The Cumberland Throw

Post Game Grades – Round 2 at Manly

Parramatta_Eels_logo.svg  Parramatta Eels 0

 Manly Sea Eagles 54

The Good:
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The Bad:
Everything. The dropped balls, the penalties, Manly’s offloads, the hissy fits, the injuries. Manly played in the same heat we did and absolutely took us to school. No excuses.

This is the sort of game that either makes or breaks a season. We’ll find out next week which one it is.

If only I knew what was the come.

X-Factor:
It’s a game of two halves, and we sucked in both of them.

It wouldn’t be so disappointing if we didn’t destroy the Knights in the Maitland Trial, if we didn’t lead Penrith 14-0 or if the boys didn’t tell us all week just how badly they wanted to make up for last Sunday.

The MVPs:

 

The Eels fans who showed up and paid money for that pathetic performance. That’s the worst Eels performance I’ve seen in about 5 years.

If you’re desperate for an answer – Daniel Alvaro. Not only was he our best on field, the hot conditions would have been even more difficult for the polar region native.

For the record, I’ve only ever given two Fs in the history of Post Game Grades.

The Starters

1- Bevan French

Fullback, Parramatta Eels

Nope.

2- Josh Hoffman

Left Wing, Parramatta Eels

Yuck.

3- Michael Jennings

Left Centre, Parramatta Eels

Remember when he almost scored? Me neither.

4- Jarryd Hayne

Right Centre, Parramatta Eels

Is Jarryd an Eels curse? Did he give up the right to win games ever again after the magic of 2009?

5- Kirisome Auva’a

Right Wing, Parramatta Eels

One of his worst games in Blue & Gold.

6- Corey Norman

Five-Eighth, Parramatta Eels

Yeah nah? Just nah. Maybe the worst on field.

7- Mitchell Moses

Halfback, Parramatta Eels

He was better in the second half, it was good to see him taking the line on. Then he got sent to the sin bin.

 

17- Kane Evans

Prop, Parramatta Eels

Probably a double agent sent by the Roosters. Also a leading candidate for worst on field.

9- Cameron King

Hooker, Parramatta Eels

The lone bright spot of the afternoon was seeing Kingy give a thumbs up as he was taken from the field.

10- Tim Mannah (c)

Prop, Parramatta Eels

Tried hard.

11- Manu Ma’u

Back Row, Parramatta Eels

Woefully ineffective.

15- Brad Takairangi

Back Row, Parramatta Eels

Awful.

13- Nathan Brown

Lock, Parramatta Eels

Not great.

Interchange

8- Daniel Alvaro

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

Seems like a good bloke, made 41 tackles and only missed 1.

12- Tepai Moreoa

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

Didn’t score a try.

16- Suaia Matagi

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

To his credit, he didn’t play one second of the first half.

18- Will Smith

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

Damage was already done when he got on the park. Nice kick off to start the second half.

The most disappointing Eels game I’ve seen since the last time I wrote that.

Go you Eels,

Mitch.

 

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70 thoughts on “Post Game Grades – Round 2 at Manly

  1. Ayy

    Cut me to the core watching that game. First time in a long long time I have been genuinely embarrassed watching us play. Overall it just seems like the boys don’t want to play and I don’t understand why

  2. Colin Hussey

    I am embarrassed to say the least. I am now racking my brain to try and remember a worse performance.

    I have watched some very bad losses in the past but seriously I am thinking this match has got to be pretty well the worst I have seen.

    Wenty lost badly yesterday, and the players today played as if they knew they had no competition for their spots at least from within.

  3. Trouser Eel

    If they do that in front of us next week there will be a riot.
    It’s like they’re trying to conserve energy in the heat by not putting in 100%

  4. Sam

    Very, very, strange performance. No idea why they didn’t turn up? What caused the lack of cohesion?

    It must be an internal issue, I can say that I believe Mitch Moses was trying hard and although His dummy spit cost us – At least he was feeling it – Norman just looked like He wanted to be somewhere else. Why bother turning up to train if you’re not going to play?

