Swarzey
Bench
- Messages
- 4,165
We're a top 8 side. Without Inglis, Te'o and McQueen, they're still a quality side and I'll give credit where credit is due; they were deadly every time they were at our end of the field. We played like a team that will be there come September and we have a side more than capable of causing upsets in the finals series. But with that said, there is a 20 minute period where the game is a stalemate and when a team cracks, it's us and that showed when George Burgess scored.
However, I can't ignore the pathetic joke that was the refereeing. Three tries came off the back of pathetic penalties that shouldn't have been given and a lot more than led to immense pressure being placed on us.
As for our players:
Smith showed what we've missed, intensity. Mason carried us for the last few weeks but he couldn't do it alone. Smith certainly added to it and we still have Scott to come back who is exactly the same. Furthermore, I loved how he revved the boys up after every try we scored. We hit back each time and looked dangerous.
Mullen's kicking game was excellent. His 40/20 was pivotal and it's a shame he missed his second attempt. He kicked to the corners and forced their wingers and Merritt to run in and couldn't make the meters Inglis does. Again with the refereeing, Matellato was blocked so often, Mullen's 5th tackle options were wasted. More should have gone to McManus where he was far more capable of out-jumping Everingham.
Speaking of our wingers, both were excellent. Matellato had a phenomenal debut. Three amazing kicks, a perfect try and he done well in defence and attack. He still has a lot to learn, but that's understandable considering the jump between NSW Cup and the NRL. I expect a lot more from him and it shows we no longer need to rush back Uate. But I do agree with Zoidberg, Aku's returns would have been beyond lethal tonight. McManus was again, consistent. I have no idea what to even rate as good considering "good" is consistent for him :lol: Another try and another game to show how disgraceful it is he's being overlooked for Origin while all the attention goes to Merritt.
Like last week, this was a game that we can't take much negativity away from. The refereeing joke was a disgrace but the boys pulled through. Matellato shows he has an incredible amount of potential, Bedsy will do wonders for the team considering how shit Waddle is and we've got a team that will do wonders come September despite what people say.
We should really wipe Hunter Stadium with the blood of Saints next week.
However, I can't ignore the pathetic joke that was the refereeing. Three tries came off the back of pathetic penalties that shouldn't have been given and a lot more than led to immense pressure being placed on us.
As for our players:
Smith showed what we've missed, intensity. Mason carried us for the last few weeks but he couldn't do it alone. Smith certainly added to it and we still have Scott to come back who is exactly the same. Furthermore, I loved how he revved the boys up after every try we scored. We hit back each time and looked dangerous.
Mullen's kicking game was excellent. His 40/20 was pivotal and it's a shame he missed his second attempt. He kicked to the corners and forced their wingers and Merritt to run in and couldn't make the meters Inglis does. Again with the refereeing, Matellato was blocked so often, Mullen's 5th tackle options were wasted. More should have gone to McManus where he was far more capable of out-jumping Everingham.
Speaking of our wingers, both were excellent. Matellato had a phenomenal debut. Three amazing kicks, a perfect try and he done well in defence and attack. He still has a lot to learn, but that's understandable considering the jump between NSW Cup and the NRL. I expect a lot more from him and it shows we no longer need to rush back Uate. But I do agree with Zoidberg, Aku's returns would have been beyond lethal tonight. McManus was again, consistent. I have no idea what to even rate as good considering "good" is consistent for him :lol: Another try and another game to show how disgraceful it is he's being overlooked for Origin while all the attention goes to Merritt.
Like last week, this was a game that we can't take much negativity away from. The refereeing joke was a disgrace but the boys pulled through. Matellato shows he has an incredible amount of potential, Bedsy will do wonders for the team considering how shit Waddle is and we've got a team that will do wonders come September despite what people say.
We should really wipe Hunter Stadium with the blood of Saints next week.
