Jermaine McEwen discussion

I think he deserves a lot of credit, poor against the Warriors, responds the next week with his best performance in first grade, showing great physicality against his opposite number who might be the best edge back rower of his generation. Hopefully as he keeps playing this year he can become a consistent performer every week.
 
Nailing his big moment will be huge for his confidence going forward. You could see how much it meant to him after yes in previous games he has had issues with this. These are the fruits of riding it out when you find a kid with this level of talent and drive. They usually have to stuff up a few times before they start nailing it consistently. So good to see Sandon talking him through that moment in support then racing over to congratulate him after Dom scored too. That shows a lot of connectiveness in the group, an awareness that some things might have been preying on the kid's mind.

There can be no dropping him back to reggies, he's too close to putting it all together already. Gotta keep getting NRL footy into him.
 
I just saw a replay of that try and McEwen did a fantastic job of jut holding the ball long enough to get it away to Dom. He had very little space to work in which made it all the more impressive.

They would’ve 100% bombed that try last year but you can see how high their confidence is at the moment. They’re finishing the majority of their opportunities now.

Same with Harrison Graham. Comes on and had the confidence to put in a very good kick on the last which resulted in a repeat set and him putting Frizz over for a try.
 
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Have never doubted his ability with the ball. Comes across as a bit of an aggressive battering ram but he's more skilful than he's shown so far in first grade. Not quite in the Manuleleua "stepping through multiple defenders and throwing a freakish cutout pass for a try assist" way, but even in SG Ball he could take the ball to the line and throw a smooth, no-look pass out the back to a sweeping fullback in a way that most NRL back-rowers would struggle to.

The way he handled that play on the weekend didn't surprise me at all. He's a smart player. Was only a matter of building comfortability on the field at this level, and hopefully it was the first of many plays showcasing that.
 
Newygirl said:
I just saw a replay of that try and McEwen did a fantastic job of jut holding the ball long enough to get it away to Dom. He had very little space to work in which made it all the more impressive.

They would’ve 100% bombed that try last year but you can see how high their confidence is at the moment. They’re finishing the majority of their opportunities now.

Same with Harrison Graham. Comes on and had the confidence to put in a very good kick on the last which resulted in a repeat set and him putting Frizz over for a try.
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Like I said in the match thread, he handled it like a 150 gamer centre. So easy to pass early, or drift to the sideline and run out of room, just panic and hold onto the ball ... he did it perfectly, drew two defenders and passed. And showed some pretty impressive speed, as well.
 
jamesgould said:
McEwen re-signed until the end of 2028. Seems like a great atmosphere at the club atm with all these re-signings!!!

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1 year extension and probably upgraded for 27 as well. Well deserved.

Another one the Sydney media got wrong, there were stories earlier this year that he would leave because of interest from a lot of other clubs.

Great that it's done before Nov 1 so PNG couldn't make an offer.
POS getting things done! Keep it up.
 
krustykraz said:
Another one the Sydney media got wrong, there were stories earlier this year that he would leave because of interest from a lot of other clubs.
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Kind of forgot about this, seemed more like nothing because they got Nikourke and connecting the dots because ‘someone has to make way’

And again didn’t even bother waiting to become a FA

Ponga snowbal effect in full motion
 
Great news!

Had a few quiet games to start the year and a poor 1st half against the Warriors. Has been great since then and is improving each week.
 
He turned 21 last month - which means he was 20 at the start of the year, so he could be playing Flegg next week.
He played for NSW under 19s for 2 years in a row, and was good the first year, and just about the best on field in his second year.
He has played 27 games of firstgrade since he debuted at 19, including every game this year.
When he started for us in Ball in 2023 he was a year young for Ball, but was one of our best.
He was already a NSW rep at under 16s level from his time at Penrith.

Players don't always keep improving. They sometimes reach a level and go no further. But it's not a real surprise that McEwen has plenty of upside still - at an age when most of his peers are playing Flegg still.
 
One of a few who look like they had a massively beneficial off season physically. Hunt and Marz another two I'd rate a mention to.
 
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