We've been tracking this way for a while unfortunately. I swear we play better in Oz.
Objectively though, I had us written off coming in to the season unless both
Metcalf and the young guns had breakthrough seasons. I was excited about
Clark and
Healey, but I had us 8-10 on paper.
We have played some great footy via the commitment of the team, energy and the breakout seasons that weren't a given.
With cruel injuries we don't have the cattle in my opinion. Not replacing
Montoya was a crazy decision (though they might have tried).
I think our ladder position is still pretty exciting, and would have definitely settled for week one of the finals at the start of the year.
I think the next couple of months are tough though, despite a favourable draw. It would be nice to see us banging through the middle like at the start of the season. That platform has disappeared, we haven't softened up a weaker Knights or Titans pack.
We need investment in our backline for next year.