Tweet
Gus reckons that the top 3 - Broncos, Cowboys and us - are the only teams with a genuine chance at winning the comp. He went through his opinions on each team, below is what he said about us:
ROOSTERS:
On paper the Roosters have the best roster in the NRL. The addition of a player such as Blake Ferguson to an already star-studded line-up had given this team a new X-factor when it comes to winning big matches.
The improvement of fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck since his full-time switch to replace Anthony Minichiello has also been a huge boost for the tricolours. The thing about the Roosters is I don't think we have seen them at their best. They show glimpses from time to time. But they are not always playing with the intensity or level of excellence I anticipate.
Or maybe it's an illusion. Maybe we look at the names and expect more, but in reality they are flat out. Maybe this is as good as it gets. But I don't think so.
The Roosters are capable of far better and have a higher level of performance they can reach that will be beyond the capabilities of the other contenders.
The Roosters have the best defensive record in the NRL. Historically, the best defensive teams usually win the title. In 18 matches this season, they have conceded only 212 points. That's less that two converted tries a game. Amazing. Your attack is not under any real pressure when you are only chasing 12 points a game.
The Roosters first 13 boasts representative-class players in every position. But it is the strength of their bench that gives them the biggest advantage over their rivals.
Regardless of how Trent Robinson names his 17 each week, he can always rely on tremendous impact from his bench. He also has great versatility in his players, which covers all possible scenarios when injuries or setbacks occur.
Their pack can dominate the advantage line like no other in the competition. They are also becoming more adept at passing the football among each other, which adds impetus to their go-forward game.
This allows halfback Mitchell Pearce more time and space to kick and pass. They are now getting early ball to the strike centres Ferguson and Michael Jennings, which is putting immense pressure on opposition defensive lines.
To top it all they have this young sensation in RTS chiming in from the back and creating havoc with his powerful charges and lightning-fast footwork.
This team is the complete package.
Or is it?
There just seems to be something missing at the moment. I'm sure it's mental more than physical. It's just a gut feeling. I don't like how often they go through flat patches.
Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe perfection is unattainable. But it shouldn't stop you from trying to achieve it, especially when you have the ability to do so.
If all teams get to September fit and healthy, I expect the Roosters to prevail and lift the trophy.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/l...#ixzz3gxLrdowU
I must say, I tend to agree with him on a lot of what he said. Especially the part where he thinks there is something missing at the moment. I believe our defence is finding it's feet and our forward pack are enjoying some nice momentum. However our attack in the 20m zone (as highlighted in another thread) is the big concern at the moment. If that doesn't improve, I feel we won't have enough points in us to go all the way this year. To try and beat the likes of Souths, Cowboys and Broncos, we must improve our good area attack.
ROOSTERS:
On paper the Roosters have the best roster in the NRL. The addition of a player such as Blake Ferguson to an already star-studded line-up had given this team a new X-factor when it comes to winning big matches.
The improvement of fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck since his full-time switch to replace Anthony Minichiello has also been a huge boost for the tricolours. The thing about the Roosters is I don't think we have seen them at their best. They show glimpses from time to time. But they are not always playing with the intensity or level of excellence I anticipate.
Or maybe it's an illusion. Maybe we look at the names and expect more, but in reality they are flat out. Maybe this is as good as it gets. But I don't think so.
The Roosters are capable of far better and have a higher level of performance they can reach that will be beyond the capabilities of the other contenders.
The Roosters have the best defensive record in the NRL. Historically, the best defensive teams usually win the title. In 18 matches this season, they have conceded only 212 points. That's less that two converted tries a game. Amazing. Your attack is not under any real pressure when you are only chasing 12 points a game.
The Roosters first 13 boasts representative-class players in every position. But it is the strength of their bench that gives them the biggest advantage over their rivals.
Regardless of how Trent Robinson names his 17 each week, he can always rely on tremendous impact from his bench. He also has great versatility in his players, which covers all possible scenarios when injuries or setbacks occur.
Their pack can dominate the advantage line like no other in the competition. They are also becoming more adept at passing the football among each other, which adds impetus to their go-forward game.
This allows halfback Mitchell Pearce more time and space to kick and pass. They are now getting early ball to the strike centres Ferguson and Michael Jennings, which is putting immense pressure on opposition defensive lines.
To top it all they have this young sensation in RTS chiming in from the back and creating havoc with his powerful charges and lightning-fast footwork.
This team is the complete package.
Or is it?
There just seems to be something missing at the moment. I'm sure it's mental more than physical. It's just a gut feeling. I don't like how often they go through flat patches.
Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe perfection is unattainable. But it shouldn't stop you from trying to achieve it, especially when you have the ability to do so.
If all teams get to September fit and healthy, I expect the Roosters to prevail and lift the trophy.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/l...#ixzz3gxLrdowU
I must say, I tend to agree with him on a lot of what he said. Especially the part where he thinks there is something missing at the moment. I believe our defence is finding it's feet and our forward pack are enjoying some nice momentum. However our attack in the 20m zone (as highlighted in another thread) is the big concern at the moment. If that doesn't improve, I feel we won't have enough points in us to go all the way this year. To try and beat the likes of Souths, Cowboys and Broncos, we must improve our good area attack.
Comment