2018 preseason

[Mexican titan]

Just like in my response to JB I will reiterate AGAIN that I disagree with the premise that Rein is way superior to Kayne.
Subsequently given Lawton adds utility value and the added bonuses of being a young junior I prefer Kayne.

Let’s see what the Coach reckons.

You didn't need to repeat it for my benefit Bodsie. My point was to take issue (sort of) with your general priority for locals over others which you have mentioned in many posts of late. I do agree with you that it is great to have locals come through and crack the NRL but not if there are better players around. Not having many locals in the team hasn't affected the Roosters or Manly over the years and most supporters wouldn't give a toss where blokes come from as long as they are winning. I also remember the push for the juniors at the Tigers - that's ended well.
As for Lawnton over Rein, I don't have great wraps on either of them to be honest and if we had a stronger 17 then neither would make it.
It's good to be arguing over footy again. Bring on round 1.

[Upthetits]

Reins experience alone puts him in front. Not only that he ran a lot more from half than peats which added another dimension to our attack. That plus Cartwright's offloads plus James running rampage out wide not to mention Gordon was extremely vocal out the back (from what I could see). It's a long season and once this team starts to gel anythings possible. Providing minimal injuries of course. Plenty of reasons to be excited

[gotitans101_]

A lot of positive comments in here about last night's game.

But we still lost. Where are the negatives?

[Titanic]

Negatives for 101:
1. We rarely bent the line.
2. Offloads were non existent.
3. We had nothing in attack structure close to the line.
4. Warriors showed our backs are brittle.
5. Penalties and dropped balls.

[JunctionBlock]

6. We still can't win in the wrestle therefore quick play of the ball to a retreating defence that can't number up and shift fast enough.

[TITAN PETE]

That was a much hit out & plenty to like & look forward to, the standout was James back playing on the edge where he looked dangerous all night & reminded us he's got a big motor when he finds open ground in front of him, Latu,Hipgrave & Cartwright all looked good & young Whitbread will keep the bench forwards honest he's a player that always gives 100%

I think the lack of offloads & Ash's constant grubbering can be blamed on the conditions they played in , yes I'm making excuses but it's only a trial..

The argument about Lawton & Rein is more about Brennan's thoughts how he thinks Peats will go playing 80,Rein is far more experienced playing NRL but he's a 9 & nothing else, Lawton can play almost anywhere in the back line so it depends on the other 3 players sitting alongside them on the bench.

I think Gordon brings the class & attack factor we had lost at the back for tha past few years (since Presto), that's an exiting part of our game to look forward to



Bring on the Raiders

[Titanic]

Forgot to mention... I liked both Elgey and Taylor’s contributions. Taylor was often isolated and had to kick, partially by stifling defence and partially by his outside men being too flat. I also liked seeing him getting off that right side. Elgey dug in in defence (like he did last year) with James providing some starch (unlike pussy-willow Greenwood last year). Elgey has a great read of the game, also got over supporting Taylor and with a stable environment should be fine.

Greenwood is such a plodder and Hipgrave should get that bench spot after suspension while I totally agree with Pete, Whitbread really surprised, however, except for Gordon who is a class gain, our other backs were pretty ordinary.

Can we blood Brimson on the wing?

[Mr Bods]

You didn't need to repeat it for my benefit Bodsie. My point was to take issue (sort of) with your general priority for locals over others which you have mentioned in many posts of late. I do agree with you that it is great to have locals come through and crack the NRL but not if there are better players around. Not having many locals in the team hasn't affected the Roosters or Manly over the years and most supporters wouldn't give a toss where blokes come from as long as they are winning. I also remember the push for the juniors at the Tigers - that's ended well.
As for Lawnton over Rein, I don't have great wraps on either of them to be honest and if we had a stronger 17 then neither would make it.
It's good to be arguing over footy again. Bring on round 1.

Hey MT-it sure is a thing of beauty that we are actually talking about Team Selections in the Titans Forum.
Too right-bring on R1.
We have to find a way to win this game.