Match Discussion: Round 3 vs Melbourne @ McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

[Woody90]

The Knights just did exactly the same, and to a fella that assisted in taking us into the finals last year.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...o/news-story/42d0c62e22c1047912e4a0af9d118536

"South Sydney’s decision to axe Lachlan Ilias is a staggering one because when you boil it down, Jason Demetriou is essentially throwing out an entire pre-season after just two games.

NRL teams spend all summer working on their combinations and building rapport and trust within the squad that should be clear to see come Round

The most vocal person and biggest communicator in getting everybody on the same page is the halfback.

So while the hooker touches the ball the most, the halfback is the biggest communicator, and to change that voice this early in the season is a massive call."

Not really.

Hastings didn’t do much pre-season due to his surgery (I suspect a large part of the problem).

We trained the majority of pre-season with Gamble and Cogger in the halves. Maybe AOB thought that was working better but wanted to give Hastings first crack out of loyalty?

Tbh while I would have also given Hastings first crack, I don’t agree with all this business that Hastings deserves to be retained after the run last season. That was LAST year. Nobody in the squad is owed anything due to that now. This is a new season and he’s had surgery and a significantly impacted pre-season in between.

 

[Apey]

Hours before any journos had picked up on it a bloke on the other Knights forum who's legitimately reliable said Hastings had cracked the shits, called his manager and left. The media reports have been coming from the Knights POV trying to downplay it by the sound of things.

Would anyone actually be surprised if this was the case?

I like the guy and want to see him compete for his spot back but there's a reason we're his 6th club.

 

[Woody90]

Hours before any journos had picked up on it a bloke on the other Knights forum who's legitimately reliable said Hastings had cracked the shits, called his manager and left. The media reports have been coming from the Knights POV trying to downplay it by the sound of things.

If this is true and he wants out then the club need to stand strong and only consider granting a release if we can get a trade for him. I still hope he’ll come to his senses and play with NSW Cup and get his foot right and build his game back, but knowing his history there’s a chance we’ve seen the last of him in a Knights jersey.

 

[perverse]

How sad, you think a guy has turned the corner and then this. Get fit and earn your spot back, Jacko. Everyone wants you to succeed, but you can't dish up those first 2 weeks in the NRL.

 

[Old dog]

If his form slump has been caused by the injury then he should get it fixed then get back to playing, Cup or 1sts. we need him fit as we are looking thin at 7 without him

 

[Haffa]

Tbh while I would have also given Hastings first crack, I don’t agree with all this business that Hastings deserves to be retained after the run last season. That was LAST year. Nobody in the squad is owed anything due to that now. This is a new season and he’s had surgery and a significantly impacted pre-season in between.

Agreed. Especially when you factor how ineffective he was once he returned from the injury he sustained in the Canterbury game. Clune was able to step in and do a job. He needs to get his body right.

 

[Yosh]

While I strongly believe it was right for Hastings to be dropped, I do feel bad for the lad. If he didn't snap his ankle again I reckon he would have played a lot better in both the trials and in games 1 and 2. Must be frustrating as hell to be injured all the time.

Cogger at 7 and Brailey sharing hooker duties with Crossland is definitely more balanced so we should be much smoother as a whole. Just worried about Brailey going down again after 3 or 4 games...

 

[Knight Tales]

Any word on if Jacko made training today?

 

[Dr Dr Gimedanews]

So, refused to train with reggies then?

Facts - He's not been selected .

Other - Murdoch = high probability of being made up

 

[Yosh]

Hastings posted on his Instagram a clip from TripleM. Anyone get to listen to the whole thing?

 

[Rod]

Any word on if Jacko made training today?

According to Toohey he did. He also said reggies didn't even train yesterday so a few different stories going around.

Following Jacko on instagram he strikes me as someone who's worked really work to get to the spot he's at, both mentally and physically. But he's also someone who still hears all the chatter from fans/media and so that will probably be bothering him.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

Story is Hastings was told he was being dropped and AOB gave him the option to sit out Tuesdays recovery session (swim, stretch, massage) not aNSWCup training session

He sat it out then returned to training yesterday

Bit of a media beat up

 

[Knight Tales]

AOB would have been well aware the media would invent a narrative. But the fact he and Jacko have a good relationship by all accounts, mean hopefully will not see this last too long. Gamble needs a huge game this week or Jacko will likely be back next week.

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

I can't believe we are favourites for this. A curse for sure.

 

[Dr Dr Gimedanews]

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/9604d357111b0afa7e866a96b47337cd

“It’s not the first time I’ve been down. I feel like I’ve got a lot to prove — more for myself — that my best footy is in front of me.”

 

[Knight Tales]

Munster and Hughes being there or not does not bother me as much as the fact Grant is playing. He is key. Their most influential player by far. It we do not contain his runs and influence we are getting smacked.

 

[Yosh]

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/9604d357111b0afa7e866a96b47337cd

“It’s not the first time I’ve been down. I feel like I’ve got a lot to prove — more for myself — that my best footy is in front of me.”

I don't even care if he plays well for us or another club, just hope Brailey gets a good 5 to 6 year run without injuries. Good luck lad and I hope you kill it on Sunday!

 

[Dr Dr Gimedanews]

I don't even care if he plays well for us or another club, just hope Brailey gets a good 5 to 6 year run without injuries. Good luck lad and I hope you kill it on Sunday!

The mental part of the game will be his toughest. I could only imagine what will be going through his head.

 

[Knight Tales]

It’s a very capable spine if we can keep them on the park. I think we make the eight if we can keep Brailey motoring and settle on the halves.

 

[Dr Dr Gimedanews]

It’s a very capable spine if we can keep them on the park. I think we make the eight if we can keep Brailey motoring and settle on the halves.

we have to be honest with ourselves - we have *2 fringe first graders in the halves, *1 fringe first grader as hooker + 1 made of glass, and arguably the best player in the game as full back.

*Break out season last year that needs to be backed up.

"Capable"? it's a bottom 8 spine IMO