Rest of NRL

[Vic Mackey]

It’s such a weak comp this year. We just need to stay close to 50% wins for the next few weeks. I’ve seen nothing to suggest we can’t be in with a real shot at the finals, more so because there’s so many poor teams as opposed to us being great

 

[Tiger05]

It’s such a weak comp this year. We just need to stay close to 50% wins for the next few weeks. I’ve seen nothing to suggest we can’t be in with a real shot at the finals, more so because there’s so many poor teams as opposed to us being great

I cannot believe people are blaming our squad. I think Brisbane have the best team in the comp and that game was so close.

 

[Ned Kelly]

I cannot believe people are blaming our squad. I think Brisbane have the best team in the comp and that game was so close.

I'm with you on that one Tiger

 

[TheDefinitionOfMadness]

It’s such a weak comp this year. We just need to stay close to 50% wins for the next few weeks. I’ve seen nothing to suggest we can’t be in with a real shot at the finals, more so because there’s so many poor teams as opposed to us being great

This is the worst quality competition I can remember through almost 5 rounds. As you said previously Vic there hasn't been close to a game yet where you've said to your mates (or self) 'what a cracking game. Glad I didn't miss out on that.'

Most games have been stop / start, error riddled affairs that have been hard to watch. Any good games are more down to the closeness of the scores rather than exceptional quality on the field for the full 80 minutes. A good example of this was the Parra vs Saints game yesterday.

It's hard to put a finger on what has gone wrong. Poor play, lots of injuries, poor refereeing, laying down to milk penalties, and the top teams all coming way back to the field all play a part. Usually 5 weeks in, and with the Tigers winning a few games, I'd be super keen to watch as many games as I could. This year has been very uninspiring though. I'm already thinking about origin just to see a high quality game.

 

[Tigerm]

So the Storm put more points on Manly then the Broncs put on us hahaha

 

[Tiger05]

I cannot believe that Canterbury are playing so well. Their team does not look as good as our team on paper.

They have a spine of:-

1. Connor Tracy
6. Bailey Hayward
7. Toby Sexton
9. Reed Mahoney

It boggles my mind.

 

[simmo1]

I cannot believe that Canterbury are playing so well. Their team does not look as good as our team on paper.

They have a spine of:-

1. Connor Tracy
6. Bailey Hayward
7. Toby Sexton
9. Reed Mahoney

It boggles my mind.

They had a great win at Cronulla last week, but (like us) they have had a very soft draw to start the year. They have been good enough to make the most of it.

 

[Tiger05]

They had a great win at Cronulla last week, but (like us) they have had a very soft draw to start the year. They have been good enough to make the most of it.

We haven't been good enough. It's interesting. To me that is a coaching issue. I don't think Benji has been bad either.

 

[TheDefinitionOfMadness]

I cannot believe that Canterbury are playing so well. Their team does not look as good as our team on paper.

They have a spine of:-

1. Connor Tracy
6. Bailey Hayward
7. Toby Sexton
9. Reed Mahoney

It boggles my mind.

I think the major factor with the dogs is that they're about 3 years ahead of us with their rebuild. The run they had at the end of last year would have given them a mountain of confidence. You can see how much they're playing for each other and their ability to stay focused for long periods.

 

[Tiger05]

I think the major factor with the dogs is that they're about 3 years ahead of us with their rebuild.

I don't believe this. I just think the coaching staff are doing a great job. I also think they'll probably falter at some point because I don't think their team will be good enough.

Let's see what happens.

 

[Tigerm]

I think the major factor with the dogs is that they're about 3 years ahead of us with their rebuild. The run they had at the end of last year would have given them a mountain of confidence. You can see how much they're playing for each other and their ability to stay focused for long periods.

Agree, it was only a couple of years ago, that he was a huge mistake.
We can’t keep sacking coaches.

 

[simmo1]

We haven't been good enough. It's interesting. To me that is a coaching issue. I don't think Benji has been bad either.

It's always difficult to measure how much points a good coach is worth to a team. Maybe a more well drilled side gets over the line in at least one of the Warriors or Knights games.

 

[Nutz]

I don't believe this. I just think the coaching staff are doing a great job. I also think they'll probably falter at some point because I don't think their team will be good enough.

Let's see what happens.

Benji is showing he's in control and it's now just a matter of getting the best team on the paddock to play every week or there abouts.

 

[Tiger05]

Benji is showing he's in control and it's now just a matter of getting the best team on the paddock to play every week or there abouts.

I think this is going way too easy on Benji. It's also a long season so let's see what happens. I'm hopeful we start firing at some point.

 

[Nutz]

I think this is going way too easy on Benji. It's also a long season so let's see what happens. I'm hopeful we start firing at some point.

