Back home, able to put some more coherent thoughts down. Funnily enough, I find it harder to evaluate after watching a game live, as I tend to remember individual moments/plays, rather than the entirety of a player's contribution.
- Macca is proving his detractors wrong with consistent 80 minute efforts. Still is not in the top tier of hookers, but really anyone who thinks he's mediocre needs to get a grip.
- Nice footwork from Gillett for the first try, and keep the crab walking to a minimum.
- Thaiday is coming back into his own playing back in his natural position. One would hope that Hook takes noticed because.....
- Parker still seems wasted at 10. I didn't see a single offload from him. Nonetheless, unflinching and lead from the front all night.
- Barba was a great as the link man in any of our backline plays. I'd love to see him make a real break ala 2012, but for now I;m grateful he's providing an extra option in attack, and the threat of his running game allows us more time to hold up the defense and pick the right option. Looked like his ankle was troubling him in the second half. Hope it was nothing serious.
- Backs were ok. A bit more polish on some of those plays could have seen us really pull ahead. Overall, about a 6/10 collectively:
- Maranta not as good as last week but defensively sound. Also, I know he has the face of an old man but it's a bit harsh they make him a mascot head in the video intros!
- Vidot is an animal. Seriously, that guy makes as much ground while in the tackle as Matt Scott. Poor effort on a bomb, otherwise solid showing.
- Reed put in a nice grubber, stayed busy all night. Better effort than last week.
- Copley had some good runs, and was only let down by some poor handling.
- Hoffman played better than last week. Can see why he was chosen over Kodi etc purely for his defense in the front line. Showed some enterprise with a grubber for a try and a reasonable pass or two. Didn't set the world on fire but a step up from last week.
- Hunt really had a night to forget. I don't know what Alf was teaching him this week, but he didn't seem to have paid much attention. Think he deserves another couple of weeks, but he really needs to stand up and be counted.
- Using 3/4 bench slots is ridiculous. I'm not noticing much impact from Kennedy and Hannant when they come on so I don't know why we don't start with them and bring on someone like McGuire later on whose mobility would be more advantageous?
- On that note, lets bring in Granville (or Kodi). Jake looks to be off to a good start with Wynnum, and didn't really put a foot wrong in his limited time last year. Has the potential to spark our attack when we're stuck in the grind.
- Like last week, the foundations of the win were commitment in defence and superior conditioning. Underrated qualities we sorely lacked last year, but we really need to get some attack happening. On that note....
- Not that we should pin all our hopes on him, but I reckon Hodges chiming into our backline will make a big difference. I hope we don't rush him back too early.
- Ashton Sims is a turbo douche.
