I've sprinkled a few lower grade thoughts around the various blogs, after watching all three grades but thought I'd put together a blog on it.
Both were disappointing in the end. The NYC team were all over Saints for most of the game. We have some very big boys in the that side, not least of which is our centre Dane Aukafolau, who scored two tries just on the basis of being too big and strong. Up until the final 20 minutes, everything looked to be going fine - I thought the spine was working well and it looked like it was going to be a comfortable afternoon. However, Saints started scoring cheap tries - either off Eels errors or some pretty sloppy tackling, and got back into the game. We still had ample opportunity to close out the match - one try would have done it, but a combination of really good Dragons defence and some sloppy execution let the Dragons off the hook, and they scored the match winner at the death.
We've got a pretty young side, so they'll benefit from those types of experiences, but you would have liked to have seen our spine, who are the more senior members of the side, handle themselves a little better in those late stages of the game.
Wenty lost 24 to 16 but I thought the Cutters pretty much dominated most of the match, which given the talent on offer for the Magpies was disappointing.
The match did see both Kirisome Auva'a and Siosaia Vave both turn out, and for mine both of them were clearly well short of peak fitness. At times Vave looked out on his feet, but then still got up to make a run, which was encouraging. His carries were strong, without being dominant.
I would suggest Auva'a is further behind the eight ball than Vave. Firstly, a few of the boys came out in different numbers and I was convinced the guy in the centres wasn't actually Auva'a because he looked more like a second rower. He's really broad across the shoulders. He was pretty quiet though, which I guess is to be expected after such a long way away from the game and I wouldn't say I had much chance to assess where his speed or sharpness was at.
As I mentioned elsewhere, I was really impressed with George Jennings. His initial contact in D was really strong and he always looked dangerous in attack.
Otherwise, I thought Alex Twal was strong. I know we've got really strong depth up front, but it certainly won't surprise me if he puts himself in contention for a bench spot at some stage of the year.
Replies
OMG George and Alex are next!!!!!
Agreed the Sim curse is upon them. Please Phil get rid of your voodoo dolls of Eels players and hide your voodoo pins! Please!!!
I was there too and George broke the line numerous time.
We need to get rid of ex eel players given coaching jobs for the boys in the juniors and get some quality coaches, our wenty and NYC sides should be killing it.
Snakie, I am a regular watcher of Wenty and they are pretty good but have got to have the players to achieve your dream....surely Mad Max will fix that.
Wenty should be winning and our 1st grade needs the players next in line to be pushing them for spots
Piggy youve got to admit its a strong wenty side on paper.
Thanks Phil, its great to get feedback on all three grades. When I saw Aukafolau last year I thought if he fills out he could be a very damaging centre or winger and could make it in the NRL. As both Vave and Auva'a didn't play in the pre-season games it is understanding they are short of fitness. Good to hear that George is a step above.
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