Here is acopy of my sum up of the match from my regular 'Knights team for ....game' thread on WORL.
The best thing about this game from a Knights point of view is the fact that it is over.
The Warriors were seriously outclassed, but someone forgot to tell them that.
They never let the Knights relax for a minute.
It is actually very good to see such a committed Warriors side.
The Knights had some good efforts from players who have not been 'staring' so far this season, which is a very good sign for the rounds to come. Players such as Kennedy, Johns, Buderus and Parsons, who have been leading the way for the team, had very quiet games. Players like MacDougall, Gidley,and Ryder were very much improved on recent weeks and O'Davis continues to improve.
There are a few players who have been improving in leaps and bounds over the last month or so, and I would like to give them some well deserved wraps.
Steve Simpson is a total workhorse and is improving his ball handling and involvement in every game. The turning point for him came with his game for country origin. Before that game he was mistake free but very one dimensional. He tackled his heart out and made the hard yards but never ran at gaps or attempted offloads. He is nowshowing both those skills and still remains one of the safest players in the NRL, almost mistake free.
Julian Bailey is the perfect utility player. He manages the positions of centre and second rower perfectly, allowing the Knights to have a four forward bench. He is not a compromise player, he plays both positions at genuine first grade standard.
The last player I think deserves a huge wrap, and an apology from me, is Sean Rudder. Rudder would have been man of the match if it were not for the four try effort from Maca. At the begining of the year I didn't think Rudder would ever make a 5/8, and I said so regularly. He has proved me very wrong. His long passing game today was as good as Matty Johns and his running game was far better. His kicking is still ordinary, but who cares with Joey in the side.
As we start to look towards the finals many of our players are finding good form and the team is starting to really 'gel.'
The backline looks a better 'unit' without Tahu breaking down play in the centres, and I would put him on the wing when he comes back if it were up to me.
