I think there were many positive signs to take from the weekend heading into the new season. It's important that the club took this tournament seriously as it is a good indication of where the boys are at and how the depth is looking for the season.
- I think we looked very fit. Many teams looked quite tired over the weekend, early on in their matches. However we kept turning up in defence and the intensity across the two days was quite good and hardly dropped. If anything, our fitness let us down last season, largely due to the disrupted pre-season. But the boys looked in good condition and coped with the pace of the matches well. I think the fact that, unlike the other teams, the players were only subbed at the order of the coaches rather than at their own choice when they were tired, shows a great level of discipline in the group.
- Our defence was very good, especially through the middle. I think it's largely due to the fitness levels of the boys, as their scramble and desire in defence was very good overall. I know it's a completely different game to a regular match but the signs are their that our defence will be quite good in 2015.
- The depth looks good, especially in the forwards. Taukeiaho, Setu and Manu all showed positive signs, especially with their footwork which is a skill Robbo mentioned about them before the tournament. I also thought Mitch Williams was impressive and didn't disappoint, definitely proving he will be an option throughout the season.
- The regulars looked good and much sharper than last season. This is especially true for Maloney and Pearce, who look determined to have a big season. I thought they showed great leadership on the field and were crisp with their passing game and running.
I understand the game layout is very different to that of a normal league match, but on the whole I think the desire and attitude of the group is quite good heading into the new season. The fitness of the boys also looks good which will be valuable in the tough, opening rounds of the season.
- I think we looked very fit. Many teams looked quite tired over the weekend, early on in their matches. However we kept turning up in defence and the intensity across the two days was quite good and hardly dropped. If anything, our fitness let us down last season, largely due to the disrupted pre-season. But the boys looked in good condition and coped with the pace of the matches well. I think the fact that, unlike the other teams, the players were only subbed at the order of the coaches rather than at their own choice when they were tired, shows a great level of discipline in the group.
- Our defence was very good, especially through the middle. I think it's largely due to the fitness levels of the boys, as their scramble and desire in defence was very good overall. I know it's a completely different game to a regular match but the signs are their that our defence will be quite good in 2015.
- The depth looks good, especially in the forwards. Taukeiaho, Setu and Manu all showed positive signs, especially with their footwork which is a skill Robbo mentioned about them before the tournament. I also thought Mitch Williams was impressive and didn't disappoint, definitely proving he will be an option throughout the season.
- The regulars looked good and much sharper than last season. This is especially true for Maloney and Pearce, who look determined to have a big season. I thought they showed great leadership on the field and were crisp with their passing game and running.
I understand the game layout is very different to that of a normal league match, but on the whole I think the desire and attitude of the group is quite good heading into the new season. The fitness of the boys also looks good which will be valuable in the tough, opening rounds of the season.
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