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

Replies

- - - 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.
        
        Poppa > Hell On Eels February 22, 2026 at 12:00pm
        
        if you read that blog that Adam put up, it shows up some of our experts, or people that think they are, some moments of reality.....I am very proud when reading that my only contribution was a meme on "Merkins" just the same I would admit I was never a Russell fan, so maybe i was lucky.
        
        I can get on the wagon and say that but prefer to have the lesson exposed that we have to be careful when making judgements, that they don't come back and bite you on the arse! LOL
        
        I now have no doubt now that Russell is a genuine FG player and have to admire how he has worked on his game and good luck, he deserves the pay rise he will get going to Perth.
        
        Life can be a very challenging thing, some of us need to leave home to be appreciated. I hope he comes back to us eventually.
      - 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.
- Coryn Hughes > Yehez February 22, 2026 at 4:09am
  
  There is no way in the world Ryley Smith isn't resigned.
  
  Hes everything at hooker for us right now #1 by a mile.
  
  TDS has 4 yrs but I'm still locking Smith away no chance in hell I let him leave I think that's a grave mistake.If TDS is to improve he's got to win the job off of Smith in preseason and by the sounds of things Smith is one of the leaders in the fitness stakes and he's starting to add a kicking game out of dummy half also.