Trial vs Storm

[Loose Cannon]

Only backs depth I can see displays quality is Baker.

 

[macavity]

Hoy worst on ground, Ponga not that far behind.

Cliffo looked great.

We were completely outclassed from the get go, long way to go.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

KP clearly saving himself for Rd1. Weird but it's the only explanation for his lack of involvement

Barnett has to be in the front row rotation. His leg speed, foot work and aggression was giving Melb real trouble in the middle

Lucas looks a solid centre back up. Looks like we'll need it with Best yet again getting hurt

Mann is warming to the 13 roll. I'm not 100% convinced yet but he's getting me there

Clifford needs to run, it's always been his best asset

Clune has good vision and footy brain. He needs protection in defence

Fitz was pretty good. I wouldn't be mad if he's our starting left BR

 

[Allstar Knights]

KP clearly saving himself for Rd1. Weird but it's the only explanation for his lack of involvement

What? He lacked involvement plenty of times last year and in important games, too.

 

[Jono078]

What? He lacked involvement plenty of times last year and in important games, too.

You’ll come to learn Axe is one of Ponga’s biggest fans here. I hope he is right though.. we’ll find out in a couple weeks.

 

[Knight Tales]

About what we expected today. Clifford is getting better every week. If nothing else this season I’d love to see him make this attack his.

 

[Spot On]

A much better looking side, more organised and better use of the ball, than the corresponding trial last year.

Bit thin in the backs possibly but overall the younger blokes showed a hell of a lot more than this time v Mlb last year.

 

[mozza91]

Was happy with what I saw. Very competitive with a top side. Ponga played in a dinner suit. I’m hoping we have another gear or 2 to go to in attack. Can’t be sure though.

But the defence and commitment were pleasing. Although it means dick if we don’t keep improving in the games that actually matter.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

What? He lacked involvement plenty of times last year and in important games, too.

When? He won us games on a fair number of occasions last year

 

[Sir Galahad]

Barnett has to be in the front row rotation. His leg speed, foot work and aggression was giving Melb real trouble in the middle

totally agree, it suits him and the way the game is played now

Mann is warming to the 13 roll. I'm not 100% convinced yet but he's getting me there

"form is temporary class is permanent " " 1 swallow doesnt make a summer "

Fitz was pretty good. I wouldn't be mad if he's our starting left BR

step away from the crack pipe

 

[The Axe of Druss]

You’ll come to learn Axe is one of Ponga’s biggest fans here. I hope he is right though.. we’ll find out in a couple weeks.

Lol I've shared my fair share of criticism of KP in here. I think you have me mixed up with someone else

 

[Johns Magic]

A much better looking side, more organised and better use of the ball, than the corresponding trial last year.

Bit thin in the backs possibly but overall the younger blokes showed a hell of a lot more than this time v Mlb last year.

Agree. And that was with Ponga non-existent.

NAS was the difference between the sides. I’d hope the Saifitis would help even that up.

 

[Allstar Knights]

When? He won us games on a fair number of occasions last year

He was inconsistent which is why people have issues with him. For a million dollar player he should be quality nearly every week.

I don't want to sound like I'm bashing the guy because I'm a fan and he is obviously key for us, but you can't deny that he often drifts in and out of games.

 

[Spot On]

Fitz was pretty good. I wouldn't be mad if he's our starting left BR

His best performance for quite sometime.

 

[The Axe of Druss]

He was inconsistent which is why people have issues with him. For a million dollar player he should be quality nearly every week.

I don't want to sound like I'm bashing the guy because I'm a fan and he is obviously key for us, but you can't deny that he often drifts in and out of games.

Sure, he's inconsistent but today's game, and last week too, he looked like he was deliberately minimising his role in the team. It was not the same

 

[The Axe of Druss]

His best performance for quite sometime.

Agreed

But apparently I'm not able to think so unless I'm under the influence of an illicit substance

 

[Knight76]

Geez some negativity in here.

This was just a trial, a chance to get some running in to the legs and have a go. I thought first half being the focal point before we took off most of our NRL talent, we looked very good with the ball.

Have to remember this was without either Saf which is a lot of kegs to lose carting the ball up.

Mann at lock seems to be working well and surprise surprise I think we have found his spot.

I don't know the extent of the influence Joey has had on this structure but first few seasons with OB was one out hitup ad nauseum. Now we are spreading the ball out wide on tackle 3, a player makes a half break and we have support streaming through and follow up plays we get our attacking line moving forward at speed spreading the ball. Rather than the knights of the past few seasons near standing still passing it one player to the next.

In short, we look like an NRL team.

Clune looks to have some thing of a brain and knows what he is doing. Clifford still impresses me and has a wicked fend, seems a natural at taking on the line.

Ponga was quiet sure, but who cares, I don't want Ponga ripping in just for a trial match. He has never been a high workrate player anyway and injects himself in to the attack when he sees something on. I would rather him be more involved sure but we will see what he is doing when it counts.

Young looks like a beast and lacks a bit of experience with Gagai and jus the NRL in general. He will get there I believe, and when he does he could be huge.

 

[Yosh]

I'm worried about about Clune to be honest... I feel like he is the sort of player that rips it apart when our team is dominating but struggles to influence a game when we are on the back foot...

I hope he does play well but not much confidence.

 

[Knight Tales]

I'm worried about about Clune to be honest... I feel like he is the sort of player that rips it apart when our team is dominating but struggles to influence a game when we are on the back foot...

I hope he does play well but not much confidence.

He’ll be fine.

 

[slotmachine]

If not Clune, there isn't anyone else.

Crossland in the trials has done a great job of showing why the club doesn't rate him.