f**k YEAH! was at the game, and that win was absolutely fantastic and and very vital to our year. some thoughts:
- kidley at half was just put to bed. as predicted - his kicks were dreadful and we saw all the signature moves in one day (the classic roll the ball over the dead ball line - the gidley chip to the fullback etc etc). in fact the only good kick he did all day was the one that really mattered and got us the repeat set near the end. any of you defending him at halfback are absolutely dreaming, and im totally shocked that the kicking didnt cost us the match.
- our outside backs are terrible. 3 tries on mad dogs wing... and they were all ordinary. i know we're playing a compressed defence and all... but it's just not good enough out there. the roosters went that way all day and got plenty of points for their efforts.
- lulia had a great game. i called for his sacking last week, well let's just say i'm happy im not coaching the knights.
- discipline. it's not good enough. it hurts us badly. we must have given them 5 or 6 piggy backs out of their own half today. once again - surprised it didnt cost us the match.
- bailey. he must be in the side, plain and simple. mullo at centre has to be an option. for some reason though i think mullo will be our halfback henceforth. scotty, unfortunately, to miss out.
- royal was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC.
- pato's workrate was much better today... and i wont be surprised to see houston missing out on a spot when simmo comes back. his discipline needs work.
- naiqama had a great game at fullback. i hope this doesnt entice smith to put gidley at halfback in the future... but it's nice to know we have a more than capable 2nd string fullback in case of (touch wood) injuries.
- mad dog needs to retire. i hate seeing my memories of him carving up opposition teams being torn to tatters by him hanging around past his used by date.
i'm proud of the team today. we just completely refuse to roll over in matches this year and our enthusiasm just won us a game of football against one of the competition favourites. on top of that, we did it without our first.. or even second string halves combination. there are great times ahead people. exciting times.