Match Discussion: Round 6 vs Cronulla @ McDonald Jones Stadium

[Yosh]

Thoughts on the first half:
- having a good kicking game has turned our attack from average to good
- Ponga is the best player in the league
- Ponga needs to work on his goal kicking
- Barnett has a smooth ball playing game we should utilize more
- Sue and Watson rotation is a thing of beauty
- Brodie Jones should get a contract extension for his versatility
- we won't get through one game without at least one injury
- Jessie Ramien is still a pr#ck

 

[Tony Morris]

Honestly I'm not best positioned to fill you in on that mate, but he's been in the lower grades and bounced around clubs a bit for the last few years. He was a Knights junior originally, went elsewhere to get a shot at first grade, didn't really make it - came back to Newcastle to play in the local competition, and has managed to pick up a tiny contract at the Knights this year to fill a roster spot for us I think. Suddenly he gets a crack at first grade and I mean you can see he wants it more than your average 18-20 year old debutant.

Anyone correct me on the above, by the way. I think that's the general gist of it, but I honestly haven't followed him closely.

Cheers Pal. Read he was playing for Cessnock last year. Looks as comfortable as anyone else on the field today. Impressive.

 

[Knight Tales]

Young Jones can see his chance and is grabbing it with both hands! A regular 17 spot beckons kid. Keep going.

 

[Yosh]

Also, I hope we can find a way to keep Tuala out on the wing. Always thought he played much better on the wing than centres.

 

[perverse]

Cheers Pal. Read he was playing for Cessnock last year. Looks as comfortable as anyone else on the field today. Impressive.

I think his age and physical maturity plays a big role in that. We're in this weird period in the NRL where if you don't make it as a 20-21 year old, you're more or less chucked on the scrap heap. It didn't really used to be this way 15-20 years ago, and I hope it returns a bit to the way it used to be in that only the absolutely top level talent makes first grade at that 18-20 age. I think we lose a lot of talent to the game because they just don't mature as quickly as some of their peers. We need a stronger reserve grade competition.

 

[perverse]

- Brodie Jones should get a contract extension for his versatility

I can't ever remember being unimpressed with him in the few chances he has had. He just always has a dig and seems to always find a good contribution or two when he's on the field. He's also one of those old school Newcastle born'n'breds that actually gets it and is willing to do the dirty stuff.

 

[Knight Tales]

Ponga is most gifted player in the game. Not necessarily the best though. There are great ball runners and energetic player like Teddy and Papa but this kid is a freak. Can turn a game on a dime.

 

[Tony Morris]

I think his age and physical maturity plays a big role in that. We're in this weird period in the NRL where if you don't make it as a 20-21 year old, you're more or less chucked on the scrap heap. It didn't really used to be this way 15-20 years ago, and I hope it returns a bit to the way it used to be in that only the absolutely top level talent makes first grade at that 18-20 age. I think we lose a lot of talent to the game because they just don't mature as quickly as some of their peers. We need a stronger reserve grade competition.

Couldnt agree more. I'm originally from the UK so follow the ESL closely still and the lack of reserve grade over there is killing the game !!

 

[slotmachine]

Young Jones can see his chance and is grabbing it with both hands! A regular 17 spot beckons kid. Keep going.

I have him on the bench over Fitz at this point

 

[perverse]

And Jones comes up with another effort play. I LOVE IT.

 

[Frederick]

Brodie Jones saves the day again

 

[aqua_duck]

Tuala needs to stay on his man

 

[Tom155]

Ugh

 

[slotmachine]

Sharks aren't going to roll over

 

[perverse]

Bleh, well here it is... we've given them a sniff and now we're in the trenches again. Anything could happen from here. We needed to score first this half.

 

[Jono078]

If we can score next I think it will break them. They don't look like they're out there to prove a point at all.

Lol. Sorry, all you can do is laugh sometimes.

 

[aqua_duck]

Our edges look very fragile defensively

 

[perverse]

Lol. Sorry, all you can do is laugh sometimes.

You'd have to cry if you didn't. lol.

 

[Walk On Home Boy]

Expecting heads to drop here unfortunately.

Hope I'm wrong but they've given us zero reason to think otherwise.

 

[aqua_duck]

Bunker hates us