General Will we make the 8?

[3rdstriker]

People want Ivan back.

I don't the way that lot bend the rules on and off the field is not my idea of a coach.

Hes the best coach in the game.....
If Ivan wants to come back, you make room for him. It Doesn't mean Webster moves on either but Ivans Warriors through and through.

 

[FormerlyJamesW]

Hes the best coach in the game.....
If Ivan wants to come back, you make room for him. It Doesn't mean Webster moves on either but Ivans Warriors through and through.

I just to think this way, but recently I'm not so sure.

It's not that don't put value on Ivan. He's top knotch. It's more that I have a lot of faith that we have what we need in Cappy and Webby.

For the first time in the 20 years I've supported the club, a premiership has felt like an inevitably to me.

 

[3rdstriker]

I just to think this way, but recently I'm not so sure.

It's not that don't put value on Ivan. He's top knotch. It's more that I have a lot of faith that we have what we need in Cappy and Webby.

For the first time in the 20 years I've supported the club, a premiership has felt like an inevitably to me.

The foundations do seem the best they have ever been here, but i do think Ivan can get that next bit of structure and nutrition out of a team just because of his wizard like penrith run.
You are right though with Webbys setup he will take us there but he still has alot to learn,
Ivan should only comeback as a support advisor not to knock webster off.

 

[sup42]

Ivan was shithouse when he had a weaker team to coach.

There is that.

 

[FormerlyJamesW]

Ivan was shithouse when he had a weaker team to coach.

There is that.

I think people think of him in the context of what he has done at the riff. (sellers remorse)

He didnt do that stuff here…

 

[CWC]

I am sure after winning 4 premierships in a row you’d know how to take another team to victory, just watch Brad Cooper at the end of Limitless

 

[Kav1]

Its a tough one as it borders on result fixing without it actually being that. By the same token the toll on the body towards the end of the season is monumental regardless of the severity of injury so player welfare comes into it. 12 games at home and 12 away is also the perfect number and reducing the number of games will erode what makes this comp so great. I don't know what the answer is that would be fair.

Like it or not, this is what it takes to win the comp. Storm have always been cheats and thrive on pushing and exploiting rules to the limit. Penreff have adopted that approach, except with less cap cheating. Outside of them there's the rule pushing Roosters, peptide Sharks etc.

Dogs are grubby AF, a bit amatuer about it but they're building to it. Also their salary cap and recruitment shennagins. Raiders honestly just so impressive and I hope they win it if we don't. Feel like they will come up a game or two short yet again.

The only other way is to basically have an immortal level talent (e.g. Thurston). Though I am unsure even a team with him in it could win in this current environment, without pushing the rules to the limits.

If you can't beat 'em, and we can't, you need to join 'em. We should be looking to exploit every loophole and fringe rule we can. Double for us considering we're the most disadvantaged club in the league by a margin.

I am skeptical we'd ever be allowed to push the rules in the same way aussie clubs are though. In which case I think we need multiple generational talents all at the same time, plus some key injuries to contenders at the right time, for the stars to align on a single championship.

I would like to think that I support a club which does NOT infringe the rules nor goes about trying to enhance their chances at the expense of other teams.. Only then could I hold my head up high, knowing we have achieved on merit and deserve our victory.

 

[Kav1]

More than likely we rest players if we lock in top 4 this weekend, same as 2023 Dolphins game. While it may detract from seeing certain teams play each other resting their first choice team, it could also go the other way with some teams playing more high risk footy without their regulars and there being not much weighing on the outcomes of matches.

It also means teams are more fresh for finals making for more exciting finals matches.

How long does it take to freshen up players? Would it be better to add two weeks on after the last round Rd 27 so that all teams can freshen up before the finals.?

 

[sydneywarrior92]

After all the Penrith shenanigans this week giving up on their top 4 chances, It makes you wonder just how valuable top 4 is to Suburban Sydney teams like them or the Sharks. Clearly it is a huge leg up for us, the Storm or Broncs getting to play at MSS, Olympic Park or Suncorp in week 2.

But if the Sharks for example beat us to 4th, which they won't of course, they would likely be forced to play their "home" semi final at Accor. There is no way the NRL would allow the Sharks to play the week 2 "home" final at Shark Park which they haven't done in previous years they've made the 4 (2022, 2024). So wouldn't they prefer to just finish 5th and 6th so that they are guaranteed to play at least one finals at Shark Park in week 1?