    My thoughts; Taka, MM, Normz, Hayne, Bev, Jenko & Manu all seem to want to call the shots – no one wants to do the hard work.

    Evans looks woefully out of shape.

    The defensive structure has broken down, the desire has disappeared and the Attacking shapes are slow, lack cohesion and resemble poorly executed training drills.

    They need less talkers, more doers.

    I guarantee you the Storm players shut the HELL up and follow Smith and Slater’s lead – BA needs to have some serious words with these guys: ” you’re not intellectuals, you ARE footy players stop trying to organise each other get the stuff out there and follow the damn Game Plan.”

    Woefully disappointing, words fail to describe – Manly beating the Eels 56 – Nil the very same team who had previously won 6 straight against a stronger manly side!

    Unbelievable.

    I really feel for BA the staff, 60’s Mitch and Co who put so much time and effort into these lads just to see them turn up the toes. But the kids and long time game attending fans it hits the hardest. Just unacceptable for a top grade sports team. Unacceptable.

    1. Gazzamatta

      An age old adage is to work smarter not necessarily harder.
      We currently look like a team using 1960s tactics in 2018. I desperately looked for any sign of life in our team today. Regretably there was none and was pronounced deceased around 6pm.
      Can we do a Lazarus? Not with our current defensive and offensive tactics. Looks like a loon year for our beloved Blue and Golds.

  5. Chris

    Gasnier hit the nail on the head. Where is the line speed and aggression we were known for? That is purely attitude. So unlike anything we have seen since BA started here. Attitude is what he prides this team on.

    Truly head scratching stuff.

  6. conway

    Grades pretty accurate Mitch….Wenty’s diabolical result and the margin today don’t help the situation going forward but as a fan I have to hope this can all be overcome. I know I I’m from different time but I have to ask the question…..what was so wrong with the principle of $300 a win, $100 a draw and $50 a loss………????????

    1. Colin Hussey

      I have said the same thing previously, regarding the win, draw, loss payments. It is an incentive to go that bit harder, with each player these days on a set amount for the year, win, draw or .loss means they get their salary no matter what.

      Thing is to me though, it still comes down to personal pride, pride in playing to win, playing for each other as team mates. If that is not there then, they have to ask themselves do they want to play for the club, suppporters, coach and even themselves?

      If no to any one of those, then they should go elsewhere.

  7. Parra Pete, Thurgoona

    These things happen…don’t know why, but they do.
    Wipe it from memory bank..TOO BAD TO BE TRUE.
    It is how the team recovers that will provide the answers..
    If supporters feel bad, imagine how the players and staff feel……
    We have been there before…..and will be there again…
    Ob la di, ob la dah….

  8. Shelley

    I will start by saying I will go next week and support the boys but I am embarrassed tonight. I never thought I would say this but I will- I actually think some of the players did not try- because the alternative is they did and well that’s a more depressing scenario.

    I am going to challenge three gradings.
    Brown harsh to give him a ‘F’ I thought he tried his guts out, kept taking hit ups all game , got smashed because our other forwards, (or at least the numbers on there backs indicate they are forwards) did not go with him. They left him posted. Shame on them.

    French, at least he tried to make tackles- no fullback in our game can tackle big props one on one on the line. He had to fill the gaps on the line because our useless, lazy forwards could not get out of their own way, let alone off the ground and get to market or back in the line. There forwards steamrolled ours, landed on hands and knees, played the ball quickly and French was left posted. Those misses are on the forwards not French. We gave penalties away because we could not slow the play the ball legally as they earnt the right by landing over the advantage line on there front.

