Battler
Matthew Johns
Paying $800k for a halfback who looked ok as a ball-playing lock but probably won't make the 17.
Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, doesn't it?
2025 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge - Round 2 - Knights V Eels - McDonald Jones Stadium - 6:00pm Friday 14 February
- Thread starter Lefty
- Start date
Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, doesn't it?
Battler
Matthew Johns
He'll feel much better with Lucas and Best around him.
I'm sad to say we didn't pick up any bonus points from that, and are bottom of the table on for and against. Our Witzer Pre-Season Challenge chances are in tatters:
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Battler
Matthew Johns
Burn the joint down and start again. I was going to suggest that they make them all walk home, but then I realised they were already there.I'm sad to say we didn't pick up any bonus points from that, and are bottom of the table on for and against. Our Witzer Pre-Season Challenge chances are in tatters:
Ladder
View the official 2026 NRL ladder, standings, Telstra Premiership ladder, Women's Telstra Premiership ladder, Witzer Preseason Challenge, Hostplus Cup ladder, Knock-On Effect Cup ladder, and more.
Come to think of it, I think Hastings looked to have a lot more confidence in his movement with his ankle, too. That must be helping him.
MBQLD
Sean Rudder
I didn’t say he wasn’t next in line, just that he shouldn’t be. Beggars can’t be choosers.
mullenmagic
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Poor old AOB couldn’t even make it to the second trial without everyone wanting him to change his preferred halves combo again. Probably has nightmares about jerseys with 6 and 7 on them.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
So I’m actually watching this on delay and I don’t see how anyone could draw a conclusion other than Sharpe looks like he is the kind of talent who gives opposing coaches nightmares and we should give him as long as it takes. He’s so ****ing talented. We’ve been praying for a guy like this & given Kalyn has become a legit second option with the boot we’re as well equipped to carry a non-kicking half as anyone.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Gee Brown plays nice and straight at the line doesn’t he. Been studying the master & is using what he learned against him.
Les Misérables
Mark Hughes
Not hearing enough about McEwen. Bloke had an absolutely blinder!
You'd nearly pick him infront of KPP to start on an edge. At the very least McEwen should be seriously considered for the 18 each week. An edge player, yes, but also heavy and powerful enough to play in the middle if needed.
You'd nearly pick him infront of KPP to start on an edge. At the very least McEwen should be seriously considered for the 18 each week. An edge player, yes, but also heavy and powerful enough to play in the middle if needed.
Battler
Matthew Johns
Agreed.
I guess the issue is The Cog (
HVG) has a better kicking game, but we looked instantly better when Gamble came on, and he is a better (but still not great) defender. So can we make do with a Gamble / KP / Crossland kicking game?
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Yeah I’m liking what I see. There will be teething problems and errors but you wear that as part of the process in service of overall outcome.
He was impressive. I hope he stays on an edge and becomes that explosive hole runner.
Battler
Matthew Johns
I thought the shapes looked heaps better. More bodies in motion, more digging into the line. The execution was far from perfect, but yes, I thought it looked much better than last year.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Just finished the first half but if the shapes look slick and we’re going play on play without settlers, you actually have to give The Cog some credit for that.Agreed.
I guess the issue is The Cog (
So can we make do with a Gamble / KP / Crossland kicking game?
We saw it in the finals and the run in too, the pace of the game doesn’t bother him. In fact the less time he has to think the better seemingly.
Yes, glad you mentioned teething problems, because it fits nicely with what you said about Sharpe as well. Sharpe will add so much to this side, exactly the player we are looking for. I hope everyone saw enough of his service to his outside men tonight to know he can use the ball. He won't be the finished product for a year or two, he's going to make some defensive mistakes, but with a bit of patience he will quickly become a major asset to this team.