That game was a real thriller. We were competitive against one of the top teams - unlike last week, where we faded late against the also classy Raiders - and I reckon we're going to trouble everyone from now on. No points, sure, but happier about prospects for the 8? Absolutely.
Lot to like about the performance, could have gone either way, and as someone else said earlier if we'd had the gumption to re-run the movement that got us our two tries, we could have pulled it off. I agree too about taking the first 2 - we should have gone for the try. Would have messed with the Storm's heads, too: did you see how they were heads-down after we scored first? A lot of them were thinking, "Bugger me, didn't expect this sort of tough game from the Warriors". They're a tough nut to crack but another first half try might have made them wilt a bit.
And for those in the "is it Foran? Is it
Shaun Johnson making the difference?" debate, all I'd add is that both our tries came because the defence don't know what the hell
Shaun Johnson is going to do (especially when he runs right up at them) so they drift in to cover him, opening gaps on the edge.
Individuals -
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck getting better and better, one of these days he's going to run in a bagful of long-range tries, looking very sharp and fit. Mannering a rock as usual.
Fusitua did v well, and Ayshford had what I thought was one of his best ever games for us, impressed. Gavet is a real offensive threat - especially the yards he still manages when festooned with tacklers (what I think the commentators are calling "contested meters"?). Luke is having more (and better) scurries from dummy-half.
Shaun Johnson was our top Fantasy scorer, lot of tackles (21) under his belt. Not so good on the day - Kata, missing in action when on the field (maybe carrying something?).
Roache - sorry, didn't look at home in first grade on that showing, and I agree with all the previous folks who have said we need a better interchange plan for Luke, he needs to be there at the sharp end.
Reffing - nothing to be done about it, but not great. Wasn't much better in the Roosters - Dragons game, some howlers there too.
And how I LOATHE the Storm's style of play: always on the very borderlines (and to be honest, I think over them a lot of the time) of pushing the limits of offside, slowing the play the ball, running blockers.
Never mind. On to the Roosters. Should be a great game.
