Due to a work call, I only started watching the game at 11pm last night, which in turn delayed everything else, including setting up the POTS. My apologies to all for this!
Regarding the game, the most important part for me was the attitude. We defended well, we kept turning up during the onslaught of the second half, and that won us the game!
First of all, as one of the biggest critics of Maranta, I tip my hat off for his performance last night. Excellent in defense, excellent reading the game, and a true finisher's try, which I didn't believe him to be capable of. He also showed a glimpse of his speed during a run... I truly hope he will continue to make me eat humble pie, and will go on to be a top winger.
Also very much deserving of praise was Ben Barba, who despite the pressure he was under, was one of the best on the field, exuded class in everything he did, and made those try saving moments look so easy. He was my MOTM.
In truth, only a few players were disappointing last night, and hopefully they will get better with more time together.
Daniel Vidot was excellent getting us out of trouble and powering through for his try, same goes for Copley who started cementing his spot for a guaranteed centre position, even upon Hodgo's return. Even though Reed wasn't bad, he didn't do himself any favours and may find himself out of a spot in the team when Kahu and Hodges are back.
The forwards were quite good, and it was good to see Benny Hannant back to his best form. I honestly didn't see much difference in Parker's play despite the no. 10 on his back, and he was only off for 9 minutes. McGuire was himself and I definitely think Kennedy should've had more time on the field, especially in the second half, where the Dogs threatened to run over us.
Gillett was very good defensively, the best backrower on the park, and always one of the first kick chasers. Yes, he did dance around a bit on a few runs, but in fairness he got the ball flat footed and had no support to pass or offload. Loved the quick hands to assist Maranta for his try! 32 tackles, nine of which 1on1 and 15 runs for 115 mtrs in 71 minutes are pretty good stats.
Glenn's trademark runs were fantastic (20 for 169 mtrs) , but he was too loose in defense, missing almost a third of his tackles (5 of 16). This needs to improve.
Not sure what to think of Thaiday, who only ran 6 times. He was pretty solid in defense with 38 tackles in 60 minutes (4 missed), but certainly needs to be better utilised...
Lowrie didn't get enough time to show anything, but I question why is it okay to shoulder charge someone and hit him in the head, just because you're carrying the ball...
Macca was one of our best as well. He racked up 57 tackles and handled the ball 103 times, but looked like he could play another game during his MOTM interview. There goes the myth that he can't play 80...
Spine...
Hoffman is not a 5/8, everyone knows that, including Griffin I'm sure. Hunt suffered a lot with his inclusion next to him, but it doesn't excuse the piss poor execution. He needs to improve big time if he doesn't want to become another statistic in the Broncos line-up, especially with Milford on his way and the up and coming talent waiting for a chance.
If we want to use Hoffman in the halves, we need to ensure Macca and Barba support Hunt in the playmaking (especially kicking) and organising stakes, because Josh can't and won't ever be able to be a playmaker.
I still think it's a mistake and if we're worried about Nikorima going missing and becoming a turnstile, I would put Strasser in there, who is quite capable defensively, can throw a pass and can kick!
