Definitely out thought.
It was quite simple, kick in behind Francis Meli. A: Because he's as slow as a snail B: he turns as slow as a turnstyle that has cement covering the moving parts C: he always rushes up and in regardless of the situation looking to get back on the Footy Show's hit of the year parade
Francis Meli used to be a strong hit up man, you'd select him on that alone to work it up for us. But I'd hasten to say he's probably the man with the highest percentage for "SURRENNNDDAAAA" tackles. He gets to the line, drops the knees. Gives up a quick play of the ball. Its like he thinks he's a 46KG hey Presto. He's a 100KG dynamo. That was about what you'd select him on, and he used to collect some 4 pointers. Has he scored this year??? Has he made a play of hitting it up hard??? No. Has it been like this since round 1 2004? Yes. When does the cookie crumble? When do we open our eyes that since Joey Johns spoofed himself over him in a test match he's done nothing since.
Is that the grading we use? Joey Johns blowing his wad over a player? Toopi and Meli have dined off it. I can just imagine it. Candlelit dinner in a restaurant over looking Auckland harbour. Kempy roaring into 8 steaks. Mick Watson with an alf-alfa crossaint. Toopi and Meli with KFC. TK "Well fellas, look I might have to drop you guys, sorry to say.." FM with his usual big beaming smile "But boss, cuz, bro, cuzzy bro, Joey said we da world's best, bro," CT "Yeah bro," FM "We're 100 kilos of Mad Butcher's best, cuz," CT "Yeah bro," FM "Peter Sharp says we da best left side attack in the game, boss," CT "Yeah bro" FM "Plus cuz bro we've got matching hairstyles, thats how much we love the mone.. i mean team cuz," CT "Yeah bro" FT "And remember, there's no I in team bro, but all the letters are part of both our names when you put them together, cuz" CT "Yeah bro". TK "I'll tell you what, you give me half of your 68 piece feast, and I'll let you play, bro." FM "Sure, fulla." MW "Mmmm, this alf-alfa sprouts are delicious. I love you guys."
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As for the second Whatuira try, I felt for Sione. He's having a real dig this year, and becoming the Sione of old. He at least has changed his attitude to what happened in 2004. He really deserves credit. Possible bolter for the test match. But he's not a centre, he got done for pace and footwork. He wouldn't get caught out another 1-2 more in field in the defensive line, where he would line up in the second row.
And poor J-Ro, he's no fullback. The poor kid will have no confidence now. What a talent. And the Warriors have been reading "The Dummies Guide to Ruining a Player" too much as far as he's concerned. I said it after round 25 last year, while people where spooging over his performance, it was worth remembering he almost bungled two bombs, but the Roosters were so lacklustre that day that they had no pressure on him. Imagine how he would have gone if they were on song and chasing like they usually would?
As far as Webb goes, yes, he's a top player, but only name him if he's fit. They're being caught out. They should have always had Laeseni or Atkins or Baxter on stand by incase Webb was out. Even this game, there was no way he was fit enough. Another piece of being out thought.
As far as out enthused, Wairangi Koopu fought like a trojan on D, Byrne made some great key plays to keep us in it, Price rolled on relentlessly, Feka when he was on was damaging (FFS, he can go longer than 10 minutes!), and Nathan Fien was tremendous.
Arrrrgghhh!! Will the real Warriors PLEASE stand up.