Round 6 vs Sharks

[Dragon66]

So Mann plays 60 mins in the forwards ? or you move someone else from the backs into the forwards...Nighty ala Wayne ?

GS, I think you better read again. If there is no injuries Mann stays in the centres. Aitken plays as an edge forward, which, as far as i'm concerned is what he does every week already, except he has a three on his back. Simms moves to the middle to help maintain the momentum.

McGregor's the one that wants Mann doing time in the middle.

 

[getsmarty]

GS, I think you better read again. If there is no injuries Mann stays in the centres. Aitken plays as an edge forward, which, as far as i'm concerned is what he does every week already, except he has a three on his back. Simms moves to the middle to help maintain the momentum.

McGregor's the one that wants Mann doing time in the middle.

O.K ..still a fairly radical argument...60mins in the forwards for aitken. Surely he would need to be phased into this position over a period of time..Anyway, good on you for "Thinking outside the Box ".

 

[Dragon66]

O.K ..still a fairly radical argument...60mins in the forwards for aitken. Surely he would need to be phased into this position over a period of time..Anyway, good on you for "Thinking outside the Box ".

I'm only acknowledging what I already see on the field. Aitken is one of our fittest and toughest players. He is a very strong defender and a great ball runner, but has very little skill or finesse when it comes to his passing game. IMO, he's an upgrade on Josh Jackson, who is a similar size, as an edge player, both under 100kgs and around 180cm tall, and I also think Josh Jackson is a terrific player.

 

[Frank Facer]

The team is going well atm but my concern is the battering our key forwards are copping, it was noticeable halfway through the second half last week when our defensive line was starting to hold and watch due to fatigue. Something they have not done in the first four games.

Our “Power Game” takes it toll on all the players, not just the forwards but the two centres and both wingers who all spend a lot of time acting as battering rams out of dummy half or one off the ruck.

Souths were noticeably better at keeping the ball alive in attack than us but luckily they also had a high mistake rate as well.

I’m concerned about the cumulative effect this will have on the team after our Rd.8 Anzac Day Grand Final, as has happened with the previous two years.

So I’m going to suggest a team and strategy to mitigate the potential for early burn out.

The team I pick for Round 6 is designed to get the best out of our top 13, and ensure that burn out is kept to a minimum, as well as ensuring our up and coming juniours get some meaningful game time to develop them as competitive NRL players.

1.Dufty
2.Nightingale
14. Mann
4. Lafai
5. McDonald
6. Widdop
7. Hunt
8. Graham
9. McInnes
15. AhMau
11. Frizzell
16. Host
13. JDB

10. Vaughan
12. Simms
3. Aitken
17. Sele


The logic of these suggestions is based on the principle of having our best players together and as fresh as possible in the key parts of the game.
The first 20 minutes is usually just a slug fest, until fatigue kicks in and the game begins to open up.

Two points: I believe Aitken plays centre like he is an edge forward (can’t pass) and Mann offers more options to get Nighty some space, and AhMau’s form and style makes him ideal for the softening up period of the first 20.

I also think that Simms is our best proposition as our 4th best middle forward, even though I acknowledge how well he is playing on the edge, esp. in defence.
Latimore is solid but nothing special and nowhere near as good as Simms would be in the middle.
And Luc is playing like a rabbit in the headlights, and needs to play in the ISP until he shows he can offer some impact. Host has developed into a quality player on the edge.

THE STRATEGY:

Interchange.

My starting line up starts the game and the first change comes in the 20 minute mark.

First change: 20mins - Host off, Aitken on and stays on for the rest of the game.
Second change: 20mins – AhMau off, Vaughan on for the rest of the game.
Third change: 30mins – Graham off, Simms on

Halftime

Fourth change: Halftime – JDB off, Sele on
Fifth change: 55min – Frizzell off, Graham on, Simms to the edge
Sixth change: 60min – Sele off, JDB on.

The final two changes during the last 20 minutes would depend on the state of the game. Have we got a good lead, arm wrestle, or trying to come from behind.

Frizzell and AhMau are ready to return, and if the team has a strong lead Host or Sele might get extra minutes.

On a final note: Mann would still cover any backline injuries except fullback, with Aitken taking up a centre position, Widdop would replace Dufty if injured with Mann slotting into 5/8.


This lineup ensure all 17 players get fair time on the field, and are kept as fresh as possible for the length of the season.

