Parramatta just knocked off the first place Panthers in cup 10-6. For reference we are coming 3rd last. It was an awesome win built on defence. With any cup game the ball control can be questionable at times.
I am going to give a little run down of some players. These are just my opinions and Im sure lots of people may disagree with me completely. Which is totally fair. I like to think I am pretty balanced and measured in my feedbacks. I leave emotions out of it.
Backs - not a lot of nrl potential here.
1. Joash (22)
played fullback and it was the same as nrl. Lots of movement, some good touches but about 3 or 4 errors again. I love his energy but a squad filler is probably his role in our squad.
Centre Siamani Leuluai (21)
I do like what he brings. Was too good for jersey flegg. Probably doesn't play nrl but he does have some good attributes. If he works hard you never know. Kept Izzak Tago relatively quiet as well in defence.
Centee Nanva ( 22)
Im bias. I love what Nanva brings. I genuinely think he is too good for this grade now. Constant threat with the ball. He is so strong. Put his winger away numerous times and scored the match winner.
5/8 Lorenzo (20)
He looked very dangerous throughout the night. Definitely more of a runner. His long kicking game needs some serious work. Sometimes it looks like he is moving too fast for those around him and even too fast for himself. Needs to just calm it down at times.
Halfback Pezet
Underwhelming. He did kick us to the win in the last 10 minutes with great long kicks. Clunky in attack and no real running threat.
Forwards - I got to say I love what I see here. The way this young pack went after the first place Panthers was awesome to see. I can see why Ryles doesnt want to block these kids pathway because I see a lot of nrl potential here.
Edge Jezaiah Funa-Iuta (20)
I am probably going to cop heat for this but this was one of the best games I've seen him play. He had a few errors but he ran with intent, bent the line back and was constantly looking for offloads. I still think there is definitely nrl potential there as a bench hybrid who can come on through the middle and used as an emergency edge player.
Edge Tyrese Lokeni (21)
Constant threat with the ball. Probably more suited to the middle but held his own on the edge. He's been one of our better performers this season. Nrl potential for mine.
Prop Toni Mataele (24)
We all know about him. Very powerful with the ball but I can't fault the club for letting him go with all this talent coming through.
Prop Ryda Talagi (19)
A big mobile thing. He 💯 will play nrl. Works hard in defence and has a good 2nd stint in him. Needs to work on his attack in his opening stand.
Middle/ lock Pryke (22)
Always solid but I'd be surprised if he was here next year. Young kids are all about to overtake him. Works hard. Good luck to him.
Middle/lock Jackson Konia (19)
Wow! What a debut. His defence was amazing. He hits and sticks and has a lot of footy iq. He will 💯 play nrl, possibly as early as next year. Onto a winner here.
Prop/lock Max Popo (20)
He was very strong today. Admittedly I haven't seen a lot of him but I was very impressed with his work off the bench. I know others on here have a big wrap on him. Definitely has nrl potential and is one of the players I believe will pass Pryke next year.
Special shout out to Max Tupou. He's had a lot of injuries in his career. About 23. Probably will never make it but I always love his energy when he is on the field. I wish him luck with injuries.
With a world cup coming up at the end of the year all these kids need full pre seasons. Plus Visconti, Nunn, Petrus. I'd even throw in Jordan Miller and see if he can strip some weight.
Replies
How did Smith go?
Good call. I forgot about him. Played 80 minutes and was solid. Led the defence all night. I think he is still suffering from his injury. He just doesn't look himself in attack. Some stray passes and looks a bit uncomfortable running it.
Thanks for the write up. Nice to see some green shoots.
Oh no. Not the green shoots line lol. We need to nail down some of these young forwards long term.
Wasn't Pryke extended?
I think this year he is top 30 and thats it.
Koina will be better more agile and take the ball to the line before offloading/passing.
Not that I'm aware of and I can't find anything official.
I have to agree with you on JFI is havent been a fan but he was good tonight.
We made alot of errors in this game i think I counted 6 times we threw an Intercept.
He is only 20 this year. Definitely shouldn't be written off yet. Would love to see more games like this.
Yeah I reckon you are right. Some of them were so bad it was comical.
I still off the belief that Jez would make a good middle with the potential to be a slightly worse version of Kolomantangi which is still a good FG player.
Lokeni is a middle as you said but don't have any other option their now.
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