I'm not sure about you guys, but I'm finding it really hard to get over this loss to the Storm. I usually move on after we lose very quickly but this one is hard to swallow. Not sure what it is exactly but I think it's because I can finally see us as that team that is extremely good when we are on and executing etc, but we just can never ever close out games. It's got to the point that if we are up by 2 or 4 with 10 minutes to go then I just know we all blow it and lose the game. Does anyone else feel like this? It's not just games against the Cowboys too, it's mainly against the top 4-6 sides, everyone else I'm not fussed about as we are usually well in front with 10 to go and we win anyway.
I think these close game losses have affected us mentally since the GF loss. In 2015, we'd close out the close games and win and I think that gave us confidence and momentum etc. We had a killer instinct and just wouldn't be denied. The Roosters and Penrith games in 2015 come to mind. But I think since the heart breaking GF loss, we aren't the same team mentally. I honestly believe we go into our shell with 10 minutes to go if we are up by 2-6 points. All these close losses are affecting us and we haven't overcome our demons. Yes our halves aren't the traditional halves who can close out games but why did we win the close games in 2015 and since we lost the GF we haven't won a close game since really? It's not just the halves. It's the entire mentality of our team, it's like we know we are going to lose the close games so we hesitate and lack the killer instinct, it's gone. We aren't confident.
Last night's defensive effort was extraordinary, and the refs really had a big impact on the game, but with 10 minutes to go, we should of iced that game but what did we do? Error after error, penalty after penalty. It's frustrating and quite sad.
I dunno guys, feeling pretty bummed about these close losses so I'm just venting. I respect if you don't agree, these are just my views. I know our effort is there and we'll always fight until the end & we have to admire that about our boys.