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We have a different Kosi this year. Fair play to him - I’m delighted for his contribution. Respect to him. He’s winning me over with his heart.
Erin Clark what a beast. 170+ meters. He's probably on a third of Fifita's salary. Titans probably would have preferred now to keep him now and let Fifita walk to the chooks. Too late tho- he's ours and we're never letting him go!
Mostly all said - second half concerning, but with the caveat of rocco going, who was looking quite good, and you have to feel for him for sure. TT had a difficult game and there's better cover on paper, but lots to learn for him if he wants it. Also not sure about CNK, but that was a wet game.
Not to mention Andrew Gee turned the game all by himself with that clanger of the cowboy catching the ball with his foot in the air. It really is the ref, not the long suffering wahs fans, but hey.
Capewell, another fine performance and he's been playing exceptionally well this year. You can definitely see a different pack and shape emerging, and it's starting to look bloody good. Shout out to Marata, that was a great performance from him too, and he looks far more suited to prop imo.
Again, we're performing like a great team and someone commented on MB's calmness and organisational skills as captain - couldn't agree more.
Metcalf came into his own last night, and there's a fine combination between him and CHT developing.
Good signs.
Not to mention Andrew Gee turned the game all by himself with that clanger of the cowboy catching the ball with his foot in the air. It really is the ref, not the long suffering wahs fans, but hey.
Capewell, another fine performance and he's been playing exceptionally well this year. You can definitely see a different pack and shape emerging, and it's starting to look bloody good. Shout out to Marata, that was a great performance from him too, and he looks far more suited to prop imo.
Again, we're performing like a great team and someone commented on MB's calmness and organisational skills as captain - couldn't agree more.
Metcalf came into his own last night, and there's a fine combination between him and CHT developing.
Good signs.
Tigers were the only team to bring a home game to NZ to thank us for the shit the club went through during covid, hope they go well!
I’ve never been to a game where all the neutral Aussie fans were joining in on our chants and giving it to the opposition team all night. Was bloody awesome to see. I could be crazy but I feel like we are a lot of Aussies second team.
Still undefeated at home this season!!
That game of all games defined our identity. Barnett said as much in the post game. We have discovered what Warrior really is and who you need to be to wear the badge.
I said before the game defence wins championships. Sure our first half attack was the best I’ve seen in 2 years - but our defence, our grit, our hunger and our never give up attitude won us that game. This team IS special.
The Cows will be in the mix in the playoffs - they are a bloody good team. That was worthy of a prelim that game. Fast furious ferocious. Our team worked their asses off and defended like men possessed. Remember this is a full strength cows team. We not only had theee big outs but we had several wounded in game. Luke’s tackle will get all the plaudits. But Capewell almost pulled off another in the corner and he’s playing the best footie of his career.
We are now seeing the value of Capewah.
Many teams would have folded under that onslaught by the Cows. They had all the luck, several good calls and they played at playoff intensity. How we wrestled back some control with 17 minutes to go after those three tries was immense.
Well played Webby and coaching staff. They rolled the dice and got an 11 with Healy.
Almost all our players had good games. TT needs to flush the dunny in his second half performance - he just got smoked and his size doesn’t help. He’s a 6 really. Not a winger. Great cover but I’m looking forward to having DWZ And RTS back on deck.
Same for Bunty. Great servant but can’t wait to see JFH back on deck.
Overall I’m delighted to win that game.
In the context of our season, it rights the wrongs of Vegas on the big stage. It is an early taste of what it takes to win in big games and finals pressure. That second half performance and the adversity we handled will be one of our best teachers. Coupled with Broncos Tigers and Cows we are now winning the close games.
Team, we are a real shout this year. That premiership window is starting to crack open.
Assuming we get a few troops back next week, Dragons, Dolphins and Bunnies are there for the taking before we get to avenge the Raiders at home.
Dare to dream. This team is going places.
I said before the game defence wins championships. Sure our first half attack was the best I’ve seen in 2 years - but our defence, our grit, our hunger and our never give up attitude won us that game. This team IS special.
