Anyways...
Watching the game again, it was just one of those afternoons for the Broncos. They were already at a disadvantage without Capewell & Riki, so to lose Patrick Carrigan and Albert Kelly before half-time was less than ideal.
It was a difficult game for them to get up for. Last week was really disappointing because it's a home game against the Cowboys, that should be pencilled in and built up like an Origin game but the Warriors at a neutral venue with drinks breaks?
It was one of those games where I felt the boys really needed to lift the tempo but despite their best efforts they just fell short. Bless his heart, Tommy Flegler means well but he's just so awkward out there. I remember two occasions last year where he tried to do the big Gorden Tallis jersey tackle and somehow managed to end up under-neath the tackler on both occasions!
He's got a habit of putting himself in these poor positions and it ended up hurting the team. Late tackle penalties and now a two week suspension, he needs to work on his technique pronto. I saw the Dylan Napa comparisons and it can't be anymore accurate. 10 years ago, Flegler would be one of the most exciting young players coming through but the game has changed since then. If you're going to make a big shot, you have to make sure they have the ball, end of.
I expected more of Flegler who owed the team after missing three weeks. The intent is there, but if he wants to be a quality player he needs to make the necessary changes. I was also concerned with Carrigan's performance. I know he's been carrying a knee injury but it took him awhile to really warm into the game. Quite often he was behind on his runs and it wasn't until he produced that offload he made any positive contribution. Again, like Flegler he was guilty of trying too hard when he just has to do his job.
Of course the biggest elephant in the room is Kotoni Staggs. So much of the Broncos attack is designed around giving him early ball and playing off the back of it but he's struggling big time. He made 12 carries on the weekend which is about standard for a centre, but he seems to be having this crisis of confidence. I'll be interested to see how the Broncos respond because if it was me, instead of focusing on Staggs, I'd actually pay more attention to the left hand side.
That's where the Broncos have had some success and I'd be looking to focus on that side more. I didn't think Farnworth or Oates had their best games after a strong season. I thought their carries lacked venom with Farnworth guilty of doing too much crabbing to centre the ball and Oates succumbing to tackles far too easily. I've read some comments on here praising Oates as a MotM and while I won't argue the point because nobody played their best game I'm disappointed in him as a senior player. There's no reason why he isn't involved in every set coming out of trouble - that's his speciality, that's why he's in the team but there's time where he's off with the fairies.
If I was coach, I wouldn't be criticing Oatesy, I'd be reminding him of how good he is and building his confidence. He needs to know how vital he is and how his carries can really spark the side.
I wouldn't get too carried away with the changes. The Broncos have blown their squad up twice in three years now, it's time to let things settle and build some new combinations. They're already going to be up against as is with their injuries. I'd say Billy will get first crack at 6 which brings Paix onto the bench. Carrigan and Flegler are out so I'd bring Kennedy in and have Jensen on stand-by in case Riki and Capewell are still unavailable. The only unforced change I'd consider is Jordan Pereira for Selwyn Cobbo. I think he needs a break and I think Pereira will be a bigger asset for his team mates. One player I'd like to see drafted into the squad is Zac Hosking. I wouldn't play him just yet, but I'd like him to realise how close he is and to keep working on his performances because he should be an option for the backrow. I wouldn't be against naming Mariner as a reserve either. He's still too raw just yet, but again as coach, I think he has 3 good games of first grade in him and I want that.
Tough loss and quite frankly there's going to be some more ahead. However I don't think the club needs to blow itself up for the 3rd time in 4 years and I think they're capable of better.
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