    Taka is one of my fav Parra players BUT he is not a second rower definsevly and contributes nothing in attack. He runs atrocious lines as a forward and stops any possible crisp backline move. We shifted him last year from right centre to the left because he made bad defensive decisions by jamming in and creating holes. Other plays got criticised for missing the players but Taka created the holes. When Jennings last year was with Moses we defended well, not because Moses suddenly got better but Jennings stayed in the line or if he jammed in he did so and wrapped up the ball. The only difference this year is by jamming in and creating the gaps, like Manly’s first try in which Taka left Brown posted and created the gap for Evans, and the same with Kikau last week, the tries are scored under the posts rather then outwide and the opposition go up by six not 4. I know BA is loyal to Taka but Taka did not simply have a bad game, he made his usual defensive errors. Taka if he stays in the position will mark up on Wade Graham next week- the best attacking, in regards to hole running in the game, second rower. God help us. Make a Graham your supercoach captain. We made Sironen and Perret look like Beetson and Geordie Tallis today.

    We need some bigger forwards, Vave, Terepo, Edwards if fit ( i am not talking match fitness but injury) next week . Manly steamrolled us.

    One more note I gave Evans a break last week and defended him. No more, learn how to get to Ringrose Park, at least the soup at the Canteen is nice in winter. A prop who misses tackles and gives away penalties has to offer some good attack and run hard to make up for it. I am sorry but Evans did nothing at all today. Brown tried his guts out, Taka tried but made mistakes, Evans well he did nothing- he does not deserve a grade an N/A (Non-attempt) is more appropriate.

    1. mitch Post author

      I agree re Browny. I was too harsh. I have ‘upgraded’ him to a D-

      I think you make some seriously great points. I don’t want to delve too much into your other comments, but I’m certainly looking forward to seeing Team List Tuesday.

  9. The rev aka Snedden

    Mitch Mitch that was a hard game to watch let along stomach. Like gus said they are not on from the kick off.

    Your ratings are fair. I think Kane Evans is soft. For someone that is almost 2 metres tall n weighs like 115 he runs lack punch. Something not right about him. I notice he still holds his broken hand from last years WC.

    Moses goodness me 2nd week straight in the bin for 10 really Mitch Moses your better then that my son.

    Don’t care what anyone says time for Evans to play for Wenty. Matagi can join him.

    Do I know what the answer is … No.

    What I do know Is that Hayne is not a centre his fullback or in wenty.

    My side for next week.

    1. Hayne
    2. French
    3. Avua
    4. Jennings
    5. Hoffman
    6. Norman
    7. Moses
    8. Mannah
    9. King
    10. Vave
    11. Moeroa
    12. Marata nikore
    13. Brown.

    Bench.
    14. Smith
    15. Peni
    16. Takarangi
    17. Alvaro

    Hate to say it but I think we will go 0/3 the sharks won’t cop 3 straight loses n neither should we but we will lose its at shark park. I think Hayne has been a waste of money we need a big name prop who can bent the line ours are slow.

    #Eels4life#

    1. mitch Post author

      Team List Tuesday will be interesting. Shame Kenny is injured. Terepo and Vave might each be fit and available, however.

      1. Gazzamatta

        Id have Gower in there somewhere. He always gives his all.
        Would also love to see Marata given a chance.

    2. Glenn

      You know rev that is almost the same team that I selected in my mind. Trouble is we have no large forwards to select with only Williams to come and he excites me as much as the acquisition of Williams did, yawn.

  10. Anonymous

    That was one of the worst displays I’ve seen in over fifty years of supporting the Eels. Absolutely gutless.

    The only positive I can take from that game is they can’t do any worse next week – surely ???

    1. Lomgfin Eel

      One thing about Parts is that when you think things can’t get any worse, they do. We will lose the next 2 games.

  11. Sam

    Does nobody think Corey Norman looks unhappy and disinterested?

    I agree with you Shelley, Browny was hard done by and the forwards as a unit were lazy and slow with few exceptions.

    I also agree, Taka must not play next week, He is a liability unfortunately. Defensively not passable at centre anymore and more than not passable in the forwards at this time.

    As some have pointed out; wenty got smashed too – something must be wrong. Tough trip to Shark Park next week and only gets tougher at 0 – 3.

    Not being alarmist, Just realistic.

