What a game, one of our best this year. I found it hard to leave Junior , Rylie Smith (55 tackles and pressure on kicker) and Samrani out. But they were huge.
My picks go to
3 Points - Dean Hawkins - Stepped up to lead the team around when others didn't.Kicking on point and 4 try assists. 635 kicking metres, 20 tackles and 2 line break assists.
2 Points- Iongi - How good was he with speed, popping up on the edge causing havoc and his bomb difusuals were some of the best. Ran for 264 metres, 1 try, 70 post contact metres, zero missed tackles.
1 Point - Williams - what a workhorse, played 73minutes in the middle, 195m with 18 hitups, 79 post contact metres, 32 tackles.
Dean Hawkins Stepped up in Moses Absence. Well Done.
Replies
And we probably bombed 3 tries from line breaks before half time
Kautonga's best game yet, winning me over
Really like the way Kitione plays. He's wholehearted, runs straight and hard, with power. Can hit too. Does his job and he'll get better.
Reminds me of Mau mau
Dylan Walker has been an exceptional buy, very astute of Ryles to get him to the club. Iongi is a future star, absolutely no doubt. He gets better each week. Junior has rediscovered his mojo. Its pleasing to see many players developing and improving under Ryles.
Shout out to Ryley Smith. The effort plays in defence and putting pressure kicker for 5th tackle are top shelf and he does it week in, week out. His passing is crisp and direct. I have him ahead of Mahoney at the same stage of his career.
3- Hawkins (JR & staff would be so happy he didnt over play his hand)
2-Iongi (his bomb defusals were all class)
1-Ryley (Manlys plan to have Olakuatu run at him backfired, he was a terrier in defense, his backing up ball carriers and with 10 to go pulled out a classic Cam Smith play with kick early downfield to the corner and let them struggle out, thats game management)
special mention to Kautoga, Paulo and Samrani, Moretti (perfect impact player) & Walker (super buy)
on another note pity D Brown fark all as usual
3 Hawkins
2 Iongii
1. Walker
Honourable mention: Williams, Kautoga, Papalii
3 Ryley Smith
2 Walker
1 Hawkins
3. Hawkins
2. Walker
1. Iongi/Williams
We are well coached serious football team make mistake, Ryles and the coaching staff have worked out a formaula to Fatigue team out slowly through constant ball movement - we don't need to rely on individual it's a team first approach - forget chasing the collision 💥 teams will handle this game plan. Well done to Jason and the coaching the skill level of the teams and individuals has lifted. I believe a top 4 finish is not such a ridiculous idea. GO THE MIGHTY EELS 🥇