Yesterday's game was unfortunate. Not just for the putrid 32-10 scoreline to honour Junior's 200th after looking up for the game in the first half or the second half implosion. But because it told us that we are not going anywhere, despite our hope for this ongoing improvement and the highlight reels of attractive football.
Entertaining the football world with this fast fizzy game...that is a bit like BAZBALL (Cricket Parlance) brought to the Rugby League world.
The following is a post I made yesterday on the game day blog at half time.
"TDS made a bit of difference when he came on, his service and enthusiasm was encouraging.
Like everyone else I am pissed off with the referee and our unforced errors, what happened in that last 30 seconds, we lost control, got it back and still fcuked it up.
Being pretty is nice, but unless you put it to bed, no point in dressing up."
I probably can't add much to that half time comment, notwithstanding the score change and events of capitulation in the second half.
I think the coaching staff and Ryles have given this style a good go. But, we simply are not good enough to do it — at least, not yet. We found that out a bit yesterday.
Kitione Kautoga keeps improving despite coming off injured in the 39th minute (Getty Images)
Positives — Isaiah longi's game continues on its exponential path. Tallyn Da Silva looks promising, and Bailey Simonsson has gone to a new level as the centre we so sorely need. A stong runner, and strong tackler. His flick pass to set up Lomax's try in the 33' would've made Matt Gidley proud. Sam Tuivaiti was also very good and fit after his injury. Dylan Walker was Walkerish.
Negatives — Joash Papalii is not going to be our future 5/8, though he is a fine Reserve Grade backup at fullback. Yesterday's experiment with his move to 5/8 and Brown to hooker was a disaster. But it's a move, I can understand was worth trying. It just did not work.
Promising debutant Taylln Da Silva and new-nine Dylan Brown discussing raking strategies pre-game. Brown got head-taped to look the part, but only Da Silva was prepared to run the ball, yesterday (Getty Images)
Dylan Brown was only passing and tackling from dummy half, which showed he didn't want to or deserve to be there and that rightly pissed Ryles off to explain his benching after 29 minutes and non reappearance till six minutes from the end. Ryles did this to tell everybody he was not injured and just didn't contribute, and probably more to the point — didn't really want to put in enough, despite Ryles' claim of Brown's 'selflessness'. Actions speak louder than words. We only need to use Brown to suit our requirements now, not his. Unfortunately, this may mean him starting as a 5/8 until we can find, locate or select someone that could have a future there. It could be the case that a talent youngster from our NSW Cup team (say a Matthew Hunter or Te Hurinui Twidle) that beat a talented Panthers team yesterday, might get a go while Brown shakes hands with the Reserve Grade Coach.
Finally in summary, let's stop worrying about being pretty and focus on the fundamentals starting with better ball control, reducing errors (20 v 9 yesterday) despite the Panthers having the lion's share of possesion (54%). There is a balance in this process. There's nothing like adding smart to a pretty face.
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He has proven he is a very good player. O'Sullivan (Newcastle) knows that, I just happen to believe he has made a terrible mistake in employing DB on a rediculous price....he honestly looks burnt out to me.
He is IMO a player ruined by BA.
I would be throwing the kitchen sink at DCE for the next 2 years. He is exactly what we need at 5/8 or half depending on whether he or Moses makes the better 6. It would be like bringing John Peard in to the lead the backline and drive the forwards. He can kick behind the line kick in general play put on try assists and teach the young guys how to play first grade at speed. If we sign hin for 2 years it gives time to see if the younger guys at the club have what it takes and he can teach them along the way. If they don't have it, if buys us time to find the long term 5/8 we need. We have the money and I feel he fits the bill 100%.
There is also a bit of history of Parra and Manly swapping experiened players like Higgs, Gerrard, Watmough and Foran. I don't think DCE has any injury problems and is a leader of men having just missed out on the SOO captaincy again this year.
Pops, love your work. When I woke up this morning, I thought about this blog (not in that way). Usually, coffee is on the menu first thing, inter alia other pleasant things.
20 handling errors and giving the Riff almost 50 goes in your red zone is handing your head on a platter. It looks dumb.
But some of the dazzling skill the team has with the ball and the improved defensive structures this year and reads out wide generally (despite some awful individual laspses under fatigue) — would suggest they're not as dumb as many assume based on appearances. There is plenty of potential.
Bluey mentioned there was something 'missing' in his outstanding Have we Finally Got What We Need?
Arthur had his spine and key cogs played together for donkeys years — they would've played together until the next Ice Age. This spine and team doesn't have that luxury of cohesion. It's young, inexperienced, laced with rookies and has barely played together. We've used more players than any other side, 33 including TDS.
Ryles already admitted it was he who pushed for fast change and ripping off band-aids. Perhaps, it's to be expected.
We're also missing punch in the pack which is like taking a knife to a gunfight. It compromises yardage, field position, possession, and we're often playing the grind on the back foot. It creates a vicious cycle with the our kicking game and kick chase (which needs work). Perhaps, they were trying to compensate for that using skill and width, evening coming out of our danger zones. Ergo, risks, dropped ball and all the rest that follows. A dumb book cover.
Ryles has been transparent the roster isn't there. Jim admitted on two podcasts a few weeks ago, on more club-friendly sites, the club was looking for forwards (then, JDB signed shortly after), a nine (then TDS was signed a week later), and a six.
The bottom line is we need more cattle first, then work on cohesion — which might take another off-season or two. There is probably more pain to come in the race against the hour-glass, but I wouldn't toss away the book just yet, despite the challenges and history.
Yep, can't disagree with that Hoey.....all these things are happening and i have no problems with Rylsie.....no tossing away the book. Its a book i am comfortable with going forward..... I might even have to go with Chiefy and Mick and say "we have trust in Ryles" Also I am comfortable with Jim and eventually I would like to see MON's position changed to a different style of authority i.e a name that we can sell.
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