Match Discussion: Round 1 vs Canterbury @ McDonald Jones Stadium

[Jono078]

Phoenix in for Mann next week or move Watson or something else entirely

Crossland.

Once again disappointed to take the two, crowd would love another try.

 

[slotmachine]

Phoenix in for Mann next week or move Watson or something else entirely

Crossland for sure

 

[perverse]

With him slimmed down pretty obvious they're going to use him as the workhorse and the safs as the wrecking balls.

Kinda feel that was the case last year too, but yes.

 

[Jono078]

Tuala has been a concern, mostly solid but the Dogs always look like theyre going to break the line near him.

 

[Tom155]

Frizz has had a strong game

 

[perverse]

Any thoughts on Fitzgibbon? I don't feel he's been missed tonight and I wouldn't put him ahead of our backrowers tonight.

He's a bench backrower. Always has been, just enjoyed a lot of room service when Kalyn first got here.

 

[Burns]

 

[Jono078]

For me there was no doubt he would aim up tonight, the challenge is getting he and the team to do it consistently. He's always a big game player, just look at his performances for the blues.

 

[slotmachine]

Brailey and klem made 80 tackles missed none

 

[Jono078]

Look at that, Conor and Brailey cleaning up at the end of the match. We missed them greatly.

Brailey has been super solid too for being out for 12 months and playing the full 80.

 

[Tom155]

I really hope Watson stays healthy, terrific player when he’s right

 

[Zoidberg]

It’s easy to forget what Watson brings to the team due to his injuries he’s had. If he can avoid more injuries I’d re-sign him in a heartbeat.

 

[perverse]

Good hitout. Now do it 23 more times.

 

[slotmachine]

Both our starting front rowers and edge forwards made over 175 metres. Nice

 

[Burwood]

I reckon we’ll see Young next week- Star looks to have picked up a shoulder injury and battling through. Crossland in for Mann and Shibs on the wing.

 

[Zoidberg]

Good hitout. Now do it 23 more times.

Then straight losses in the finals?

 

[Alex28]

Frizell, DSaf, Brailey, Barney - all great.

Freeing Pearce of the captaincy - great move.

Giving DSaf the captaincy - brilliant move. Really could be the making of him becoming something special.

Connor really is a very good player. Really hope he gets a free run on injuries and locks down a long-term contract with us.

Backs are a bit clunky, but it’s round 1. Will be better for the run.

 

[Yosh]

What Watson does badly he does badly but what he does well he does Superbly. I hope he can stay fit because we need someone like him in the 17 somewhere.

 

[Yosh]

Also, how crisp was the passing out of dummy half from Brailey!!

 

[Mr_Knightside]

This has proven to be a really tricky fixture for us over the last few years but we did really well tonight. The obvious concern is the injuries, but on the flip side I hope that O’Brien gives Crossland a shot at 5/8 for the next few weeks until Green is ready to come back.

Our forwards were excellent tonight, DSaf is a monster and his brother isn’t far behind whilst Klem is the engine room of the team. Great debut for Friz and Barnett was good too. Sue looks like a smart signing too, he was physical and got through a good workload.

Pearce seems to be copping some criticism tonight which is a little surprising to me as I thought he mostly made good decisions, he put that first try on a plate for DSaf and gave early ball to Best for his try and overall he was busy and took the line on and got us a repeat set too. Sure it wasn’t perfect but I thought he was solid and was playing with a clear head.

I’ve gotta give Brailey heaps of credit here, his leadership and decision making at dummy half was excellent and made it easier for Pearce to do his job too. It was a reminder of what we missed out on last year after his injury. I’m praying that he stays on the field this year because he makes a massive difference to this team.

Also how good was it to see Watson get through a game. He is always sniffing around the ruck looking for offloads and he’s possibly one of the best second phase players in the game. I just hope he can put a good run of games together from here.