Trial Match #1 vs Cowboys Post Match discussion

[Alec]

Awesome write up symbolsoup.

Taumalolo (and Kasiano) were supposed to be 2 players Mal won over for QLD, but then NZ won them back or something.

 

[hayseed]

Re: Trial #1 - Broncos vs Cowboys

Well, that was a waste of a Sat. nite, standing in a crowd made up of mostly morons and watch the boys get totally outclassed yet again. I thought Granville and Nikorima were our best, they looked dangerous at times and really provided some spark in attack although it usually led to nothing, last tackle options were again a worry but Macca and Hunt would have added absolutely nothing out there, in fact, the scoreline would have been worse. Jayden is only 17 but is already a much smarter footballer than Hunt and Granville is a live wire which is the complete opposite to Macca.

Green and Kennedy were the best of a forward pack who were constantly getting pummelled, Green made some incisive hit ups and Kennedy layed on some good hits, Stagg was steady, Molo tried his hardest, Lowrie was ordinary (way too slow), Hala was terrible and Frenchie was worse.

Kahu was decent despite laying on his back most of the night and his season may have ended before it started yet again, Vidot was strong and looks imposing on the edges, Copley had very few touches and didn't stand out, M Barba and Strasser will make very good second tier players and JYY just didn't belong out there, I am not sure what the future holds for him but it won't be first grade anytime soon.

Rob Lui toyed with our boys all night long, trying little chip kicks, short passes, long cut outs most of which didn't come off, he could have put on 50 on us if he wanted to. Tamaloulou and Sims were a class above everyone out there tonight with the former gaining metres at will, Scott Bolton even impressed and Zac Santo is the product of an organisation who recognize young talent.

I stood next to the coaches box all evening long and Hook looked sick after the game, I would to if I knew I was going to be unemployed soon, the place was absolutely jam packed but the crowd was very subdued as the realization hit that we are in for another very long season.

 

[talanoa]

So, I was just about to write up a (likely longwinded) review of the game, but decided I would read all the posts here first. Glad I did. I agree with much of it but have a lightly different angle on some things. Then I read @1910's post which I agree with wholeheartedly. I will add any extra observations below. For the player's numbered above 22, I didn't know who they were as the team list didn't state it. So unfortunately they are lost on me.I was at the game also and have added some additional comments on the performance.



1. Kahu

Kahu had a point to prove tonight from fullback and played a very solid game, his clever positioning and defence was the biggest surprise for me. And speed. Sadly, he went down with 2mins left on the game and looked very upset... I feel for him, so much.Hard to get a gauge on kahu tonight, he got steam rolled by taumolo early which shook him up. See how he recovers from the knee.


16. Vidot

Solid performance but didn't see a lot of ball. The boy is MASSIVE!! I'm excited to see more. He would make many second rowers look small. Very agile and surprisingly safe hands. Wanted to be involved.This guy looked like something out of a rocky movie, sadly he played like it as well. I think he has been seriously over rated and there is a good reason why bad clubs like canberra and the dragons have passed up on his services. He ws more worried about combing his hair over than playing footy.


3. Copley

He has gotten big across the chest and shoulders, only a few touches but made half breaks each time - was impressed. Looks unencumbered by injury.Looked like he was carved from stone, solid with a few decent runs, but sadly his hands let him down again.


4. Yow Yeh

It pains me to say that he looked out of place for the most part. He didn't do anything wrong at all but was slow in all facets. He did show one beautiful touch of defensive class in his own ingoal when cleaning up a nice short sharp grubber from 10m to save a try. He deadset cleaned up that loose ball quicker and cleaner than a bear trap - the australian jersey was evident in that play. That specialness is still there, as long as he doesn't have to move more than 5m... His limp is more than slight, it's painful to watch. He still pushes through it though, of course. But like I said, I couldn't think of a position where he would fit in... I almost feel like crying in saying this and I hope he doesn't read this. I just don't know if any amount of mental fortitude will increase his speed and mobility. The smarts are all there, but he needs wheels on one leg. Sorry guys, and Jharal, please make me look a fool, if you can. We love you mate.This poor guy looked awkward, I hope for his sake this was just a feel good story for a final send off. He was still ok in the centres but his running style is severely hampered. Would like to see this guy get a job with the broncos so they look after him.

5. Mills

I didn't expect anything and was very surprised. Massive unit, fast, good defender, decent positioning. Will be great depth and maybe even a starter. Not out of place outside of Copley.Didn't know who he was before, during and after the game, there has to be better wingers around????

