Match Discussion: Round 4 vs Dragons @ McDonald Jones Stadium

[NoSchitSherlock]

There must be something going on that us fans aren't aware of. Ese'ese definitely should be in the team in front of King.

I've seen mention made that Herman is a bit out of favour for making enquiries elsewhere after being dropped. I don't think that is enough reason alone to drop him again if he performs. His commitment to the club might be in question and that also questions his commitment to address where he needs to improve

In the team launch discussion it was mentioned that Herman had a good game in Reserves last week and is on the fringe of a return.

 

[Old dog]

If he is suffering emotionally from family loss his enquires about transfer have to have a bit of leeway considering the circumstances, let’s get him ok and back in action for us and if that doesn’t work out consider a transfer, compassion needed.

 

[BLN2]

Rumours we've heard on this side of the ditch is his fathers death has affected him (obviously), and is interested in coming home to NZ in this tough time (assume his family is here). Being out of favour with the coach wouldn't be helping him through it.

 

[Yosh]

What's up with Ponga playing mainly on the left? Wouldn't he be more effective splitting up his attack 50/50 both sides?

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Eseese will only play if D. Saf isn't fit enough

https://www.theherald.com.au/story/...ason-lino-to-help-cure-ailing-attack/?cs=2503

 

[mozza91]

Lino doesn’t have to ignite shit. Just needs to do his job which he’s more than capable of doing.

The bloke is a big upgrade on Lamb and Cogger.

 

[Old dog]

Lino doesn’t have to ignite shit. Just needs to do his job which he’s more than capable of doing.

The bloke is a big upgrade on Lamb and Cogger.

I may hold you to that comment I have my doubts, he has hardly played this season, not sure what is best option Lino or Watson at 5/8, not confident of either, our weakest position.

 

[PhilGould]

Lino has a great short kicking game, which Pearce has struggled with so far this season. If Pearce can get back to controlling the team like he did last year they should work well together. Lino's lack of game time this season is the biggest question mark.

 

[Knight Vision]

If Lino has a great game where would that leave Watson ? Is he a better utility than Mann? I think Mann covers more positions.....

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

What's up with Ponga playing mainly on the left? Wouldn't he be more effective splitting up his attack 50/50 both sides?

Yeah roaming.
I heard Ponga and Brown talk about this last year. When Ponga first came in he was more comfortable going down the left and Brown was ok with that at that stage. It was expected that as he became more comfortable and experienced, he'd start to go down the right as well. He did now and then.
I'd like to see him favour the left less - hang back and inject himself on both sides.
Watson seems to prefer running to the right when he is in. It will be interesting to see if Lino sticks (mostly to the left..

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

If Lino has a great game where would that leave Watson ? Is he a better utility than Mann? I think Mann covers more positions.....

I'd prefer Watson there over Mann

 

[PhilGould]

Yeah roaming.
I heard Ponga and Brown talk about this last year. When Ponga first came in he was more comfortable going down the left and Brown was ok with that at that stage. It was expected that as he became more comfortable and experienced, he'd start to go down the right as well. He did now and then.
I'd like to see him favour the left less - hang back and inject himself on both sides.
Watson seems to prefer running to the right when he is in. It will be interesting to see if Lino sticks (mostly to the left..

There was one play against the Raiders where Ponga combined with Ramien on the right edge and it was probably the best position Ramien has gotten the ball in all season. Hopefully we see more of it.

 

[Yosh]

I'm a perfect world, would we not have recruited Mann and used Watson at 14? They seem to be basically have a similar skill set and potentially play the same role in the side.

 

[Knight76]

Last season Ponga mostly attacked to the left side and nearly won the dally M from fullback. I don't have a problem with that continuing if it is effective.

He still has the option of bobbing up on the right though. I like him from FB as it gives the D another attacking weapon to watch and adjust for. Watson at FB was never really an attacking threat to create something like a half would, so D just had to concentrate on Pearce/Ponga.

Now, they have Pearce and Lino to cover, but have to watch for Ponga jumping in to the play also.

For mine the difference this year from last is last year he could inject himself when he saw an opening to make something happen, this year from 5/8 he is expected to make something happen every time he gets the ball, and as he is up in the line he is on the hook constantly.

 

[Burwood]

Watson is most dangerous when sniffing around the ruck and running off forwards offloading the ball. Does anyone else see the problem with that?

 

[Zoidberg]

Watson is most dangerous when sniffing around the ruck and running off forwards offloading the ball. Does anyone else see the problem with that?

I think that’s what the idea of moving Ponga to 5/8 was about. He was great on the left, keep him there and use Watson in a roving fullback role. Didn’t work though did it?

 

[Still Nutty]

Just on a different tack...and this probably won't fly well with everybody but really good to see Matt Checchin back in the refereeing ranks.

Love them or hate them, they are indispensable to the game and I do consider him one of the most capable of the modern era that I have seen

 

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Few points for tomorrow's game:
• Gasnier hired by Brown this week to work with outside backs, mainly centres.
• Rossy gets to do a lap of honour prior to kick off.
• Lino likely to take over goal kicking duties but final decision will be made tomorrow.

https://www.theherald.com.au/story/...ons-star-now-working-for-the-knights/?cs=7580

 

[Yosh]

Nice. What was Gaz's nickname back in the day? Sauce?

 

[NoSchitSherlock]

I reckon this is an important win for us. We are only at - 3 on F/A with teams above on 4 points that have played 4 games lower on F/A.
We can hang in there with a win or drop into the group of major losers.