A lot of talk about lack of a running game from Atkinson. For me this was down to field position. Although we matched them for completed sets and kicked very well for position, more often than not they had tackles in our half and we were kicking from close to halfway (apart from the end when the game opened up a bit). I just don't think that we'll see our halves trying to run the ball from around our own 30 metre line. That just wouldn't have been the strategy. When Galvin looked dangerous it was because his forwards had put him close to our goal line so he was allowed to roam. We really need to reserve judgement on Atkinson until he gets some decent ball deep into opposition territory. Until then last tackle kicking was his only real option. I'm not going into the mad scramble for a field goal - far too much to unpack there.
Overall I thought we played very well within our squad limitations. We need more strike for sure but we all knew that. KK is part of that and Flanagan is talking about another 2 or 3 big players to come for 2027. Things will also look different when Reed plays but those comparing him to Galvin physically are way off the mark. Galvin is 193cm and has filled out a lot. No comparison. Reed will benefit from plenty of Cup football this season and hopefully he gets some NRL time towards the end of the season and then another pre-season into him before becoming the main man in 2027. Let's not bust these juniors because we're impatient for success.
I thought the Dogs targeted Tu with their kicks and physically tried to rough him up, especially Kikau with that awful deliberate high shot. But I think he passed the test.
Guler won't be used for runs. Do not expect to see any running stats of note from him this season. He has very obviously been told to put his body on the line in defence and that's what he's doing. It's about taking those hits to protect the others. They will give the ball to faster and better attacking forwards to run it.
I usually can't come on the forums after a loss - hurts too much and too much negativity for me. but I'm actually not feeling so bad after watching the huge effort on Sunday. And I genuinely believe we are a chance against Melbourne at the Gong.
Overall I thought we played very well within our squad limitations. We need more strike for sure but we all knew that. KK is part of that and Flanagan is talking about another 2 or 3 big players to come for 2027. Things will also look different when Reed plays but those comparing him to Galvin physically are way off the mark. Galvin is 193cm and has filled out a lot. No comparison. Reed will benefit from plenty of Cup football this season and hopefully he gets some NRL time towards the end of the season and then another pre-season into him before becoming the main man in 2027. Let's not bust these juniors because we're impatient for success.
I thought the Dogs targeted Tu with their kicks and physically tried to rough him up, especially Kikau with that awful deliberate high shot. But I think he passed the test.
Guler won't be used for runs. Do not expect to see any running stats of note from him this season. He has very obviously been told to put his body on the line in defence and that's what he's doing. It's about taking those hits to protect the others. They will give the ball to faster and better attacking forwards to run it.
I usually can't come on the forums after a loss - hurts too much and too much negativity for me. but I'm actually not feeling so bad after watching the huge effort on Sunday. And I genuinely believe we are a chance against Melbourne at the Gong.