  12. Milo

    Mitch when is Kenny back?
    I am not going to say anything until round 10. I though last week we looked avg in effort and tbh I tuned out today at half time. My TV is too expensive to throw in the Bateau Bay ocean….i have to keep remembering its only a ‘game’ but i cannot accept it.
    Mitch did you say something on radio that has haunted us….? 😎

  13. June

    I’m sorry we were pathetic, but I think Corey Norman needs a stint in Wenty just to knock his ego down a notch or two, he offers nothing in attack and 1 of manly’s tries would have been prevented if he’d tried to make the tackle instead of jumper grabbing.

  14. Fathead

    The taka in the forwards experiment is over. If he is playing – put him at centre. I know he’s slow but at least he’s out of the way.
    I can’t blame the backs – everything was on the forwards today. They were soft. The classic sign of defensive ineffectivness is the ability to off load. Manly did that at will. The try where Perrett stood up and had 6 eels around him and STILL unloaded for a try was absolutely inexcusable.
    Norman played like he’s played for years. He’s a bloody pea brain.
    Fix the forwards, put Hayne at the back and put jenko back on the other side and we will fix a fair bit.
    As for the forwards – is King or Pritchard really what you want?
    Give Reed Mahoney a go. The kid is a terrier in defence.

    1. Colin Hussey

      The hard part in selections for next week is who do you drop from a team that was thrashed 50 – 0 and replace with players that were thrashed 54-0?

      From a personal perspective, I would be looking at Pritchard for the 9 spot next week as King is not likely to be allowed to play as he was stretchered off (wonder the whole 17 were not given the same method)

      Will Smith on the bench, I thought he was not too bad until he was infected with the same desease as the rest of the players.

      Certainly to me, there needs to be at least 4 changes in the forwards. and rather than Norms rating last weeks spray by BA, it needs to a 20 out of ten. Message to each player, Lift your game or find somewhere else to play. More especially for Norms.

    2. Colin Hussey

      As I said elsewhere, the Jersey’s are not at fault, its what is inside them and if they had a heart inside to show.

      King even before he was carried off was no better than other forwards overall. Pritchard is criticised for being injury prone, King is worse the way he went in to the tackle that took him out shows poor tackling methods on his part. Pritchard has a better tackling technique and also gets out of Dummy half better.

      It might be tempting to bring Mahoney or one of the others up but, are they ready yet?

  15. Rocket

    I’ve been supporting this team for fifty years. I have good memories and bad. I’ll put this game in the bad memory file.
    Next week we are at ANZ against the Sharks.
    Go the Eels.

  16. Offside

    I know your not aloud to criticize the coach and his staff on this site but at some point he gas to held accountable poor recruitment poor structures in defense and attack the players must take most the blame but the buck stops at BA and come rd 8 if were not 50% win loss he should be shown the door 5 years is enough if this is what his squad looks like.

      1. Offside

        I am yes I’m concerned not just about the defeat but in the lack of intent in attack the side side play no hole runners.
        Tough calls will need to be made i don’t think BA can make them.

        1. Pou

          The lack of support runners is exactly what Arthur meant (as well as lack of line speed and cover defence) when he said we need to improve our effort areas. They’re not coached to run and tackle one out. They have been pacing themselves, probably due to the heat.

  17. Big Derek

    As I have said elsewhere, we have the softest front row rotation in the comp. they are all decent players but certainly not in the same team.
    Not a single try for Manly came from further than 5 metres out, if you can’t win in the collision then you can’t win games.
    Different body shapes killed us, getting run over by Fonua Blake , Sironen and even Pettett really is difficult to swallow.
    Until we fix the front row and have competition for Mau in the back row ( not Taka) then we will witness games like this.
    Auv’a was next to useless today and last week, Gutho can’t come back quick enough.
    There is always the next game , but at least change the tactics and give us a different look or else it will be more of the same .

    1. mitch Post author

      “Not a single try for Manly came from further than 5 metres out, if you can’t win in the collision then you can’t win games.”

      Well said.