You have obviously given it a lot of thought and you make some very good points. I agree with you about Aitken, I too have considered if he should be moved to the second row? I think Vaughn has to start, but he would also be very effective coming off the bench at the 20 minute mark. AhMau has been very effective coming off the bench this year. At the beginning of the year, I thought Simms was better suited to the middle and thought he would serve us better as part of our prop rotation, but his form on the edge has been very good.

I think the refs stopped refereeing Souths in the second half on Friday night. They were also behind, so they had play some more expansive football, while we started to protect our lead. I think that this happens quite a lot in today's game. It is almost like the refs want to try and make the game a contest sometimes. I thought our first half performance on Friday night was very good, we even looked like we were well coached. lol

 

[BennyV]

The team is going well atm but my concern is the battering our key forwards are copping, it was noticeable halfway through the second half last week when our defensive line was starting to hold and watch due to fatigue. Something they have not done in the first four games.

Our “Power Game” takes it toll on all the players, not just the forwards but the two centres and both wingers who all spend a lot of time acting as battering rams out of dummy half or one off the ruck.

Souths were noticeably better at keeping the ball alive in attack than us but luckily they also had a high mistake rate as well.

I’m concerned about the cumulative effect this will have on the team after our Rd.8 Anzac Day Grand Final, as has happened with the previous two years.

So I’m going to suggest a team and strategy to mitigate the potential for early burn out.

The team I pick for Round 6 is designed to get the best out of our top 13, and ensure that burn out is kept to a minimum, as well as ensuring our up and coming juniours get some meaningful game time to develop them as competitive NRL players.

1.Dufty
2.Nightingale
14. Mann
4. Lafai
5. McDonald
6. Widdop
7. Hunt
8. Graham
9. McInnes
15. AhMau
11. Frizzell
16. Host
13. JDB

10. Vaughan
12. Simms
3. Aitken
17. Sele


The logic of these suggestions is based on the principle of having our best players together and as fresh as possible in the key parts of the game.
The first 20 minutes is usually just a slug fest, until fatigue kicks in and the game begins to open up.

Two points: I believe Aitken plays centre like he is an edge forward (can’t pass) and Mann offers more options to get Nighty some space, and AhMau’s form and style makes him ideal for the softening up period of the first 20.

I also think that Simms is our best proposition as our 4th best middle forward, even though I acknowledge how well he is playing on the edge, esp. in defence.
Latimore is solid but nothing special and nowhere near as good as Simms would be in the middle.
And Luc is playing like a rabbit in the headlights, and needs to play in the ISP until he shows he can offer some impact. Host has developed into a quality player on the edge.

THE STRATEGY:

Interchange.

My starting line up starts the game and the first change comes in the 20 minute mark.

First change: 20mins - Host off, Aitken on and stays on for the rest of the game.
Second change: 20mins – AhMau off, Vaughan on for the rest of the game.
Third change: 30mins – Graham off, Simms on

Halftime

Fourth change: Halftime – JDB off, Sele on
Fifth change: 55min – Frizzell off, Graham on, Simms to the edge
Sixth change: 60min – Sele off, JDB on.

The final two changes during the last 20 minutes would depend on the state of the game. Have we got a good lead, arm wrestle, or trying to come from behind.

Frizzell and AhMau are ready to return, and if the team has a strong lead Host or Sele might get extra minutes.

On a final note: Mann would still cover any backline injuries except fullback, with Aitken taking up a centre position, Widdop would replace Dufty if injured with Mann slotting into 5/8.


This lineup ensure all 17 players get fair time on the field, and are kept as fresh as possible for the length of the season.

Swapping Mann for Aitken, that is the team I would pick. The drop from Simms to Host as an edge player isn't all that big, while the drop from Simms to Latimore as a prop is substantial, so it works better for team advantage. Sims can still play the 'beat the shit out of the opposition' role in the middle.

However, I dont understand the point of playing Host for 20mins at the start of the match and then leaving him off the rest of the game. Waste of both an interchange and a natural edge forward.

Further, if we are going to pick Aitken to play second row then he needs to develop there. Yes, I agree he plays like a forward in that he tucks the ball and runs, but his best work is has been running wide with plenty of room against opposition centres. He'd not get that opportunity as an edge backrower, where it's more to do with short balls, angles and playing through the line. He's also been found to be very poor when he has to make decisions in defence, which increases 10 fold when defending 2 players in. I dont think it's a bad idea that he gets a run there, but at the moment (despite the lack of ball skills) he is running far more like a centre than a backrower. In addition - the middle playmaker role that Mann has been playing provides an awesome point of difference in out attack for stages during the second half. I wouldnt do away with that yet. It's actually a great tactical move.

