This is little step back in momentum to start 2019, however i feel this is a bit of a step forward towards becoming a top 8 team again and here's why. We were competitive for 65mins of that match, kids like Mahoney and Brown were out on their feet playing a team full of rep players and they held their own, the team will get better with dealing with that. It's RD 3 and we are still connecting with as a team, had this been a loss to the Gold Coast or say St. George Illawarra then that's something to be annoyed with, but we held our own for three quarters with the current reigning premiers, yes we lost but partially can take aspects as a win. Even i last year abused the team for losing last year, and BA, but tonight they tried and were the better team for at least half the game.
Now of course there are negatives, Alvaro and Takairangi i believe were nowhere near their best, and Mahoney after having two very nice games couldnt quite handle the Roosters pack which hampered his attack as he was fatigued, but then again he is playing Hooker so hopefully can get used to it soon, perhaps having McIlwrick at 14 and using him earlier will help this team alot. For now we just gotta take it as a loss, and reality check, teams lose, they all do im just glad it was not embarrassing and against a team that has a less desirable team.
Look forward to sunday to seeing Wenty for players like Parry, Davey, French, McIlwrick and G. Jennings as they are our depth and with these guys performing it will add extra motivation for FG to play better.
Final kudos to Kane Evans who was sensational tonight, give credit where credit is due. Also to Salmon and Kaufusi who despite experience, age and minutes they tried exceptionally hard and seem keen and ready for a season of FG.
Another tough opponet next week, all i ask is if we lose do not have ago unless we gave up or didnt try.
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some fair points there mate, we're looking a lot better than last year thats for sure.
Fergo makes a massive difference, more valuable than Semi imo.
Yes we are alot better team than last year, just gotta have a bit of luck, Moeroa, Brown and Ma'u were losses tonight as well so we can only get better.
I thought Evans had his best game for us. Sivo made some impressive runs. Would like to see him get more space
We are shaping up well. I reckon we have the best wingers in the comp. unfortunately Mahoneys goal line D looks an isssue.
Though, not backing him up but that Radley try he was fatigued badly, to where i reckon McIlwrick will be great to have from 35min-60min mark then let Mahoney finish strong.
Yeah fair call, he may be playing too many minutes at present
We were competitive throughout the game but they were just more clinical and made less errors. The team is a lot different than last year. If they play like that in most games this year we will win. But when it comes against teams like Easts, Souths or Melbourne we are way behind.
Agree steel, however I remain extremely optimistic that these young kids are going to learn from this. By the time finals come around they will be prepared to lift for big games. It’s so disappointing reading some of the negative comments we just pushed the premiers all the way.
In the big picture there was more to be optimistic about than negative
Think we might see mcllwrick in the next couple of games I think we need two hookers atm
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