Trial #2, Game Day Blog v Roosters: We Just Won the Pre-Season Cup

Replies

- Adam Magrath > Coryn Hughes February 22, 2026 at 4:01am
  
  I've always been a big supporter of Sean Russell and it's coming to fruition now, shame he is leaving. I attribute much of it to our coaching staff, I mean look at our entire squad across the park everyone is performing very well.
  - Coryn Hughes > Adam Magrath February 22, 2026 at 6:32am
    
    I always saw his value was his versatility but something has clicked with him and he now looks like a legit starting nrl quality centre.
    
    He looks bigger faster and more physical as above something has definitely clicked for him and he'll be a loss to the playing group for sure 27 onwards.
    - LB > Coryn Hughes February 22, 2026 at 6:42am
      
      Confidence Coryn, JAC was a contributor to that. The years before that Russell gave 110% but always looked that he was barely hanging on in terms of speed and physicality of the game. Now he is taking risks like taking on Fullback last week, chip and chase v Brisbane last year and last night with palming off Pauga.
      
      It is a accumulation of confidence, body getting right, experience, coaching and pairing.
      
      Though I said it in 2023 and has worked where I felt he was a better Centre, his play style suited it more.
      - Adam Magrath > LB February 22, 2026 at 8:19am
        
        https://www.1eyedeel.com/forum/topics/sean-russell-5
        
        This blog has aged well
        
        Hell On Eels > Adam Magrath February 22, 2026 at 9:02am
        
        Sean Russell is running harder than ever. Tackling mean. Setting up tries. Scoring them.
        We were shocked when Meninga picked him in that Aussie squad.
        Now? Not laughing. Ryles keeps telling us he's a Parra boy.
        
        Adam Magrath > Hell On Eels February 22, 2026 at 9:40am
        
        Shame he's going hey, would have been good to have him around for another few seasons. I'm sure someone else will be ready to step up next season.
      - Coryn Hughes > LB February 22, 2026 at 8:22am
        
        It's more than that with the ball I don't remember him ever having that fend and speed to back himself taking on defenders.His improvement has come from within more so I think the surroundings you mention have helped also though.
        
        LB > Coryn Hughes February 22, 2026 at 9:49am
        
        That's what I'm saying, confidence in himself and what he can do, plus finding his perfect spot at Centre.
Yehez February 21, 2026 at 9:23pm

Only worry I took out is yardage off the backs. But that can be improved through the season. Bailey and Russell can do better there.

I liked Brian Kelly, nice footwork and turn of pace, good attacking weapon.

Need to keep focus in middle defence. None of that Sam Walker try efforts from Doorey and Da Silva switching off.

However I thought Da Silva was overall good, stuck in way more and I feel more minutes made him better.

Very good win and the second half second string showed their quality. We have a decent roster.
- LB > Yehez February 21, 2026 at 9:37pm
  
  Both weeks Da Silva got better for the run but still has some way to go. Issue is he may need some decent minutes to develop further.

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"My Mother once said to me when I was a about 10 years old.....haven't you got enough sense to get out of the rain David.
If the cap fits wear it....those silly enough to sit on a muddy hill do not need to sit there, they are not entertaining…"

"Apparently your chance of being struck by lightening is one in a million. So, if there's a threat to the players who need to take cover, shouldn't fans, stuck on a muddy hill, be shown the same level of safety? "

"U can't have lightning breaks with beer prices so high and the way their checking bags just feels like someone's making money .while kids over the road standing in the rain with a fishing rods"

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