Yes, the overall performance of our forwards was overwhelming.
It may have been a woeful performance by Newcastle, but the reality is the damage that was done by our forwards was through the middle of the ruck, where Newcastle really had every right to match us and in my expectations to "smash" us.
I need to make apologies to Greig, Maka and I really noticed a difference in Cartright, he didn't disappear once he made a tackle he backed, back into the defensive line and ensured limited space to the opposition.
Now i have noted Greig's ongong improvement, week to week and the obvious confidence he is gaining with the responsibility. I am starting to wonder if BA has not undermined his forwards confidence by relying so much on his name forwards Paulo, RCG, Matto and Lane and has consequently sent a message to these other blokes that your simply filling in time as a cheap labourer.
Hopgood of course was outstanding last night and was another one that BA seemed to have loosened the reins on. Muttman made a good point that if the Hodgson and Hands combo continues on, then it will eventually be another level that we have never had, I say that with some reservation and despite spruiking Hodgson in the beginning, that he still has to get a discipline back into his game that a player of his maturity should have adapted to by now.
Shit I am actually thinking that with Simmo back in the centre's and Russell on the wing we may have a pretty fair team going forward.
Final word but I reckon Sivo has put on about 5 metres of pace....he actually looks like he could now go the length of the field where once he would not have got to half way. Michael Ericson will be pleased to hear me say that! Lol
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Poppa I thought Carty was great last night in attack and defence, Greig, Oggy and even Makatoa were all good. As you say Hopgood was phenominal, the loss of Reg could be the making of these bench forwards
It was the same in the Brisbane v Souths game
I haven't had an opportunity to watch the game yet -- probably tonight.The Rabbits Bronco's match was a high standard.Both sides worked well in defence and attack. Really impressed with Rabbit,s consistency mentally and teamwork efforts which makes all the individuals look a good fit.. Penrith have been the team to beat for the last 2 years.Rabbits are shaping up to be the one this year
It's just unfortunate that we had to have an injury to give the second string forwards more game time. 5 minutes off the bench teaches the player nothing.
Ofahiki Ogden was great last night, i hope he is able to keep his spot. A bench of Cartwright, Hands, Ogden and Makatoa is solid. Then when RCG is back Greig drops back to bench, Maka and Ogden fight it out for final bench spot. I like Doorey but we are in desperate need of middles, Ogden got a chance and took, granted against weak opponents but if you are worthy of playing first grade you dominate against lower competition which is what happened.
I like carty starting, mattoo coming off bench and jist offloading for fun like last year
i think Greig has real potential as a impact forward he is very hard to pull down if he only goes for 20 each half that fine if he does the damage we need to persevere with him for sure
To be honest Pops, that's a bit of a worry, were Greig,Maka and Ogden that good. I hope so.
Or Knights that bad it made them look good. Last night it looked like they killed them, hope next week we see the same. I think with more game time Greig will hold his own. Runs and tackles with aggression also good low tackles.