First things first, we needed that win badly so thank god we got it! That was one hell of a nerve wracking watch though, both teams wanted it badly.
Some other thoughts:
- There were some fing bewildering decisions both ways. It swung heavily to the Raiders early which I was steaming about, and then swung back our way before that rubbish bunker call with CHT being taken out.
- The fact that Rapana was able to stay on the field and not even go for an HIA assessment was a huge decision, yet Taine goes off and we have to reshuffle our backline immensely. This had a huge bearing on the remaining time played out as they targeted that right edge but thankfully held strong.
- The Raiders played that grinding tough style that they are renown for and credit to them to be fair exceeding expectations so far.
- How good is Timoko! I knew he was good, but have an even greater amount of respect for him after this game.
- There was some key guys that stood up today. SJ was fantastic at guiding the team around the park, RTS with some big plays, but without AFB I dont think we go on with it (special mention to Harris...I didnt include him as he just does what Tohu does each and every week).
- Rocco had another really good game and is growing from week to week.
- Couple of other guys that deserve some wraps I believe. Jazz brought the energy off the bench tonight that helped immensely.
Tom Ale deserves more game time, he did all that he could when he was on as well.
- But geez we miss those key guys in Egan, CNK, Niukore, and Walker. We just looked a bit clunky and out of sorts at times.
I will enjoy the fact that it was a W, but I havent enjoyed it as much as I maybe should've! Hell of a lot of work to do if we are to believe we can give this competition a shake.
