JJ
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We're in, I think, Canberra are too geniused to play well consistently within a game let alone across weeks - Tigers have fallen away to much - it's a big result TBH, I didn't think they were a chance, so kudos for that - I've said all along 2 points are 2 points - my criticism in the past has been they're easier to get at the start of the season (where we never have but did this year) and Origin (where we've often looked like heroes but were unaffected this year)... Even if we fall away a bit we should retain 8th - which is good, even though we have no chance at winning, and IMO are clearly the 8th best team in that group - and I guess results so far have backed that, from memory it's just the Dragons that we've beaten (aside from Souths in week 1 **edit - forgot the great win against the Chooks) - suggests a favourable draw, but again it was not easy to predict that the Cowboys especially would be so woeful - the "living legend's" return and the resulting demotion of Morgan who was easily the best half in the world last year was a big factor - also the aforementioned geniused Canberra, the basket cases that are Manly and Canterbury, the Tigers, Gold Coast and Newcastle simply not having enough talent (and the latter having injuries)
Glass half full is IMO our talent level is similar to the last three (different strengths and weaknesses) and we've done f**king well to make the 8
Glass half empty - the middle is piss weak, and the better packs simply man handle us (Brisbane seem likely to do same, although I wasn't as in awe of their smashing missing Arrow, Wallace and for much of the game Hipgrave (that said their depth is awesome given in recent years they've lost Wallace, Arrow, Ese ese, and escorted Blair out) - so we're, I think, a long way from seriously challenging - and some serious roster attention still needed...
Ah Mau has not shown he's a forward leader - but certainly he's much better value than Blair IMO - why haven't any of our young forwards developed like those we're watching at Penrith and Brisbane??
Do we reluctantly let Mannering go, rather than offer him something that might be insulting???
Do we go all in on one-season Isaac - despite how good he's been this year, his overall value sticks in my craw - hopefully Roache can stay injury free
Can we somehow get rid of Blair - if Tapau's being shopped around can we arrange a swap - even if we're paying a proportion of them both it's a huge win on the field IMO
What other middle forwards are around? Or does Kearney truly believe that a mobile smaller pack will get the job done (all the evidence suggests otherwise)
Is someone like Bryce Cartwright worth a gamble if the price is right - huge talent, might be better away from his home country?
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