What an incredible win last weekend – the Crusade is still buzzing from it. For the first time since a certain halfback retired, the Knights actually smacked a team. Granted, the Bunnies were terrible and we didn’t run away with it until the latter stages of the game, but we physically dominated them, and eight tries to three is a demolition in anyone’s language. Factor in Sau’s ridiculously disallowed try, and some shonky goalkicking, and we should have hit 50.
Though I usually try to mention the best performers of the previous game, there is simply no point this week as they were all fantastic. With Simmo and Mullo to come back, those demoted should almost feel hard done by. On the goalkicking, what happened? I give Kurt’s kicking (and the kick coach) a wrap, and then he can’t buy one!
Not wanting to dampen the good vibes coming out of the camp at the moment, but it must be said recruitment for 2009 has a lot of Knights fans scratching their heads. We have two very good (but surely not very expensive) props off contract and told they are not wanted, and “old man river” McDougall in the form of his career and similarly discarded – and that is without mentioning the impressive juniors we are losing. While the decision on Mad Dog is almost understandable given his age, the resolution to gut our engine room is downright baffling. White put in the best individual performance of the year by any Knights prop last week, and Royal has been our overall best prop of the year. The decision to cut them loose and rely on specialist backrowers to cover prop verges on the bizarre. 2008 has undoubtedly shown the necessity of depth in the front row. We hope it isn’t too late for Smithy to change his mind.
Monday night’s game against the Eels will define our season, and we urge all Knights fans to be there to watch the drama unfold. While the Eels last game has taken the mantle as the most boring game of Rugby League perhaps ever, they have a quality roster and might have Feleti Mateo back to spark them in to action. Although the Knights will be close to full strength, they will need a large and vocal crowd to carry them home.
there you go, this weeks column.