 

[Warriorshopeful]

How long does it take to freshen up players? Would it be better to add two weeks on after the last round Rd 27 so that all teams can freshen up before the finals.?

Based on the byes a week off seems fine for most players. AFL does a bye week before their finals series. After watching the Panthers vs Dogs game though it's really not enjoyable watching a first grade side play vs. a cup team. Thought Panthers were pretty brave but the contrast between the sides was pretty obvious.

 

[tajhay]

ivan as recently as last year said he might retire at the end of his current contract i.e. end of 2027 due to the toll it takes on his andh his families life. I can see that happening. He has achieved quite a bit, and can now look forward to seeing his sons carry over the name whilst he can chill in the grandstand and watch the games without any pressure.

 

[CWC]

After all the Penrith shenanigans this week giving up on their top 4 chances, It makes you wonder just how valuable top 4 is to Suburban Sydney teams like them or the Sharks. Clearly it is a huge leg up for us, the Storm or Broncs getting to play at MSS, Olympic Park or Suncorp in week 2.

But if the Sharks for example beat us to 4th, which they won't of course, they would likely be forced to play their "home" semi final at Accor. There is no way the NRL would allow the Sharks to play the week 2 "home" final at Shark Park which they haven't done in previous years they've made the 4 (2022, 2024). So wouldn't they prefer to just finish 5th and 6th so that they are guaranteed to play at least one finals at Shark Park in week 1?

Hope we don’t end up at Eden park

ivan as recently as last year said he might retire at the end of his current contract i.e. end of 2027 due to the toll it takes on his andh his families life. I can see that happening. He has achieved quite a bit, and can now look forward to seeing his sons carry over the name whilst he can chill in the grandstand and watch the games without any pressure.

He could be a consultant for us lol

 

[Kav1]

After all the Penrith shenanigans this week giving up on their top 4 chances, It makes you wonder just how valuable top 4 is to Suburban Sydney teams like them or the Sharks. Clearly it is a huge leg up for us, the Storm or Broncs getting to play at MSS, Olympic Park or Suncorp in week 2.

But if the Sharks for example beat us to 4th, which they won't of course, they would likely be forced to play their "home" semi final at Accor. There is no way the NRL would allow the Sharks to play the week 2 "home" final at Shark Park which they haven't done in previous years they've made the 4 (2022, 2024). So wouldn't they prefer to just finish 5th and 6th so that they are guaranteed to play at least one finals at Shark Park in week 1?

I read that the NRL had approved a home final at Shark Park. Maybe I got that wrong?

 

[juju]

I read that the NRL had approved a home final at Shark Park. Maybe I got that wrong?

Week 1 but not week 2

 

[juju]

Just did the ladder predictor and it looks like we will get a finish 6th with a home semi vs 7th Penrith.

 

[CWC]

Might be first year a team finishing 7-8th wins it all

Roosters put 40 on Melbourne in one half

We just don’t have that ruthlessness in the red zone, probably have the players but injured or out of position

 

[BlackToko88]

I also have us finishing 6th (dont see us beating manly on friday night).

Unless broncos drop both their games I have them beating cowboys but losing to storm.

Sharks will beat knights this week and probably win against a dogs side who will rest players.

Anyone know how the finals tickets will work? I know 2023 members had earky access but not guaranteed your season seat (Auckland FC this year allowed members to keep theres)

 

[juju]

I also have us finishing 6th (dont see us beating manly on friday night).

Unless broncos drop both their games I have them beating cowboys but losing to storm.

Sharks will beat knights this week and probably win against a dogs side who will rest players.

Anyone know how the finals tickets will work? I know 2023 members had earky access but not guaranteed your season seat (Auckland FC this year allowed members to keep theres)

Members get sent a unique code for a 24 hour members presale the Monday (or there abouts) after the fixtures are decided.

You can't buy the same seats so becomes a bit of a kerfuffle sorting it all out.

 

[Cces]

Proud we made the 8 but we've been in a funk since the first weekend in June. Couldn't have got a better draw and hate to say it but we've been committing ladder fraud for months.

Lost to Raiders twice
Lost to Storm
Lost to Bulldogs
1W-1L vs Broncos
Beat the Sharks
Lost to Panthers
Beat the Roosters
1W-1L vs Dolphins
Beat Manly
Beat Tigers twice
Lost to Eels
Beat the Rabbits
Beat the Cowboys
Beat the Dragons twice
Beat the Knights twice
1W-1L vs Titans

 

[Wrighty]

Can we still make the four after last night? What needs to happen?