3 tight loses against sides that will definitely be top 8. 2 games with questionable decisions that would have put us equal or in front with minutes to go despite playing like a side put together at the local pub an hour before kickoff and making mistakes that would drive an under 12s coach crazy.
We have shown we can score points the last 2 games but stupid errors and defensive issues out wide costs us dearly. Dunster was good defensively before his issue so hopefully he can return and help right edge defence, and Lane will bring stability to the left edge for attack and defence.
The world isn't crumbling after 3 losses, and as many say it's the same issues year after year, YET we made a grand final and played finals year after year. We cut the errors, play for 80 minutes, even 60-80minutes against some teams we are in the finals again with a better side then last year.
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It's a long season. I'm disappointed at yet another loss but we've been in every game we've played so far. 4 point losses x 3. We've scored some great tries, our attack is clunky but we actually look better in attack when we're willing to offload and play through the middle or quick shifts to the edges. We look horrible when we go one out and send it predictably left to Sivo on every set.
Im concerned about Moses' goal kicking. If he can't be in the high 80% then maybe Gutho (or someone else) needs to take over. Mitch missed a couple of sitters that would have made a difference in at least 2 of our games so far.
Our 3 games have been exciting and physical. I've watched some absolute rubbish in other games. I feel we'll come good.
Agree regarding going through the middle, that is our strength but to often we go sideways to early. Our best attack comes off straight running, especially Moses taking off and playing at the line or gutho in support of Paulo.
Had conversation with mate this week, because we offload a lot it affects our attack out wide. Players don't run decoy lines as much as other sides. Is that because they are hoping for an offload and stay behind the ball. It means defences just slide with no threat of inside runner holding the defence and the reason we run out of room when spreading the ball. We seem to cramp Sivo and simmonson every time and they rarely see space like other wingers.
We're not far off but it has to start next week v Penrith and then be followed up against roosters and Tigers. I didnt give us a chance tonight and Manly used up a years worth of luck tonight. That will change
If the team showed up tonight they would of win easily. It was a pathetic performance to be honest. Parra showed would they could do the back of both halves. Play like that for 80 minutes each week you win the competition. Simple, except for Parra
The minute we signed Hodgson I wrote this season off.
We'll still make the 8 but the better teams will cut us up.
This is exactly what I expected. Score 30 points and still get beaten. The JH signing still makes me angry