Top of the morning to you all. Long time reader, first time poster.
I thought I might just put some of my thoughts out there. I am thick skinned so brand me as you will, but I think there was a lot of positives to be seen to go with the negatives that have been covered off so far. Obviously Souths line up is a lot more settled then ours as you would expect after last year so we did do a lot of chopping and changing to test players in different positions.
Some things I noticed were, though our set plays were 'rusty' they were slowly getting better as the game wore on. As we all should remember, Boyd was not at all an instant success at fullback so we should give Beale time to find his feet and this will assist in the execution of the set plays.
The hooker rotation of King and Rein will be the best in the game if they both stay fit. Once got onto the front foot both players controlled the ruck quite well and both were keeping the markers and defensive line guessing. I am of the thought that King should start and Rein used as that impact type player with his elusiveness.
Drinkwater should be our halfback. I thought he was good in the time he had on the paddock organising plays and taking on the defensive line. Where does this leave fein? I think in the same position Luke Priddis was left when Fein came back from injury in 2010. He should take up that mentor role for the younger players and play second fiddle.
Merrin although a good player should remain in the front row IMO. Our front row was OK last night but the rotation of him, Hunt and Weyman is a very good and should not be broken up. Prior and Henderson put up very admirable performances and should be considered for a bench spot.
Vidot. What can you say? He is a big boy who can't read a defence. He can run and hit the line hard but his defence needs time to develop from a wingers mentality to a centres. Tough decision for Price in that position between him and Stanley.
I am not trying to polish a turd, but I did think there was some positives out there last night. I still think Price has it in him to be a very good coach but he has to learn to make the hard choices like Drinkwater over Fein etc. I am not prepared to write us off for the season because I still believe if he makes the hard choices and and our guys improve the basics, I think we will be competitive. Bring on season proper.
