Disappointing to lose that one after such a great start but only a trial and showed plenty of good signs. The effort and enthusiasm, especially in defence, was the big positive for me. Put a lot of pressure on them in D and forced a few errors and got up in their face. Attack also looked sharp with Ash and Roberts back linking up together again. Just a few things:
-I reckon Carty has locked up that 12 jersey at least for round 1. Actually looked like he was giving it a go in defence and pulled off a few good shots. And added some second phase footy to our attack. James is better in the middle imo and we need to keep him there. Cartwright needs to keep that up for the whole season though otherwise he's goneskie.
-As sad as it is for the Don, Lee has sewn that right wing spot up as well. Scored a nice try and his hitups in our own half starts our sets off really well. Kelly was also superb so our right side combination is looking solid.
-As I said, Roberts needs to be at 6. He links up with Ash so well and they both look happier when playing alongside each other which equals better footy played by both. Also helps take the pressure off Ash as we now have another option to go to on 5th tackle (last year we missed that, Ash was our only option).
-For me Gordon, as solid as he has been for us, can't fit into our best 17. Brimson needs to be at the back and for me Rein can't miss out on a spot either as he adds a real spark off the bench. Good to have Mick for depth though.
Anyway a little over two weeks until we are in to round 1 and hopefully we can bring some of that effort that we displayed tonight.