I said at Half time that it was the worst I have ever seen To'o ever play. After half time, he got worse and worse. It wasn't just the bad defensive reads - it was his failure to contest the high ball numerous times and his failures when he did.
He could have run for 400 metres in the game and it wouldn't have mattered. He was the worst player on the field - it hurts to say that as he is my favourite player. I don't know whether it was his rest from last week throwing him out of rythme, or seeing his best friend injured but it was a one man horror show.
Our forwards were generally dominated - and with 2 of our outside back metre eaters also missing, they couldn't compensate. Seeing Soni Luke defending for extended periods makes my eyes nearly bleed. Every opposition player runs at him and makes big metres and gets quick PTB's. His defence is just not up to NRL standard in any position, yet alone a tackle heavy and important defensive position like Hooker.
Nathan always puts in good effort - but in his main task of orchestrating plays, putting players into gaps, leading the team etc he was awful.
And WHAT IN THE LIVING HELL are we doing at training when contesting drop outs and even bombs? We are a disorganised shambles at this. I swear we are one of the worst teams at this and have been for years.
Yes - we had a bunch of players out. Yes, we had Luai injured early on but that game was not good and has me nervous. If I was on the coaching staff of a few of the other contenders - I'd be licking my lips at some of the weaknesses and short comings of this Panthers team.
The only positive I can see is that if there is any time to get a wake up call - now is it.