Some thoughts after last nights game.

[Rooster_6]

I was really surprised with Takarangi, at first glance I thought it was Evans... forgot how big he actually is. Looked at home in the front row, great selection with his offloads. Could be a real weapon for us this year.

Same sentiments as Yak & PWN - Cordner and Maubs were great down that right hand fringe. Cordner has got some really good footwork in him, made a couple of half breaks with some late foowork.

There were 2 occasions when we had about 5-6 sets on our line and held them out both times without ever really looking threatened, their tries came from a bomb and 3 down Justin Carney's side so overall Smith would be pretty happy with the defence I'd think.

We really struggled to get Moga involved which was disappointing and the few times we did he already had the defence all over him. I would have liked to see Anasta play and work on his combo with Moga... think back to the end of '07 when Monas & Braith tore it up. Hopefully both are fit for round 1.

[Guest]

@$26 that's a steel get on it

[Guest]

we will be lucky if we make the finals

[Guest]

we will be lucky if we make the finals

Maori 08 will be lucky to last a week

[Guest]

Maori 08 will be lucky to last a week

its maori rooster you retard

[Guest]

its maori rooster you retard

Why is everyone you speak about a retard. It's quite offensive to be labelling people this way.

[Guest]

Interesting thoughts but we won't make the finals. Moga would be one of the best attacking weapons in the game and they don't give him the ball. Sure, our pack looks good but so do most teams. Three-quarters of our "spine" is garbage. Eleventh.

[Guest]

Interesting thoughts but we won't make the finals. Moga would be one of the best attacking weapons in the game and they don't give him the ball. Sure, our pack looks good but so do most teams. Three-quarters of our "spine" is garbage. Eleventh.

Good players is probably closer to the mark but they are not really good players. But you are right our spine is not good enough.

Individually each of the 4 Friend Pearce Anasta & Mini are good players but together they just have nothing. Mini is not a game breaker he is not even a line breaker but a solid safe FB none the less.
Pearce I love him but the 3 others in the spine are just not sharp enough for him to fire IMO
Anasta I think he is a top player but is like Pearce just needs others around him to be fast & on there game so it makes him look good.
If you have a slick sharp 1/2 or 5/8 & an attacking quality FB, Jake would be a good No 9 but the Roosters lack pace & vision around the ruck so having Jake their just compounds the problem.

[novice chook]

My overwhelming conviction after last night's game is that Carney is nowhere near first grade standard. He made Beau Ryan look like a champ when the guy is nothing more than average. I was so grateful when Carney finally made his way to the bench and Ryan's saloon passage to the tryline disappeared and we won the match.

Carney looked devasted when sitting on the bench, and so he should after that shocker. Not a performance that would make him a certainty for round 1 that's for sure, unless Smith saw something no one else did.

On Smith, very pleased to see him spend a lot of time chatting with the NYC hooker whilst he was having a rest on the bench during the NYC game, giving him encouragement and tips. That's what I want to see from our head coach. No sign of Taylor anywhere near the lads, not sure if he was even at the game.

NC

[ROC181]

2 trial games for Mortimer doesn't have me jumping up and down...lets see by round 3-4 how he is doing. As for the worst jersey, did you see the Souths one yesterday? Fit for the Mardi Gras. not that theres anything wrong.

[Headless Chook]

Interesting all the talk about the 'spine'. Wondering how highly rated the spine of the Sea Eagles and Warriors would have been this time last year.

[Guest]

Interesting all the talk about the 'spine'. Wondering how highly rated the spine of the Sea Eagles and Warriors would have been this time last year.

Time will tell if the Roosters are a top 4 side with that spine.

I hope they prove me wrong.

[Darkone]

I would still have Jake & Pearce in the spine

we need a new 1 & 6

until then the centres & back row need to step up

[Darkone]

Time will tell if the Roosters are a top 4 side with that spine.

I hope they prove me wrong.

Last time we had a good 6, Jake & Pearce were on fire

[Guest]

Last time we had a good 6, Jake & Pearce were on fire

Morts will be @ 6 sooner than you think and will have a great season.. Mini will be safe @ the back and provide plenty behind our pack..