 

[Bests Golden Boots]

The team is going well atm but my concern is the battering our key forwards are copping, it was noticeable halfway through the second half last week when our defensive line was starting to hold and watch due to fatigue. Something they have not done in the first four games.

Our “Power Game” takes it toll on all the players, not just the forwards but the two centres and both wingers who all spend a lot of time acting as battering rams out of dummy half or one off the ruck.

Souths were noticeably better at keeping the ball alive in attack than us but luckily they also had a high mistake rate as well.

I’m concerned about the cumulative effect this will have on the team after our Rd.8 Anzac Day Grand Final, as has happened with the previous two years.

So I’m going to suggest a team and strategy to mitigate the potential for early burn out.

The team I pick for Round 6 is designed to get the best out of our top 13, and ensure that burn out is kept to a minimum, as well as ensuring our up and coming juniours get some meaningful game time to develop them as competitive NRL players.

1.Dufty
2.Nightingale
14. Mann
4. Lafai
5. McDonald
6. Widdop
7. Hunt
8. Graham
9. McInnes
15. AhMau
11. Frizzell
16. Host
13. JDB

10. Vaughan
12. Simms
3. Aitken
17. Sele


The logic of these suggestions is based on the principle of having our best players together and as fresh as possible in the key parts of the game.
The first 20 minutes is usually just a slug fest, until fatigue kicks in and the game begins to open up.

Two points: I believe Aitken plays centre like he is an edge forward (can’t pass) and Mann offers more options to get Nighty some space, and AhMau’s form and style makes him ideal for the softening up period of the first 20.

I also think that Simms is our best proposition as our 4th best middle forward, even though I acknowledge how well he is playing on the edge, esp. in defence.
Latimore is solid but nothing special and nowhere near as good as Simms would be in the middle.
And Luc is playing like a rabbit in the headlights, and needs to play in the ISP until he shows he can offer some impact. Host has developed into a quality player on the edge.

THE STRATEGY:

Interchange.

My starting line up starts the game and the first change comes in the 20 minute mark.

First change: 20mins - Host off, Aitken on and stays on for the rest of the game.
Second change: 20mins – AhMau off, Vaughan on for the rest of the game.
Third change: 30mins – Graham off, Simms on

Halftime

Fourth change: Halftime – JDB off, Sele on
Fifth change: 55min – Frizzell off, Graham on, Simms to the edge
Sixth change: 60min – Sele off, JDB on.

The final two changes during the last 20 minutes would depend on the state of the game. Have we got a good lead, arm wrestle, or trying to come from behind.

Frizzell and AhMau are ready to return, and if the team has a strong lead Host or Sele might get extra minutes.

On a final note: Mann would still cover any backline injuries except fullback, with Aitken taking up a centre position, Widdop would replace Dufty if injured with Mann slotting into 5/8.


This lineup ensure all 17 players get fair time on the field, and are kept as fresh as possible for the length of the season.

You’ve proberbly put more thought into that post than most or our coaching staff do all week.

I also agree the “power game” is going to bite us at some stage, you could see the fatigue in the forwards during the closing stages of the South’s game.
He’s going to have to put Host/ Sele on the bench at some stage, you can’t carry Luc on the bench if you can’t trust him in tight games.

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

It couldn't be at Shark Park/ Endeavor/ Caltex/ Southern Cross/ Wasteaway.....whatever.
They have already had 15 home games over the first 5 weeks.

Having said that, Win/Jubilee/Win for rounds 4,5 and 6 isn't a bad run to start the season

Yes mate its about time we had our share of home games for a change....

 

[Dragon66]

Swapping Mann for Aitken, that is the team I would pick. The drop from Simms to Host as an edge player isn't all that big, while the drop from Simms to Latimore as a prop is substantial, so it works better for team advantage. Sims can still play the 'beat the shit out of the opposition' role in the middle.

However, I dont understand the point of playing Host for 20mins at the start of the match and then leaving him off the rest of the game. Waste of both an interchange and a natural edge forward.

