Lot of vulgar verals at the game last night, unfortunately they were Parra fans. Dont think there is that much dumb ass at Commbank, but plenty on an opposition ground. Ming boggling
The abuse JA got from some so called fans was beyond civilisation. We all get the kid aint up to it, and warrants discussion that he isnt NRL standard yet (may never will be, or may end up being very good), BUT the utter garbage thrown at the kid is quite pathetic
For next week id bring in Russell for Waqa. The guy has lost confidence and will be targeted
Ruff put a few bombs up to Sivo's end initially. He caught them well. They tried Waqas end and were successful at first attempt, and were relentless at him from then on.
NBrown in for Makatoa. Just tell NB to go hell for leather in a 15min stint thats all. He wont do any worse, but may ignite some of his aggression , knowing it a small stint. Cartright has to coem in for JA. Its getting well beyond useless putting the kid on the bench for no value. His season is done for mine
66% completion rate for the game tells the sad story for us
Also we tried to go through the middle far too many times, and just got belted each time. What worked for us last few weeks, as second phase play, and shifting the ball wider , was non existant. Lets not blame Penriths defence, Storm have similar type line speed and agggression in the ruck.
I dont feel like attending next weeks game. Just sad and depressed yet again (can we do a Parra mental health thread?) on the Eels. Some big names went missing, the usual dumb shit returned. Penrith were clinical but were also there to be had if we held our nerve and went toe to toe, we were the first ones to crack, not once but a few times in the second half. Goodbye Jack dont come back.
Our whole season can be shaped up positively in the next game or two with wins. Or it can limp out as per usual next week.
Absolutely agree that the abuse is pathetic.
But the kid is clearly not up to playing first grade and that has been obvious to all and sundry (even the great defenders admit it) since last year.
Perhaps that may change, but if any other player were dishing up that rubbish whenever they played they just wouldn't get this may chances.
I know people think it is a coincidence, but we have seen it many times now that when Jake comes on the field, the opposition scores two quick tries.
We saw it in our win over the Warriors.
We saw it in our win over the Storm .
We saw it in the the loss last night.
They aren't all from his mistakes, but you have to conclude that the players either have no faith in his ability or that he doesn't know the systems in any way - because when he comes on, our defensive systems and our defensive intensity go to water.
And yes, we have all read and heard the stories where all the players say that he is the best option and that they absolutely want him on board and we have all heard the story that the senior players TOLD Brad to pick him...but come on, what do you think the players are going to say when asked by anyone about the coach's son?
What do you think they are going to tell the coach or his assistants when asked? As if they could say "no mate, Jake just isn't up to it".
Whatever it is, there is clearly something amiss when he is on the field.
As for him being the only available back up, well that is just a furphy thrown up by people trying to "win" the internet argument. The coach has designated him as the only back up option and has to wear the criticism.
Sadly, our board and management share the same attitude as many poster on here. "Well, he probably deserves another couple of years and then we'll see..."