The Cows will be in the mix in the playoffs - they are a bloody good team. That was worthy of a prelim that game. Fast furious ferocious. Our team worked their asses off and defended like men possessed. Remember this is a full strength cows team. We not only had theee big outs but we had several wounded in game. Luke’s tackle will get all the plaudits. But Capewell almost pulled off another in the corner and he’s playing the best footie of his career.
We are now seeing the value of Capewah.
Many teams would have folded under that onslaught by the Cows. They had all the luck, several good calls and they played at playoff intensity. How we wrestled back some control with 17 minutes to go after those three tries was immense.
Well played Webby and coaching staff. They rolled the dice and got an 11 with Healy.
Almost all our players had good games. TT needs to flush the dunny in his second half performance - he just got smoked and his size doesn’t help. He’s a 6 really. Not a winger. Great cover but I’m looking forward to having DWZ And RTS back on deck.
Same for Bunty. Great servant but can’t wait to see JFH back on deck.
Overall I’m delighted to win that game.
In the context of our season, it rights the wrongs of Vegas on the big stage. It is an early taste of what it takes to win in big games and finals pressure. That second half performance and the adversity we handled will be one of our best teachers. Coupled with Broncos Tigers and Cows we are now winning the close games.
Team, we are a real shout this year. That premiership window is starting to crack open.
Assuming we get a few troops back next week, Dragons, Dolphins and Bunnies are there for the taking before we get to avenge the Raiders at home.
Dare to dream. This team is going places.
CHT compliments Metcalf well.
They are a real combo with each chiming in and taking the pressure of each other.
CHT actually has more try/ try assists than Metcalf this year and the kicking is pretty evenly shared with 45% to 55% to Metcalf.
Webster said preseason we were playing a shared role in the halves and appear to be playing with two playmakers that can interchange the 6/7 roles.
Metcalf is the frontman but CHT is doing great work in there as well.
Just a quick 10 thoughts i got from this match:
1. That first 10 minutes is something to be proud of. We defended our line really well and let nothing through. I always rate our defensive moments higher than our attacking ones, and the Cowboys really went searching in that first 10 but couldn’t find a crack in us.
2. Metcalf’s best game yet — I’d say he was MOTM. Not just for the amazing tries (I especially liked the Kosi one, where he hid behind the dummy half and then sprinted out to put Drinkwater behind), but also for his huge defensive effort. He never let up.
3. Two tries I think don’t happen if Rocco isn’t injured: the rainbow pass over TT and Capes, and the simple grubber where TT jumps to catch it and is tackled mid-air. Both seemed to happen when the centre and wing just weren’t connecting. I don’t think it’s either player’s fault — if they’d had even one week training together, it probably wouldn’t happen. But a mid-game shift will do that, and the Cowboys are one of the best attacking teams for a reason.
4. I don’t think Barney gets enough credit as captain. Our boys didn’t look panicked. They looked exhausted and barely standing, but not disheartened. He was always rallying the squad, and once Luke got that try-saver, Barney really lifted them. We then managed to defend our try line for another 10–14 minutes. That is incredibly hard to do. Maybe JFH could do it too, but honestly, without more time with the squad, only Barney has that kind of leadership weight.
5. We had to shift around four players when a centre went down, and that clearly disrupted the team. Not sure if it’s worth fixing, since it costs depth on the bench. Marata -> R2R, Leka -> L2R, Capes -> right centre, Healey subbed on to lock for 7 minutes.
6. I thought Marata killed it at prop this game. The stats won’t reflect it because he had to switch positions, but he was strong defensively and a damaging ball runner. Every team needs at least one giant prop, and he looks like ours.
7. Clark and Egan had their typical rock-solid game. They became sinkholes on attack, giving space to our halves, and were constantly setting the defensive line and applying pressure. That did drop off as the game went on — defending for most of the second half drains any energy you have.
8. Rocco and Pompey had great games. Good defense on their edge before the shuffle. I don’t blame the first try on Rocco — it was a 2 vs 1. No idea how the Cowboys managed to find a 4 vs 2 on that edge.
9. CHT did his usual good work defensively and set up a try or two with his short kicking game. He complements Metcalf well and makes our attack look much more unpredictable.
