Okay, I have reviewed the match. My observations:
Iongi couldn’t have done much more. He was impressive on either side of the ball.
I like Russell on the left wing. He looked strong tonight, though I have thought the same at the start of the last two seasons. The right wing is his to lose and Simonssons to win.
Penisini looked good with the ball. He was essentially untested defensively on the left edge.
I don’t love having to start the year with Tago on the wing. He doesn’t make 10m/hit up, isn’t an aerial threat, is not particularly fast etc. But who else? Hes probably the best available.
Twidle is an interesting project. He has the size, speed, ball skills, seemingly the nous and a short kicking game. Volkman come back to earth.
Williams hurts in defence.
Grieg won’t be in the 17 and I would be rapt for him if he was to pick up a contract for 2026 (elsewhere).
Cartwright was mediocre and Tuilagi was a train wreck. If that was an in-season game, Kelmas performance would be making an all-time stinker list. I read an interesting article this week which indicates that he misses tackles he probably shouldn’t (high average metres per missed tackle, indicating teammates for good reason think he has the ball carrier covered?) Read on
here. I was hoping and anticipating a new lease from Kelma. Maybe three try causes? I now have grave concerns for our second row stocks.
Cartwright is better on the right. Probably guilty of trying to do too much to win a spot.
Hopgood looked extremely underdone, which is expected to some degree. Will be better for the run and will be raring in no time.
Matto likewise, but is this his new norm? I wouldn’t like to think so. I noticed that he was fairly slow to rise last year and issues would arise around him. Worrying.
I loved Moretti’s work. Hard to put down and handle with some safe, clean offloads. Will be in the 17.
Interesting to see Doorey in the middle. He’s bullocking with the ball.
I’m still very high on Guymer but he’s clearly a middle. You can’t expect a tackle breaking, metre eating, line breaking specimen. He’s a Jake Trbojevic snap them defensively and make 7 metres a hit up type player. He still might be our best left edge option.
I have remained very reserved on Ryley Smith up until tonight. I thought he was our best. Qualms about his service last week on my end dissipated. Brings energy, clean defensively and has a left foot kick. Liked his deception. A real welcome surprise. Where has he been hiding and what am I missing?
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