Bit frustrating. We just shot ourselves in the foot far too often, either just dropping easy balls or overplaying our hand. Should remember that today isn't the norm, we're one of the (I think maybe even the best) when it comes to errors; it makes today more frustrating to watch but it's unlikely going to remain a common theme.
We need Pearce back. Cogger doesn't provide anything good for the side. His kicking game is woeful, our attacking structures rely around Ponga who faded out today probably due to expecting to carry our attack more than he ever should. Our players look lost, they don't know where to be, don't know what to do when they get the ball etc. That's what Cogger should be assisting with but he doesn't. Good luck to the Bulldogs; imagine thinking that Cogger is going to be a better option than their current halves.
I think his presence in general will really lift the side. He was just as influential as Ponga in the opening two months of the season. Hopefully he does come back in the Bulldogs game.
But I'm going to give the side some credit. Storm didn't show up half arsed and they didn't show up with no intention. Our defensive effort on the goal line was tremendous and to leak what? 4 tries? Given the amount of ball they had and the opportunities we constantly presented them, it's a good effort.
Also, Top 8 was never our goal for this year. We shouldn't be disappointed or frustrated if we can't make it because it should never have been the expectation. I think we can finish the season strong and make a good case for 2019 but yeah, lets not build our expectation for the side up to that point. It's only going to lead to more frustration and some pretty laughable shit takes here on the forums.
