When will DCE come clean

[B2B]

Whilst a disappointing end last night , there is plenty to look forward in 2026 ! Our premiership window is now open and we will be challenging for the title next year . In saying that , now our season has ended , will DCE now come forward and state his intentions . Let’ hope this soap drama comes to an end , please.

[milanja]

It was said when both teams were out of contention, it would be announced.

We need another option other than Sammy until rodwell is ready, Hugo has a great boot, but struggles with creativity, so DCE will be a good option if he signs.

[The Brain]

Bring Turbo with him to take Smiths place

[Bates]

The result wouldn't have changed last night had DCE played imo. Let's not forget that Manly missed the 8 and they had a very good roster!

The problems are within the playing system. Only Robbo can fix this!

It's clear that "going after the game" is a hit and miss philosophy. We either lap teams or resemble a park footy side with poor ball handling and average decision making. Back to the drawing board for Robbo over the off season.

[Steakface]

I agree with Bates on this completely.

We don't need DCE imo. Walker, Savala and Rodwell are all great talents, and none have reached their ceiling yet. We need an adjustment to our footballing philosophy.

While I dont believe we should totally decapitate our creativity, we need to become more of a percentages team. Completing sets needs to become the most important thing we do, then put the creativity as the icing on top. As great as it can be to watch, we need to dial back the eyes up footy a little bit.

Also, while Marky Mark is exceptional - and a great fullback in waiting - I was constantly frustrated last night at our mentality in attack. We were extremely predictable in trying to shift it to him constantly. Last night was an opportunity to outsmart the Sharks by diversifying our attack (knowing they would expect we'd favour Markys side) but instead we doubled down on the predictable option. The Sharks knew what we were going to do a mile away, and as such defended us on their line quite easily for the most part.

I wouldn't mind seeing the stats on how many times Toia touched the ball compared to Billy Smith - I expect it's double, or potentially more.

This is down to coaching - I believe the bucks stops with Holbrook as attacking coach, but Robbo too. I think our attacking plan could have been much better, as although we made good meters & dominated at times, we looked atriocious once we were down the business end of the field trying to cross the chalk.

[Inflictor]

The result wouldn't have changed last night had DCE played imo. Let's not forget that Manly missed the 8 and they had a very good roster!

The problems are within the playing system. Only Robbo can fix this!

It's clear that "going after the game" is a hit and miss philosophy. We either lap teams or resemble a park footy side with poor ball handling and average decision making. Back to the drawing board for Robbo over the off season.

This gives negative connotations.
I think we went forward this year. Missing 9 players for most of the year from our best 17 from last year and 8 rookies. We did exceptionally well considering. Last night's loss was disappointing because our expectations obviously grew once we made the Top 8 but we were up for a long time with no chance of resting players. We were spent.
Our defence has really improved the back half of the year and Robson and NButch back in the team will make it even stronger. I expect us to be the best defensive team next year.
Our attack was also one of the best once Sammy came back. An off night by Sammy but he will be better for it. Had he been there all year we probably finish Top 4.
Last night hurt but I am sure the players are excited about what's to come.
Barring injuries I expect a Top 4 finish next year.

[Bates]

This gives negative connotations.
I think we went forward this year. Missing 9 players for most of the year from our best 17 from last year and 8 rookies. We did exceptionally well considering. Last night's loss was disappointing because our expectations obviously grew once we made the Top 8 but we were up for a long time with no chance of resting players. We were spent.
Our defence has really improved the back half of the year and Robson and NButch back in the team will make it even stronger. I expect us to be the best defensive team next year.
Our attack was also one of the best once Sammy came back. An off night by Sammy but he will be better for it. Had he been there all year we probably finish Top 4.
Last night hurt but I am sure the players are excited about what's to come.
Barring injuries I expect a Top 4 finish next year.

You're in denial.

