Round 5 Vs Titans

[DaveMc]

It's the blame of whoever called the play. I doubt it was Cleary himself.

But even assuming that’s right, the execution on the kick itself was atrocious. If you’re gonna try a play like that, you’d better make sure the kick is pinpoint. It wasn’t. And that’s on Nathan.

 

[age.s]

I didn't think we were that bad actually. On the positive, we looked much more fluid with the ball in general. Our spine had their best game of the year by far, with both Cleary and Katoa in particular looking way better. Kikau is still a player that can do something from nothing. JFH had a monstrous game again. Tamou was also very good. Our handling was almost NRL standard.

Our major issues were wilting at the back end of games (a major concern) and some utterly moronic penalties (I could have thrown something at the TV when RCG crowded on the 5th before their second try). Probably worst of all we have two serious problems on our wings. I wasn't surprised to see Edwards struggle with positioning but Mansour looks completely shot. Did awful work for Don's try and lucky not to get embarrassed the 2-3 other times bombs went his way. A shadow of an NRL player, let alone the guy who was well in Origin contention a few years ago.

I wouldn't make too much of losing to the Titans though. They were desperate, in a milestone game and played much better than they had all year. Brimson coming on for Taylor was a blessing in disguise too. Disgraceful how Brennan is using him.

 

[ashton]

Signings for 2019
Tim Grant
MWZ
sele
fuimoana
Winterstein........these 5 signings is another reason why we are in so much trouble.
Phil Gould needs to take responsibility for these signings.

 

[The Realist]

Where were you in 2017 when Panthers were 2 from 9?

Hook couldn't do better with this depletedsquad.

I call bullshit on this. At least the team would be significantly fitter, have good line speed and better than average defence. Yes our depth has suffered but you would think that the younger players maturing another season would offset this. Instead most of the roster has gone backwards.

Last year we had the heart to keep on trying, and enough poise not to shit the bed when the going got tough. Now we are pea hearted, unfit, and completely bereft of any clue. We also panic at even the faintest whiff of adversity. Our toughness is just....gone. Vanished.

 

[DaveMc]

According to a reddit thread, with tonight’s loss Ivan has overtaken Ricky as the coach with the worst winning percentage for any coach who has been in charge of 300 matches.

 

[mxlegend99]

I call bullshit on this. At least the team would be significantly fitter, have good line speed and better than average defence. Yes our depth has suffered but you would think that the younger players maturing another season would offset this. Instead most of the roster has gone backwards.

Last year we had the heart to keep on trying, and enough poise not to shit the bed when the going got tough. Now we are pea hearted, unfit, and completely bereft of any clue. We also panic at even the faintest whiff of adversity. Our toughness is just....gone. Vanished.

You're right.

We can offset losing rep players like Peachey, Merrin, CHN, etc..by simply having a few extra games thrown onto the tally of fringe first graders.

 

[DaveMc]

You're right.

We can offset losing rep players like Peachey, Merrin, CHN, etc..by simply having a few extra games thrown onto the tally of fringe first graders.

Don’t forget upgrading Mansour, RCG and Cleary on long term contracts!

 

[forby]

A team with no heart wouldn't have defended 4 sets in a row like they did. 3 tries were off kicks. They need to defend kicks better. General goal line defence was good again.

 

[billypilgrimnz]

Brimson coming on for Taylor was a blessing in disguise too. Disgraceful how Brennan is using him.

Isn't he coming back from serious injury?

 

[Kilkenny]

I missed Aekins sole game in first grade. Is he quick?

I don’t think he is overly quick but he ran for 300 metres on debut and has been very good in NSW Cup. I think he offers more than Dylan at present and although harsh on Dallin we need to do something. I would bring in Jed Cartwright for Whare but that’s not going to happen.

 

[mxlegend99]

Storm just did what Nathan Cleary tried to do. Only difference was a better kick chase.

Its a set play that failed. Good enough for Stormto try though

 

[DaveMc]

Storm just did what Nathan Cleary tried to do. Only difference was a better kick chase.

Its a set play that failed. Good enough for Stormto try though

Not just a better chase, a much better kick too. And in a totally different game context.

 

[Kilkenny]

Storm just did what Nathan Cleary tried to do. Only difference was a better kick chase.

Its a set play that failed. Good enough for Stormto try though

Don’t know whose idea it was but it was a brain dead decision and one that failed miserably.

 

[PANTHERMIKE]

It’s Round 5.....

New coach, players moved on, positional changes, players in and out.

You don’t win comps in April.

The team has played better this week than any game this season. Handling was better, Spine was better, it will click very soon.

Not to mention the lack of Origin players this year.

It’s slowly building as painful as it is right now.

 

[Kilkenny]

Ivan’s top priority is to get front row sorted. Titans Arrow, James & Wallace all over 100 metres. Our lone centurion of the front rowers was Tamou again.

 

[The Realist]

Our lack of pace out wide is a major issue for us but for mine our supposed forward leader and enforcer needs to be the first to see NSW Cup. His less than satisfactory performances is not a recent phenomenon as he has been poor for a long time. It may well piss DWZ off but I would bring in Aekins to play fullback and put Dallin back on the wing . Poor Dylan needs a spell in NSW Cup. You could probably make more changes but I don’t see that happening at present.

I agree with this. I cannot believe I am agreeing with you, and having a skirmish with MX. hahaha

One thing though is who do we replace RCG with? Our forward stocks are SHIT. It would be nice to have McKendry fit but alas....and obviously Tim Grant and Ivan just don't see eye to eye.

 

[DaveMc]

It’s Round 5.....

New coach, players moved on, positional changes, players in and out.

You don’t win comps in April.

The team has played better this week than any game this season. Handling was better, Spine was better, it will click very soon.

Not to mention the lack of Origin players this year.

It’s slowly building as painful as it is right now.

It’s tough only having the incumbent Origin winning halves.

 

[TheFrog]

One thing though is who do we replace RCG with?

Bring the lazy prick off the bench.

 

[The Realist]

Handling was better,

ONLY because it wasn't wet/raining. And we still made plenty of stupid errors.

 

[ashton]

Storm just did what Nathan Cleary tried to do. Only difference was a better kick chase.

Its a set play that failed. Good enough for Stormto try though

Why would we try that move with the slowest backs in the NRL?