Round 2 v South Sydney Rabbitohs - Sat 3pm

[Chris M]

I was a bit disappointed with Lawson effort in ressies, still hasn't grasped the game positional wise, so it's a no from me. Finau defence needs to be worked on, so again no from me. I was impressed by Couchman but he is just not big enough to be a prop at the moment but have to find a spot in the pack for him.

The biggest issue today to my eye was the lack of a game manager/ organiser some structures today were aimless. There just wasn't enough intensity out there today. It was a poor loss.

So if Suli is out, who plays centre? I think Couchman is going very well. A rare bright spot. Something in the halves has to change.

 

[jodragon40]

So if Suli is out, who plays centre? I think Couchman is going very well. A rare bright spot. Something in the halves has to change.

I don't believe that he can play but Buchanan was very good today in ressies but he's only 18 and not in the top 30 or even development squad has speed to burn . So god knows but can't be Cook. Wouldn't surprise me if Feigai comes back in

 

[Mailroomsgi]

Toby Couchman outstanding, Sloan pretty good as was Tuipolotu.
The coaching decisions and the coaching of defence is a real worry and sometbing that has to be sorted out FAST or the ladder is going to look awfully bad for us.

Have to say it, Illias has been very disappointing. Wasn’t expecting a heap in attack but he’s struggled there. The defence which was his selling point has been really poor. Kicking game very weak. I get that he’s coming back from injury but playing in the halves for us isn’t a charity. If he puts in another bad display against Melbourne I’d say LKT your up son. He’s been good in Reggie’s and could handle himself IMO.

 

[Mailroomsgi]

I don't believe that he can play but Buchanan was very good today in ressies but he's only 18 and not in the top 30 or even development squad has speed to burn . So god knows but can't be Cook. Wouldn't surprise me if Feigai comes back in

They’d absolutely target Buchanan if he played against Melbourne. Centre is one position we really don’t have much depth though. Maybe it’s one of those games where we look back and say “How good was Buchanan in his debut against Melbourne”. We shall see

 

[jodragon40]

They’d absolutely target Buchanan if he played against Melbourne. Centre is one position we really don’t have much depth though. Maybe it’s one of those games where we look back and say “How good was Buchanan in his debut against Melbourne”. We shall see

Agree and as I said he won't get a run but you can say the same for Lawson and anyone else who is going to try and fill that spot. Id say Feigai will get the call back up

 

[jodragon40]

Toby Couchman outstanding, Sloan pretty good as was Tuipolotu.
The coaching decisions and the coaching of defence is a real worry and sometbing that has to be sorted out FAST or the ladder is going to look awfully bad for us.

Have to say it, Illias has been very disappointing. Wasn’t expecting a heap in attack but he’s struggled there. The defence which was his selling point has been really poor. Kicking game very weak. I get that he’s coming back from injury but playing in the halves for us isn’t a charity. If he puts in another bad display against Melbourne I’d say LKT your up son. He’s been good in Reggie’s and could handle himself IMO.

Defence wins games and how soft were at least 2 of their tries when they were in our 5m zone. That was U16 defence not 1sts. Mamouzelos and Keppie tries im referring too.

 

[TheRev]

Its hard because if Val holds that ball or kicks 1 goal.. everything is different.. but.. if we were looking for change.. I wouldnt mind Finau/Sloan as our wingers.. CT has heaps of upsides and energy, but its really hard for him to get to trythe line without acceleration.. even if Val makes a break we cant do much with it.

Longer term.. and in theory.. I really like what Gutho is doing and id love to see him @6 in attack, hes very unpredictable.... but thats a down the track 'if its really really not working' option to be putting sloan back.. so i think Gutho needs to stay @1 and if we need a halves change so be it.. but I dont think thats a very Flanno move tbh.. and it rarely works out well to be chopping halves as other clubs have found out.

Val is another guy who would crush it on the wing, but we just dont have that luxury, we have zero depth centres in our squad.. zero.. if Sulis rib is a serious issue.. we got noone.. were gonna have to play a stand-in winger like finau, allan or lawson... I wouldnt be playing Buchanan there.. but.. its possible.... I mean I dont like any of the options tbh.. so whichever way they wanna go.

