You might say that the 2 formats are entirely different, which they are to some extent, but we won the tournament through defence. Now that is something I haven't been able to say of Parra for a long time.
I believe the players will now have the confidence to believe they can win every game. What I saw of the 9s was composure under pressure, superior fitness of the players and good defence across the field. These qualities will imo propel them to the finals for the first time since 2009.
Can't wait for the season to start.
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Believe they made the finals Wiz, how did we go?
Souths lost Burgess and Teo Had a lazy fullback, a half out for most of the season and were suffering from a premiership hangover. unlike the eels who would want a premiership more then the bunnies.
On a un-related note i think Toutai did a pretty good job in the nines and is more of a chance now of being signed by another club. Maybe even a mid-season signing.
Two different games with different style players.
The advantage I can see is going into the start of the regular season on a high. A positive and upbeat team is good for moral and that translate into enthusiasm on the field.
Thats about it though.
Also gave a couple the opportunity to showcase their skill in front of BA in real games scenarios.
It is indicative of decent depth, where players who would not make your first grade squad with any regularity can play well, maintain composure and win in this kind of format.
And depth/relatively few injuries seems to be the key to premiership success.
Get good players on good coin and hope they don't break, your second stringers can be crap if they never have to play a game.
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