Is it me or has our line speed not been that good in a long time? Quick play the ball hit but we manage to cover well. Even saw a great play by De Belin, wrapping the hand up to avoid an offload by Billy Smith. Little moments like that where you understand why we bought him.
The positive I took out of this hit out because all I'm thinking about is the Storm round 1.
Ruck looks really secure with Ryley Smith there even in the second half when he was reinjected all of a sudden the ruck defense tightened up.
TDS you still haven't convinced me you service off the deck is average you take that extra step especially passing off the deck left to right.Smith both hands either side off the deck no issues.The connection in attack and defense isn't there yet and defensively especially I have to see more.If Smith goes down Houston we have a problem.
Mentioned this last week but I'm liking our first contact and it's continued this week good signs when you have to keep Harry Grant quite week 1.JDB second man in absolutely kills ruck speed with his wrestle.
Jmaine Hopgood very good tonight physical defensively and started to see an offload good signs.
Jnr had his moments also finished strong in his second stint like it.
Walker instant impact and Kautoga and Williams both good defensively.
Doorey a couple of defensive errors but getting isolated on a shifty halfback and making poor defensive decisions that'll happen.
Problems I can see TDS we can't afford to lose ruck control not against Melbourne no no.
Back 5 yardage is going to be a work in progress but it's something I'll be keeping an eye on.
Sean Russell he making a mockery of us all isn't he @EA lol
Great points Coryn. Smith just does the simple things better. Defence technique is better, he is stronger, his passing goes where it needs to, sometimes chances his arm but not too often. Only thing for Da Silva at the moment is getting the ball in open space he can run well.
RustyNuts > Coryn HughesFebruary 21, 2026 at 10:24pm
Coryn, in regards to Hopgood, I think he has finally recovered from his back injury. I think he is mentally over the injury which I believe was his biggest issue last year. He also looks fitter this year, which may also come back to full recovery from his injury. Ryles also seems to have simplified his role now Walker can be the ball player. I'm hoping he can get back to the form that got him selected for Qld.
Haaha yes he is Coryn. Never thought I would miss Russel if he ever left the Eels. There is a possibility of that happening now lol.
I am really worried when Smith gets off contract with TDS signed for 4 years on good money. Smith is my favourite player right now. All heart and effort.
"Yeah medical retirement. $600k now in the cap.
Perhaps this was final straw and thought this would be last year anyway as no other clubs showing interest."
"Anyone else thinking the dirty, cheating storm f/wits deliberately lost that by 30? The equation for Titans to win the preseason comp going into that game was they needed to win by 29+"
Replies
They needed another bonus point to catch us, missed out on getting 10 offloads
They might argue $100k less since they have more money.
Storm lost by 30 points! Probably did it on purpose
Well it says to Melbourne, $300k is no good, we have $100k already for our juniors all good.
Looks promising
Need spots for Guymer and Samrani. It's tough
Is it me or has our line speed not been that good in a long time? Quick play the ball hit but we manage to cover well. Even saw a great play by De Belin, wrapping the hand up to avoid an offload by Billy Smith. Little moments like that where you understand why we bought him.
The positive I took out of this hit out because all I'm thinking about is the Storm round 1.
Ruck looks really secure with Ryley Smith there even in the second half when he was reinjected all of a sudden the ruck defense tightened up.
TDS you still haven't convinced me you service off the deck is average you take that extra step especially passing off the deck left to right.Smith both hands either side off the deck no issues.The connection in attack and defense isn't there yet and defensively especially I have to see more.If Smith goes down Houston we have a problem.
Mentioned this last week but I'm liking our first contact and it's continued this week good signs when you have to keep Harry Grant quite week 1.JDB second man in absolutely kills ruck speed with his wrestle.
Jmaine Hopgood very good tonight physical defensively and started to see an offload good signs.
Jnr had his moments also finished strong in his second stint like it.
Walker instant impact and Kautoga and Williams both good defensively.
Doorey a couple of defensive errors but getting isolated on a shifty halfback and making poor defensive decisions that'll happen.
Problems I can see TDS we can't afford to lose ruck control not against Melbourne no no.
Back 5 yardage is going to be a work in progress but it's something I'll be keeping an eye on.
Sean Russell he making a mockery of us all isn't he @EA lol
Great points Coryn. Smith just does the simple things better. Defence technique is better, he is stronger, his passing goes where it needs to, sometimes chances his arm but not too often. Only thing for Da Silva at the moment is getting the ball in open space he can run well.
Coryn, in regards to Hopgood, I think he has finally recovered from his back injury. I think he is mentally over the injury which I believe was his biggest issue last year. He also looks fitter this year, which may also come back to full recovery from his injury. Ryles also seems to have simplified his role now Walker can be the ball player. I'm hoping he can get back to the form that got him selected for Qld.
Haaha yes he is Coryn. Never thought I would miss Russel if he ever left the Eels. There is a possibility of that happening now lol.
I am really worried when Smith gets off contract with TDS signed for 4 years on good money. Smith is my favourite player right now. All heart and effort.
You liked what you saw from Lorenzo?
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