First things first it is a trial... Atkinson, Puru and Hazleton would be my 3,2,1. Depth from our strong NSW, 20's still looks good.
Atkinson was very impressive for someone who has been here for a week or two. He attacks everything and played 1, 3 and 6. The gap between him and Miller? Hard to tell but I think the point is there when you factor in the contracts/age/usage and getting a player in return. "Looks a footy player". The fella we got from the Knights did not look fit I must say. He was always turning around jogging while others were set.
Rodwell looked solid and bulked up. Stonestreet to me has always been the more impressive of the two but both did well. Ideally one of them is brought up on the wing and not a situation where we put Tracey there should something happen to our first two. Long term I can see one of them getting Katoas spot due to balancing the cap.
Hiroti did a job and you can see why you keep him around against NSW cup players. I thought it was interesting how he went to FB and Iro didn't. Iro made a few really good last second tackles and with the ball looked the most dangerous to create something from nothing. He really does move like Val. I think I am on the train to put him in over Talakai for a more balanced team.
Puru was relentless with attack. First 10-15 I think he was letting Wade run the show but then he just took over. Rivett on the Knights side played 20 and was barely sighted. Nicho/Moylan/Trindall then Puru before we think of Wade there again please. Wade looked lost at sea a few times in defence.
Toby and BHU did their role. I got worried when Toby looked hurt but he kicked on.
Berrell got bounced a lot in defence. Didn't see much in attack. Seemed a bit behind the pace.
Wilton and Colquhoun looked alright. Colquhoun I had only really seen in the middle and they attacked him out there in D.
Williams logged some big minutes after the injuries.
Hazelton was the stand out from the bench. I don't know what spot he would take in the squad but he did look good.
You can tell Gagan has been spending time on the gold coast with those new tattoos. He is one more leg sleeve away from an onlyfans. Shame he got hurt again. Waitere who normally plays 6 got put into the centres to replace him and Clune attacked the shit out of him for that late Knights run. We ended up swapping Atkinson in the centres and Waitere at 6 to stop the bleeding.
All in all I am buying grand final tickets.
