Looking at our performances this year, disgusting performances aside (Cowboys/Storm games) we have showed pretty steady improvement to be honest. We shouldn't have lost to the Panthers or Dragons, but vital moments in both games cost us, and likewise, we pulled the rabbit out of the hat against Souths to beat them. Just some things to note:
- Minichiello has earnt another season with us. As critical as I am of him in recent years, he is quite safe, and his support play and experience has slowly improved again as the year has gone on. His confidence is showing clearly and is a positive influence on the team
- Tagive is a keeper. He has the physical attributes that past flops like Tevita Folau, Sisa Waqa, Vince Mellars etc were all blessed with, but he seems to be improving with each showing as well, is returning the ball strongly, and his pace in the clear is deceptively sharp
- Aubusson needs to stay in the backrow. The guy has all his best games in the forwards, and all his worst games in the centres. He actually makes MORE breaks in the backrow, where he is exceptionally mobile for a forward, as opposed to when he plays in the centres, when he is found wanting in the evasiveness department. Vital member of the engine room.
- Our backrow depth is better than ever. When Nuuausala returns, assuming we persist with the 4-prop rotation of Hargreaves, Kennedy, Masoe, Tasi, then we have Aubusson, Guerra, Arona, Nuuausala, Takairangi, Bosden, Cordner, Symonds and the returning Cherrington all fighting for 4 spots (5 if we have a utility like Mitchell or Mortimer on the bench)
- Pearce is showing outstanding progress and leadership this year, and deserves his Origin selection without a doubt
- Minichiello has earnt another season with us. As critical as I am of him in recent years, he is quite safe, and his support play and experience has slowly improved again as the year has gone on. His confidence is showing clearly and is a positive influence on the team
- Tagive is a keeper. He has the physical attributes that past flops like Tevita Folau, Sisa Waqa, Vince Mellars etc were all blessed with, but he seems to be improving with each showing as well, is returning the ball strongly, and his pace in the clear is deceptively sharp
- Aubusson needs to stay in the backrow. The guy has all his best games in the forwards, and all his worst games in the centres. He actually makes MORE breaks in the backrow, where he is exceptionally mobile for a forward, as opposed to when he plays in the centres, when he is found wanting in the evasiveness department. Vital member of the engine room.
- Our backrow depth is better than ever. When Nuuausala returns, assuming we persist with the 4-prop rotation of Hargreaves, Kennedy, Masoe, Tasi, then we have Aubusson, Guerra, Arona, Nuuausala, Takairangi, Bosden, Cordner, Symonds and the returning Cherrington all fighting for 4 spots (5 if we have a utility like Mitchell or Mortimer on the bench)
- Pearce is showing outstanding progress and leadership this year, and deserves his Origin selection without a doubt
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