PRE-GAME Round 3 - Broncos vs Bulldogs

[BroncsFan]

If we get a dry track I think we win, but we need better use of the bench.

 

[Battler]

One more loss to equal the record longest streak in the NRL era.. apparently

We deserve it

 

[Alec]

Its going to come down to big individual plays. Looking at Farnworth, Niu, Coates, Pangai, hopefully even Milford doing something individually brilliant enough times. Can't see it coming from set plays or cohesive and structured attack, which have been absent for a long time. Brilliant individual plays can only win you so many games though...

 

[vertigo]

We deserve it

Just shows how great Newcastle fans are that they stuck by their team after winning THREE spoons in a row.

If we go back to back that would be quite humbling.

 

[WASSHHH]

I like Asiata as a player; very natural, capable and skilful.

That said, how bad is Milford going that by round 3 a handy ball playing lock is quite possibly considered a better choice at six than your million dollar, and for the most part, marquee flop.

Wow.

 

[Mustafur]

I think there is a way to make this team serviceable, at least patch up some of the GLARING deficiencies. We can score, there is enough talent across the park to fluke something. What we can't do is defend set after set or hold the ball. So I think we need to get rid of some of the worst culprits at both defense and ball dropping. Therefore, I'm sorry to say but Flegler, Issako, Oates and Milf, you can't make this side until you prove you've changed in Q-Cup. Carrigan you stay but FAR less minutes cos you suck under fatigue but if you fail that badly again, Flegs is rotating with you.

This is not a pretty team but it will be far safer than the usual trash that goes out there and it may just paper over the cracks and get us through the season less scathed:

1. Farnworth
2. Mead
3. Niu
4. Copley
5. Coates
6. Dearden
7. Croft
8. Pangai Jr
9. Turpin
10. Kennedy
11. Glenn
12. Riki
13. Asiata

14. Hetherington (He can play the B.Smith role, elevate him)
15. Flegler/Carrigan
16. Bullemor
17. Teo

Look, I know this team is a mess but it is a safer mess than the current rubbish being put out...I think.

I do like the idea behind this, Herbie at Fullback would probably bring alot more effort.

 

[Allo]

I think we will only win by 20 this next game. Confidence is down a bit.

I think Wolfie is due for a ban until we win one

 

[vertigo]

I like Asiata as a player; very natural, capable and skilful.

That said, how bad is Milford going that by round 3 a handy ball playing lock is quite possibly considered a better choice at six than your million dollar, and for the most part, marquee flop.

Wow.

I don't think even he thought he would be in this situation.

But hey, coasting along on your huge contract with 0 repercussions for playing shit is why we're here.

 

[Midean]

I have lost all faith in this side.
Doggies by however much they want.

 

[rnabokov]

I think there is a way to make this team serviceable, at least patch up some of the GLARING deficiencies. We can score, there is enough talent across the park to fluke something. What we can't do is defend set after set or hold the ball. So I think we need to get rid of some of the worst culprits at both defense and ball dropping. Therefore, I'm sorry to say but Flegler, Issako, Oates and Milf, you can't make this side until you prove you've changed in Q-Cup. Carrigan you stay but FAR less minutes cos you suck under fatigue but if you fail that badly again, Flegs is rotating with you.

This is not a pretty team but it will be far safer than the usual trash that goes out there and it may just paper over the cracks and get us through the season less scathed:

1. Farnworth
2. Mead
3. Niu
4. Copley
5. Coates
6. Dearden
7. Croft
8. Pangai Jr
9. Turpin
10. Kennedy
11. Glenn
12. Riki
13. Asiata

14. Hetherington (He can play the B.Smith role, elevate him)
15. Flegler/Carrigan
16. Bullemor
17. Teo

Look, I know this team is a mess but it is a safer mess than the current rubbish being put out...I think.

How about this mess?

1. Farnworth/Niu
2. Mead
3. Niu/Farnworth
4. Isaako
5. Coates
6. Milford
7. Dearden
8. Carrigan
9. Turpin
10. Flegler
11. TPJ
12. Riki
13. Asiata (c)

14. Croft
15. Kennedy
16. Bullemor
17. Glenn

 

[Sproj]

How about this mess?

1. Farnworth/Niu
2. Mead
3. Niu/Farnworth
4. Isaako
5. Coates
6. Milford
7. Dearden
8. Carrigan
9. Turpin
10. Flegler
11. TPJ
12. Riki
13. Asiata (c)

14. Croft
15. Kennedy
16. Bullemor
17. Glenn

It could work for sure. The only thing is, obviously Milford talent wise is easily our best half. Effort wise, he is easily the worst. I think we should think about short-term pain and drop him. See how he responds and put a line in the sand for the club that regardless of your wage, if you don't put in, you're out.

This season is a write-off but foundations for the future can be laid.

 

[rnabokov]

It could work for sure. The only thing is, obviously Milford talent wise is easily our best half. Effort wise, he is easily the worst. I think we should think about short-term pain and drop him. See how he responds and put a line in the sand for the club that regardless of your wage, if you don't put in, you're out.

This season is a write-off but foundations for the future can be laid.

Two things which stop me from wanting Milford dropped after 2 rounds is that nobody in this side can kick as well as Milford, and, that Milford and Dearden ought to be tried before decisions about dropping anyone are made ... after 2 rounds it is just too early, especially with Haas and Lodge to return where they will help with laying a more effective platform up front for our halves.

I find Croft is more an opportunist than anything else and should be played from the bench to give Turps a break.

 

[rnabokov]

I'd also prefer to see TPJ on the edges where his offloading can be much more effective than in the middle, where he is a much easier target to wrap up.

As well, given his offloading skills, someone needs to be with him everytime he gets the ball.

 

[Dazza 92]

I really dont want Dearden introduced into this mess, yet what other choice is there...Paix?

And who is Deardens best partner in the halves...? Paix..?

Though giving Herbie a run at 1 isnt the worst idea, at least in terms of effort and execution

We have few options, which is an issue....

 

[Dazza 92]

I'd also prefer to see TPJ on the edges where his offloading can be much more effective than in the middle, where he is a much easier target to wrap up.

As well, given his offloading skills, someone needs to be with him everytime he gets the ball.

I agree on both; Isaako sort of did it a few time last night, but that was when we were 4-6 and stills ticking to our structures in attack..

TPJ probs goes to lock when Haas and Lodge come back in

 

[BroncsFan]

I'd also prefer to see TPJ on the edges where his offloading can be much more effective than in the middle, where he is a much easier target to wrap up.

As well, given his offloading skills, someone needs to be with him everytime he gets the ball.

I dont think we can afford to put TPJ on an edge until Lodge and Haas are back.

TPJ being used in 3 stints throughout the game combined with the 4 forward bench, tells me that when the middles are back he will be played on an edge in stints throughout the game

First and second stint prop/lock... third stint finish the game on Glenn or Riki's edge.

TPJ's defence is also extremely poor on the edge so I dont think he can play solely on the edge for 80mins, but 15-20min burst during periods could see him wreak havoc without becoming a defensive liability

 

[Broncs_Fan]

Serious question - do we win a game all season?

 

[rnabokov]

Serious question - do we win a game all season?

I reckon we will win quite a few once our halves combination is settled, Turpin gains confidence, TPJ is always supported when he gets the ball and our full back becomes an integral member of the spine rather than an opportunist, and, once Haas and Staggs are back, there are no injuries and the refs stop screwing us.

Then, there is our shoddy line speed, suspect marker and goal line defence

So no, I guess we don't.