Panthers Vs. Dogs

[mxlegend99]

Mate... im so proud of the boys after that loss. They really had a dig and outdone themselves. Everyone was playing well above what i expected... except for Nathan Smith. He made the most crucial mistake of the game, and it put the Dogs out of our reach.

I don't understand how anyone thinks he is first grade standard, letalone a worthy part of our top 17. He was easily the worst player on the field IMO. He didn't look dangerous once.

Even Blair outdone my expectations. I still can't wait for Jennings and Daniela to come back and replace him.... although he looked solid enough consider his opposition.

I couldn't see anything less then us losing by 20+, and i'm so proud that it was such a close game. If only Luke Lewis was on the field in place of Nathan Smith, it would have been a win.

 

[choc_soldier]

Had a dig - loved it! Just missed the finesse required to finish plays off... if we had Jennings, Lewis and Petero out there tonight, things may have been different... those players just add an extra dimension of class to our side. But it's all coulda, shoulda, woulda.

At least we have the bye next week - hopefully at least Jennings and Daniela are back for the Eels match Sunday week (a day game! :shock

 

[mxlegend99]

Is there anyone else who was happy to see it be Nathan Smith that cost us the game at the end of the night? While i'd rather a win, if we're going to lose it doesnt get any better then being because of Nathan Smith.

He has never really deserved a spot in the team IMO, and tonight just showed why we're a hundred times better with Lewis at lock then Smith. He offers nothing in attack, his defence is average despite making a lot of tackles... and he makes plenty of errors due to being man handled by REAL footy players.

 

[maple_69]

I thought Puletua did alright, 119m from 14 runs with 27 tackles
Waterhouse made 112m and 40 tackles.
Grant 93 from 9 and 22 tackles
Bell 13m from 2 with 10 tackles (What the hell happened here?)

Only 15 missed tackles was a good effort. They seemed most dangerous on the left with Morris and Goodwin, I tihnk mainly due to Tighe. Apart from that our defence was good.
Ball handling needs some work despite the rain, its been terrible the last few weeks.
I was happy to see Graham take on the line a few times, but our halves kicking games were below par. Would of liked to see Sammut step in and take a few since Walsh was clearly not on target tonight.

 

[mxlegend99]

I thought all of our forward looked strong tonight, with exception of Smith. Everyone seemed dangerous and able to make metres at will. Was especially happy with how easily Sammut and Aiton seemed to make metres... they looked strong enough to be playing in the front row at times.

Still can't get over how terrible Smith was tonight. His only redeeming quality is being consistant and reliable... tonight he was neither.

 

[Copperhead]

Have to agree MX, two dropped balls by Smith snuffed out our chances, one at their end with us on the attack, and the other at our

end that put them on the attack, and allowed them to score. I just fail to see how anyone (coaching staff or fans) can have any

faith in such a nothing player. Ironically, it was his miss-read in defense that cost us the last Bulldogs game. Maybe that's the

consistency his supporters talk about.

Overall though, that was a really positive result. A close loss to the competition leaders without most of our strike players.

If you can have a good loss, that was it. Well done to most of the boys.

 

[Fibroman]

I thought all of our forward looked strong tonight, with exception of Smith. Everyone seemed dangerous and able to make metres at will. Was especially happy with how easily Sammut and Aiton seemed to make metres... they looked strong enough to be playing in the front row at times.

Still can't get over how terrible Smith was tonight. His only redeeming quality is being consistant and reliable... tonight he was neither.

Would you like some tar, feathers and Nathan's address? I'm not his biggest fan either, but aside from a few mistakes (albiet crucial ones) I thought he went ok last night.

 

[panthersballboy]

The main thought I had out of this game and the dragons game is I just wish Pritchard had his head in the game for the full 80. As fibro said he is an enigma and it is so frustrating seeing a bloke with that much potential never put in for a whole game.

If (and that's a big if) he ever does, watch out!!!

I would love to see us take on these top teams with both squads at full strength.

 

[Fibroman]

Having Lewis and Jennings in the side is crucial. As much as we are a better side with Petero out there, he isn't as crucial to the team as Lewis and Jennings.

Blokes like Pritchard and Blair frustrate me. They have so much natural ability, but just don't put 100% in.

 

[mxlegend99]

Frank Pritchard is atleast not a liability when he isn't performing. About the only times he really costs us are when he tries to get away a miracle offload. Although quiet often his miracle offloads result in tries. Just a matter of which team scores them

 

[Kilkenny]

Having Lewis and Jennings in the side is crucial. As much as we are a better side with Petero out there, he isn't as crucial to the team as Lewis and Jennings.

Blokes like Pritchard and Blair frustrate me. They have so much natural ability, but just don't put 100% in.

If 2009 goes the same way as 2008 you may not have to worry about Frank Pritchard's inconsistency in 2010. He expressed a desire to stay with the club about four/five rounds back but no word on his resigning with us. If we do goes backwards from here on I wouldn't be the least surprised to see Franky move on and it will be no surprises as to his likely destination. It won't be Rah Rah, it won't be the ESL it will be to well know Sydney based club renowned for it's abundance of quality cafe's by the seaside.