I don't think we should be too disheartened by the performance that we saw today. I thought we were easily the better team in every aspect. Generally speaking I don't believe it in luck but today Penrith were lucky in all of the tries that they scored. If I were a Panthers fan I would be really concerned about the lack of cohesion and structure that they play with. Basically, it was the same old Penrith - scoring fortuitous tries from ad-lib footy. This approach will only get them so far. What pleased me the most was the way we defended our goal line! That is what wins games of footy and that is the main reason why I feel we deserved to win.
In saying that, the reason why we lost was predominantly due the side looking to survive the 15-20 minutes rather than score more points. You can't adopt that mentality in the NRL with only 14 points on the board as it is not a big lead in the modern game. I distinctly remember Adam Doueihi putting the ball over the sideline in good field position to waste a few seconds when we should have been putting Penrith under pressure. You are only asking for trouble adopting that sort of mentality. The Broncos lost a grand final to the Cowboys adopting those sorts of tactics and that is what happened today.
The other area of concern for me is fitness. Many people are going to bag the players for their errors in the second half but that for me was due to a lack of fitness rather than poor coaching or technique. I noticed it last week and it happened again this week with the players wilting halfway through the second half. It is probably the main reason why we decided to stop attacking! This needs to be fixed because to beat the best teams we need to be playing the full 80!
In terms of performances, I thought the Burgess twins were extremely good. Many people are going to bag them for a few errors but I think those people are taking cheap shots. I thought their runs with really encouraging and they seem to have worked on their footwork. Additionally, I was really impressed with the back three. Those who hated Madge's style should really be pleased with what Seibold has done in letting the outside backs express themselves and promoting more freedom with the football within the side.
Overall, I wouldn't be too disheartened. Penrith were lucky and will get their just deserts in the coming weeks.
