Pauga

[Horry]

Was told by a norths player he has signed for 2 years with us .

[The Lip]

He had some key runs and also showed solid passing skills. Combined well with Keary too (who I also think has lifted his running game in recent weeks).

IMO our form was promising as the Faders, Cows, Souffs, Warriors, Eels...etc have all dropped-off towards the end of the season. IMO we are amongst the Riff, Drongos, Knights and Sharks as the 5 teams that will have a serious crack during the finals.

I doubt we'll see Toops again in 2023 so it's good to know that Pauga's been able to step-up. During the pre-season I remember that Bloke in a Bar loved Pauga and assumed he was a youngster. Checked his age and went 'WOW!' We've had a few journeymen who've come good under Robbo. Possibly one of his under-rated skills is taking on guys who others have written off and squeezing some of the youthful form/attitude outta them that first brought 'em to the game. Always love a story about a toiler who's come good!

Arguably Pauga's awareness was one of the biggest factors behind us making our mark on the game. Firstly just befor half-time he had that try where he was perfectly setup for a Sam Walker Harbour Bridge pass... IMO he musta seen Campbell Graham rush in and had an ESP moment with Walker there. Then just after 1/2 time he was in the right place at the right time for Keary to do two show and go's followed by a PERFECT pass for Pauga to slice through, before handing Teddy a try. To me his awareness & ability to link-up with Walker, Keary and Teddy all like that was extremely impressive. Seems simple but I reckon that's mostly what Brett Morris offered around the park... awareness and an ability to always be in the right spot as a result. In a game full of many freakish physical specimens on the wing, IMO the smartest player still wins 99% of the time.

Agree with a lot of what you said Ism but he didn't hand that try to Teddy - Ted had a lot of work to do after Paugas pass which was not great and behind Ted a bit taking all the momentum from him. Not many could have formed that pass in that situation into points - luckily for us it was Teddy it was an immense effort from him to find the line there.

[Random Rooster]

Pauga? I thought it was Matt Ikuvalu!

[Rooster90]

Reminds me a bit of Sam Perrett in the way that he runs.....
Seems to have more pace though

The way he has looked in NSW Cup and when stepping up to NRL it's strange that he never got much of a go at the Tigers considering their options

[Rooster89]

Pauga absolutely killed it again vs the Sharks

235m, most on ground.

It was good to see someone on our edge with pace but also his returns are good and even if he gets hit hard his leg drive is good.

Very happy with him and at 27 he's a great winger, not sure where he fits in next year but I hope he stays on and Suaalili leaves but early.

[Waylander]

Pauga absolutely killed it again vs the Sharks
235m, most on ground.

186m according to the NRL site. Teddy first with 210.

[Rooster89]

186m according to the NRL site. Teddy first with 210.

That's a massive difference from the foxsports displayed after the match.

There's got to be an investigation into this.