I thought I would continue with my junior articles, so I will be reporting on SG ball and Flegg a lot this year for those interested.
Teamlist:
- J Fagalele
- M Alameddine
- D Kakoi
- D Vaivela
- D Farrugia
- L Talataina
- D Brettle (c)
- B Lucien
- J Camilleri
- S Piukala
- J Funa-luta
- T Lokeni
- M Popo
- I Mafi
- L Moffitt
- J Stevenson-Hala
- S Junior Fatui
- T Sangalang
Injuries:
L Coinakis (a great bench hooker from Matts last year. Can play lock too): ribs (4 weeks)
E. Shane Tapau-Taylor (the massive backrower signed from cowboys that has good wraps): n/a (2 weeks)
Blog (from TCT):
Scoreline:
Eels 32- Warriors 20
Tries:
- Alameddine x 2
- Talataina
- Piakula
- Farrugia
Conversion:
Farrugia: 6/7
Game Summary:
Since TCT blog covered the game, I will just give my short opinion from what I saw.
You could tell this was the first game of the season with so many errors being made in the start and than throughout the game. The game was arguably influenced it as the team who could hold the ball more would be in control of the game and score points. Eels had started well but than the warriors fought back. The eels than powered home to win the game.
Keep in mind this was played Sunday at 11:30pm in very hot conditions. I thought Warriors actually have an impressive squad on them with a quick fullback and a strong forward pack. Will have to see how each team goes as they develop their combinations. The two injured players will definitely improve the team when they return. This is a strong side if Sangaland a workhose cannot even make the team.
MVP:
S Pikaula was easily the best on the field for us. Him and Alameddine are the only two players that have returned to SG ball from last year. Instead of the being an impact forward of the bench like last year, Pikaula is now the leader and starter of the forward pack. He scored a good individual try despite being tackled high in the process. His carries throughout the game were strong and he hit hard in defence.
General Notes on players from the game:
Hopefully throughout the year, every player will get a mention (a positive mention) so I can talk about what they offer.
Fagalele: Player from Matts last year who has moved from 5/8 to fullback. He looked very nervous and struggled against the high ball. Made a few errors. Hopefully will improve.
Alameddine: Not many tough carries required with both teams making multiple errors inside their own half. I thought his finishing for the second try was great as there were plenty of cover defenders coming.
Farrugia: Unfortunately did not get to see the athletic winger with big wraps explode during the game as his two chances were either a forward pass or a knock on. However, his goal kicking seems great. Coverted one of the touch line and has a massive boot on him. Did miss a pretty easy penalty goal. He fits the modern day winger physique and even got a flegg pre-season this year despite being in his first year of SG ball. Shows the massive potential and wraps the club have on him. Is a NSW U17.
Talataina: The halfback from Matts last year has moved to 5/8 which I believe will suit him better with his running and short kicking game. Allows him to play his game and Brettle to focus on organising the team and the majority of kicks. Scored a good individual try.
Camilleri: I thought he looked pretty good. Apparently his first two trials were quit shit. However, in the last trial he scored a hat-trick. He did have a couple of good moments in attack.
Lokeni: Had some decent touches and assisted the last try with an offload. Will be interesting to see if he holds down a starting spot when Shane Tapau returns. He did miss rugby league last year to focus on school and union so he should get better as the season goes on.
Funa-luta: Probably the junior I am most excited about from this SG ball side. When Shane Tapau returns from injury (probs of the bench), it will create an absolutely brutal backrow combination of big barnstorming players. While Funa-luta never did anything speicial during the game, you could see glimpses of his potential during the game with strong carries that resulted in numerous defenders needing to contain him. Did nearly score in one of those instances. He did captain the Matts side last year and make the Australian school boy team.There is a bucket loads of backrower talent coming through the club.
Stevenson-Hala: The kid from roosters that we have sized. A big foward of the bench that will be used for impact. Can be dangerous. Will probably used like that for the full season with the starters being Pikuala (leader of the pack) and Lucien who joins this year (represented QLD last year)
Highlights:
https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2024/02/05/une-sg-ball-cup--round-one-highlights/
I may be blind but I think NSWTV forgot to upload the eels game.
Ladder:
6th out of 16
Replies
Nice write up EA .. good to get some insight on the juniors. Sounds like there's a lot of rep potential if we can develop and retain them. It'd be interesting to see the stats on junior reps that go on to be reps in the NRL