When I say control I meant of his emotions. For a young coach cutting his teeth he is confident in his ability and the team's progress.
He has to be, no point in being anything else.
Use of the bench, team selections and how he molds this side can only be drawn from his experience in the NRL and not as a coach....this is his biggest hurdle.
It's why I said ages ago he needs an experienced assistant coach whispering in his ear.
Are Hodgo , who has a bad coaching history, and Morris, limited senior coaching history, do a good job.
Well also said that solid D wins games. We did have the best D in the comp so maybe things are changing.
However, injuries and suspensions has disrupted his teams momentum which I think in times like these you need a Bennett type coach.
As you said, time will tell and so far I'm enjoying the ride far more than in previous years.

 

[Tiger05]

When I say control I meant of his emotions.

I love the way you clarified your point. Benji has been great at this.

However, injuries and suspensions has disrupted his teams momentum which I think in times like these you need a Bennett type coach.

I disagree. We've been lucky in this regard.

As you said, time will tell and so far I'm enjoying the ride far more than in previous years.

I think we are now potentially a threat in every game but we need to win games. I disagree on the defense comment. I think you need to score points to win in this comp and I think a good offense is a huge factor in having a good defense. Every time you score you get the ball back. If you are threatening with the ball the other team has to work it out from their end more and they are more tired.

I do think you have to not make defensive errors. A good example was Luke L last week when he came in off the wing and they made a bust outside him.

I also think it's easier to get the defense going than it is to get your attack going.

I really think we have a good chance to make the 8 this year at least. Benji has to get this team firing though. Hopefully it starts this week.

 

[Tiger Ted]

When I say control I meant of his emotions. For a young coach cutting his teeth he is confident in his ability and the team's progress.
He has to be, no point in being anything else.
Use of the bench, team selections and how he molds this side can only be drawn from his experience in the NRL and not as a coach....this is his biggest hurdle.
It's why I said ages ago he needs an experienced assistant coach whispering in his ear.
Are Hodgo , who has a bad coaching history, and Morris, limited senior coaching history, do a good job.
Well also said that solid D wins games. We did have the best D in the comp so maybe things are changing.
However, injuries and suspensions has disrupted his teams momentum which I think in times like these you need a Bennett type coach.
As you said, time will tell and so far I'm enjoying the ride far more than in previous years.

Unsurprisingly it was a false dawn re best D in the comp after 3 rounds as it was against 3 teams who were terrible & yet to find their groove.The last 2 matches against better opposition is a better indicator of where we are with the D aspect of the game.I don’t hold much hope that things will improve.Our D has always been an Achilles heel & pissweak D is unfortunately part of our DNA.Additionally I have no faith that the amateurish coaching staff can help improve it to a level necessary to qualify for finals footy.

 

[Nutz]

Unsurprisingly it was a false dawn re best D in the comp after 3 rounds as it was against 3 teams who were terrible & yet to find their groove.The last 2 matches against better opposition is a better indicator of where we are with the D aspect of the game.I don’t hold much hope that things will improve.Our D has always been an Achilles heel & pissweak D is unfortunately part of our DNA.Additionally I have no faith that the amateurish coaching staff can help improve it to a level necessary to qualify for finals footy.

It was a fair effort keeping Best and Ponya quiet without Luai, nearly keeping the Eels scoreless regardless of how bad they were, the win against the Dolphins was gritty at their home ground, AD injured in warm ups against the warriors and I thought they did well not to throw the towel in. Then injuries and suspensions followed.
That score line flattered the Broncos star studded side and we were terrific keeping Haas and Carrigan quiet.
I'm not convinced we have the same culture as a 3 peat spoon side.
I want to see how we go at full strength, no injuries and good preparation against a top 8 team before I judge them, and Benji.

 

[Tigerm]

It was a fair effort keeping Best and Ponya quiet without Luai, nearly keeping the Eels scoreless regardless of how bad they were, the win against the Dolphins was gritty at their home ground, AD injured in warm ups against the warriors and I thought they did well not to throw the towel in. Then injuries and suspensions followed.
That score line flattered the Broncos star studded side and we were terrific keeping Haas and Carrigan quiet.
I'm not convinced we have the same culture as a 3 peat spoon side.
I want to see how we go at full strength, no injuries and good preparation against a top 8 team before I judge them, and Benji.

With so many new players, I think you have to give them a few games to get it together.
I haven't minded any of our games so far, yes it's shit when we lose, but you can see the building blocks slowly coming together.
I like our forwards a lot.
The halves are still finding out what's best, but it will come.
The backs are (for me) surprisingly solid.
Our bench is OK, but it is showing our lack of depth, which I thought we had covered.
I'm still waiting till the half way mark before judging the team and coach.