    2. Shelley

      Best post tonight, better put then my rant. People criticise French, Hayne, Moses, Norman (I normally defend him but his attitude stunk today) but that game was lost and lost early in the forwards. We crabbed sideways in attack because we had zero forward momentum. In fact our forwards, even Ma’u stood in our backline most of the game getting in the way and offering nothing.

      I was taught very early on that league really is a simple game, backs win you big moments in games but forwards give you the chance to reach those big moments.

      The greatest strength of our club in the past 2 years has been the bond, trust, honesty and respect developed between fans, players and coaches. For me a little of that was lost today. A couple of bad games does not kill a season, we lost four in a row last year, but bad attitude does kill any chance. I will give the players a chance to prove me wrong but that game is going to take a while to erase and get back the trust.

  18. Anonymous

    Just a question and id love people’s thoughts.!

    Norman to fullback
    Hayne to 5/8
    Mosses to 7

    Could this work.?

    1. Chris

      I think Hayne to fullback is a must. Go back to taka and Jennings in the centres (left and right) with Hoffman and French on the wings.

      Kenny and Peni back in as soon as they are fit.

    2. Colin Hussey

      Not for me. Hayne to FB probably, and Norms out of first grade. French to Wing with MJ next to him.

      Where was Scott today?

  19. Trapped in the 1970's

    if parra get off to a good start it only takes a single slip up or error for them to lose momentum as they did they last week, or if they get off to a poor start as they did today they seem to have no capacity at all to wrest momentum back. They drop their heads, they abondon the game plans and they play as individuals. To me that comes down to tack of leadership in the spine and a lack of confidence from the playing group to tough it out and get back on track.

    Today was pathetic, a total embarrassment, in fact a record breakingg kick up the backside. It might only be two rounds in but if this is what is dished up after a pre season of planning, working combinations and acting out game scenarios etc then the team finds itself in a grave predicament very early on in the season.

    The one thing that I truly hope for is that none of the playing group come out and apologise to we fans for another rubbish effort because quite frankly I’m sick of hearing those hollow offerings. Play with some spirit and pride in the jersey and I couldn’t give a rats rectum if they win or lose.

    Prayers for and improved effort next week regardless of the result.

  20. Gaz the Sad Eel

    Did Manly decade at none for 54 ?
    I hope Parra can bat a little bit better against the Sharks

  21. Jim Phelps IMF

    Bernie wanted to relive the 60s iconic wooden spoon jerseys and the team played accordingly.
    B.A. Needs more assistant coaches and piss off the silly AFL trainer we have. It looks like Arthur has lost the dressing room. Don’t worry we might look fit by round 12.

    1. Chris

      Jim I can’t blame people for thinking they don’t look fit. I was saying the same thing at Penrith. I put it down to the heat that day but two weeks in a row???

      It’s more about attitude for mine which was the hallmark of this team. For the last four years, you know what your going to get when the eels play. They are going to run hard tackle hard chase hard sometimes win and sometimes lose but they will have a go.

      That’s what we want as supporters, a team that has a go. Yesterday they lay down and at many stages it seriously looked like they didn’t care.

      It is round two and I believe they can turn it around but they will want to be a lot better in front of their first home crowd on Saturday night.

  22. Milo

    I do not have an answer and won’t point to individual players etc as its a team game; the effort has to be there. It is as simple as that.
    Yes i have concerns like other people and only hope they can wrestle this back as if not it will be a v tough year and tbh i am over the years we had in the SK / RS / DA time. I know the Penny Panthers did not do as well the year after they made the top four and i am not making excuses, but just maybe our players are believing in too much hype and if so it will pull their pants down again. Moses being binned twice is not good for example.
    The players have to hang tough and put in the effort; its as simple as that. For people noting changes, who do we bring in? Kenny is injured and no doubt King may be too….
    You do not go from being a top 4 to bottom poor in a 4 months…..

