Round 20 v Tigers: Game Day Thread

[Poupou Escobar]

Apparently we over spent for years also. Just because we f**ked up what we spent it on doesnt mean people should be critical of another mob who got it right.

We overspent trying to fix a disadvantage, not to create an advantage (until last year anyway - no surprise that's when we got caught). The salary cap hurts teams who need to turn their squad over quickly. You can say don't get into that position in the first place but an incoming coach had nothing to do with it. In fact, it'll hurt your ability to recruit a proven coach because he won't want his job to rely on a squad worth less than those of other clubs.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

We've certainly got well ahead of ourselves, with still 1/4 of the regular season remaining.

I'm sure other clubs do it too. It's human nature. You could see in the presser Bellamy thought they were going to beat us. He was furious. His players would've thought so too, despite missing some stars. They took us lightly and got belted. At least we won today.

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

Why wouldn't you want your most experienced players out there with the game on the line?

You would. Though I'm surprised he didn't come on earlier given he'd been resting for about an hour.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Hindy111 said prior to game could lose in a tight game. We won by 1 point.
Im a realist. Saints and panthers are better teams at this point. So is Canberra.

We have had an easy draw. Of the 6 teams only play once we got, storm,roosters,sharks,manly,panthers,knights. Storm also minus origin stars.
Thats 5 teams you kind of happy not to play twice .

I still think we have the team to win comp. But need to find form fast. Nothings sticking at moment but it only will take one game for that to happen.

Terepo, Frank need to come in ASAP. Tims times up, tough call but one thst must be made.

I think we have a pretty average squad, but it is young, so most of our players will be better next year. Evans is a big gain, IMO. But Radradra will be a massive loss.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

You would. Though I'm surprised he didn't come on earlier given he'd been resting for about an hour.

I think after his initial stint he is held on the bench until he's needed. Was he needed before the final Tigers try? You could say he was because they scored in his absence but I felt the other forwards were doing a good job. It seemed like we were trying to put the game to bed rather than cling to the lead. Unfortunately for us that means playing high risk footy. Was that Arthur's fault? Apparently he wasn't happy immediately post game.

 

[Chipmunk]

I'm sure other clubs do it too. It's human nature. You could see in the presser Bellamy thought they were going to beat us. He was furious. His players would've thought so too, despite missing some stars. They took us lightly and got belted. At least we won today.

The Storm expect to win every game they play in. It's part of their makeup. More often than not though, the team they put on the paddock can walk the walk instead of just talking the talk. The only time they're realistically a chance of being beaten is when they take their opponent likely or a win doesn't mean as much, like winning the Minor Premiership by 5 wins isn't going to mean you're going to win the comp and the Storm players all know that.

 

[Chipmunk]

I think we have a pretty average squad, but it is young, so most of our players will be better next year. Evans is a big gain, IMO. But Radradra will be a massive loss.

I fear the loss of Radradra maybe as significant as Mansours absence was for the Panthers earlier in the year.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

The Storm expect to win every game they play in. It's part of their makeup. More often than not though, the team they put on the paddock can walk the walk instead of just talking the talk. The only time they're realistically a chance of being beaten is when they take their opponent likely or a win doesn't mean as much, like winning the Minor Premiership by 5 wins isn't going to mean you're going to win the comp and the Storm players all know that.

Winning all the time between 2006 and 2009 has certainly given them a long term benefit across the organisation. You can't argue with four straight grand finals.

 

[hindy111]

I think we have a pretty average squad, but it is young, so most of our players will be better next year. Evans is a big gain, IMO. But Radradra will be a massive loss.

Jennings,semi,gutherson,moses,norman,Brown,Manu

I fear the loss of Radradra maybe as significant as Mansours absence was for the Panthers earlier in the year.

Semi will be a massive loss. Just glad it is in a spot that you can find replacements or atleast guys who can do a decent job.
Better then a spine player.

 

[Suitman]

But Radradra will be a massive loss.

