Match Discussion: Round 1 vs Sharks @ McDonald Jones Stadium

[Spot On]

I've heard Brown talk glowingly of most our forwards on 2 radio interviews in the past couple of weeks and the one bloke he has rarely mentioned anything about is Barnett.

I can't imagine Barnett leading line speed for too long each week Slots or he was so injured last year or so unfit that he was performing miracles to get on the park when he did??? His fitness and strength must have gone to a new levels this off season??? Guess we'll see soon.

 

[slotmachine]

He's doing something right if he's gone from likely 18th man to a starting gig.

 

[Spot On]

Possibly.... not long for us to make a judgement.

 

[Yosh]

Our pack must be amazing for Ese'ese to even miss the bench... He was our best forward last year.

 

[Mr_Knightside]

While it’s a bit harsh if Herman gets dropped considering his consistency last year I’m glad that Brown is sending a message to the playing group that if you miss tackles like that you won’t be playing first grade. I’m sure Herman will be back in the side within a week or two but it’s good that we finally have the depth where we can make a call like this if need be.

For Barnett I think the biggest issue is his errors. Last year it seemed like he would drop the ball cold on too many occasions and it would always come at a crucial time in the match. Hopefully if he comes off the bench and played less minutes then we’ll see an improvement in his concentration and maybe less errors.

For the record I would still rather have Herman in the team over Barnett long term but it’s good to see genuine competition for spots in the team to the point where we can drop a player to reserve grade for a week or two to sort out defensive issues.

 

[Yosh]

I rate Ese'ese as our best forward after Klemmer. Hopefully he lifts his game and plays a big role for us this year.

I would love to see Sione play more backrow than centre this year. I think he is our best hole running forward and see him scoring plenty on the right running off a short ball from the halves or the hooker. While Fitzy has the footwork, Sione seems to punch through with speed and power. We would be a big threat with Fitzy on the left and Sione on the right.

 

[Bring it home Knights]

I actually thought that Ese'ese was our best forward in the first trial, so I'm surprised that he may miss out.

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Some cocky supporters over in the Sharps forum..

 

[Frederick]

Some cocky supporters over in the Sharps forum..

Well, they do have the track record to be cocky, so not sure what the issue is...

 

[Burwood]

Lewis is gone this year, so who'll be the Sharks player to hit Ponga late all the time?

 

[Spot On]

I actually thought that Ese'ese was our best forward in the first trial, so I'm surprised that he may miss out.

Yeah, not sure why there's no leniency for him after a couple missed tackles in a trial.

Sure, I like the idea of maintaining some sort of standards in defence among this squad considering our record the past 3 season (and most seasons) has been beyond deplorable. But we used to have a centre that would rack up double digit misses and still made the starting line up every week. Still does at his new club.

I'm all for it if it is sending a message to the squad and works.

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Well, they do have the track record to be cocky, so not sure what the issue is...

Track record or not, it's an entirely new season.

 

[slotmachine]

If the knights had beaten a team six times in the last 3 season for a combined score of 229-62, and just belted them again 30-6 in a trial i'd be fairly confident too.

 

[Woosh]

Speaking of ex players, Uate has been dropped by Huddersfield Giants after only 3 games in the ESL.
Simon Woolford is their coach.
What a big fall from grace.

 

[Bring it home Knights]

Speaking of ex players, Uate has been dropped by Huddersfield Giants after only 3 games in the ESL.
Simon Woolford is their coach.
What a big fall from grace.

Losing his confidence from his last origin series, combined with his chronic knee injury really impacted what Uate was able to produce on a football field.

 

[Bring it home Knights]

Less than 24 hours and we'll get to see the team sheet for round one. It's been a long, long time since we've seen a quality team sheet!

 

[Knight Vision]

I rate Ese'ese as our best forward after Klemmer.

I agree and he certainly doesnt make the media headlines like Dsaf for some reason. Herman will be back for sure. Quality player and seems a quality bloke as well.

 

[Knight Vision]

Losing his confidence from his last origin series, combined with his chronic knee injury really impacted what Uate was able to produce on a football field.

I also think he dropped off the moment Bennett took over. at his peak Uate always had out of my chair....excitement +...he was a machine.

 

[Knight76]

If they are aiming to be top 5 defensive team, then Brown is going to have to make an example of a few players. Herman seems to be the first to get dropped due to a defensive lapse.

It's a good sign that we can drop someone as good as Herman. No more free rides no matter your form.

 

[Spot On]

If they are aiming to be top 5 defensive team, then Brown is going to have to make an example of a few players. Herman seems to be the first to get dropped due to a defensive lapse.

It's a good sign that we can drop someone as good as Herman. No more free rides no matter your form.

I'd like to think that's true... but will wait to see if it becomes fact.