Match Discussion: Finals Week 1 vs North Qld @ Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville / Wulgurukaba

[Woody90]

I feel the same. A prelim would be a good look given where the team came from during the year. That said, it's always questionable how successful the coach is when the team is essentially carried by a single player, ala last year.

I actually don’t think Ponga carried us last season as much as it’s made out. The whole side was in better form and we were playing some really good football at the start of the season last year while he was out. We still win a lot of those games at the end of the year without him IMO as the whole squad was really confident and in form.

He’s definitely carrying the squad now though which to me says we’ve gone back to Ponga ball rather than a style that suits the overall squad and a big part of that’s on coaching.

 

[Zoidberg]

He’s definitely carrying the squad now though which to me says we’ve gone back to Ponga ball rather than a style that suits the overall squad and a big part of that’s on coaching.

Probably due to not having a settled halves pairing all year. Have to use what we got.

 

[Knight Tales]

A few trick shots we have not seen all season, being executed well, would be something I hope to see tonight. Something which puts them back on their heels and blows their game plan apart. Bellamy said it just now. It is a different season and it is all about intensity and execution. Whoever holds out longest wins.

 

[Yosh]

I actually don’t think Ponga carried us last season as much as it’s made out. The whole side was in better form and we were playing some really good football at the start of the season last year while he was out. We still win a lot of those games at the end of the year without him IMO as the whole squad was really confident and in form.

He’s definitely carrying the squad now though which to me says we’ve gone back to Ponga ball rather than a style that suits the overall squad and a big part of that’s on coaching.

I don't think it's 100% like that. The team has to do their role (defend well, get field position, make supporting runs etc) and Ponga is there to get us those 2 or 3 tries a game. If the team can't lay a platform for Ponga, he won't be able to win the game for us. It's not just Ponga carrying the team anymore. It's good synergy if you ask me.

 

[Woody90]

I don't think it's 100% like that. The team has to do their role (defend well, get field position, make supporting runs etc) and Ponga is there to get us those 2 or 3 tries a game. If the team can't lay a platform for Ponga, he won't be able to win the game for us. It's not just Ponga carrying the team anymore. It's good synergy if you ask me.

What I’m saying is that I think last year the team was doing a good job in attack of laying a good platform and then when Ponga came back he could play off the back of that and just chime in if and when needed. The platform was good though so we still played well in attack and scored plenty of points when he wasn’t there.

At the moment we’re basically relying on Ponga to do everything which isn’t a good thing.

 

[Yosh]

What I’m saying is that I think last year the team was doing a good job in attack of laying a good platform and then when Ponga came back he could play off the back of that and just chime in if and when needed. The platform was good though so we still played well in attack and scored plenty of points when he wasn’t there.

At the moment we’re basically relying on Ponga to do everything which isn’t a good thing.

Our forwards have been excellent lately. Backline also excellent. Our halves aren't creating much in attack but Crossland is a class defender and supporting well on his side while Cogger's kicking game has been first class.

 

[Woody90]

Our forwards have been excellent lately. Backline also excellent. Our halves aren't creating much in attack but Crossland is a class defender and supporting well on his side while Cogger's kicking game has been first class.

I agree our forwards and backs have been good, but KP set up our only points last week.

 

[Knight Tales]

Cronulla are so dead average it makes winning tonight a massive carrot.

 

[Apey]

I just hope we put in tonight and do ourselves proud. I don't want a repeat of the Warriors game.

 

[Mr_Knightside]

I just hope we put in tonight and do ourselves proud. I don't want a repeat of the Warriors game.

Yeah I agree. I can live with a loss as long as we hold our gloves up and make them earn it.

 

[Tom155]

Team unchanged, Cant 18th man

NRL Final Team: Cowboys v Knights

The team is in for their Elimination Final showdown against the North Queensland Cowboys tonight in Townsville.

www.newcastleknights.com.au

 

[Woody90]

Expecting the worst, hoping for the best.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

Defence will win the game tonight, not attack. If the boys frustrate the Cowboys into making mistakes we'll have them

 

[Jono078]

Expecting the worst, hoping for the best.

In all honesty, this has been my mantra for the past 2 decades when it comes to the Knights.

We are either put out of our misery tonight or we continue having a glimmer of hope for another week.

 

[ColdWetPanther]

I think the Knights might do it tonight.

 

[Zoidberg]

I’m trying to stay calm but my heart rate is already increasing.

 

[perverse]

Both Brandy and Ennis in the box tonight. Yes, excellent.

 

[Knight Tales]

our style of play is actually perfect for today. Goes without saying we have to stop them out of the blocks.

 

[Tom155]

KPP never got anywhere near it f**k off ref

 

[Woody90]

KP really needs to start looking where he’s passing.