I thought the 22-0 score line at one point, was flattering for us. Not because we didn't do a good job of taking advantage of the Sharks mistakes, but because our defensive line was an absolute disgrace from word go, and only said mistakes saved us from earlier points from them.
I don't think there was a set the Sharks didn't march down the field into our half easily during the whole game.
Like last week, our ruck defense was very poor, but our line speed was horrible from the start of the game, and never lifted. This team has no killer instinct and only lifts against the better teams. That is absolutely a continuous trend under Griffin's reign and a true reflection of his nonchalant character!
This was really a perfect storm coming, with the Sharks getting most of their troops back on the paddock, especially both halves. Missing Macca, Parker and Gillett also made a lot of difference, because we probably wouldn't have had Stagg, Lowrie and Wallace all on the field at the same time, getting mauled by the Sharks pack, who having nothing to lose, were risking their hand and offloading at will.
Having said that, were it not for the ref's blunders, we still wouldn't have lost this game despite all of the above.
Even the Sharks were bound to eventually score after 15 minutes of continuous possession, and that was undoubtedly gifted to them by that spastic pink **** named Badger with several calls keeping their momentum going.
I can live with the Carney call, because the tackle was a bit low (legs), and it's consistent with how these situations have been ruled, but Gordon pushing the ball dead and still earning a repeat set, the ridiculous advantage ruling after 4 passes across the width of the field, the tackles on Copley in mid-air, etc... none were 50/50 situations, they were pretty clear!
Of course, the commentators (including Wally showing his true colours again) just ignored it, because the Sharks needed a bit of "luck" after 6 weeks eating nothing but doughnuts...
But again, if we had defended properly, with good line speed and wrapping the ball up, the Sharks would never have gotten to the position of getting all those repeat sets. They did have to start again from their own line after each try they scored... just saying!
Thaiday was very good in my opinion btw. He didn't have many hit-ups, because he passed the ball several times (good decisions too) the rare times we actually had the ball, but also because he worked his arse off (45 tackles in 50 odd minutes) and was the best defender we had on the park by far!
Hunt was magnificent, McGuire didn't disappoint, Granville definitely deserves a shot in the full strength 17, but the difference in the ruck defense is very noticeable when Macca isn't there. Barba was involved, too bad about his dropped bomb. Hala scored 2 easy tries, but didn't impress me and Hannant wasn't too bad either. Oates and Glenn did well, as did Reed and Vidot.
Lowrie, Stagg, Wallace and Hodgo were the worst on the field, and poor Copley probably worked himself out of Origin 3, although he was quite unlucky and is a much better centre than winger.
To finish on a positive note, it would not surprise me at all if we do a job on Penrith next game, especially if we get our troops back!