Further, if we are going to pick Aitken to play second row then he needs to develop there. Yes, I agree he plays like a forward in that he tucks the ball and runs, but his best work is has been running wide with plenty of room against opposition centres. He'd not get that opportunity as an edge backrower, where it's more to do with short balls, angles and playing through the line. He's also been found to be very poor when he has to make decisions in defence, which increases 10 fold when defending 2 players in. I dont think it's a bad idea that he gets a run there, but at the moment (despite the lack of ball skills) he is running far more like a centre than a backrower. In addition - the middle playmaker role that Mann has been playing provides an awesome point of difference in out attack for stages during the second half. I wouldnt do away with that yet. It's actually a great tactical move.

Benny, It's nice to have a civil and thoughtful discussion on the forum about the way forward after such a great start by our boys.

Just to clarify my rationale for starting Host in the first twenty. I believe for our young players to develop they require good meaningful minutes in the game at a time that allows them to focus on playing their natural game. I think it does very little for their development to be thrown into a pressure cooker situation towards the end of the game for small minutes like we did with Luc last week. I believe Host has enormous potential and starting is the best way to bring him along. Depending on his form he could be bought back towards the back end of the game to assist , or if the game is well and truly won he can be used to rest one of our key forwards. The same rationale I have used for Sele to start the second half for JBD.

That's why I have kept the last two changes unallocated to allow for the various scenarios that may occur going into the final quarter.

I disagree with your point about Aitken's defence. The closer in he is the more effective his becomes because he such a strong one on one defender. His issue last season was being stranded out wide with McDonald up against sweeping backline plays from the opposition with lots of open space around him that made any mistake stick out like a sore thumb. My main issue with Aitken is not his defence, strength or speed but his lack of skill will the ball. Last year Nighty was our top try scorer outside Lafai, this year it's McDonald benefiting, and starting look like a superstar. . I know the left is the preferred side to attack but the reality is if Nighty scores few tries this year it will not be because of poor form but limited opportunities, from having Frizzell and Aitken as his inside men.

I agree that Mann is making a good fist of his time in the middle, and thank god he's finally getting some decent game time. We know he is a very talented footballer but I'll restate the reasoning for my suggested structure.
1. To ensure proper game time for all 17 players. 2. To minimise burnout of our three key middlemen Graham, Vaughan and JDB, who have been the key to our success over the opening five rounds, over the long season. Their performance is what is allowing Widdop and Hunt to so successfully control the flow of the game.

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

The physicality of the games is increasing week by week and the Sharks game will be even more so as it will be a wrestling match as well.
Playing against the hardened sides with big packs will be the test of where we are at as a team and the next 4 or so few weeks will be very tough and I suspect grinding football.
We should be able to beat the Sharks with a comfortable margin but won't be surprised if we are all holding our breath in the last 2 minutes.
Bench rotation will be everything in the next couple of weeks.

For the very reasons above OT Im inclined to get Host and Sele back in the 17 asap......just think they add a bit more starch to the pack than Luc and Latimore......must admit I was surprised with Marys rotation back in round 4....we had a short 5 day turn around against Souths was comfortably ahead and he bought players like Graham back on late in the game

 

[Bests Golden Boots]

Yes mate its about time we had our share of home games for a change....

What worries me is in the middle part of the season, you know, the time it usually all turns to custard, we won’t have many home games to count on.

 

[hazzbeen]

What worries me is in the middle part of the season, you know, the time it usually all turns to custard, we won’t have many home games to count on.

Can go both ways if we can win all our home games we have the points and it builds confidence . It didn't to too much last year winning early on . But there seams to be a different vibe and we do have a couple of players in Hunt and Graham that are winners .... Either way points in the bag are good ....

 

[Old Timer]

For the very reasons above OT Im inclined to get Host and Sele back in the 17 asap......just think they add a bit more starch to the pack than Luc and Latimore......must admit I was surprised with Marys rotation back in round 4....we had a short 5 day turn around against Souths was comfortably ahead and he bought players like Graham back on late in the game

Mc Fookknuckle thought he had Souths on the ropes on Friday and stupidly kept our starting forwards on the paddock for longer than normal in an effort to bash and barge Souths out of the game.
When that didn't happen he replaced 3 forwards all at the same time and we lost momentum as they had to get up to the speed of the game.
He could have at least put Luc on then and tried to use a ball player to crack a tired Souths line up but went for Latimore (plodsville) instead which was just dumb IMO.
Souths repelled us and after a pep talk at half time they got a strong 2nd wind and started to put it to us and then he decides to throw Luc into the game at the very time you needed to have starch in the middle of the paddock also very dumb IMO.
I think we were a bit lucky in fact to actually get away with the game as our tactics (lol) almost cost us in the end.
I agree Host and Sele much better options but somehow just can't see it happening anytime soon so I am expecting to see some real fatigue setting in after Rd 9 if we keep going the same way.

