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Jonah Glover
I'm confident Dragons can win but need Klemmer.Bulldogs defence is outstanding, their attack is decent. All we can ask for in Round 1 is to compete and keep it relatively close.
Didnt Hook put him there for a few games. He is the bulkiest he has ever been, so can now handle the flank. But may have to wait as surely Finau starts if fit and Flanno will want CT. Why Lawson down the track, Jo said same? Why cant he start now and can he handle centre. Suli has been terrific at centre, reckon he'd go just as well on his edge and move Luch to the middle. Just some personal ideas if we cant get another prop.Sloan who has literally never played a full game on the wing.
I was impressed with his cameo today. Looked nippy. Should put pressure on Kyle on Lachlan if they dont form a strong partnership. I had our half outplaying our 5/8 today by some margin. Will check stats to confirm that.I don't think Glover will make top grade
I agree with this completely.Couple of observations from 1st Grade:
- Love having players with good hands.. if it wasnt for blokes catching balls behind them (at full speed) or off their bootlaces.. we probably go close to losing tonight.. several of those tries came off great catches.. the alternative being we drop it.. and hand over possession.. or give up a potential intercept instead of a try.. Holmes, Finau and Reed all stood out in that regards.
- I have been saying for 6 months that Finau was the 1st choice winger.. I dont understand why you would pick Sloan who has literally never played a full game on the wing.. CT maybe.. Lawson down the track... Allan is a ctr now.. and Rava is on his way out... its an obvious choice.. hes had 2yrs in cup hes had a good patient apprentiship, 12mths ago I felt he needed to up his work rate.. and he did that in 2024.. now hes fast, athletic and got good power.. what else do you want? You cant possibly mess with him & Holmes as a left edge partnership.. they are good to go. he is however off-contract.
- Guler is exactly what we needed.. if we can just get rid of molo and get Klemmer, that gives us a punch of Guler, Klemmer, JDB with 2 Couchmans off the back.. were good to go.. we shouldnt be getting flogged up front anymore.. clearly sides can get a run on against us like in the 2nd half.. but I dont think we will get run over too often..
- Cook is such a difference.. the way he will completely change direction if he doesnt like what he sees.. so good.. and to have Liddle to come on with fresh legs will be great too.
- Both Couchies coming of age now.. theyve always been ok, but errors and just looked a little small.. but now they look like they belong.. but I think the best is if they could come on after the bigger boys have softened the opposition up... they are still 4-5 yrs from their peak.. lets hope hey..
- Not too much else, Lawson has a huge ceiling, but I think he just needs regular footy to figure it all out, Tonga was solid.. hes probably first in line as backup, Sele I didnt rly even notice his impact.. I think hes in reserve grade also (if we get klemmer), Stewart I think needs a year in cup, but he needs to step up in it.. RFM i dont rly know if hes on my bench.. id rather RyanC.. Egan was rly good but tbf he was fresh legs against very tired defence.. Sloan looks very odd with that extra weight, looks like he has a tummy even though im sure he doesnt.. not rly sure what to make of him as a winger.. id rather him just work on being a better fullback.. I dunno... if hes gonna be a 1st grade winger, I would like him to really work on that hard for 80mins each week and learn the subtle differences.
- As much as I have loved the 2 wins, reality is if the Dogs give it to us in Round 1, it all means very little.. but a lot to love.. and much happier seeing our combinations performing well intead of getting beaten up.. i did actually think the 2nd half today was good for us.. little bit of a reality check.