6. Strasser

Solid without doing anything spectacular, which isn't a bad thing at all. In some ways, I didn't even notice him as he blended well. Really can't say more than that. Was hoping I could.. Looked ok with ball in hand, had limited opportunities but was still solid. Long term prospect maybe??

7. Nikorima

IMO, the best Bronco on the park tonight. Dynamic, slippery, FAST for a little guy. He was trying a lot of stuff tonight, so I'm not worried about the little bits where he tried to hard - it's bound to happen at that age. I was extremely impressed! Really! He dominated the half position and was constantly in control of the game. Maybe a little selfish, but again, I'm ok with that considering the circumstances.Schemed and tried hard, was again solid and looked the most likely across the park. Not sure where he fits within the club as they have a mass amount of halves on there books. Seemed to handle the big guys ok.

8. Kennedy

Very solid, exactly what we need in keeping the pack rolling through and denting the line. Very good buy. MASSIVE unit but extremely fit. Can only be happy with his game.led the pack well with some big charges and solid defense, had to shoulder a lot of the burden tonight. Could work well with maguire in the front row this year

9. Granville

If he kept up his first half performance, I would have said he was best of the Broncs. He played about 60mins, with his rest being straight after half time. In the first half, he was lightning quick, so many people at the ground were commenting too. Here's the important part - his service was super quick and the pack moved forward easily as a result. His sprints from DH had great effect and for a small bloke, he tackles with the heart of someone much bigger. Very impressed with him, he just tired in the second half, which is expected. His replacement hooker wasn't much chop for mine, although others have said differently. But then again, Cullen aint a 9, so it's unfair to criticise his efforts.Solid without being brilliant, plays off the cuff which Im not sure suits the broncos style. Very quick from dummy half so he would need a quick man following him to capitalize. Again not real sure where he stands in the overall picture, he does provide more zip and x factor than mcullough which could provide much needed points this year.

10. Green

Agree with others, a nice surprise. He worked hard without being spectacular. Still would only expect to see him as depth in byes. I must have been watching a different game, this guy is slow.

11. Ofahehgaue

I was impressed, it was my first time watching him. We should persevere with him. Depth ATM.Looked fit, however he suffered a bit from the deer in the headlights syndrome. Plays defense in the middle then edge in attack, edge running leaves a bit to worry about. Looked awkward trying to run a line, so may be more crash and bash long term.


12. Stagg

I'd like to say Stagg was Stagg, and in some ways he was. But what disappointed me was, he didn't seem to have any heart, which is what makes him Staggy... Confusing. He was walking back in defence facing his own tryline often. To the point where the cowboys capitalised on it from 10m out and scored. It was embarrassing for him, yet he didn't seem embarrassed. I don't like feeling this way about Stagg, but I don't ever want to see him in a Bronco Jersey again if he wants to play like that. Lazy and old. Again, I love Staggy, but his time is up it seems. Hopefully he bounces back or disappears from team sheets. Not to sure what to make of stagg, I thought he looked a bit injured. Could well be wrong but not his normal self tonight.


13. Lowrie

Best forward for the Broncs. I was extremely impressed. Not just in short bursts, but continually throughout the game. He loved playing Lock too, it was evident. Carved it up and showed plenty of heart. Reminded me a bit of Glenn Stewart. A very welcome addition to our permanent team IMHO. What you see is what you get with this guy, tackles all day but limited in attack.

14. Cullen

I wasn't impressed with Cullen at hooker. I may have missed the good things that he did, I don't know.. I'm not going to judge the guy as I only saw him playing out of position to cover for Granville for the first 20mins of the second half. Yep, agree on this one....

Will continue the rest in the next post, the above will give you something to read while I keep typing. Looks like I'm writing that longwinded review after all.... ;)


15. Barba, Out of his depth.....
17. Drew, Limited minutes, not much to gauge his performance on. I am expecting big things from him this year though.
18. Hala. Looked cumbersome and has terrible lateral movement.
19. Wallace. Core defense was lacking.
20. Molo.Strong defense early, nice charges as well. This guy will improve out of sight with more minutes and experience.
21. Martins. His head was big, not much else really ( ordinary overall)
22. Paki. Didnt really notice him.
23. Nikormia. Scored a try first touch, looked good on his feet. Exciting prospect, solid debut for a kid who is still only 17.....
24. Grinke
25. Adams
26. Alick

 

[vertigo]

When is Taumololo off contract at the Cowboys? He was Man of the Match easily.

Now that Henry's gone he'll get the minutes he deserves, he's in a for a big year.

