How do
How do you explain the 8-3 start which included against Penrith twice v Bellamy twice at Cronulla at Brisbane and the fact that we have torpedoed ALL TOP THREE squads?? Cannot do this with an inferior roster cannot be done. Plus we are the ONLY team to have put 20 or more on Cleary when they have almost all starters available. No one else has been able to do this not even approaching that level.
I believe Demetriou made many inexperienced errors after that 8-3 start. For example, he played Mitchell at lock when he is a strong, rugged hard to stop prop still learing the position but very willing. He also played Hawkins at 5/8 TWICE when Hawkins is ONLY a one game half with a decent kicking game. Taaffe was never put in his correct position, in the halves and he is never going to be a FB!! Look at Dane Laurie... Marshall knows he is NOT a FB but look how dangerous Laurie is up close using his step and speed. Surely Taaffe could emulate Laurie but instead Demetriou stuck to what was failing!!. Further he continually changed the line-ups indicating inexperience and lack of faith in back-up players.
Demetriou has a few games to correct some of his errors. He needs to select a much BIGGER pack and get both Mitchell and Suluka-Fifita involved. Get rid of Jed and Chee-Kam they are cooked. It all starts up front and Demetriou and the coaching staff need to focus more on SIZE and POWER than fancy ball movements, athletic back rowers and a dangerous passing attack.
We will likely be done in early September however Demetriou must indicate he is prepared to control selections and the style of play rather than allow a few of the bigger names to merely show off their talents and skill here and there. I do not need to mention the player names: Demetriou needs to stamp his authority over the squad and make smart choices.