10. It's wild that we won that game via penalty points considering the last couple of games... 5 from 7 isn't too bad. Hope it gets better.
Edit:
11. Only noticed this because some people were saying webby should of subbed on bunty if the props were gassed. It was pretty bullsy to sub on Healey as a lock instead of subbing on bunty. I think it was the right move, but we did use all 8 interchanges. So it looks like more mins for Healey and recovery time for Demetric to go in again over more mins for Bunty at the moment.
1. That first 10 minutes is something to be proud of. We defended our line really well and let nothing through. I always rate our defensive moments higher than our attacking ones, and the Cowboys really went searching in that first 10 but couldn’t find a crack in us.
2. Metcalf’s best game yet — I’d say he was MOTM. Not just for the amazing tries (I especially liked the Kosi one, where he hid behind the dummy half and then sprinted out to put Drinkwater behind), but also for his huge defensive effort. He never let up.
3. Two tries I think don’t happen if Rocco isn’t injured: the rainbow pass over TT and Capes, and the simple grubber where TT jumps to catch it and is tackled mid-air. Both seemed to happen when the centre and wing just weren’t connecting. I don’t think it’s either player’s fault — if they’d had even one week training together, it probably wouldn’t happen. But a mid-game shift will do that, and the Cowboys are one of the best attacking teams for a reason.
4. I don’t think Barney gets enough credit as captain. Our boys didn’t look panicked. They looked exhausted and barely standing, but not disheartened. He was always rallying the squad, and once Luke got that try-saver, Barney really lifted them. We then managed to defend our try line for another 10–14 minutes. That is incredibly hard to do. Maybe JFH could do it too, but honestly, without more time with the squad, only Barney has that kind of leadership weight.
5. We had to shift around four players when a centre went down, and that clearly disrupted the team. Not sure if it’s worth fixing, since it costs depth on the bench. Marata -> R2R, Leka -> L2R, Capes -> right centre, Healey subbed on to lock for 7 minutes.
6. I thought Marata killed it at prop this game. The stats won’t reflect it because he had to switch positions, but he was strong defensively and a damaging ball runner. Every team needs at least one giant prop, and he looks like ours.
7. Clark and Egan had their typical rock-solid game. They became sinkholes on attack, giving space to our halves, and were constantly setting the defensive line and applying pressure. That did drop off as the game went on — defending for most of the second half drains any energy you have.
8. Rocco and Pompey had great games. Good defense on their edge before the shuffle. I don’t blame the first try on Rocco — it was a 2 vs 1. No idea how the Cowboys managed to find a 4 vs 2 on that edge.
9. CHT did his usual good work defensively and set up a try or two with his short kicking game. He complements Metcalf well and makes our attack look much more unpredictable.
10. It's wild that we won that game via penalty points considering the last couple of games... 5 from 7 isn't too bad. Hope it gets better.
Edit:
11. Only noticed this because some people were saying webby should of subbed on bunty if the props were gassed. It was pretty bullsy to sub on Healey as a lock instead of subbing on bunty. I think it was the right move, but we did use all 8 interchanges. So it looks like more mins for Healey and recovery time for Demetric to go in again over more mins for Bunty at the moment.
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I'm usually against bagging the ref, and admittedly it was only one call.
But how Gee and the touchie missed the in goal call. The whole 13 were yelling and waving their arms for a challenge. Him letting them tap and then in the refs mic saying "It's too late to challenge".
Momentum completely flipped with that call when we were in control. Then compounded with the Berry injury, with Marata and Capewell shuffle to that edge who started getting worked. Yes you have to be able to manage that, but the Cows aren't a shit team and are deadly when they get a bit of momentum especially in the current six again era and lack of wrestle..
Absolutely stoked the boys managed to come together and make some adjustments on that edge to grind out a win. Would have been miffed if we lost because of that momentum swing.
But how Gee and the touchie missed the in goal call. The whole 13 were yelling and waving their arms for a challenge. Him letting them tap and then in the refs mic saying "It's too late to challenge".