 

[Cult]

Re: Trial #1 - Broncos vs Cowboys

I thought Granville and Nikorima were our best,

There is no way Nikorima was one of the best. He got his hands on the ball the most and just looked like a shorter clone of Corey Norman. He was the reason our back line never touched the ball because he didn't pass and he just kicked to himself. And he got run over easily in defence, unlike Strasser who threw cut out balls to nearly score tries and even made some big hits in defense.

 

[Cult]

Haha can anyone guess who sees the glass half full and who sees the glass half empty with Symbolsoup and talanoa?

 

[noisetheory]

it was basically pointed out above but before tonight i expected Hala to be our 4th prop.

on tonights efforts he is about 10th in line... whats his go? i dont get it. he is HUGE. he should steamroll people for 10-15 mins before he gets tired. i dunno..

 

[Foordy]

Although I never like us to lose, This trial isn't a good indication of how we'll go this year, IMO.

The Cowboys fielded a stronger lineup than we did. For us, generally, the first trial is used for our fringe players, guys coming back from a long term injury and for players to trial out for vacant positions (like 5/8).

In all honesty, only about 5 or 6 of the players playing last night will make our full strength 17 and maybe only 2 or 3 in our starting 13

 

[jarro65]

Although I never like us to lose, This trial isn't a good indication of how we'll go this year, IMO.

The Cowboys fielded a stronger lineup than we did. For us, generally, the first trial is used for our fringe players, guys coming back from a long term injury and for players to trial out for vacant positions (like 5/8).

In all honesty, only about 5 or 6 of the players playing last night will make our full strength 17 and maybe only 2 or 3 in our starting 13

This.

Don't lose all hope fo the season just yet people .... we still have some handy troops to suit up for us yet.

Some of the young players from last nights game might also step up after their first hitout too .... it's only the first trial game FFS :rolleyes:

Keep the faith :takdir:

 

[broncos4life]

[MENTION=8282]symbolsoup[/MENTION] great write up mate thanks. Excited to see more from guys like Vidot and lowrie

 

[Bucking Beads]

Trials don't mean a lot but I'd like to have seen better Defence regardless of who was int he team. That is a major worry for me. Shattered for Kahu if it is the worst case scenario. Gee we really are so bloody short in the halves.

 

[1910]

Pleased to see Frei back playing in Brisbane last night.

 

[1910]

Now that Henry's gone he'll get the minutes he deserves, he's in a for a big year.

Nothing to do with Henry. No coach would let him get away with his attitude and behaviour.

 

[1910]

ofahengaue pulled off two big hits, that's his strength, worked a lot this off- season on knowing how to use his strength.

 

[Morkel]

[MENTION=8282]symbolsoup[/MENTION], thank you so much for all your help. I never expected to get a signature or anything, so the fact that you went above & beyond & even hit up Gee is way more than than necessary. Just going to the effort of rigging it up & flying the flag was more than enough.

Unfortunately it looks like that banner may be a one-use thing. Hopefully with a better supporting cast he might get one more shot in the next trial and he might click better with some more familiar faces. We'll see.

Also, let's hope the 'good as individuals, poor as a team' is just a reflection of a team of rookies thrown together. It's no surprise that future Kiwi & Blues players Taumalolo & Sims tore us apart at will. They also had basically guaranteed top 17 players in Lui, Mitchell, Bolton, Thorby, Hall, Sims, King etc. Did Coote play? Him too if so. Our only real guaranteed top liner was Kennedy. Maybe Granville. The others were just a smattering of players vying for one or two vacant backs spots & the #6 jersey, and a whole bunch of depth.

 

[broncos4life]

Pleased to see Frei back playing in Brisbane last night.

Is he no longer with Newcastle?

 

[Dexter]

Cullen seems to be the guy who has divided opinion, I thought he was very good at dummy half, I loved the way he held up the markers before he passed, some nice moves and ran well but picked his mark nicely. He looked a bit on the small side but I could be wrong as the lights at reddy really made it hard to watch the game.

 

[Brett]

From the little amount of game I could see, I thought Copley looked pretty good. One play that stood out for me was when he got a cut out ball, shrugged a defender, drew 2 guys in and threw a left handed backhand flick pass to Mills who cut back inside and nearly scored. Both Copley and Mills look quite big and I know we've mentioned it before, but Copley is huge. He definitely didn't look out of place in the Centres.

I think Strasser is more the type of player we need at 5/8. He seems a more controlled player - someone who could play a simple run, pass, kick and support game and leave the creative stuff to Hunt, Barba, Hodges etc. Nikorima looks very small and I wonder if he wouldn't be a liability at NRL level.