 

[Chris M]

Its hard because if Val holds that ball or kicks 1 goal.. everything is different.. but.. if we were looking for change.. I wouldnt mind Finau/Sloan as our wingers.. CT has heaps of upsides and energy, but its really hard for him to get to trythe line without acceleration.. even if Val makes a break we cant do much with it.

Longer term.. and in theory.. I really like what Gutho is doing and id love to see him @6 in attack, hes very unpredictable.... but thats a down the track 'if its really really not working' option to be putting sloan back.. so i think Gutho needs to stay @1 and if we need a halves change so be it.. but I dont think thats a very Flanno move tbh.. and it rarely works out well to be chopping halves as other clubs have found out.

Val is another guy who would crush it on the wing, but we just dont have that luxury, we have zero depth centres in our squad.. zero.. if Sulis rib is a serious issue.. we got noone.. were gonna have to play a stand-in winger like finau, allan or lawson... I wouldnt be playing Buchanan there.. but.. its possible.... I mean I dont like any of the options tbh.. so whichever way they wanna go.

Gutho is playing his heart out but are we still going with the idea there doesn't have to be personal changes in the halves?

 

[Chris M]

Defence wins games and how soft were at least 2 of their tries when they were in our 5m zone. That was U16 defence not 1sts. Mamouzelos and Keppie tries im referring too.

Yep and ironically, it was Gutho and JDB who were mainly responsible.

 

[Wild383]

Defence wins games and how soft were at least 2 of their tries when they were in our 5m zone. That was U16 defence not 1sts. Mamouzelos and Keppie tries im referring too.

Exactly right, particularly from the experienced middles we need better. RFM getting hooked after that costly mistake was telling, don't think we see him next week.

Gutho is playing his heart out but are we still going with the idea there doesn't have to be personal changes in the halves?

You can harp on it all you want but you don't butcher a brand new halves combo after round 2 its that simple. We didn't lose tonight because of them, we lost because of shithouse mistakes gifting them multiple opportunities combined with some very lazy defensive decisions. Also giving Kyle a 4/10 is disingenuous at best, he was the one taking the line repetedly and making those effort support plays that others werent. Illias had some better kicking but needs to get the confidence to run as well and needs to tidy up his defence.

Frustrating loss in the heat that ultimately lead to being outplayed by a rookie half with more composure then most, Humphrey's credit where it's due after we pressured him early on and he had some shaky kicks he settled himself beautifully and tops it off nailing the finish but the opportunity never should've been there for him. Losing Suli hurts, interested to see the changes made. Back 3 were great, quiet one for Holmes and an off night with the boot that proved costly. Shout out to Hamish, has walked into first grade like he owns it loving see him in the team.

 

[Eric]

Exactly right, particularly from the experienced middles we need better. RFM getting hooked after that costly mistake was telling, don't think we see him next week.

You can harp on it all you want but you don't butcher a brand new halves combo after round 2 its that simple. We didn't lose tonight because of them, we lost because of shithouse mistakes gifting them multiple opportunities combined with some very lazy defensive decisions. Also giving Kyle a 4/10 is disingenuous at best, he was the one taking the line repetedly and making those effort support plays that others werent. Illias had some better kicking but needs to get the confidence to run as well and needs to tidy up his defence.

Frustrating loss in the heat that ultimately lead to being outplayed by a rookie half with more composure then most, Humphrey's credit where it's due after we pressured him early on and he had some shaky kicks he settled himself beautifully and tops it off nailing the finish but the opportunity never should've been there for him. Losing Suli hurts, interested to see the changes made. Back 3 were great, quiet one for Holmes and an off night with the boot that proved costly. Shout out to Hamish, has walked into first grade like he owns it loving see him in the team.

Stewart and Couchman have been among our best.
Disagree about the halves. Haven't you seen enough? LKT was very good in Cup again.
Cook was ok. More than ok but I think Liddle should start at hooker and Cook should be coming on to give him a rest, not vice-versa.
Egan was good in Cup again today. I think he has to come onto the bench. Maybe in a few weeks depending on how things go it might be an idea to move JDB to prop and start Egan at lock. JDB and Klemmer starting props. Toby C, Stewart, Cook and Gular/Lawrie/Sele on the bench. Probably Gular.

