Now that the swelling in my groin area has subsided and I caught the full replay this morning I wanna commend the team properly for that sterling effort yesterday.
I have always maintained that I would judge
Andrew Webster and his reign on the defensive effort of the team and while its early days, I am already postive he has made an immediate impact on the not only the improved structure but the attitudes of our players. That alone will ensure we are at the very least competitive this season.
We held one of the seasons predicted top finsihers to two first half tries with one of those being a 50/50 fluke that could have easily gone our way. Whats most pleasing is that no point was scored against us in the 2nd half and we had bodies contending on both the 1st half tries.
Love seeing the centre sweep to the outside to catch the overlap as well the insider defenders backtracking to catch any inside play. You saw a few times when the Cowboys made line breaks that we had the players already in motion to cover their support players. No one was getting a run away try on us that game.
The other thing I was worried about early was the team wasn't quite fit enough to execute Websters up and in defence but last night it was obvious we were the fitter team and clear that the team is only getting fitter.
Special mention to our pack for the defensive effort especially
Egan and Walker. Walker really is a great communicator on both attack and defence.
Had to love our attack as well. The way Websters game plan manipulated the Cowboys pack into committing to just about every runner was a stroke of genius. Having some of our bigger forwards sitting on the edge creating one on one opportunities for our centres and wingers was another great tactic straight out of the Panthers/Kikau type playbook. A lot of that style of short ball play at the line requires perfect timing and you can see the boys are getting a lot better at it. Being able to pop the ball without looking knowing the support will be there takes a lot of trust for and on everyone. Didnt work all the time but it worked enough to create opportunities which is all that matters.
Again, this takes fitness with every player committing to the line with every play.
Love to see the boys being able to adapt that style as the Roosters had an effective defensive strategy to counter it by committing 4 or 5 rushed defenders to catch us dead still. This is when you need a player that can throw a long cut out or put in a chip kick.
Not only did our attack produce points but the relentless targeting of their big players also took away the energy they needed to affect their attack. Their pack didn't have an off game. They were just too tired from tackling to be effective on the other end of the ball. Its that same faigue that caused them to commit so many errors.
Have to mention both halves and especially
Shaun Johnson for executing well and directing our attack.
As stated earlier this was a case of Webster outcoaching Todd Peyton. Against a more settled team with a familiar coach, game plan and at home in Townsville that has always proved a hoodoo for the Warriors, Webster came away with a well deserved 2 points. I couldn't be prouder and so happy we look to actually have a team who are buying into the culture despite who lines up on the day.
Want to end by congratulating our captain
Tohu Harris on reaching 200 games and Taine Tuaupiki on his debut.
LETS GONE WARRIORS 💙❤️💚...
