Round 1 Discussion

[I bleed Maroon]

We're off the bottom of the ladder by virtue of the alphabet :laugh:

 

[broncos4life]

Feeling good.

 

[vertigo]

Eels impressive, they started off pretty well last year too though..

 

[ivanhungryjak]

So, is this the beginning of the end of the Beagles, or just an off night .. Like the Broncos had.

 

[Battler]

So, is this the beginning of the end of the Beagles, or just an off night .. Like the Broncos had.

Just imagine them when DCE and Foran leave... RIP.

 

[Rally Towel]

I am inclined to think they'll still do alright this year. Stewart, Lyon, Matai, Ballin, DCE, Foz. Some quality talent still, despite being light up front.

Wouldn't buy into the Eels yet either. They played a similar style of free wheeling attack last year. Entertaining and hard to stop when they're on a roll, but top teams will still grind them out.

I do think we're witnessing a changing of the guard though. If not this year, then soon Manly, and likely the Storm, will slip into mediocrity,while others ascend to become the premier forces of the competition.

 

[Broncoman]

So in one night Manly lost 42-12 to Parramatta against their past hero Watmough and against their former assistant Brad Arthur, lost Gutherson to a knee injury, lost Foran to a hammy and now DCE has signed with the Titans and Foran will probably soon sign with Parramatta. FMD what a damage bill in one night.

Well done to Parra they were outstanding and blew Manly away after halftime just like Souths did to us. Watching Sandow play with a smile on his face was good to see and watching Parra play such an entertaining brand of footy was also good considering the shit they've gone through in the last few years.

 

[Big Pete]

For what it's worth, Super Freak shouldn't have to use spoiler tags. I clicked on thinking we'd all be discussing the Brisbane feed as well, hence my post but this is a LIVE discussion thread and has been that way for many years.

So in case some Sydneysiders are worried about commenting on the Panthers/Dogs game...at Pepper Stadium...don't worry about it.

I really like the structure Parramatta play with. Good shape, allowing for slick interchange of passing that sooner or later catches the defence out at some point. However they can't play enterprising footy without their pack setting a platform and I thought they were pretty strong on the night. The likes of Mau, Watmough, Mannah and Moeroa really impressed me while De Gois really swung the momentum of the match late in the first half and got the Eels on the front foot just as he did in their corresponding game last year.

It was good to see and I was happy for them.

Unfortunately I can't say the same about the Sea Eagles. They really missed having the likes of Watmough, Starling and Buhrer out there and were a lot softer in defence than they have been. I still liked what I saw of their offence at times, you could see the combinations at work but they didn't have the platform to work with and did a poor job of building pressure. Still did well and exposed some flaws in the Eels defensive game, which I'm sure Hasler will be aware of next week.

I enjoyed it and happy to see a former Bronco doing well.

 

[Big Pete]

Tomkins out for New Zealand. Lolohea shifts to fullback with Maumalo coming onto the wing.

Kidley out for Newcastle - Sione Mata'utia slots in at fullback.

Very interested to see how some of these Warriors NYC boys circa 2013-14 perform.

 

[Big Pete]

McFadden has chosen not to blood another rookie, instead he's shifted Kata onto the wing, promoted Ben Henry from the bench into the centre and Matagi comes onto the bench.

 

[Super Freak]

Apparently it's hot in Newcastle. I have a feeling that will hurt the Warriors but I still think they will be too strong.

 

[Super Freak]

Uate has lost a bit of speed.

Smith bombed a certain try IMO.

 

[Super Freak]

That time they got it right.. But I would be getting in Smiths ear about that. If he had passed, Knights score.

 

[Super Freak]

This is getting ridiculous. Just make a fucking call. Is it a tap or drop out?

 

[Super Freak]

I don't have a problem with the call.

Roberts came in knees first, and you're always asking for trouble when you do that. He made contact with the head and going by the rules, that's a possible 8 point try.

 

[Big Pete]

Typical Newcastle.

They were the better team for the majority of that contest but couldn't convert their opportunities or build any pressure.

Warriors haven't been flash but have found their way into the Knights territory and scored two very gritty tries and voila they hold a commanding 8 point lead.

Watching the Knights backline has been a little bit like that scene from Whiplash. You know the one where JK Simmons is trying to figure out which player is out of tune and ends up picking on the fat kid. Right now, that fat kid is totally Joey Leilua despite the Warriors best attempts to expose Uate.

Really like what I've seen from Lolohea so far. Isn't as good at transfering the ball as Tomkins is but he's showing a lot of ticker at the back, I hope he keeps it up in the second half.

 

[Porthoz]

I thought that was a harsh call on Roberts. Not even Maranta would've stuffed that chance... WTF Smith? :shocked:

 

[Porthoz]

FTR, although technically correct, it's horrible that the tackle from Sione on Thompson was punished.

Shaun Johnson having a pretty crappy day too... still the Knights are much worse than I expected.