  23. Glenn

    Chief I’ve been complaining about BAs recruitment for some time. Our lack of a few quality big middle forwards has hurt us badly and last years result only papered over the cracks. With our one remaining spot maybe we can promote one of our juniors. Faingaa comes to mind who is a big skilful forward, he certainly can’t do any worse than current crop. If Scott retired now would that free up another spot?

    1. Colin Hussey

      Glenn, the problem is where are the quality forwards that we need? I do not see that we should be making any big plays for players no better than what we have and really would want more money to sign on.

      Each of the players, especially those off contract, need to be given a real talking to and asked to be frank, do you want to play at this club and be part of it and its future. Think carefully about that before answering. If you want to go elsewhere, that’s fine, you may leave now. They ask for it, then the contract ends at that point.

      If you want to stay, then you have to Play, not Pussy foot but RL.

  24. Josh

    I must be watching different games to many here. How Norman can be named as worst on the field is absolute baffling to me. He literally did nothing wrong going forward. How on Earth is he supposed to create anything when the 12 around him do absolutely fuck all?

    Moses getting a second sin bin in a row disgusts me. He should play for Wenty next week. For me, best player was Tepai and worst was Auvaa by a country mile.

  25. John Eel

    Mitch congratulations on a new son and brother to you, your wife and family. My three sons, has a dramatic touch to it but you may be too young to remember the show.

    Celebrate, it only gets better

  26. Trevor Campbell

    As John Eel said Mitch congrats on the arrival of the little fella and I hope he plays for the Eels one day.
    I have just spent over 3 hours rewatching the weekends game. As pointed out by someone else Manly were outstanding right from the kickoff, they certainly did their homework regarding our ability to prevent the offload. Tapau as usual was great and the others followed suit. They kept a number of players close to the ball carrier so no matter where the offload was popped someone would be in place to receive it. This coupled with our inability to slow down the play the ball (win the ruck) meant an even slower line speed. We played right into their hands. It doesn’t matter how fit the players are, if they are defending twice as much as the opposition in that heat they will soon run out of energy. I feel Tepai Moeroa was the best player on the field, and by a fair margin. Every hit up from Tep was flat out, not one soft run. Even when he received slow ball from the dummy half and the defence was on top of him he still got over the advantage line. And then there was his defence. His effort on effort should have shamed a few of his teammates, he just did not give up at any point. Even after he first hurt his shoulder in a tackle on Tanginoa he kept throwing himself into the fray. I imagine Brad and the staff would have pointed his efforts out during the video replay. Alvaro and Smith also put in big efforts and Bev French had a real dig in defence to. Tep and Alvaro really work well together in defence as shown in our first two games of the season. I was a bit disappointed in Hayne’s contribution, and although a couple of people felt Brown went okay, I am not so convinced. Most of his runs were quite soft until the last 10 minutes or so when Moses opened up. His defence also didn’t have the energy of Tep and Alvaro. No doubt Brad would have pointed out Manly’s top notch defensive efforts right across the park, as the Manly players all put in for their teammates. Not one player slacked off so full credit to them. Anyway another weekend another game hopefully not another loss.
    Cheers, Trev.

    1. Colin Hussey

      Trev, a game man to go through that match again, But! I applaud and thank you for the revision of the game and highlighting Teps work in the match.

      He is a player that quite a few put down, as never getting to his potential. I disagree although his last couple of years has shoulder problems but has done all he could when given the opportunity.

      1. Trevor Campbell

        Col, yeah it can be frustrating watching a loss for a second time but I miss a lot of things when watching the game live. My ability to analyse the game at normal speed is really poor these days, actually it was probably never any good to start with, so I do a lot of pausing and rewinding trying to pickup what I missed the first time around.
        Tepai, Alvaro, Smith, Mahoney, Stone are a few of the Eels players displaying the attitude that all clubs need to be successful. All we need is for all the other players to buy into that never give up, do it for your teammates, club, and supporters attitude.
        Also do we need a really good wrestle coach as we don’t seem as good as other teams at preventing the offload or slowing the play down.
        These are just my musings, I’m probably still missing some things, even though I have gone through the games a second time.
        Cheers Trev.

