Trial game v Eels

[RedV01]

I was just reading Fox about "3 big hits" out of the game. Not worth posting it here but the real 3 big hits are:

1. Sloan has fullback nailed down. The only question is whether Ramsey is better on the wing than a number of other players. The mature age winger from North Queensland (Reuben?) was impressive as were both Feagai's. One of them looks like spending a few weeks on the sideline but Ramsey should be under pressure from the other.

2. As for the forwards, the front rowers are under pressure. F. Molo had better pull his socks up, figuratively speaking. F. Molo, Woods, Lawrie and Burgess are in for some rough competition from the other Molo, Hunt and Coric. Faamausili and Kerr weren't "bad" but due to the performance of the other Molo, Hunt and Coric, they have surely slipped even further down the pecking order. Gosiewski on the edge was outstanding but I can't see him getting selected before Bird, Sims or Su'a. Jackson Ford was good. Busy in attack and defence. He'll surely get a chance in the NRL at some stage this season.

3. Mixed bag from our much-hyped young players. Sloan was outstanding at fullback, not bad on the wing. Amone started badly but got better as the game went on. The coach had obviously seen enough to replace him early. Feagai's were good without being outstanding. Ran hard, some good footwork from Max to score that try.

Seems to be so much competition for spots. At this stage the only players completely safe are Ben Hunt, De Belin, Su'a and Lomax. Maybe McCullough though he shouldn't get too comfortable.

 

[Morgan]

Agree with your assessment and Fox assessment. I really liked the look of Molo Jnr and Gosiewski, Molo senior didnt turn up, its an attitude issue for sure. He was lazy in defence and didnt make any great impression. I did say that JDB should not be selected as a prop in an earlier post but wasnt impressed with Molo at all, he has next week to make amends against the rabbits or his wont start. Lawrie and Bird very interesting background stories for both and not good for team harmony with neither signing for next season, don't like that before a competition starts. Ramsay did enough to get a starting wing spot and will be under a great deal of pressure from Reuben who definitely knows where the tryline is. Feagai did enough to stay in top 30 but obviously one will be out for a few weeks. If McGuire in round 6 can return fresh and play probably his best game in years for us yesterday that will be a big plus. Amone defence still an issue im afraid got caught out a few times, in saying that our defence will be improved when our starting back rowers play next week. The rabbits game will be a big game for a few players wanting to make that top 30. Sloan if he continues to develop will be a future blues player in years to come and will be one of our main scoring options, he was lucky with that cut out pass but has obviously been working on it so that makes him extremely dangerous linking into the backline. Happy enough with the attack but defence needs to improve greatly to match it with the top 4

Amone got caught out in defence and just missed tackles by throwing an arm out. I'm sure Hook will get into about that. Not a major issue unless it keeps happening.

They have a few things to work on but nothing that can't be fixed. Amone's defence is one. Prop rotation is another. Might be time for a few NRL regulars and even rep players to make way for a few rookies. The defence on edge where Loax and Ravalawa will be isn't an issue because they both didn't play.

But all in all, I'm optimistic after that. Not more so than before but it's done nothing to temper my enthusiasm.

 

[Chris M]

Watching the Bullgrubs - Newcastle trial. Grubs front of jersey sponsor is really suitable; "Sydney Tools".