Round 4 - Dragons v Broncos - Post Match Discussion

[bb_gun]

To be fair, I think Barba had a pretty rough time last year. His ankle might be part of the problem but I think there's some mental stuff in there as well, I'm happy to give him more time to improve his game.

All in all not the prettiest of wins as the Dragons were very average and the field seemed wet, however I'm still seeing plenty of effort and good fitness levels so I'm happy with how we're progressing.

PS. Poor ol' Dragons fans, pretty sure they thought their team was grand final bound, hopefully tonight has them thinking otherwise ;)

 

[GCBRONCO]

I think I read somewhere this is our 7th win against the Dragons in a row?

 

[Bull Shark]

something I took from tonight's game ....

 

[Super Freak]

I think I read somewhere this is our 7th win against the Dragons in a row?

It is indeed.

 

[vertigo]

Attack was good - quick play the balls, McC mixing it up with ruck creativity, quick passing between forwards.

Edge defence, particularly Reed's side needs a LOT of work.

Watching the multiple chip & chases (both sides) was pretty funny, do it enough times and it will burn you.

 

[GCBRONCO]

Any word on Copley?

 

[LittleDavey]

Barba's clearly not right yet. I'm actually a little concerned about injuries or niggles after tonight...Copley, Barba, Hoffman looked tender, and Gillette I don't feel is quite right either, he was off for a long period tonight and seemed to be doing it tough at times (although he does get that look about him anyway!)

Game was definitely slower and more of a grind...I put it down to an absolutely massive first 3 weeks, and as someone said earlier last week was huge so getting up for tonight would have been harder. Both sides looked stuffed after 30mins in the first half, and 50 in the second!

A great win, won't run through it all but I want to single out Macca - another champion game, he is really growing and it's awesome to see. I honestly think he can be a Cameron Smith type player - I think he has the work ethic, skill and stamina to get there in time. He's got a lot of years ahead of him yet.

Thaiday is also playing like a man possessed - love it, Sam!!

Great to get the win down there tonight, it wasn't pretty but we hung in, did the hard yards and came away with the reward. Top stuff, gets my weekend off to a good start!

 

[Rally Towel]

As many predicted, the big difference was the forward pack. Good to see them all maintaining the rage from last week.

Parker and Thaiday continuing to lead the charge, and Gillett had a blinder. Glenn continues to be a quiet achiever: no flash stuff, but quality runs all day.

I hope Copley only has something minor and backs up for next week. Currently our best back, and consistently getting his nose through the line and creating opportunities. Decent efforts from Vidot (aside from dropping the gift wrapped pass on the line) and the Human Tank. I'm not Reed's biggest fan, and he had some issues tonight, but he's got a sneaky little grubber on him, and was a great effort to deny that try late.

Thought Macca had a great game off the back of some sterling work by the big boys. Great to see him continue to flourish as an 80 min player. I really think he is Jake Friend's equal, and plaudits for the latter were largely earnt off the efforts of the Roosters forwards.

Didn't notice Hunt as much as last week, but he still put forth a good effort. Continually impressed by his tackling for a small guy.

Hoffman somewhat ordinary. Can't say I noticed him much, but defensively he was sound. His first kick was only inches from a perfect touch finder. Speaking honestly, I'd love to see him kick ass at 6, but if he doesn't, at least he doesn't overplay his hand and turn over possession by pushing plays that aren't on.

Nice to see goal kicking at 5/5. That's one of last weeks two main issues fixed. Now to work on that edge defence!

 

[Big Pete]

Happy with the performance.

Those early Gillett tries were crucial for the Broncos. It gave the boys a lot of breathing room and tricked the Dragons into playing a risky style of football. I felt the Broncos were guilty of not taking chances when they were on offer and compounding those errors but otherwise a strong performance.

The forwards have been the stars so far and I like how they're playing. Not only are they getting through the tough stuff, they're also taking a lot of pressure off Hunt + Hoffman and it's been a big part of the club's early success.

I've already wrapped a few of the forwards in the POTS thread but I wanted to take the time and give McGuire a wrap. I thought he ran very well in the middle of the ruck and put in the type of performance that made him a fan favourite here in 2011. Really hope he can keep that type of form up.

Onto the Eels next week.

 

[Russell Coight]

i really do think people are getting carried away. 2012 we were 7-1 from the first 8 rounds, then look how we fizzled out.

 

[Kimlo]

i really do think people are getting carried away. 2012 we were 7-1 from the first 8 rounds, then look how we fizzled out.

Who's getting carried away? Has someone said we're going to win the comp? Or should everyone be sad that we won, so we can all be 'realistic' like you?

 

[Charmamba]

i really do think people are getting carried away. 2012 we were 7-1 from the first 8 rounds, then look how we fizzled out.

What's the point in supporting a team and cheering them on if during a high moment you're just going to concentrate on the past? While we are going good and looking good, enjoy it and don't drag yourself down.

 

[Splinter]

Vidot was awful in patches. Bombed a try, let a try in and was not contesting kicks. He did run well. He was very lucky not to let in more than the one try.
Reeds defense is woeful so far this season.

Barba does look injured but is still putting the defence in two minds when we are attacking.
Rest of the team played well. Forwards playing great and attacking as a pack.

 

[Splinter]

i really do think people are getting carried away. 2012 we were 7-1 from the first 8 rounds, then look how we fizzled out.

Enjoy the win as scrappy as it was and stop depressing me

 

[broncos4life]

i really do think people are getting carried away. 2012 we were 7-1 from the first 8 rounds, then look how we fizzled out.

I don't get it. The better we play the more down you appear. It's almost like you have yourself so worked up about getting kevvie Walters here that every win depresses you because it might stand in the way of that happening

 

[Russell Coight]

Who's getting carried away? Has someone said we're going to win the comp? Or should everyone be sad that we won, so we can all be 'realistic' like you?

not saying I'm 'realistic' as all of you like to say 'facts aren't welcome around here'

 

[Russell Coight]

Of course you do

i do yes.

 

[Huge]

Just an added thought on Barba, I seem to remember Barba getting another twist/ hit on his tender ankle during round 1. I think he will come good.