The rules exist as they are. The officials too.
You can't reinvent them not withstanding the refereeing lost us the game last night.
The Panthers were able to score off every possible infringement. Forward passes. Knock ons. Blatant illegal play the balls. Getting piggyback off restarts on the fifth tackle in good field position. The works.
It was the finest display of OPSM gridiron I've seen in some time.
Having said that, we were lucky. Sutton is normally even worse than that.
This was yet another game —one of many —we let slip through our fingers.
If only we had a little more experience and confidence.
That lack of experience is retaining focus. Focus or a lack of, is so important when it comes to the errors we make.
Most of the top sides eliminate their errors like Penrith did in the second half where they completed at close to 92% (20/22). They just waited for us to make errors. Then struck.
Now, to the positives.
We cannot deny that we are remarkably competitive in lots of games where we have in theory played against superior teams at near full strength compared to our "patchwork quilt" combinations.
I always thought we had a chance if we could hold them in the forwards (said so before the game btw). Our inexperienced pack led by Jack Williams stood up very well.
When we add Hopgood, Junior, Sua and maybe a higher profile middle like a Leniu, and a "ready" Riley Smith, we might end much better than we think.
Our young forwards Tuivaiti, Brown and Kautoga could be anything.
Kautoga is starting to sneak through, eliminating his prior error-proness and really becoming an effective edge forward with genuine class. My prediction is that Kautoga is going to become a marquee level edge forward, definitely one to lock in as soon as practical. (Chiefy should note I didn't say immediately, players have agents and whilst I don't like them or even respect them, they are not BLIND!).
Our back's are moderate. But they are remarkably effective off the back of good forward play that is direct.
Unfortunately, Iongi though solid and armed with talent and footy IQ, has not been as impactful as he has been for some reasons. Perhaps, it's injury related.
Next year, Luai will make a tremendous difference, as he opens up alternatives for Moses.
It is undeniable that a tall winger and a class centre would enhance our fortunes.
"Class" telling is a need for us, no doubt about that. It maybe that at some point in time another fullback opportunity may present, that will make an interesting decision about ilongi's future as an elite (which we seem to think he will be?).
I went to bed shitty after the game, and I'm not sure why. But my instinct tells me it was another one that we could have won. De juva.
Replies
I think Samrani shouldn't be in the centres. As a back up.sure, but he's a back.rower and is holding us back. Very little attacking pace or flair
Iongi still coming to terms with that bad injury, and the fact our 6 and 7 changes every week.
We need outside back announcements tomorrow and Spencer
Your quote Chiefy "We need outside back announcements tomorrow and Spencer " How practical is that?
You keep saying these things Chiefy and I suspect we all agree, subjectivity aside, "we can only control the controllable".
You do not seem to have the patience that is necessary (you have plenty with you there) but you need to express it in a way that is proactive.......you defended Ilongi on that basis and that was the way to do it, i.e. subjectively......I wasn't calling for his head, just creating an awareness......obviously I hope you are right, his potential makes him an exciting player!
Your proclivity in this whole scheme of things lack any sort of "practicality" and hence your credability is zero.....can you not undrstand that?
Pops, I agree we're not as bad as some make us out to be. We'll see against Wests next weekend popo, I've already backed us in. You'd hope with all the turmoil around the Tigers at the moment that surely Parramatta will put a score on them.
Our attack and lack of points is the big issue. Id be swapping out Samrani and Volkman on Tuesday if I was the attack coach
If we lose to Wests with their form, news and the fact I cannot stand them, I will be so pissed.
Has to be tago, what a waste sitting on panthers bench 🤣 he walks into our centres
I don't know why we haven't announced Tago
Maybe cause we haven't signed him maybe?
Samrani is a backrower imo
I think we all agree about Samrani but he's the best we've got atm. We really need to find some class in the out side backs even if it is a classy junior until we can can sign Herbie (🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏) I must admit BK is going gangbusters on the wing.
The difference between Penrith and PArramatta was the polish with Penrith was beautiful to watch ,mistakes free where Parramatta were often clumsy, I describe it as chalk and cheese , I think it has to do mainly with the coaching
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