Match Discussion: Finals Week 1 vs Parramatta @ Browne Park

[Old dog]

Have to agree with above comments, too late to change the system of play just go out and play strong up middle with occasional wider plays with Ponga, Clifford and Pearce chiming in.
We may be a bit restricted in middle with Klemmer and JSaf carrying a injury or not playing but we have no choice but to stick with what we have and how we play.
Next season hopefully we expand our game due to a more injury free team and a bit of extra zip from Gagai.

 

[Mr_Knightside]

The off season is the time to overhaul our attack. Not the week leading up to a finals match.

 

[Tom155]

 

[The Axe of Druss]

Poor bloke. Has had zero luck with injuries

 

[Burwood]

I know he’s out for the season, but at least that only equates to one game

 

[Still Nutty]

This corresponding game last season against the Bunnies, we were up 10-0 after 12 minutes and only down 14-20 at half time...but we ended up getting rolled 46-20.

This is the sort of Game Dan, Ponga, Pearce, etc. need to bring a State of Origin siege mentality to this team in defence. Parra average just over 22.5 points a game this season in attack...our biggest job is to reduce that by 6-8 points.

In defence they average letting in just over 18 points a game...if we do the job in defence and score the average points they let in a game in attack, we should finish in front (sounds easy, right )

To achieve this and have any chance of winning we need to focus on:

* coming out strong and out enthusing them for at least the first 20 minutes
* having consistent line speed for most of the 80 minutes
* keeping our errors to a season low, and
* maintaining a completion rate upwards of 90%.

If we are disciplined, play out the full 80 minutes and believe we deserve to be there we have a chance.

 

[Tom155]

Always hope however small & unlikely

Think of all the teams above us we have the best chance of an upset against Parra

 

[The Axe of Druss]

Our biggest issue is our missed tackles and errors out on both edges

Mann and Best have been the biggest culprits and need to tighten things up or Parra are going to score 1000 trys on us

 

[Burwood]

I'm hoping that Mann's and Best's terrible defence last round can be (partly) explained by the fact that they had two new backrowers inside of them, and maybe they weren't as trusting in them as they needed to be. Fingers crossed Barnett and Frizell can help out a bit more this week.

 

[Old dog]

Saw a reaction from him during game and thought he might have a recurring injury, hopefully not serious and fit and well for next season

 

[Old dog]

I’d have considered Randall at 14 with Watson starting but now won’t happen so back to Sue 13, assuming all fit and Watson to 14.
Seems most on here prefer Watson at 14 but not always the coach, Saf’s starting, King and Klem on bench with Sue at 13 with Watson on later and Jones other bench covers everything.
Based on latest form my worries are Ponga, Mann, Best and Pearce but all are capable of stepping up

 

[Knight Tales]

I think our best bet is to be as rested up as possible. Reduce the time the players have to focus on the game itself. Light training and trust the process I guarantee our players overthink their game.
it would be grand if Obi said just go out there and play what you see. Hold the middle and go for it. I’ll take a loss on the back of attempts to push the issue in attack, and asking big questions of their defence they never saw coming.

 

[Tom155]

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Enari Tuala
3. Kurt Mann
4. Bradman Best
5. Hymel Hunt
6. Jake Clifford
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Jayden Brailey (c)
10. Daniel Saifiti
11. Tyson Frizell
12. Mitch Barnett
13. Connor Watson

Interchange:
14. Sauaso Sue
15. David Klemmer
16. Josh King
17. Brodie Jones

Extended Bench:
18. Phoenix Crossland
19. Jirah Momoisea
20. Simi Sasagi
21. Jack Johns

 

[Yosh]

Feels weird having a full strength side for an important game. We not missing anyone at all right?

 

[Jono078]

Feels weird having a full strength side for an important game. We not missing anyone at all right?

I was also going to say, not many have the luxury of naming their best 17 for week 1 of the finals.

Really you’d only say Edrick Lee is missing from that and MAYBE Fitz as a bench option.

 

[Old dog]

No Saulo in ext squad so Obi confident that DanS, Klem and Sue ok to go, still don’t understand Sue, Watson selection but it may change game day

 

[mozza91]

Feels weird having a full strength side for an important game. We not missing anyone at all right?

Fitzy and Lee who hasn’t been fit all year anyway.
No excuses this weekend.

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

No Saulo in ext squad so Obi confident that DanS, Klem and Sue ok to go, still don’t understand Sue, Watson selection but it may change game day

100% it will

 

[Zoidberg]

I’ve actually not noticed, has Brailey always been captain when he has played or did it go to Ponga for a while even with Brails in the team?

 

[Jono078]

I’ve actually not noticed, has Brailey always been captain when he has played or did it go to Ponga for a while even with Brails in the team?

Good pick-up. AOB said Ponga would have the (C) next to his name since he was named captain.

Don't think I'd look too far into it but perhaps he's trying to alleviate a bit of pressure from Ponga?