Great win, plenty of effort in last 20 minutes to win that match. However, it may be that Manly faded and we got 50% of the possession which is needed to compete in the NRL these days. First half they had 60% of ball and most of the field position. But I still feel that we are off the pace IMHO.
1. Matt KEATING is not doing enough, asks no questions of the defence and appears to be slow and predictable when he decides to run. Has a signature short no look ball that every team KNOWS. He is a weak link.
2. MORTIMER trying too hard and is trying to be everything. Teams are targeting him in defence and he is trying to be everything that ROBSON is not ( the organiser & schemer )
3. MOI MOI must start. No question. Bend them back early and build the momentum. The great Broncos teams from the past always rolled over the top of teams early and finished em off late in the game. Our momentum swings in the later part of games when Moi Moi is attacking hard.
4. The 2nd phase game - where has it gone. We are trying to play a conservative game that is creating more errors, making us predictable and not protecting our greatest attacking weapons...
We will get better, but we will need to be........ But a great win all the same.
Replies
I agree with most of your points except for the argument about Robson and his defence. He has made the centre right defence particularly solid and he rarely misses tackles, even against bigger opponents. Since he has been in the side contributing our defence has improved a hundred fold and as a result we are not letting in the easy tries we were letting in down that side of the field this time last year. We have enough attacking brilliance from Hayne and co that we do not need offensive production from Robson. Look at today's game... Robson did not have any significant attacking plays and yet we still won. Due to Fui bending the line and then Hayne doing what Hayne does.
One other thing... I was at the game and absolutely thought Fui scored that try in the first half. What is the verdict from those who had the benefit of replays?
K.keating should start at halfback, robson to bench.
Not sure how bad leg injuries to Burt & Grothe are?
I have said a couple of times (and been shot down by some) that defence is not what you look at first when you are picking a first grade halfback. Sure your halfback can't be a complete speedbump but your'e best tacklers should be in the back row not the halves.
I am also a little concerned about Mortimer to be honest. That attempted bomb in the second half looked pretty unco. He isn't a natural kicker of the ball for mine and that's a worry for the money we have got him on.