Knights team list: 1. Will Pryce 2. James Schiller 3. Kyle McCarthy 4. Riley Jones 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Brodie Jones 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Jack Hetherington 11. Thomas Cant 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Tyson Gamble 15. Mathew Croker 16. Jackson Hastings 17. Sebastian Su'a 18. Matthew Arthur 19. Connor Votano 20. Jermaine McEwen 21. Elijah Leaumoana 22. Siteni Taukamo 23. Logan Aoake 24. Wilson De Courcey
Eels team list: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Jake Tago 3. Richard Penisini 4. Jordan Samrani 5. Arthur Miller-Stephen 6. Dylan Brown 7. Ronald Volkman 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Wiremu Greig 11. Kitione Kautoga 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Charlie Guymer 14. Joash Papali'i 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Toni Mataele 17. Bryce Cartwright 18. Joey Lussick 19. Ryley Smith 20. Saxon Pryke 21. Te Hurinui Twidle 22. Brock Parker 23. William Latu 24. Joshua Lynn
Replies
I agree with your points on defence Coryn, the only thing I was disappointed with.
It's seems to be overlooked but we were over lapped in a couple of tries and the disappointing aspect was there was no cover coming across, Dyllan is not going to do it in a trial but he will make a difference on game day, there was no smother cover. The big second rower (Hau? )was defensively a disaster. Samrani has no idea how to play centre. Early in the game I think Newcastle probably bombed 2/3 tries.
I thought that Volkman showed enough in defence to be a real candidate as a 14 and Rylie Smith was just sensational.
It's the same issue Pops it's when we don't control the momentum in the middle our edges get exposed.Controlling the ruck is real I mean I'm thinking what it looks like when we play Melbourne round 1 down there.
We make those mistakes Hughes Munster and co will make us pay.You make that many errors gifting field position before you know it your down 20-0.
Agree we have very good depth but the equation is still the same we lose key guys there's a price to pay and while we have that depth now I still see pain as the guys replacing them weren't really tested without the ball.
Yes it was just a trial but what was most impressive was the talent of our back ups. Volk and Papali in particular look like ready made 1st graders
Fair point, you'll like the energy especially in defense
First half of the second half wasn't great, but generally they seem well organised and capable of making better decisions
As I said weeks ago if brown goes Volkmann is a perfect replacement he is a talent held back by injury and Ryley Smith and both fullbacks look fantastic as well the team looks well coached,fit and skilled Ryles will prove to be a fantastic addition and I and confident this season will be a huge improvement for the eels I know it's only a trial but you can see the structure already
It's only a trial and the Knights were rubbish. (They're in trouble. O'Brien will be sacked for sure).
However it's not the score line whatsoever that impressed me.
1) Lower grade talent. There's some genuine speed and skill in our lower grades. I haven't seen the likes of it in many years.
2) Attacking shapes. The Eels got into some great shapes quickly and executed at speed.
3) Everyone on the same page defensively. Regardless of who was on the field they defended in numbers and with excellent efficiency.
4) Body shapes and fitness. Ryles mentioned forward agility as a key area they've worked on. You can see the work. Players look lean and fast.
5) Ball in hand. How many sets where forwards passed 3-4 times to an edge. Lots of ball movement.
6) Club cohesion. They seem a settled bunch. Everyone on the same page. They all know who is in charge. They all seem excited and energised.
Good stuff Parra. It's a long season but the fundamentals are there. Great foundations to build from.
McDermott ready to pounce
Brad Arthur to replace O'Brien
I'm hearing Trent Barrett is going to coach Newcastle...or was it Kevvy Walters? Might have been Jason Demetriou...
How about McDermott? Looks like an obvious replacement, do any Knights players have options to leave if O'Brien was sacked?
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