Momentum completely flipped with that call when we were in control. Then compounded with the Berry injury, with Marata and Capewell shuffle to that edge who started getting worked. Yes you have to be able to manage that, but the Cows aren't a shit team and are deadly when they get a bit of momentum especially in the current six again era and lack of wrestle..
Absolutely stoked the boys managed to come together and make some adjustments on that edge to grind out a win. Would have been miffed if we lost because of that momentum swing.
Fox sports loving SJ. Great hype and energy, emotions to match the roller coaster.
And that game had all the thrills of a classic warriors game. Dominant first half followed by a dodgy call against the warriors when they got a 7 tackle set and then 3 tries in quick succession. A desperate tackle in the corner from the halfback and then 15 minutes of desperation. We looked gone for all money, but they just lifted when they needed. Halasima tackle on their 6 at the end - incredible.
A game to build a season on. Feel sorry for Berry, next man up. Great debut from Healy and Marata s defence at the end outstanding. Erin Clark never stopped as did Barnett and CNK. These boys have heart and grit. In the trenches and over the top. Mana proud.
And that game had all the thrills of a classic warriors game. Dominant first half followed by a dodgy call against the warriors when they got a 7 tackle set and then 3 tries in quick succession. A desperate tackle in the corner from the halfback and then 15 minutes of desperation. We looked gone for all money, but they just lifted when they needed. Halasima tackle on their 6 at the end - incredible.
A game to build a season on. Feel sorry for Berry, next man up. Great debut from Healy and Marata s defence at the end outstanding. Erin Clark never stopped as did Barnett and CNK. These boys have heart and grit. In the trenches and over the top. Mana proud.
30-26 with 15mins to go…. momentum 100% with the cows after 3 tries - two from fukey kicks….
For the team to hold for 15mins after wave after wave of attack…… that second half frantic defence by the warriors was EPIC… no idea how we didn’t choke
CNK losing the ball on the first and Leka dropping to give the cows a repeat set, Metcalf not making 10m from the in-goal…. Boys made it harder than it needed to be…
Healey coming on as fresh legs was just what the doctor ordered. Dummy half runs to relieve pressure, critical tackles up the middle, that catch and kick which nearly scored us a try.. so many good moments in the last 15’mins…
And Hats off to Metcalf for that corner try saver on Taulangi
So many good movements to discuss knowing we WON
For the team to hold for 15mins after wave after wave of attack…… that second half frantic defence by the warriors was EPIC… no idea how we didn’t choke
CNK losing the ball on the first and Leka dropping to give the cows a repeat set, Metcalf not making 10m from the in-goal…. Boys made it harder than it needed to be…
Healey coming on as fresh legs was just what the doctor ordered. Dummy half runs to relieve pressure, critical tackles up the middle, that catch and kick which nearly scored us a try.. so many good moments in the last 15’mins…
And Hats off to Metcalf for that corner try saver on Taulangi
So many good movements to discuss knowing we WON
Adam Gee should be sacked for refusing our challenge on the 7 tackle restart. Guarantee it won’t get any mention. If I’m wrong and you can’t challenge, apologies, but your still a dick Adam Gee!
Leka impressed me tonight, no flashy plays, just a grind and some great defence. Met, Egan, Clark and Niukore our best. Hopefully we get some troops back next week. Sam Healey, more than decent debut.
Leka impressed me tonight, no flashy plays, just a grind and some great defence. Met, Egan, Clark and Niukore our best. Hopefully we get some troops back next week. Sam Healey, more than decent debut.
No mention yet for Marata Niukore. I thought he had a great game in the middle and his best game for us in a long time. Took a few casualties along the way too.
Fully agree with the other special mentions: Clarke, Kosi, Metcalf CHT etc
But a fantastic team performance both halves, that could well be season defining.
Fully agree with the other special mentions: Clarke, Kosi, Metcalf CHT etc
But a fantastic team performance both halves, that could well be season defining.
I don't think I'd survive a GF in a game like that!
Knowing my luck, after 30 odd years i'd cark it with 10 to go!
Hows that for closing out a game tho.
Knowing my luck, after 30 odd years i'd cark it with 10 to go!
Hows that for closing out a game tho.
Metcalf has arrived 