No he won't. He's a grub of the highest order apparently.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I believe the one doesn't preclude the other.

 

[bartman]

They do it in the NFL. Has nothing to do with Hillsong or ethnicity, it is a prayer circle for people who want to be involved.

Lol...

 

[bartman]

I read about 3 articles from Mannah talking up finals footy.

I love it when that dribbler talks, because the opposite always happens.

Another quality 30mins from him today. We are so lucky to have him for two more years.

Our biggest Hillsong-related liability imo...

 

[bartman]

Mannah's workrate was down this week, because we had a fair bit of possession in his second stint. But for the season it's better than anyone except Alvaro.

Workrate and effectiveness in your work are two different things.

I said in the off-season that Mannah had entered decline, and his effectiveness this season seems to be suppporting my claim.

 

[bartman]

His second sant was comical i don't think he missed any tackles he just struggled to keep up to lay a hand on anyone.

Imo, despite his "defensive sepcialist" tag, Mannah is a big factor in why we seem to run out of puff in teh final 20 and almost alway risk getting run down, rather than cementing a lead.

Bench next season (should have been this season, except for injuries) and Wenty in his final year.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Workrate and effectiveness in your work are two different things.

His tackle effectiveness is excellent too. But in the case of workrate in defence, it points to a bigger picture of working hard to close gaps and get numbers in the tackle. When Tedesco made the Tigers' sole line break while Vave strolled on the short side and watched him run past, Mannah was diving at Woods' ankles to stop his leg drive. These are the 'one percenters' coaches and players talk about when they explain why they like having team mates whom the fans find unfashionable.

I said in the off-season that Mannah had entered decline, and his effectiveness this season seems to be suppporting my claim.

His reduced contribution this season only points to finally having better team mates with which to share the load. He is still very effective. Moreso in fact, because he is no longer relied upon to carry the pack.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Imo, despite his "defensive sepcialist" tag, Mannah is a big factor in why we seem to run out of puff in teh final 20 and almost alway risk getting run down, rather than cementing a lead.

Bench next season (should have been this season, except for injuries) and Wenty in his final year.

I wouldn't be surprised if he was outside the top 17 in his final year (he will be 31) but injuries aren't keeping him from the bench. Any middle forward can start the match. It doesn't mean they're better. In fact I'd say that the number of minutes a forward plays indicates his quality more than whether he started.

Today our bench forwards Alvaro and Matagi both played more minutes than Mannah and Vave. And Edwards played more than Moeroa. There's no magic specialness about being on the field to start the match. Every minute is just as important as any other.

 

[Gronk]

There is no doubt that Mannah is playing busted. I reckon he would have been rested if Peni was match fit.

TBH I don't like merkins wanting to discard him like putting out the garbage.

He's been a great clubman and does not deserve the disrespect that some here have been dishing out. His does not tank matches and he always gives 100%. Sometimes players get asked to play even though they are busted. Benefit of the doubt and loyalty are rare at times around here.

 

[strider]

Hindy111 said prior to game could lose in a tight game. We won by 1 point.
Im a realist. Saints and panthers are better teams at this point. So is Canberra.

We have had an easy draw. Of the 6 teams only play once we got, storm,roosters,sharks,manly,panthers,knights. Storm also minus origin stars.
Thats 5 teams you kind of happy not to play twice .

I still think we have the team to win comp. But need to find form fast. Nothings sticking at moment but it only will take one game for that to happen.

Terepo, Frank need to come in ASAP. Tims times up, tough call but one thst must be made.

Iwould have been happy to play manly and penrith twice

So its only 3 teams

 

[eel01s]

Yeah I can't understand all the Mannah hate either. Sure he is no superstar, but he is a good worker, and doesn't make too many mistakes. Always give 100%.

Being at the game yesterday I thought we looked lethargic. Don't know what it is with us after a bye. Our completion rate was rubbish all game, but we always looked to have the Tigers' measure. That period before and after half time really was worrying though, all that possession close to their line and our inability to ice the game.

An ugly win but one we needed.