 

[BennyV]

Benny, It's nice to have a civil and thoughtful discussion on the forum about the way forward after such a great start by our boys.

Just to clarify my rationale for starting Host in the first twenty. I believe for our young players to develop they require good meaningful minutes in the game at a time that allows them to focus on playing their natural game. I think it does very little for their development to be thrown into a pressure cooker situation towards the end of the game for small minutes like we did with Luc last week. I believe Host has enormous potential and starting is the best way to bring him along. Depending on his form he could be bought back towards the back end of the game to assist , or if the game is well and truly won he can be used to rest one of our key forwards. The same rationale I have used for Sele to start the second half for JBD.

That's why I have kept the last two changes unallocated to allow for the various scenarios that may occur going into the final quarter.

I disagree with your point about Aitken's defence. The closer in he is the more effective his becomes because he such a strong one on one defender. His issue last season was being stranded out wide with McDonald up against sweeping backline plays from the opposition with lots of open space around him that made any mistake stick out like a sore thumb. My main issue with Aitken is not his defence, strength or speed but his lack of skill will the ball. Last year Nighty was our top try scorer outside Lafai, this year it's McDonald benefiting, and starting look like a superstar. . I know the left is the preferred side to attack but the reality is if Nighty scores few tries this year it will not be because of poor form but limited opportunities, from having Frizzell and Aitken as his inside men.

I agree that Mann is making a good fist of his time in the middle, and thank god he's finally getting some decent game time. We know he is a very talented footballer but I'll restate the reasoning for my suggested structure.
1. To ensure proper game time for all 17 players. 2. To minimise burnout of our three key middlemen Graham, Vaughan and JDB, who have been the key to our success over the opening five rounds, over the long season. Their performance is what is allowing Widdop and Hunt to so successfully control the flow of the game.

My point re: Host is that he’s ready for longer minutes. He’s done his developing and every time he’s been in first grade on the edge, he’s impressed. 20 minutes at the start and a cameo at the back doesn’t do him justice if he’s moving into first grade, especially when the substitute and long minute player hasn’t played a second at edge backrower. And while there are many transferable skills, they are very different positions.

We may have to agree to disagree but at this point, Aitken is running like a centre. His best has been when he’s receiving a wide pass one-on-one with an oppositng centre, angling towards the corner and beating him. He won’t get these chances as a second rower, where it’s mostly short balls and choosing angles to run (a severely understated skill for good edge backrowers). Yes, he needs to develop his draw and pass but that’s very doable, and at the moment it’s not affecting his performance (addition of a quicker winger may also help here).

In defence, the back rower needs to constantly make decisions between jamming the opposition half, staying on the opposition backrower or sliding to cover the sweep player. Aitken has shown that his decision making is severely lacking.

Moving a player who is improving and performing in his current position to the opposite side of the field, to a new position, to substitute for a player who is a natural is that position, seems a bit needless.
And this is from someone who thought Aitken shouldn’t have been in the team in Rd1.

 

[Alec's-saints]

Mc Fookknuckle thought he had Souths on the ropes on Friday and stupidly kept our starting forwards on the paddock for longer than normal in an effort to bash and barge Souths out of the game.
When that didn't happen he replaced 3 forwards all at the same time and we lost momentum as they had to get up to the speed of the game.
He could have at least put Luc on then and tried to use a ball player to crack a tired Souths line up but went for Latimore (plodsville) instead which was just dumb IMO.
Souths repelled us and after a pep talk at half time they got a strong 2nd wind and started to put it to us and then he decides to throw Luc into the game at the very time you needed to have starch in the middle of the paddock also very dumb IMO.
I think we were a bit lucky in fact to actually get away with the game as our tactics (lol) almost cost us in the end.
I agree Host and Sele much better options but somehow just can't see it happening anytime soon so I am expecting to see some real fatigue setting in after Rd 9 if we keep going the same way.

