I wasn't overly impressed by us, but I temper that with the fact that it was obviously a heavy ground, it's very early in the trial phase, and really to me the whole thing was more about the 6k or so sitting in the stands and lining the embankments around the ground than the game itself. The two clubs players will forget this as a match within months, this game will live in West Coast history for a very, very long time to come. I know as a West Coaster myself I had a tear in the eye to see the park like it was, to see some great people surrounding the ground, and the true rugby league pioneering spirit of the Coast out in force to try and find solace from the game in the face of just a horrendous tragedy. I couldn't be prouder of everyone involved.
So before I give any thoughts on the game itself, I want to firstly congratulate and thank the Warriors, the Newcastle Knights, the West Coast Rugby League & Peter Kerridge, and all the volunteers rugby union players included who made this happen. It was good to see the union boys commemorating the spirit of the Michael Monk, one of the West Coast reps, by ensuring the park was ready. And what an effort just to get it ready, it was basically relaid after the trial was announced. Add in a big volume of rain in the interim and the fact that its all basically volunteers with a bit of council assistance and a thoroughly outstanding effort.
As for the game itself...
Boys are going to have to fix up their play-the-balls. Cost them, big time.
Inu's defence... appalling.
Fisiiahi played great, Locke made some good cover defending tackles though, but just didn't get involved with the ball enough
Moon outstanding
Mateo involved and smart
Godinet reminds me a bit of Preston Campbell, great acceleration off the mark and bobbing up at the right place at the right time
Mara made a massive difference in at dummy half
Taylor and Henry got burned in the centres
Where was Upu Poching? Injured?
James Gavet went well in limited time
Houma looks physically impressive, hands let him down though
Steve Rapira still a good defender, not sure of his impact ball in hand
Luck got owned for running like a pussy
Last 10 minutes was a concern - was it mental or physical fatigue?
Seymour had a couple of good moments but generally our last play options were poor
Berro was quiet, linked well in Tupou's try though
Best on ground for me was Moon, followed closely by Godinet. Moon for me nearly cemented his centres position. He looks to have gained a bit of speed which was his only real concern for me. Ones to be nervous would be Locke and Inu, the Fish is bearing down on them both for that wing spot.