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Watching it myself.
Please remember that Penrith probably had their worst game for many years.
Still see this as our best period of the season to go on and beat a top 4 dolphins side the following week, which is up next. Whether they were bad or not, I think even beating them is a reward to know psychologically that we can do it
And then we smashed the Cowboys in Townsville. People can make any kind of excuses they want but the fact is prior to that Panthers game we were playing very poorly and quite one dimensional. For that run of games their was some excitement back, good play with direct hard running, centres and back rowers hitting holes instead of going sideways, a variation in our kicking game that led to opposition pressure, repeat sets and try assists. I don't think enough credit is given to the side and individual players, including the youth stepping up, that they made our opposition look quite average at times. Add the other games we win following those three games and I think three games we lost by two or less points and it was easily our best period of the season and against good sides. All of that makes me fairly optimistic for this coming season.
Didn't help the seasons end result though unfortunately .
Totally agree. 9 of our starting 13 out in this dolphins game, and without the go forward of AFB. Easily our best period of the season. Cowboys game on following this one
Prior to the Panthers game we were looking at the draw wondering where the next win would come from. Basically season on the line stuff and for a few of those games, like you say, makeshift teams. That period really got us somewhat back on track. Unfortunately AW didn't seem to read it well and as much as SJ has been a great player his injury and form didn't warrant his selection and twice he came back for poor losses to then sit out the next game
Something very odd in the titans thrashing too. Almost like a protest in SJ being selected? Love the guy, but there were times he shouldn’t have played when he was selected
That was my perception too. I do wonder how much friction there was between SJ and AFB too - Daly M, Warriors POTY.... Ultimately, as much as I loved having the number 1 prop in the game playing for us and the potential of SJ 2023, I can't help but think we look like a stronger proposition with JFH and his leadership, mana, team spirit etc which will lift the young guys as much as the rest of the squad. These young guys have had a taste now and will be better for it. Tohu hopefully fully fit and firing for maybe a final season . RTS to the wing is the right move - assuming that's what is happening. I think TMM and Metcalf can be a very good halves combination. Our pack looks strong. The biggest issues, similar to this year will be how many injuries we get and to who, and also whether our assistant coaches are the right fit. I'm actually really amped for the first few rounds to see the team hopefully show what they can do.
The Warriors did a great job of containing their back 3 though. Their game plan was very deliberate, they controlled the tempo well. I think they did a great job of frustrating Penrith
Yeah and although he and CNK were far from perfect, i thought the way they came forward on to the ball was a key. Rather than being a stationary first receiver and working to parts of the field, it felt like there was a bit more energy at all times
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