NRL Round 7 - Roosters Vs Knights - 2:00pm Sunday, 19th April - Allianz Stadium
- Thread starter Lefty
- Start date
I’d disagree, this was a textbook “young side plays old hands” game. We took it to them but the Roosters, despite not being at their best, just had the experience to sit back, wait for their chance, and turn the screws when they got the momentum. With the side we had out there, we don’t have it yet to find our way out of that situation, against a side that traditionally goes deep into the finals.
But for me there were a lot of positive signs in that first half, the ability is there to rattle a quality side on their home turf. We can be scintillating with the ball in hand, even with so many key players out. Defensive resolve is there. But when you look at how many games a lot of our players have played, forwards especially, we’re realistically a couple of years away from the finished product. In years to come, I hope we’ll ice games like today.
I 100% agree. I didn’t think we’d get close and to run out 12 point leader in that first half with the amount of players out and likes of Hunt and Francis being leaders attack wise in that 1st half astounded me.
Sadly with momentum in modern game we weren’t able to wrestle back any of it in second half.
These injuries suck arse cause clearly we are a very good attacking squad and strong defensive team with everyone on board.
danknights
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I do agree. We just don't have a halfback named Andrew johns to turn the screws to win 44-42. My biggest gripe watching dylbro on the right and Sando on the left it's just unnatural for both players.
KPGreatness
Ben Donaldson
Agreed, I said it before the game I truely believe with a full strength side we beat them easily, and us taking it to them and leading makes me even more convinced.
With the way he played I’d be happy to let Manu keep that spot next week as well.
I think realistically speaking we should be extremely happy with where we are, we are heading the right way and this time will help develop the young guys for next year
Manu didn’t look out of place in the slightest effort or attack wise. His side got striped apart in second half but wasn’t all don to him. If Lucas injury is for Manu to get some valuable game time and play well then that is just more good news for later in year.
McEwen with another strong game too and hopefully a long season with Brown next to him.
McEwen with another strong game too and hopefully a long season with Brown next to him.
Beer Me Strength
Nathan Ross
Sharpe was very quiet. Just finished watching the replay (tbh turned off after 60 min). He looked very tentative when he had the ball didn’t he. Maybe he does need a spell but with the injury list we can’t really afford it. If I could give myself a hug emoji I would.
Reminded me of Kevin Walter’s comment in origin that the kick off pissed him off. Each time they caught it around the 20 I had the ****s
MBQLD
Adam Woolnough
I didn’t get to watch the game but heard the last 10mins of the first half in the radio.
Basically I turned it on the hear how well the Knights are going to the Roosters having them over a barrel right up until half time.
Can someone give me a quick run down on who did and didn’t do well?
Basically I turned it on the hear how well the Knights are going to the Roosters having them over a barrel right up until half time.
Can someone give me a quick run down on who did and didn’t do well?
Manuleleau very promising, McEwen improving each week, Hunt our best player.
Sharpe very poor.
Les Misérables
Sean Rudder
Manu really warmed into the match. His defence improved considerably throughout the game. He needs time.
But in all seriousness, why do we utterly fall apart without Frizell and/or Lucas. Wtf is going on? The Broncos finished the game without their two best middles and still competed evenly with the Tigers in the second half.
We have some serious issues that need to be fixed otherwise we'll hardly win another game over the next month. And if JSaf goes down, that's Dragons territory
MBQLD
Adam Woolnough
Thanks for the rundown mate.
Sharpe hasn’t been himself since his return from injury. In that he’s in his head about hurting himself again so isn’t breaking off the chain or is he maybe still carrying an injury?
Newygirl
Todd Bates
Doesn’t KP usually do kickoffs? Sharpe will probably improve his as his knee improves. Walsh struggled with things last year with the same injury, he’ll come good
I’d mix up the short drop offs. Short high ones to Hunt while he’s there, or Dom but someone needs to be ready for him to tap it back
In also think drilling it to the sideline can be really effective, as can the the short grubber straight ahead if you got a fast fullback
I’d mix up the short drop offs. Short high ones to Hunt while he’s there, or Dom but someone needs to be ready for him to tap it back
In also think drilling it to the sideline can be really effective, as can the the short grubber straight ahead if you got a fast fullback
Defence wins games
Todd Bates
Or going for the long dropout like teams have been doing since 1908.
Newygirl
Todd Bates
Yeah I just meant if you’re going to do them. If you practice enough though and you’ve got good jumpers like Hunt, Young and Sharpe you’ve got approx 50% chance of getting the ball back. You’ve got no chance of getting it back with a long one.
Also plenty of teams find it harder to attack from only 10 out. So if you’ve got good goal line defence as well, there’s definitely an argument for it. Probably why most teams do it now
I said it before the game, I thought our spine looked much better balanced this week. Unfortunately, Sharpe not being at 100% really hurt us today. I’m not sure Brown looks comfortable on the right either. Every time we shifted that way we looked predictable and slow, probably made worse by moving the ball off the back of slow play the balls. Maybe Brown and Smith should switch sides. Brown can still kick from the left if he swings around on the right on the last.