NRL Round 26 - Knights Vs Warriors - 2:00pm Sunday, 30th of August - Go Media Stadium

[Seano]

Roosters might need the Rabbits win to get their halves right for the finals given Walker likely gone for at least a week.

PS. Also possible the Eels concede 30 in the 2nd. Wouldn't be the first time this season.

 

[Lynchyknight]

Even if top 4 is a lock for roosters don’t think they will wanna go into finals with 3 straight losses

 

[HarVeeGee13]

There’s a significant part of all fanbases that believe there’s a conspiracy against their team specifically, no matter how illogical or provably false it is. A victim complex is just part of enjoying sports for some people.

Yeah but it’s true when it comes to the teams I follow

 

[Watcher]

Warriors here. I forgot to mention that Jaye Linnane will be in the conversation for Wing next week

 

[Mclovin]

It was good to see Marzhew show some pace in the open, he is looking good at the moment
I also thought Hunt was good on the wing today, he is so bloody good in the air and yes he made some silly choices but I think overall a pretty good game, he looks great as a winner.

 

[slotmachine]

It was really weird how the ref was fine when we were winning until jsaf got marched, and then pulled on his warriors jersey.

 

[slotmachine]

Also KP 6 runs and 5 fantasy points. WTF. He's been really up and down

 

[jamesgould]

Got a great feeling about this one!!!

All week I had a really good feeling about this game ...

16-0 up, I'm thinking, damn, we're gonna actually do it!!!

Then ... send-off, injury, injury ...

That'll teach me to feel optimistic.

(Yes I know we only went 16-0 up after the send-off, but I want to look at it in as depressing a manner as possible).

 

[Macca89]

Listening in the radio it seemed like once Saf got sent, we just gave up on the defensive side of the game. Or that’s how abc were calling it. Was a lot more exciting with Dan ginnane calling Greg’s double. Thought we were a chance again on the M2 but once I got to the tunnel it was a sad drive home

 

[HarVeeGee13]

In all seriousness. They’re going to win a comp in the next couple of years. I’ve never believed in a Knights team this much since Joey retired.

Best 1/6/7 combo in the game, best backline overall in my opinion, and the game model works. We can put points against pretty much anyone regardless of situation. Any team compresses too much on our ball runners in yardage or are too passive out wide, we punish it. That forces opposing teams to always present a full line and to be wary about gang tackling. As our young forwards improve that should mean we get better at carting it up the guts, we have the players to make that easier.

The game model works. Win two more games. Go up another gear in the finals. Develop the ability to keep the foot on the gas for the full 80. Easier said than done but there’s a real path ahead of us I really believe in.

 

[Grug]

Keep digging mate.

There’s no doubt they have injuries. Of course if they’re not 100% they won’t risk them, like we did with Crossland. But that’s not even what you were arguing in the first place, you were saying we should send a b team.

And based on the outcome I was 100% correct. Tell me I am wrong, but someone do it logically this time.

 

[jamesgould]

And based on the outcome I was 100% correct. Tell me I am wrong, but someone do it logically this time.

Why do you find the need to insult people so much?

 

[mozza]

It was really weird how the ref was fine when we were winning until jsaf got marched, and then pulled on his warriors jersey.

We get it bro. You love the refs and hate Newcastle juniors. Bully for you.

 

[JOJO82]

In all seriousness. They’re going to win a comp in the next couple of years. I’ve never believed in a Knights team this much since Joey retired.

Best 1/6/7 combo in the game, best backline overall in my opinion, and the game model works. We can put points against pretty much anyone regardless of situation. Any team compresses too much on our ball runners in yardage or are too passive out wide, we punish it. That forces opposing teams to always present a full line and to be wary about gang tackling. As our young forwards improve that should mean we get better at carting it up the guts, we have the players to make that easier.

The game model works. Win two more games. Go up another gear in the finals. Develop the ability to keep the foot on the gas for the full 80. Easier said than done but there’s a real path ahead of us I really believe in.

Spot on and completely agree.....the only thing that would stop us honestly is our horrendous luck with injuries

 

[mullenmagic]

Their ability to just perfectly click into attacking shape and create overlaps on the edge from anywhere on the field, even when getting rolled through the middle, is pretty incredible. 11 linebreaks again today in tough circumstances.

Another disappointing game from Croker, was always going to be an uphill battle but given his experience they needed more from him. Thought Hopwood and Crouch both put up more of a fight.

 

[jamesgould]

The thing we need to cut out imo is the miracle play.

Hunt tries a few because of his inexperience, but I've said a few times, it's the old hands that do it quite often. J-Saf today ... we didn't need that, we were in a good spot and just needed to stick to our plan. Have seen it this year multiple times from Ponga, Gags, Best ...

Maybe this is all in my head and it's inevitable for outside backs playing in high pressure, split second decision roles, but I feel like the players who have been here a while don't trust the process ... after we had such a dumb process that didn't work under AOB. So they feel like they need a big miracle play.

But our process and gameplan works under Holbrook! If everyone can just keep their head, I reckon we'd have won three or four more games this year.

But yeah, not far away. Next year will be interesting.

 

[Battler]

Yeah, Croker looks to have really hit a wall. He was getting folded and bumped off badly for one of the Warriors tries. He's had a career season, but looks tired.

 

[Seano]

Best 1/6/7 combo in the game

I thought Harrison Graham looked very strong today too...might push Phoenix to lock next season?

 

[Defence wins games]

I think Mick Ennis needs a shot of adrenaline followed by 8 red bull cans. Give his heart time to catch up to his mouth.

Ennis has always been an empty vessel.
The Knights have lived rent free in Ennis’ head for decades!

 

[Hard Yards]

I am happy with the effort and resilience of our team today. If we had produced that last week against Manly we are playing a home semi in 2 weeks time.
I thought our young forwards were outstanding, considering the loss of SAF, Francis, and Mooney, and we saw what our backline weapons are capable of, even with KP not in great form.
Hunt rocks and diamonds again, if he can get the dumb errors out of his game , he could be anything .
It’s going to be tough from here, with no SAF , Francis or possibly Mooney for the semifinal. We will get Friz, Dom and Phoenix back, but it’s going to be hard.

I wrote this in February after the first trial game -

Personally I think we will finish just outside the 8, but with big steps forward particularly in attack, and more spirited performances than we saw last year.
And number 1 on my wish list is - win at least 7-8 home games.

So it’s been a very good season. 8 home wins ( including Vegas ), and we have got into the semis when most “experts” had us fighting for the spoon again. Our attack is a different beast from AOB ball, and defensive resolve has been mostly good, but is an area that needs improvement in the off season.
The best part is the new club spirit that the playing group has bought into, the coaching team that actually has succeeded in uniting instead of dividing the team. Holbrook, Parr and POS have done a great job, and long may they reign and take us to the next level.