Last night poor performance is 100% on Robbo's playing system. We payed the ultimate price for high risk, hit and miss style footy and the inability to adjust when things weren't going to plan.

[Inflictor]

You're in denial.

Last night poor performance is 100% on Robbo's playing system. We payed the ultimate price for high risk, hit and miss style footy and the inability to adjust when things weren't going to plan.

Nah just a realist.
Of all the dropped balls which came off high risk plays?
Some just try and find things that aren't there to blame someone.

FFS

[Lydon]

You're in denial.

Last night poor performance is 100% on Robbo's playing system. We payed the ultimate price for high risk, hit and miss style footy and the inability to adjust when things weren't going to plan.

100% spot on Bates

[Roosterfarian]

You're in denial.

Last night poor performance is 100% on Robbo's playing system. We payed the ultimate price for high risk, hit and miss style footy and the inability to adjust when things weren't going to plan.

You’re spot on Batesy mun but a lot of that is on Walker and his chaotic brand of football.

Unless he learns some serious game management skills, he will win us games no doubt…

But he won’t win us a GF.

[bondi.boy]

I agree with Bates on this completely.

We don't need DCE imo. Walker, Savala and Rodwell are all great talents, and none have reached their ceiling yet. We need an adjustment to our footballing philosophy.

While I dont believe we should totally decapitate our creativity, we need to become more of a percentages team. Completing sets needs to become the most important thing we do, then put the creativity as the icing on top. As great as it can be to watch, we need to dial back the eyes up footy a little bit.

Also, while Marky Mark is exceptional - and a great fullback in waiting - I was constantly frustrated last night at our mentality in attack. We were extremely predictable in trying to shift it to him constantly. Last night was an opportunity to outsmart the Sharks by diversifying our attack (knowing they would expect we'd favour Markys side) but instead we doubled down on the predictable option. The Sharks knew what we were going to do a mile away, and as such defended us on their line quite easily for the most part.

I wouldn't mind seeing the stats on how many times Toia touched the ball compared to Billy Smith - I expect it's double, or potentially more.

This is down to coaching - I believe the bucks stops with Holbrook as attacking coach, but Robbo too. I think our attacking plan could have been much better, as although we made good meters & dominated at times, we looked atriocious once we were down the business end of the field trying to cross the chalk.

It's because we relied far too much on winning games by having Toops score from high kicks.
Sharks were waiting and covered him.
Then we were lost for plans b,c,d,e,f.

[bondi.boy]

Whilst a disappointing end last night , there is plenty to look forward in 2026 ! Our premiership window is now open and we will be challenging for the title next year . In saying that , now our season has ended , will DCE now come forward and state his intentions . Let’ hope this soap drama comes to an end , please.

Maybe there's nothing for him to "come clean" to.
Maybe we haven't offered him a contract, yet (or don't intend to).

[Michael Jones]

One assumes some announcement will be made soon one way or another. Sandon Smith signed with the Knights -Hugo Savala will play where in 2026? - Reece Robson will be first choice dummy half so where does Connor Watson and Benaiah Ioelu fit into 17?

[Chook2]

One assumes some announcement will be made soon one way or another. Sandon Smith signed with the Knights -Hugo Savala will play where in 2026? - Reece Robson will be first choice dummy half so where does Connor Watson and Benaiah Ioelu fit into 17?

Watson 14
Ioelu nsw cup 9 to start

[Bruce 38-0]

So we need to adapt the game we play to suit the match and or conditions. Ie last night at 12-10 needed a grind, grind, grind and wait for the opportunity.

when the went to 14-10, could we have short kicked off.

I was at the swamp end, just near the channel 9 desk and where the fight was. I think in the second half we were there maybe 5times max. Todd Smith had thrown the whistle away. Question - how do you get to the money end if not getting a leg up, making a break or the other team dropping the ball in yardage sets - which we know we do?

I agree with another post somewhere. Other teams do the grind because they know we will drop it in yardage sets and they will get field position.