Match Discussion: Round 2 vs Titans @ McDonald Jones Stadium

[NoSchitSherlock]

More commitment in defence at the end when we were ahead than earlier when we needed to get ahead.
Lots to work on but that's a good thing.
I think our kicking game sucks.

 

[perverse]

More commitment in defence at the end when we were ahead than earlier when we needed to get ahead.
Lots to work on but that's a good thing.
I think our kicking game sucks.

We need to maintain intensity for longer periods. When our line speed is good, it's very good... But it disappears quickly... Then reappears later.

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

I like the focus on the short passing. That's something I haven't seen much of from us.
I'd like to see us use more angles at times.

 

[Sydney Knight]

Yes we should have won easily based on those injuries but I'm still going to enjoy the win and hoping the players do as well. Then they can get back into training on Monday and work on keeping the first 25 minutes of intensity up for longer.

 

[Sydney Knight]

Until today I haven't watched reserve grade for ages but it's pretty clear that must be the style we are going to play. Lachlan Fitzgibbon scored an almost identical try to Sam Stone's. Lots of flat runners and short balls and switches back inside.

A fair few went down under pressure but I guess that comes with getting the timing right on a new style.

I like the focus on the short passing. That's something I haven't seen much of from us.
I'd like to see us use more angles at times.

 

[Johns Magic]

I thought Stone looked really good. Should develop into a good player.

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

Lots of flat runners and short balls and switches back inside.

Even though the passes are flat there is still often momentum from following the ball carrier.
I really like seeing fwds go forward with support and pass. You get the defence in 2 minds and create gaps. A single unsupported runner relies on sole metres gained and offloads.Offloads can be a bit hit and miss and rely on elements of surprise.

Levi running from dummy half with a forward in support is promising. Beats the straight take and pass any day.

 

[perverse]

I thought Stone looked really good. Should develop into a good player.

I was more impressed with Yates last week, but 2 weeks in and they both seem to have a bit of promise. Stone definitely has that rangey Steve Simpson look about him. If he can match Simmos heart then he'll do very well.

 

[Apey]

Emotional win at the ground, that's the best part at being the game live... you can forget the reality of the win for a little bit. Still, I'm thrilled we managed to turn what had typical Knights loss written all over it into a victory.

 

[slotmachine]

Yates not much chop today. We are terrible with Barnett sitting.

 

[Spot On]

I thought Stone looked really good. Should develop into a good player.

Certainly does. Genuinely excited to watch him develop. Hope he has luck with injuries.

 

[Spot On]

Yates not much chop today. We are terrible with Barnett sitting.

Yates top the tackle count for us Slots. What more do you want??? He could have made a few more runs perhaps?

 

[perverse]

Yates not much chop today. We are terrible with Barnett sitting.

I'm not even sure what you do with Yates in the modern game, most likely keep him as a backup in reserve grade. I just like him. He could have been a great tackle machine Lock 15 years ago.

Need to get Barnett up to 80 minutes. Actually that brings me to the Saifitis. Do we feel that Brown is using them effectively at the moment? Seems he wants 1 Saifiti on the field at a time. I'd like to see them both a bit fitter and playing more minutes, but maybe that's a lot to ask at their age. Easy to forget how green they are.

 

[Glendale]

I'm not even sure what you do with Yates in the modern game, most likely keep him as a backup in reserve grade. I just like him. He could have been a great tackle machine Lock 15 years ago.

Need to get Barnett up to 80 minutes. Actually that brings me to the Saifitis. Do we feel that Brown is using them effectively at the moment? Seems he wants 1 Saifiti on the field at a time. I'd like to see them both a bit fitter and playing more minutes, but maybe that's a lot to ask at their age. Easy to forget how green they are.

I reckon the Saifitis should be both starting together, eventually. Each trying to out-do the other with every run. We just need the guys who come on for them to hold the fort, I suspect that's why Brown is holding off starting then together at the moment.

 

[Spot On]

Brown knows we need that one big body in the middle at all times. Can't see the formula changing for a while.

I think Yates has done what's been expected of him while other options aren't ready to play atm.

You must remember that Clay Priest is a viable option for Canberra and has an important role for them atm. He is pretty much the same size as Yates. Yates could always do that for us when needed.

 

[slotmachine]

Yates top the tackle count for us Slots. What more do you want??? He could have made a few more runs perhaps?

I don't care if he doesn't make meters, the Titans were waltzing through the middle when he was on the field. I'd have to have another watch but it feels like he doesn't wrestle as well as the bigger guys.

I'd like to see Tupou replace him on the bench to lead that reserve unit with Jacob and Stockwell.

How did Wardle go at centre in cup? I think he's going to take a while to get up to speed.

 

[Spot On]

Maybe, but 2 games into his career and he's doing fine. I'm sure when other options are available to Brown he'll make the change.

 

[perverse]

Yeah, Toops in for Yates I could get behind. It's a shame Pauli got injured in preseason... I know it's cliche, but it sounded like he had a big one and was ready to rip in. We probably won't see his best until 2018, assuming he has the drive to back up and put in another effort at the end of the year.

Pauli and Phythian would be great to have. Not to mention Mullen in for Hodko... God every year is just a long, bloody trail of unfortunate circumstances...

Imagine living in the alternate universe where Hodko gets done for steroids and Mullen is our half. Geez that would be great and much easier to support.

 

[Burwood]

I think something as simple as Ross to fullback and Elliot to wing would make the world of difference to our team. The amount of energy and enthusiasm that Ross brings to the side is immense- you just know that what he'd lack in play making skills would be made up for with his support play. 12 months ago I wouldn't have believed it, but he's wasted on the wing.

 

[perverse]

Bit worried about Ross and his vision as far as fullback goes. If he can only see out of one eye, it might be better having him on the wing.