        1. Colin Hussey

          Trev, Good reply.

          I am unable to record any programs up here as the rental home has a small antennae, and the PVR does not get enough signal strength to record any program, I have a digital antennae that goes inside which I have to get set up and use to see if it makes a difference.

          I agree totally with you re the way you can better analyse a game when watching for the 2nd time, which allows you to pause, etc and have a good look at things, which more often than not brings another perspective to it.

          I have to agree with you re the players mentioned, especially Tep, he brings a lot more to the side than many seem to see and appreciate, same with Alvaro, who is lifting each year, others are starting to see it as well while others not. As I said, I believe Barrett had the perfect game plan and many other coaches will work of it as well when they come up against the eels. That primarily means shutting down the players who potentially have the abilities to both bust the line and get the ball away.

          Players like Ma’u, & Brown in particular have at least 2, usually 3 watching where they are, at each playing of the ball, also they are ready to move accordingly. To me King is too slow and predictable at half, we need Pritchard at 9 and Smith on the bench, gives two faster players at dummy half that have more variety. King is solid and has some good attributes but to me not who we need in that position.

          Manly & Penrith had Alvaro well contained as well, again with one player around his legs and stopping any abilities to push forward as he showed last year. The other aspect I have reflected on is the age of some of the forwards. I really hope to see Scott lifting against Cronulla, likewise Matagi and Evans, the night match may help a lot but I do believe we need a couple of the up and commers in the team.

          If I was selecting a team and glad I am not, I would have the following (based on those not available)
          1: Hayne/interchange with French through the match.
          2: Hoffman
          3: Auva’a
          4: Jennings
          5: French
          6: Norms
          7: Moses
          8: Mannah c
          9: Kaysa
          10: Alvaro.
          11: Ma’u
          12: Tepai
          13: Brown C
          14: Evans
          15: Terepo
          16: Edwards
          17: Smith
          18: Marata
          19: Gower

          While not a big change to who are selected I think it does have some more with enthusiasm in it. I do not see Matagi as a future player for the club and rather see players in that have the ability to lift the side. Norms would be on his last show, and if he fails again, then have Smith at 6 and bring Marata on to the bench.

          The wrestle if important and it would not hurt to have someone with the skills to help them out. Thing is that I am not a great fan of the wrestle, would rather have hard edged players that can hit hard in no more than a two man tackle and bring the opposition forwards down hard, and they would be hesitant to get up quickly I believe. One under the ribs and the other on the side that they are not carrying the ball, drive to the ground on their side carrying the ball, good chance a strong tackle will mean the ball is dislodged. These are old style tactics. Why have 3/4 doing the work that 1/2 can do?

          1. Colin Hussey

            PS, When Gutho is back, would have him at 6, and put the C against his name, as he will be there for the 80.

          2. Trevor Campbell

            Certainly agree with you regarding the wrestle Col, as I feel it’s a real blight on the game. Some teams get away with far more than others. The Broncos were guilty of working the tackle, especially on the ground, well after they were told to release in their last game against the Cowboys and it is so frustrating watching the Storm getting away with it repeatedly. Also Adam Blair got away with a wrestle hold on a Titan’s player on the weekend. Just a simple, common hold but I am surprised he wasn’t chipped over it.
            I have stated before how much I miss the efforts of Degois as he had great line speed and was such a perfect legs tackler. He saved the team so much energy expenditure allowing us to compete right to the end. As for the one high one low tackles you only had to watch the tag team of Mahoney and Stone during their 20’s matches together, it was a sight to behold. Kaysa has good line speed and while a courageous, aggressive defender his technique is not as good as Degois, Smith, Tep, and Alvaro when doing low, front on defence. I just watched the second half of the game again and I have to add that Manah was trying hard and also Smith really needs to be in the team somewhere. He just doesn’t stop, he covered so much ground in attack and defence. He is quick, has good hands, is a good support player and can put a hit on when needed.

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