Some takeaways Round 1

[BuffaloRules]

1. Simona went well. I thought he played busted last year and this seemed to affect his pace but from what I saw yesterday he looks back to his quickest..

2. Start Cherrington FFS whilst Farah is out... This guy is supposed to be the long term answer right for the 9? I would like to see JT start him to show that the confidence is there.

3.Moses magnificent in first 40... Crumbled a bit under pressure in the 2nd half but overall improvement shown from last year. Hopefully will have more time with Brooks back to show us even more.

4.Still always nervous when the opposition puts the ball in the air and there is anyone but Teddy under it.

5. My first trip out to Cambo for about 13 years... Ground looks pretty good ..had a few at the club before the game which looks well set up for a punt and a feed before/after the game.The club went to a bit of effort with the match day entertainment. Let's hope the boys can put together a few wins and the locals can get behind them and pack the joint out.

 

[madunit]

Lawrence has grown into his new role well. He looks damn quick in the back row. The Warriors were very reluctant to run sliding plays on his side.

Sironen looks to have finally understood his role as a backrower. Positioned better in attack, ran straight lines and his tackling technique is better he's still slow laterally.

I want Kev on the wing. Thought he would have made more use of the opportunities that were handed to Rankin.

Cherrington must start if Farah and Ballin are out.

Woods is very one dimensional without Farah

Simona looks great. That step to beat RTS was glorious.

Nofo played like it was his first game back after a season of injuries - tentative, simple errorsetc. He will sort that out pretty quick.

 

[Tigers Tale]

I have been critical of Sironen lately, he was pretty solid this week so it is only fair I acknowledge that. I'd love him to play similar to Cartwright. That try Cartwright set up for Hiku just on half time was great....a ball playing backrower at their best.

Madunit, if Kev goes to the wing who would be the centre. I thought Rankin was average on the wing (not his fault perhaps) but who would you think Taylor could put in the centre to actually strengthen the side?

 

[BuffaloRules]

Don't think Rankin has enough zip for wing..

I heard Addo-Carr went OK in NSW Cup?

 

[Wizardman]

The biggest positive I took away from round one was how well we defended in the first half. That defensive effort was the best I've seen from a Wests Tigers side in years. We looked very organised and the Warriors did not look like making a line break.

Moses.....keep it up!!!!

Pretty happy with Kev in the centres atm.....great game.

Rankin was solid but I don't think we have better options there...especially in defence. Addo Carr is not ready for that reason. Tigers might need to make a mid-season buy in the backs as we have very little depth there. Maybe, buy one of the million backs Newcastle have.

 

[Tiger05]

Naiqama has been great in the centres and he has to stay there. Rankin doesn't look like a winger and I'd play JAC there. JAC may have scored a try and stopped a try if he was there instead of Rankin just through pace alone.

 

[magpie_man]

Thoughts on Tim Grant?
I was very happy with his performance before coming off, was a little more quiet in his second stint.

 

[The Charlatan]

There must be a method in the madness behind selecting Rankin. JAC is only a pup and may force his way in with some good games in reggies but Taylor must have him there as halves/FB/GK coverage.

 

[Tigerted]

We must find a better/speedier option on the wing than Rankin.Hopefully JAC can force his way into the team soon.

Grant went well & we desperately need him to be a consistent performer as we don't have a great deal of experience in front row.

 

[Wizardman]

Im with Taylor in selecting Rankin there for now. Defensively, I cannot see JAC stand up to first grade pressure on the wing. He definitely needs more time in NSW Cup.

Rankin is definitely not the long term solution, but he is the best option we have for now.

 

[BuffaloRules]

Thoughts on Tim Grant?
I was very happy with his performance before coming off, was a little more quiet in his second stint.

I was happy as well.

Ran out of gas though in the 2nd half.

To be fair he wasn't the only one.

 

[Marshall_magic]

I've said in other threads that Grant is a class player who has played origin and was unlucky to be dropped. Playing alongside Woodsy will only help him get back to his best.

 

[Tiger05]

Grant was good. He seems to me to have a good motor.

 

[BrotherJim05]

I agree with most of the sentiment here. I really liked our starting pack of Woods, Grant and Sue. Might not have the punch we had with Taupau but they all looked solid and can smash out the minutes.

Was a bit disappointed that Cherrington didn't run the ball more. He looked a bit tired out there but hopefully with match fitness he will eat more minutes

 

[madunit]

Sironen had 41 tackles (0 missed) - more than any other WT player
Sironen had 3 Tackle breaks - more than any other WT forward
Sironen had 1 line break - equal most for a WT forward with Lovett

 

[BrotherJim05]

Sironen had 41 tackles (0 missed) - more than any other WT player
Sironen had 3 Tackle breaks - more than any other WT forward
Sironen had 1 line break - equal most for a WT forward with Lovett

Credit where credit is due, he had probably his best game for us as a backrower. To add to the above he played 80 minutes and scored a try...

If he can play to this level consistently then we may have a brilliant backrower here.

 

[Tigerted]

It wouldn't surprise if he & his brother Bailey go one better than the old man & win a premiership over the next decade.

 

[BuffaloRules]

It wouldn't surprise if he & his brother Bailey go one better than the old man & win a premiership over the next decade.

Oh?

I hadn't heard they were leaving the Tigers?