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+
Coryn Hughes > Alfred MateoFebruary 22, 2026 at 4:10am
Not to much to worry about winning preseason as long as we have a game to win down in Melbourne that's all that matters.
Our depth is what impressed me most and competition for positions will keep all players focused. We have players capable of filling in when needed and no longer have to fear an Asi or Morgan type player stepping up to ruin any chance of a win.
We also scored plenty of points and line breaks with great footy instead of relying on a lucky kick as roosters did for their 2 early tries. The attack was great when we had our best players on and continued when the reserves got their opportunity, showing we have a great system that all players now understand which will help players when called into first grade through the year.
The big disappointment came with 2 tries just before halftime which is an issue we are all familiar with. I think both included Doorey but on different sides of the ruck. The Sam walker try it appears Doorey tried to rush up and force Walker to do something where if he just kept sliding instead of charging out of the line we could have held the line. The 2nd one was a great Walker pass to Crichton but it looked like Doorey was lost in defence leaving the line late then rushed at Walker who was to good once again. Was Ryles game plan to rush Walker and specifically Doorey put the pressure on or was Doorey targeted in defence by Walker? Possibly a bit of both but in the 2nd try Doorey being slow off the line and Moses at marker made Doorey rushing up an easy play for Walker and Crichton to execute. Doorey misjudged both plays and the delay off the line forcing him to rush up filling the gap in the Crichton try is a concern. I like Doorey in attack but still question his defense.
The only players I could see not out there for the Roosters was Radley whose suspended and Robert Koia there SoO centre outside of that they were pretty much full strength.
Loved the impact of the first man in, though second man was purposeful in stopping offload or getting them to the ground. But also, Kautoga did this a lot, rush up slightly on ball carrying arm side limiting the space causing the runner to straighten up, it's finally looking like a Ryles defence and finally looking different to what BA had for years. Of course not perfect, Doorey had a poor read with fatigue rushing up on bal player for the Talau try and Walker's try though the latter was also great running. But that will happen, they are human.
Also their short passing through the middle, as to why they bought de Belin to facilitate that, collapsing the ruck with quick movement causing the defence to fatigue and move with the momentum it's nice to see Brown and Wisemental's structure with some Ryles influence. Saw the space that opened for Russell to go one on one with Pauga for Fox try, quick passing along the line it was nice shifting and created that space for our attackers as Roosters were hesitant to jump causing a massive gap or overlap. That play also was assisted by Smith, pivoting back in pretending to run with a step, Wong hesitated and created that space to shift it.
There is not only confidence in their structure but belief. They all are buying into Ryles.
"If we can medically retired Matto then it's all a moot point anyway because we've solved our own problem. That article makes it seem like this scenario would make us more likely to accept the Storm offer, I would have thought it's the opposite.
If…"
"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."
Replies
Think Sua limped off for storm to, Hopefully ado carr is sweet lol
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+
Not to much to worry about winning preseason as long as we have a game to win down in Melbourne that's all that matters.
Thought papalili looked sharp. Pezet atm is behind him
Our depth is what impressed me most and competition for positions will keep all players focused. We have players capable of filling in when needed and no longer have to fear an Asi or Morgan type player stepping up to ruin any chance of a win.
We also scored plenty of points and line breaks with great footy instead of relying on a lucky kick as roosters did for their 2 early tries. The attack was great when we had our best players on and continued when the reserves got their opportunity, showing we have a great system that all players now understand which will help players when called into first grade through the year.
The big disappointment came with 2 tries just before halftime which is an issue we are all familiar with. I think both included Doorey but on different sides of the ruck. The Sam walker try it appears Doorey tried to rush up and force Walker to do something where if he just kept sliding instead of charging out of the line we could have held the line. The 2nd one was a great Walker pass to Crichton but it looked like Doorey was lost in defence leaving the line late then rushed at Walker who was to good once again. Was Ryles game plan to rush Walker and specifically Doorey put the pressure on or was Doorey targeted in defence by Walker? Possibly a bit of both but in the 2nd try Doorey being slow off the line and Moses at marker made Doorey rushing up an easy play for Walker and Crichton to execute. Doorey misjudged both plays and the delay off the line forcing him to rush up filling the gap in the Crichton try is a concern. I like Doorey in attack but still question his defense.
Kelly needs to work on his passes/offloads. He was lucky that the ref didn't call a couple of his forward.
The only players I could see not out there for the Roosters was Radley whose suspended and Robert Koia there SoO centre outside of that they were pretty much full strength.
Tupou as well.
Loved the impact of the first man in, though second man was purposeful in stopping offload or getting them to the ground. But also, Kautoga did this a lot, rush up slightly on ball carrying arm side limiting the space causing the runner to straighten up, it's finally looking like a Ryles defence and finally looking different to what BA had for years. Of course not perfect, Doorey had a poor read with fatigue rushing up on bal player for the Talau try and Walker's try though the latter was also great running. But that will happen, they are human.
Also their short passing through the middle, as to why they bought de Belin to facilitate that, collapsing the ruck with quick movement causing the defence to fatigue and move with the momentum it's nice to see Brown and Wisemental's structure with some Ryles influence. Saw the space that opened for Russell to go one on one with Pauga for Fox try, quick passing along the line it was nice shifting and created that space for our attackers as Roosters were hesitant to jump causing a massive gap or overlap. That play also was assisted by Smith, pivoting back in pretending to run with a step, Wong hesitated and created that space to shift it.
There is not only confidence in their structure but belief. They all are buying into Ryles.
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