Having watched the replay, it pains me to say it...

[Carlos Parra]

They actually played ok.

And the ref was ok too!!!!

Whilst it wasn't cohesive display, or a 40 point win that we might normally have hoped for, most of the players did their job. There were no continuous clangers or dopey mistakes from the usual suspects.

A team that has played most of the year out of position, can take this week as a lesson in how to gel.

Major observations:

• For the 2nd time this year, no-one has bothered to run in and congratulate Keary for saving our skin with a field goal. It was like it never happened (or maybe they just figured it was 'de rigueur')
• By christ, it was nice to watch a match without the Handbrake slowing things down.
• Tedesco's form drop has abated.
• Junior Paugo looked good (finally someone who can catch a high ball).
• Suallii has to acknowledge where he must play for the rest of the year.
• Without JWH, Sitilli, Lodge or Crichton this team is only going backwards.
• And the biggest PLUS - I didn't have to listen to Gibberer Ginnane or that illiterate dunce, Shane Flannagan commentate the match.

[Sentimentinel]

Loved Jazza today with the controlled aggression. TPJ tried to unsettle him early but he didn't want a bar of it.

Has Sitilli grown a third in mass since the ACL? He looks big and scary in defense in the middle.

[SamKerrSimp]

I am sure it does pain you to say they played well

[Carlos Parra]

I am sure it does pain you to say they played well

No SamKerrGimp, it actually pained me to say that the ref was OK.

[Andrew Walker]

Oh Carlos This is a splendid thread

[mightyrooster]

Why is it painful to say?

[Carlos Parra]

Oh Carlos This is a splendid thread

I'm not sure if you left off the sarc tag. But I'll take it. Cheers.

I await the usual suspect making an entrance here to dry hump the Handbrake's leg...even though he was, thankfully, nowhere to be seen.

[Bates]

They wound the risk level back and it made a difference. We looked more cohesive and our timing was significantly better. Good predictable service from dummy half also helped.

Errors and our edge D are still a major concern.

[Carlos Parra]

Why is it painful to say?

As I said earlier to the Gimp, it pained me to acknowledge that the ref did a pretty good job (and also it was to counter the comments in the main game thread that were absolutely hammering the team). I know that was mixed up amongst all my other observations, but the team was far from the shambles that we've seen in recent weeks. There was more structure and cohesion even if it was a little bit clunky in parts.

[mightyrooster]

As I said earlier to the Gimp, it pained me to acknowledge that the ref did a pretty good job (and also it was to counter the comments in the main game thread that were absolutely hammering the team). I know that was mixed up amongst all my other observations, but the team was far from the shambles that we've seen in recent weeks. There was more structure and cohesion even if it was a little bit clunky in parts.

Fair enough. We did look better in attack. There were still a few too many dumb mistakes which led directly to dogs tries making it quite frustrating. But there’s definitely been improvement the past two games.

[gragra]

The impressive form of Teddy and Keary was the major reason we jagged a win. Super impressed with Keary's speed in trying to run down Addo Carr over 80 metres and pretty much got to the tryline at the same time. Still really concerned w Joey Manu's form...not making a break, nor passing and seems really slow....slower than Reed Mahoney. Now if we can beat the Panthers next week......

[King Salvo]

It's just Carla back flipping until the next loss that is when it's back to true form - dribble on tosser and don't pretend your back inside the tent.

Your mouth wash ain't making it

[RoosterBooster]

This….

Turpin and S Smith offer quick simple service from hooker.

We paid too much for Brandon Smith not to start when fit, bit of a long term issue

They wound the risk level back and it made a difference. We looked more cohesive and our timing was significantly better. Good predictable service from dummy half also helped.

Errors and our edge D are still a major concern.

[rented tracksuit]

It's just Carla back flipping until the next loss that is when it's back to true form - dribble on tosser and don't pretend your back inside the tent.

Your mouth wash ain't making it

Heavy hitting with the pillow from the Googler.

[roosterproud]

Seeewahhlleee stats dont look good on average out team competes in tackles around 80%. He comes in at 50%. Thats concerning