Round 1 & 2 expectations: A loss won't hurt that much

We have the hardest start to the year playing last year's 2 grand finalists, albeit at home. In these games I don't expect us to win them both, one win would be a good result. Both opponents look very strong and well rehearsed, whereas we have a new look side once again. How well we can defend will be a key area for mine, even if we do happen to lose. Thinking back to 2012 when the fancied Knights hosted the Dragons in Bennett's first game, or last year to Broncos vs Souths - the opening game really doesn't mean a whole lot. Teams that have played together for a year or two often win, even against teams that have recruited well. If we steadily improve week to week we have a good run of games against the Dogs, Tigers, Panthers & Raiders in rounds 3-6. We could easily be 4/6 and lose the first 2. Brisbane and NQL are 2 great attacking sides so if we can match them for 65-70 minutes that would be a great effort. Of course we have been known to blitz it in round 1 but I think this year could be tougher, even with all our quality players. Not for one second am I saying we will lose, I believe in the boys, BUT, we can't overlook the quality of opposition. It will only get easier after the first 2 weeks and it may be good to get an early gauge of how much we need to improve and where. The media won't see it that way with the hype but it will be positive for the team either way IMO. If we do get a win or two, that's a great bonus, because playing these sides later on, we probably wouldn't expect to win, so we would be getting 2pts that a lot of other teams won't be, as I can't see either team losing more than 8 games each barring injury/suspension, including origin.So I do expect us to:1) Match it with both forward packs given our strength in this area and give our backs the POSSIBILITY of scoring opportunities.2) Show a greater ability to hold out the opposition on our line given the work we have put into this facet (both recruitment wise and at training). If we can, that shows great improvement already as they are both strong in attack.3) Play a controlled game that minimises errors, penalties & poor options with our more experienced and improved spine leading us around.I don't expect:1) To score much more than 18 in either game as the combinations need time to gel (looked rusty on the weekend and we scored 2 barge overs out of 4 tries.)2) Us to win both games, or even one of them. We will be outsiders in both so a loss shouldn't be treated as a huge disappointment or failure.3) Beat ourselves. This is the major thing we should not be doing in 2016. If we lose to a better team in Brisbane/NQL, fair play to them. Fumbling and bumbling to a loss is no longer even minutely acceptable looking at the lineup. We should be in both games for at least 70 mins. If we lose in the final 10, it should be the opponent playing well and not us crumbling like 2015.Interested to hear other's views and what you expect & don't expect come Thursday week. Can't wait to be there!

"On what basis "iam".....legal costs do not reflect on players remuneration.
PS My guess is Arthur Moses would have charged Parra no where near that, but is happy to get paid top price with Storm footing the bill......that 250k is for Moses, not…"

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RIDER February 22, 2016 at 5:33pm

Cowboys are slow starters and we do have a habit of beating the better teams and losing to teams we should beat.

Both teams are also backing up from a heavy travel itinerary.

Its the start of the year, we have some good signings so of course im jumping on my unicorn and taking it for a ride. Put me down for two wins :)
Big Dave February 22, 2016 at 5:34pm

I think we will be highly competitive in the first two games. With the addition of Scott, Foran and Jennings our edge defence will be far greater then previous years.
The French Fullback #1 February 22, 2016 at 5:47pm

I think we will have a very good year too, but it may take a few weeks to really gel is my only worry after Saturday.
Evil Elvis February 22, 2016 at 5:59pm

Hopefully a bit of jet lag might effect Broncos and Cowboys performances. If not jet lag, the UK trip and the ease at which they won, might at least hamper their preparations.
Dave February 22, 2016 at 6:05pm

At least we don't have to worry about round 1 superman Sandow

looks great in round 1, Parra win by 30-40 points then he does sweet FA for the rest of the year, much like the team in recent seasons to be honest.

Hopefully, with Foran in and Norman being freed from having to carry the fat and lazy Chrissy around the halves might be more consistent throughout the season.

As for the first 2 rounds, considering they are both at home, I'm looking for wins, Parra realistically are in a battle for the bottom half of the 8 if things go our way then a 4th placed finish is possible but to make the 8 we basically need to make Pirtek a fortress.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER February 22, 2016 at 6:44pm

I think we beat the Broncos at home and give the cowboys a run for there money and we beat the bulldogs so we mite be 2 from 3 I be happy with that start and im with you David I like to see Parramatta Make Pirtek a Fortress
- Carloeel > ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER February 22, 2016 at 6:50pm
  
  The team and fans are pumped it , and the nines confidence will really help at home .
the Eggman February 22, 2016 at 8:24pm

Just on the cowboys, did anyone happen to see Tamou get laid out by that bloke playing for leeds,can't remember his name used to play for saints I think. SMASHED him
,cheap shot yes but I'll admit ,I enjoyed it.
- Turpy > the Eggman February 22, 2016 at 8:29pm
  
  Mitch Garbutt, played for Storm & Broncos.
  Yes I enjoyed it too. Clean shot, tamou started it lol
- Ham Sammich > the Eggman February 23, 2016 at 10:49am
  
  That is what the punch rule has done to the NRL and its players. Tamou slapped Galloway thinking he'll get away with it and then he got clocked. There'd be a lot less stupid shit like that in the NRL if the player had the "fear" of being punched in the face.

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