Haven't really had time to comment on this but I did enjoy the game and the atmosphere at the ground. A few observations and comments:
* Not on this thread but from others I've seen....For those bagging the quality/standard of the footy being played - this is the FIRST ROUND of the INNAUGURAL NRLW competition for the Knights...these players aren't coming from a base of being professional players, having not had the long term development path in skills, attack and defensive structures, coaching, etc. that young men get from the age of 10 or so - the standard and growth will evolve BECAUSE this competition is being established...This year's AFLW competition is a vastly different competition in terms of quality, speed and entertainment from the inaugural season in 2017 and will continue to improve next year, when ALL 18 ALF clubs have a team competing for the title next year. The NRLW will achieve consistent improvement year on year but year 1 isn't going to be instant fireworks, slick plays and high quality competition across the board...it is the start of the journey
* Loved the contribution of Phoebe Desmond in the game - local girl who hits and runs like a runaway freight train
* I was a bit disappointed with the skipper Romy Teitzel on the day....she tried to lead the side but ended up overplaying her hand and committed the cardinal sin of dying with the ball from first receiver 4 or 5 times on the last tackle, many times in good attacking positions...she will learn from this, no doubt
* Caitlan Johnson had a really solid game on the field and Kirra Dibb definitely added spark to the side when she was on the paddock
* match fitness will come but we need to build consistent line speed as the season goes on to compete with the top sides....our intensity fell away at various stages of the game but Parra were relentless with their defensive pressure and line speed and set a standard we need to aspire to and achieve over the year
* in truth, Parra were a much better drilled side but what I liked about the Knights was the effort and commitment - skills, reading the game, executing plays will come with time but they hung tough on several occasions to make the game a grandstand finish and were well in a position to win the game through sheer grit and a never say die attitude
Great first ever performance by the NRLW Knights team and looking forward to their progress and development over this inaugural season...well done team!