 

[Mailroomsgi]

I wouldn’t have lawrie there, his go forward is terrible. He’s quite small these days but doesn’t have the motor. I’d consider Egan ahead of him be it in the middle or on an edge. He was super impressive in cup today, just a very good defender which you love to see

 

[Dave03]

We lost to a nsw cup side who had injuries...

 

[Dave03]

Holmes goal kicking. People said he's better than lomax lmao

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

Have to say it, Illias has been very disappointing. Wasn’t expecting a heap in attack but he’s struggled there. The defence which was his selling point has been really poor. Kicking game very weak.

Wow. He is still finding his feet and trying to build a combo with Flanagan which cant be easy as he will never be any form of quality. Ilias has potential tho. I found him willing in all those points you rubbished, tho I too w'd like to see him take on the line as he is nippy on his feet, plus use the short kick more.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

Toby tops the running metres again, 136, add 33 tackles. He is becoming one l hellofa workhorse. CT and Sloan 192m and 177m respectively, that equates to plenty of ball from our inside men, tho Tyrell still feels the need to go in search of the pill. Gutho knows the perfect time to chime in and make the extra man, only downside is Val as he has not hit his straps as yet.

 

[RedVHeartbeat]

Cook had a moderate game and that is being generous. He lacks the spark at dummy half of Liddle who has to have more mins. In fact I'd start with him. I think we may have to bring in Lawson for Suli, either he or Sione Finau as there is no one else. There is a kid in Flegg, Lyric Te Moananui who has plenty of upside but definitely too raw.

 

[Illusion]

I was a bit disappointed with Lawson effort in ressies, still hasn't grasped the game positional wise, so it's a no from me. Finau defence needs to be worked on, so again no from me. I was impressed by Couchman but he is just not big enough to be a prop at the moment but have to find a spot in the pack for him.

The biggest issue today to my eye was the lack of a game manager/ organiser some structures today were aimless. There just wasn't enough intensity out there today. It was a poor loss.

Our halves need to take the line on a bit ........ Like to know what their running metres were ? ..........

 

[Chris M]

Exactly right, particularly from the experienced middles we need better. RFM getting hooked after that costly mistake was telling, don't think we see him next week.

You can harp on it all you want but you don't butcher a brand new halves combo after round 2 its that simple. We didn't lose tonight because of them, we lost because of shithouse mistakes gifting them multiple opportunities combined with some very lazy defensive decisions. Also giving Kyle a 4/10 is disingenuous at best, he was the one taking the line repetedly and making those effort support plays that others werent. Illias had some better kicking but needs to get the confidence to run as well and needs to tidy up his defence.

Frustrating loss in the heat that ultimately lead to being outplayed by a rookie half with more composure then most, Humphrey's credit where it's due after we pressured him early on and he had some shaky kicks he settled himself beautifully and tops it off nailing the finish but the opportunity never should've been there for him. Losing Suli hurts, interested to see the changes made. Back 3 were great, quiet one for Holmes and an off night with the boot that proved costly. Shout out to Hamish, has walked into first grade like he owns it loving see him in the team.

You are right. At least Illias kicks. Not very well but he's the only one who does it. Kyle 3/10. The catching, taking two steps, stopping, pivoting and passing is not enough. Not even close. And to make matters worse, LKT continues to get better in reserve grade. We are talking about someone who kicks, has playmaking ability, tackles strongly and can break tackles. I know Kyle tries hard and gives 100% but he doesn't have the talent to play first grade. He can't do any of those things. I know he takes on the line but what's the use when he can't break a tackle?

Of course our halves cost us the game. Between them they should of had at least a few line break assists and try assists rather than 0 and 0.

But you can relax. I'm not saying Kyle should be dropped. I'm saying Kyle or Illias has to be dropped to make way for LKT.

 

[Illusion]

I don't believe that he can play but Buchanan was very good today in ressies but he's only 18 and not in the top 30 or even development squad has speed to burn . So god knows but can't be Cook. Wouldn't surprise me if Feigai comes back in

No put Lawrie there .........