Round 25 vs Dragons Discussion & Voting

[Snappy]

Going to take a hell of an effort to beat Melbourne next week, with any luck they'll rest some players. But I think with Hodges there this is our best shot at beating them. He clearly adds that other dimension to our attack which is worrying the opposition.

They won't be resting anyone. After they lose to Roosters tonight, they have to beat us just to make the eight

 

[Snappy]

Ben Hunt needs to be signed long term, and build the squad around him.

 

[THE CHAMP]

Quick mention for Kennedy
Another good game from him.

 

[hooch is crazy]

Interesting game.

Hunt 3
Hodges 2
Glenn 1

 

[Bretto]

3. Hunt
2. Hodges
1. Kennedy

 

[GoTheBroncs]

They won't be resting anyone. After they lose to Roosters tonight, they have to beat us just to make the eight

Even if they win they'll want to push for a top 4 spot. Storm won't be resting anyone next week.

 

[Dazzat]

Where has that mind-set been all year? Why does it take a crisis to unlock the cupboard and get out the attacking flair for an airing?

Ben Hunt is an absolute champion, and should comfortably win the best players award for the club this year. With the exception of a couple of games after Griffin's sacking was announced, he has been an absolute standout, regardless of who has played No. 6.

Everyone lifted last night - last home game, must win game for the finals and last home game for Griffin.

It's easy to say that Hodges should have played fullback all year, but the reality is who should NOT have played fullback this year - Hoffman and Barba (after it was discovered he wasn't firing, was dropping bombs and not adding to the attack from that position).

All our forwards ran with purpose, our backs were creative, but Hunt was the glue that hung it all together.

3. Hunt
2. Hodges
1. Hannant

 

[Nerd]

Best game I have seen from Kennedy all year. I agree with the above comments about having Hodges at fullback. He really does add that extra dimension to our attack especially near the try line that we have lacked all year.

3. Hunt
2. Hodges
1. Gillett

 

[Kiwi]

3 - Hunt
2 - Gillett
1 - Kennedy

 

[Nightward]

I don't think Hodges could handle a full season at fullback, unfortunately- with the added requirement of try-stopping bursts of speed that position carries with it he would be at greater risk of aggravating his knee injuries and being out for the long term, if not forever. Using him sparingly in that position (or trading places in attack and defence with another player) is probably a better idea- we can get away with it for now since every game is sudden death for the top 8 and there aren't many more to play any way, but when Hodges is struggling to make 26 rounds as a centre the last thing you need to do is put him at more risk.

This being said:

Hunt 3
Parker 2
McGuire 1

 

[Bronco18]

@Nightward - I agree 100% on Hodges. I feel like moving Maranta back there in defence has it's merits.
Cronk will run him ragged next week with his kicking game too. Cronk kicked the Storm to victory last time we played them, and Hodges positional play will have to be perfect. I also worry about him under the high ball.

 

[Big Pete]

3. Hunt
2. Glenn
1. Hodges

 

[DeeJ]

1. Hunt
2. Hodges
3. Gillett

 

[Shane P]

I must agree with all the positive comments. I think everyone is playing in their must effective position. Hodgo brings a lot of creativity and playmaking skills to the fullback position that Hoffman couldn't. Hunt was superb, everything he did was skilful, confident and just the right thing at the right time, reminiscent of Alfie at his best. A great win marred by the Cummins brainf*ck, we should have won by 30. Also, since when are players penalised for having a hand on the shoulder of someone playing the ball? Why wasn't a penalty awarded the other 50+ times it happened during the game???

Hunt 3
Hodgo 2
Thaiday1

 

[AceAv]

3. Hunt
2. Gillett
1. Thaiday

Man how good was that!

We always seem to have massive games against the dragons @ home and this was no exception.

Did very well to stay on top and keep them away from our line. We capitalized on every opportunity well. I don't think Melb is going to let us in that easily though, some of those tackles we busted were second rate!

How awesome was it to see Thaiday taking charge from the kick offs!

If we go out next week I will try and remember this game as one of the highlights to the season.