Round 11 v Cowboys (Match Thread)

[BrotherJim05]

Stuck in there untill the very end. Farah is a tackle monster. Cant believe he can direct play and kick well for 80 mins yet still make 60 tackles.
I really liked Benji out there. Just stuck to basics and gelled well with the team.

 

[Magpies Forever]

I really liked Benji out there. Just stuck to basics and gelled well with the team.

Agree Benji played well but no where near superstar quality. I'm glad he played as a team player, channeling the ball and making he occasional plays himself, not trying to hog the ball and do everything himself. This allowed other players to settle and play their games too.

I think Benji and club would be best served by letting contract extensions wait until the off season and just let the team settle without Benji trying to prove himself to justify his asking price. If his form continues to be consistent, and he is a good team player fine- even better if later the sparkle returns that's great. But at present he is still only a good 5/8 maybe worth around $350k p.a. There is still a big difference for the star rates he wants at the moment.

 

[BrotherJim05]

Yeah if Benji can show his top form for the rest of the year (even if rest of the team are playing like shit) then I don't see a reason why we shouldn't extend his contract

 

[Magpies Forever]

Yeah if Benji can show his top form for the rest of the year (even if rest of the team are playing like shit) then I don't see a reason why we shouldn't extend his contract

I'd put a qualified yes to that. But the talks only happen after season ends and Benji has to be shown to be a team player and not hog the ball al the time.

 

[super_coach]

Benji was no more than a 5 out of 10,but I think he is still hampered by his toe injury,he could hardly run in the second half.

As for his contract, Benji has to decide what is more important,football or media work, because till he puts his head down and gets his mug off the tv his form will struggle

 

[Magpie Tragic]

Win, lose or draw last Friday night I thought it was a much improved effort by WT's.
Although if I were a Cowboys supporter (heaven forbid) I would be disappointed with their effort, given all the ball they had....also good to see us get the rub of the green for a change with some refereeing decisions....more games at Leichhardt I say

 

[Shanghai Charlie]

Lets be realistic, he played to first grade standard for a change.
Its a small step forward.

 

[benched tiger]

Finally some pace out wide to capitalize on try scoring opportunities...for to long we have had plodders in the backline.

 

[Magpies Forever]

Finally some pace out wide to capitalize on try scoring opportunities...for to long we have had plodders in the backline.

And yet now, there is talk of Lote returning and displacing one of them. I don't think he deserves it and he should wait in State Cup= at very least to get match fit as he hasn't played since July last year.

 

[Old Time Tiger]

Finally some pace out wide

it will also be an interesting team next week in regards to Lawrence. The rumour doing the rounds late Friday was that he was to make a surprise against the Cowboys. Now, with the bye, you'd assume he comes straight back in, but do they drop Simona? Or move him to left side and drop Reddy?

I think he will stick with Reddy until Ayshford returns and leave the wingers until they are added to the injury list.

 

[BrotherJim05]

I just hope Potter keeps Koro and Nuofalama on the wings. Pat Richards will obviously replace one of the two next year but these two wingers are the future.

 

[Magpies Forever]

I just hope Potter keeps Koro and Nuofalama on the wings. Pat Richards will obviously replace one of the two next year but these two wingers are the future.

Big Pat is now a good utility player capable of paying wing, centre or fullback. I'm leaning towards keeping N & K on the wings and having Pat at fullback. In other words keep the experienced old head at fullback and let the youngun's loose on the wings.

It means Tedesco cools his heels a bit as replacement but I do think Richards is more value than Tedesco unless Tedesco can show some greater skills than sown to date ie kicking.