Match Discussion: Round 17 vs Parramatta @ McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

[perverse]

Didn’t get to watch the game (will do that tomorrow).

Will Pryce went ok then? Could legit be a 7?

Looks like an out and out 6 to me. Didn't see him in at first receiver or running the plays much at all. Has a lot of skill, moves well with the ball in hand and very willing to take the line on, kicked well, held his gloves up in defence. Looked a bit shy early but built into the match well.

 

[Loose Cannon]

Jeez I dunno, he looks like a run-first 6 to me. At least in the short-mid term. Yes please to a quality 9 though.

Definitely a 6.

There has been a theory for the past couple of decades that half and five-eighth are interchangeable.

There is a huge difference re skillset and responsibilities.

 

[Apey]

Games like that make me so jealous of the people that get to go. Never been to Newcastle so absolutely need a visit. Ofc chances are I’d go to a game with cogger spudding it up

I go every week. I'm not sure it's worth it, even when games like this come up, lol. Ah well we'll be good eventually, right?

 

[Lynoman]

Just watching the replay. Marzew hit so high and hard in the head for his first try, his mouthguard comes out and goes about 5 m. Bunker does nothing. Pathetic refereeing.

 

[Mr_Knightside]

Couldn't be worse luck than me. I've been to some bad ones. The Joey broken jaw when we were 20-0 up and losing on the bell and the Clint Newton elbow of death on Ashton Sims come to mind.

That said, I did have good seats at Origin Game 2, 2005.

I was at the game v Parra in 2004 when Joey did his knee and was out for the year… you’re welcome.

 

[Zoidberg]

Just watching the replay. Marzew hit so high and hard in the head for his first try, his mouthguard comes out and goes about 5 m. Bunker does nothing. Pathetic refereeing.

They were too busy trying to see what Gutho was whinging about.
Did he actually think we should be penalised by having a try denied because he ran into the ref?

 

[Woody90]

Good win.

Were we great? No - goal line defence was a mess and we still don’t really have any structure in attack - but, to get a win losing our 2 best forwards (this year) late, obviously no KP, and with a rookie fullback with 2 games to his name and a 6 on debut is a really good effort. Yes Parra are coming last but they were pretty much at full strength.

Boggles my mind a bit when I hear people say they think Best is overrated. He’s legitimately carried the side on his back since KP went down.

 

[Yosh]

Pryce has a bit of swagger about him. A little bit of that Luai and Latrell feel. Something our team is severely lacking. I excited to see our how attack will look when Ponga gets back. Ponga, Best, Gagai, Pryce is a backline with point in em.

 

[EdLondon]

How good to see Scotty Dureau with Leon Pryce. Looking healthy.

I wondered who that was

 

[jason taylor]

It’s worth noting that Will Pryce did play at halfback for Huddersfield. Showed a lot of promise in a very average team over there. I definitely think you have a keeper here.

 

[Burwood]

Gamble could also be seen celebrating hard in the box when Pryce got his try. Seems to be a very popular member of the playing group.

 

[ryan.a87]

When gamble comes pack….and assuming Pryce kicks on……could gamble move to 14?

Braileys form has dropped pretty low this year

 

[Knight Tales]

The way Will Pryce actually runs onto the ball is what impresses me most. He is going to be comfortable drawing defenders.

 

[Woody90]

When gamble comes pack….and assuming Pryce kicks on……could gamble move to 14?

Braileys form has dropped pretty low this year

I agree re Brails. I think he needs to go back to Cup and just work on his game and try and build back up again in attack and defence. It’s hardly surprising he’s struggling given what he’s gone through.

Thing is I don’t think Gamble’s played any hooker? And Crossland can’t play 80 - he gets stupid when fatigued. Would probably need to bring Gamble on at lock and move Elliot to 9 to give Crossland a spell for it to work.

 

[Woody90]

Just want to give a shout out to Hastings for his goal kicking. His general game was rocks and diamonds but he kicked really well.

 

[Old dog]

Thought the team overall played well, strong and hard, Best was great along with Marzhew and the Safs, Pryce good debut and will get better after that run. Others that played well/better were Tuala, Sharpe, Crosslands and Elliott.
Was very good, yes we played bottom side, without two top forwards, Lucas and Thompson along with Ponga and Gamble missing.
Thought Hastings had a good game and kicked well in general play and very well at goal

 

[SamSepi0l]

Pryce is a 6 or 1 but nothing else. Fits perfectly at 6. Leave him there. Start allowing him more kicking responsibilities especially for yardage. Stoked with his debut. In one half he offered more than Cogger has.

 

[Burwood]

I agree re Brails. I think he needs to go back to Cup and just work on his game and try and build back up again in attack and defence. It’s hardly surprising he’s struggling given what he’s gone through.

Thing is I don’t think Gamble’s played any hooker? And Crossland can’t play 80 - he gets stupid when fatigued. Would probably need to bring Gamble on at lock and move Elliot to 9 to give Crossland a spell for it to work.

I'd agree regarding 2022 Crossland, but 2023 Crossland consistently played the full 80 (or 90 minutes against Raiders in the finals) and he was in career best form.

 

[Yosh]

You know Bradman made like 3829462kms in run metres on the weekend. Is that near an NRL record?

 

[Apey]

You know Bradman made like 3829462kms in run metres on the weekend. Is that near an NRL record?

NRL record for a centre. Manu/RTS have ran more as fullbacks.