the great change came from us actually going forward with the ball and developing these fabled "roll-ons" that as WT supporters, we have sadly rarely seen.
Gavet ( gav-ay ) from the French word for big unit, is a machine. he was a steamroller, in fact. Tapau, Woods, Paterson all played well as a pack. These forwards were offloading, as well !
We were actually defending so well, we stopped them on the ad-line, and they went no further. This allowed our defence to set itself on the 10m line, and not have to backpedal when the ball carrier forged ahead.
Our defence was hitting them, and they stayed hit exactly where they got hit. This is new and unexplored ground for WT.

Be happy fans. Based on last night, we have a forward pack that will instil fear, some backs that can scorch the grass, and a defensive mindset that is as good as the top teams.

Yes it's only pre-season. Yes, it was an under-strength Penrith. But last night's effort delivered a ton of hope for us long-suffering WT tragics. Bring it on!!!!!!!!!

 

[Non Terminator]

You never know with trials. We only started taking notice with Sam Moa with the trials and look what happened to him.

 

[Matchball]

Halutau broke his ankle and is out 4 months.
How did he play for the first half?

 

[Tigers Tale]

Thanks for the update Rosco...it all sounds good.

The comments about Austin excite me, I just hope he gets the chance to form a partnership with Brooks....and the forwards, music to my ears.

 

[innsaneink]

Austins always had the skills...just needs a chance and self belief, and a goal

Was stoked with his signing

 

[umina panther]

Austin was never given a real chance here. Must of been frustrating sitting behind nuffies like Walsh

 

[BuffaloRules]

Penrith are becoming the Tigers biatches.

Couple of years ago the Tigers couldn't buy a win against them.

 

[DJShaksta]

Anyone that followed NSW cup last year knew Austin was a gun.
Good to see him kick on, hopefully he plays well this year. Just not against Cronulla

 

[magpie4ever]

Good to hear Blake Austin had a corker of a game. I was impressed when I read the article that he had dropped 9kgs down to 93kgs - great weght for a modern day 5/8.

If him and Brooks click, it could be a half decent year.

 

[The Rosco]

Yeah . . . I was next to a father/son Penrith mad pair. Nice people, and knowledgeable and passionate as well.
Said the same positive things about Austin. Apparently a couple of injuries held him back at 'riff.
There is no real reason that Books and Austin will not form a top-flight halves combo later this season. Top 5 halves pairing is not out of the question. . . . potentially. They both create time with the ball, and are both very talented. Surely they will combine well.
Dene was playing well till he got busted.
It's hard to judge it fairly coz we had such a glut of possession in the first 7 minutes. We scored twice, had all the ball and all the game at that stage. So we all looked like champions!
Once more . . . there were PLENTY of positives for us last night.

 

[DanOz]

Austin has the skills but has lacked consistency - even said as much in a recent interview. But change of clubs could prove just what he needs. Worked for Scott Prince

 

[innsaneink]

He is still a player in development, has a lot to learn still and consistency comes with time and experience

 

[Vic Mackey]

Penrith stuffed him around. They constantly moved him between five-eighth, backdown and center...hell the 1 game in first grade he played last year was at halfback. Maybe he also had a bit of an attitude problem, has anyone seen the photos of him last year? Deadset he looked like George Rose, now he looks like he could do the Hawaiian iron man.

Remember 3 years ago Austin was the Luke Brooks of today, sure not every school boy superstar goes onto bigger and better things, but he was rated the best junior going around.

 

[Pistol_Pete]

I have given up going to trials. It's bad enough sitting among the geniuss we seem to attract to home games in this day and age, let alone the sort that get along to trial games. Austin playing blindfolded would be an upgrade on that oxygen thief anasta.

Anasta will win my Dally M scapegoat of the year this season and he'll have it wrapped up by the end of March the clown

 

[spearby]

where can you play Austin potter has said he wants anasta at 5/8 brooks at 1/2 can he play any where else maybe back up hooker

 

[DanOz]

where can you play Austin potter has said he wants anasta at 5/8 brooks at 1/2 can he play any where else maybe back up hooker

If Potter starts with Anasta to take some pressure off Brooks, unless Braith unexpectedly kills it I hope Austin takes over after a month and Braith shows his professionalism at training and in the grand stand.

Please don't put Austin on the bench, that would be a Sheens move, and please don't give Farah a rest. If he can make a 60+ tackles at origin playing 80 mins or whatever it was, I am sure he doesn't need interchange. Farah off the field at any time is a mistake

 

[spearby]

If Potter starts with Anasta to take some pressure off Brooks, unless Braith unexpectedly kills it I hope Austin takes over after a month and Braith shows his professionalism at training and in the grand stand.

Please don't put Austin on the bench, that would be a Sheens move, and please don't give Farah a rest. If he can make a 60+ tackles at origin playing 80 mins or whatever it was, I am sure he doesn't need interchange. Farah off the field at any time is a mistake

if you don't want Austin on the bench just where do we put him. remember you have moses breathing down both there necks and I have no doubt he will be brooks 5/8 next year

 

[DanOz]

if you don't want Austin on the bench just where do we put him. remember you have moses breathing down both there necks and I have no doubt he will be brooks 5/8 next year

Either start him or leave him out. I hate having a back on the bench who either doesn't get used or plays 10 mins leaving us with a 3 man forward interchange.

 

[Shanghai Charlie]

Austin plays. 4 bench forwrds. Siro gives backs insurance.
Anastasia is not first grade standard.
Any Roosters fan will tell you he wasnt his last three tears with them.

 

[The Rosco]

While Potter does seem to have banasta lined for the 5/8 role, he is not a stupid man.
Potter, that is, not banasta.
Austin needs to live up to the hype and build some consistency in his game. Once he has put together a few good performances, his case for the starting 5/8 will be far too strong for Potter to ignore.
On the other hand, there is a whole school of thought that would prefer the experience of banasta alongside the rookie for guidance. :?
If Austin and Brooks succeed as hoped in '14 and maybe '15, then Moses can have an extra
season to put on some size.