saints were in total control

Mc Fookknuckle thought he had Souths on the ropes on Friday and stupidly kept our starting forwards on the paddock for longer than normal in an effort to bash and barge Souths out of the game.
When that didn't happen he replaced 3 forwards all at the same time and we lost momentum as they had to get up to the speed of the game.
He could have at least put Luc on then and tried to use a ball player to crack a tired Souths line up but went for Latimore (plodsville) instead which was just dumb IMO.
Souths repelled us and after a pep talk at half time they got a strong 2nd wind and started to put it to us and then he decides to throw Luc into the game at the very time you needed to have starch in the middle of the paddock also very dumb IMO.
I think we were a bit lucky in fact to actually get away with the game as our tactics (lol) almost cost us in the end.
I agree Host and Sele much better options but somehow just can't see it happening anytime soon so I am expecting to see some real fatigue setting in after Rd 9 if we keep going the same way.

we were in control the whole game. we got robbed a try also.

 

[Old Timer]

saints were in total control

we were in control the whole game. we got robbed a try also.

Totally delusional if you think we were in total control for the whole game..
We had the bulk of possession and despite that Souths still had a real chance in the last 5 minutes.
We lost our way in attack, our forwards were tired and we had to defend grimly and despite that almost found a way to gift Souths a chance to win.
Widdop had his quietest game of the year and that was on the back of the forwards not being as commanding as they were in previous games.
Despite the obvious error re the the no try it doesn't excuse the fact that we didn't put Souths away well and truly before full time.
Lucky for us S. Burgess didn't play and hopefully if he had then the great Mc Fookknuckle might have employed different tactics.

 

[Alec's-saints]

Totally delusional if you think we were in total control for the whole game..
We had the bulk of possession and despite that Souths still had a real chance in the last 5 minutes.
We lost our way in attack, our forwards were tired and we had to defend grimly and despite that almost found a way to gift Souths a chance to win.
Widdop had his quietest game of the year and that was on the back of the forwards not being as commanding as they were in previous games.
Despite the obvious error re the the no try it doesn't excuse the fact that we didn't put Souths away well and truly before full time.
Lucky for us S. Burgess didn't play and hopefully if he had then the great Mc Fookknuckle might have employed different tactics.

5 day turn didn't help us mate. would have lost this game in the past. we defended well for 30 mins second half. 22-12 end result im happy.

 

[TomRedVRiver]

Totally delusional if you think we were in total control for the whole game..
We had the bulk of possession and despite that Souths still had a real chance in the last 5 minutes.
We lost our way in attack, our forwards were tired and we had to defend grimly and despite that almost found a way to gift Souths a chance to win.
Widdop had his quietest game of the year and that was on the back of the forwards not being as commanding as they were in previous games.
Despite the obvious error re the the no try it doesn't excuse the fact that we didn't put Souths away well and truly before full time.
Lucky for us S. Burgess didn't play and hopefully if he had then the great Mc Fookknuckle might have employed different tactics.

If that no try was awarded a try (as it should have been) to take us to 14-0, then I feel like Souths don't even make it back into the contest. Maybe i'm wrong, but to go 14-0 up and given our last 4 rounds... We prove too strong. Momentum would have carried us to a 20+ margin.

Up until that last 9 minutes, we defended extremely well. Particularly when Inglis almost stormed over and we pushed him back.

 

[Alec's-saints]

If that no try was awarded a try (as it should have been) to take us to 14-0, then I feel like Souths don't even make it back into the contest. Maybe i'm wrong, but to go 14-0 up and given our last 4 rounds... We prove too strong. Momentum would have carried us to a 20+ margin.

Up until that last 9 minutes, we defended extremely well. Particularly when Inglis almost stormed over and we pushed him back.

someone with a brain. we defended brilliantly.

 

[merahputih]

Yes mate its about time we had our share of home games for a change....

Looks like we have nudged the Broncos out of their Friday night TV slot too, since the NRL has more say in TV games. Does anyone else find the current draw strange with playing some teams twice in a few weeks and others only once?

 

[kit66]

The gummies had a near perfect first half against us a few weeks ago, wind at their backs, bounce of the ball and refs helping out. That won't happen again. I expect us to come out hard early on and dominate. They'll be nervous knowing that even with a good lead they're still not safe and if we can get points early that'll just make them more nervous and more likely to put on the risky plays and make mistakes. I can't see us losing this, they can stick Moylan, Duges and Holmes wherever they like, won't make any difference.

Saints 13+