I think everyone's in denial

[BUDDY]

Yeah I know all the "positives" .. young team, players missing, "character building" ... boring.
Fact is statistics have shown that if we play a good team they lap us. We play three teams going nearly as busted as us, and we lose all three in tough finishes.
I think we are also talking up way too much how better things will be when we get the big three back.
JWH Cords and Pearce won't fix up the most woeful right side defence since me and Sharpie manned the sideline precipice for the 13E's 30 years ago.
it won't fix our on-field leadership - the obvious problem we have with infield leadership was there when Pearce and Maloney played.
We need Cooper Cronk. An onfield organiser and leader will transform this team. When Hayne joins us soon, he will bring massive confidence.
Then we need a right side pig defender and loudmouth who'll build confidence in our winger to stay on his player.
Nikorima off the bench is a no-brainer. He'll soon go ballistic in that role.
Mitchell needs one more year at least away from first grade. We know he's got it, but not yet.

Any team who has their NYC 1, 6 and 7 will struggle as much as us. Add to that players like Elliot, Frei and Vunakece who with all due respect will struggle to make any NRL team. Plus a few players seriously out of form we have done pretty well to get close in three games and with a better goal kicker and a bit of bunker love we could have won all three. I had no expectations for the first 12 rounds and have stated that I would be surprised if we won 3 games. It is what it is. We don't have the team to expect any wins at the moments but would happily jag one or two. I am happy to see the the young players who will set up our future get the experience required. I think Pearce, JWH and Cordner will make a huge difference not so much with leadership but just adding experience and toughness. But we won't make the top 8.
This was always a write-off year. Dare I say it, a rebuilding year. This is the reality. But unlike most other teams, we won't be down for long.

[LeCoq]

Right so everybody who isn't throwing chairs around and slitting their wrists is in denial.

IMO those who are chucking tanties every week and calling all our players rubbish are delusional. If you haven't watched 3 games where we've lost by less than a converted try this season (or seen ANY improvement amongst our players) you're a spinner.

Losing is cr@p and demonstrates we're not where we want to be at... but it doesn't mean YOU have to lose your shyte over it and act as if the world is ending. As Robbo said... if we keep getting better ever week, we'll do well. If we cross our fingers every week, we won't.

Well said, mate.

Losing two games in extra time and another on in which we were denied a potential game winning try by 2 points is telling. I saw a massive improvement in certain respects yesterday. Some low percentage plays weren't pulled off. Napa on the kick-off for instance or Nikorima flinging that final pass close to their try line when it wasn't the last. You can't blame Napa for trying what he did nor Nikorima for his effort - he's inexperienced. Any other seasoned half would have taken the tackle and sought a quick, clean play the ball. But he will be better for it - it takes time.

Hastings probably had his best game so far this year - he has to be our goal kicker. Yesterday will give him confidence.

Although I think Souths are beatable, I'd actually be happy if we stay within 10-12 points of them and make sure it's not a blow out. Everyone calling for people's heads and show trials of players and coaching staff should go for a walk or a take breather. This season will be a long road best negotiated by those who are loyal, patient, hard working and forward thinking.

[ism22]

There are several "senior" players who are letting us down badly, apart from the drunk idiot halfback that is suspended at the moment.

Guerra is just terrible, I hope they release him.

Fergo is a disgrace in defence.

Friend is one of the few hookers in the comp that rarely if ever takes advantage of a quick play the ball with only 1 marker by shooting out from dummy half like most good hookers are meant to do. I know there are plenty of fans of his on this site who give the usual excuse about the amount of tackles that he does, but most other hookers do a lot of tackles as well (not quite as many as friend does but they do a lot as well yet they still manage to run with the ball from dummy half which he lacks). He also comes up with poor options a lot of the time, stupid face balls when we are on the opposition try line instead of going out back deep. Yesterday again he went down the blind side in the first half on the last tackle when nothing was on down there.

I would be keeping Mitchell in first grade, he is one of the few players that we have that actually looks like he might do something when he has the ball in his hands.

What makes you think that Hayne is coming?

In Friend's defence, the refs don't usually let us get quick ball. Remember that bloody Johnson kick that was nowhere near close?!?

NUP... NUP... I HAVE TO CHECK WHETHER IT WAS ACTUALLY A FIELD GOAL!!! With Friend saying 'we're entitled to a quick tap sir and they are all offside'. NUP... GOTTA DO THIS, IT'S IMPORTANT!!!

After like 20 replays 'ALRIGHT THANKS... NO GOAL... PLAY ON ROOSTERS'. Not saying the refs took the game away from us, but stuff like that fires me up.

[milanja]

Friend has been disappointing. The usual penalties, silly kicks on early tackles and lack of on field direction.

Has been in first grade since 2009 so no excuses.

Friend is averaging 10 tackles more per match than the next closest tackler. Coach should be addressing this pretty seriously, it has made him totally ineffective in attack.

[Double]

I find it difficult to be critical of Friends game ATM. I guess he's just hungry for the defensive effort more than a few others in the side.

[JAF]

Here is a bit of perspective - take Friend out of our side and our defence would be in deeper trouble than what it is today ...

[BUDDY]

In Friend's defence, the refs don't usually let us get quick ball. Remember that bloody Johnson kick that was nowhere near close?!?

NUP... NUP... I HAVE TO CHECK WHETHER IT WAS ACTUALLY A FIELD GOAL!!! With Friend saying 'we're entitled to a quick tap sir and they are all offside'. NUP... GOTTA DO THIS, IT'S IMPORTANT!!!

After like 20 replays 'ALRIGHT THANKS... NO GOAL... PLAY ON ROOSTERS'. Not saying the refs took the game away from us, but stuff like that fires me up.

And the pr!ck was standing about 2 metres away right under the post. The best position in the whole ground.
Of course that incorrect play the ball by SKD was not so important to him. All he said after it was shown on the screen is "we've made a decision". FFS.

[theGman]

There are several "senior" players who are letting us down badly, apart from the drunk idiot halfback that is suspended at the moment.

Guerra is just terrible, I hope they release him.

Fergo is a disgrace in defence.

Friend is one of the few hookers in the comp that rarely if ever takes advantage of a quick play the ball with only 1 marker by shooting out from dummy half like most good hookers are meant to do. I know there are plenty of fans of his on this site who give the usual excuse about the amount of tackles that he does, but most other hookers do a lot of tackles as well (not quite as many as friend does but they do a lot as well yet they still manage to run with the ball from dummy half which he lacks). He also comes up with poor options a lot of the time, stupid face balls when we are on the opposition try line instead of going out back deep. Yesterday again he went down the blind side in the first half on the last tackle when nothing was on down there.

I would be keeping Mitchell in first grade, he is one of the few players that we have that actually looks like he might do something when he has the ball in his hands.

What makes you think that Hayne is coming?

HT, did you forget to include Daniel Tupou as one of the senior players? He's under performing notably without Jenko and needs time at Wyong.

[Double]

HT, did you forget to include Daniel Tupou as one of the senior players? He's under performing notably without Jenko and needs time at Wyong.

His stats are good despite missing round 1



But you are 100% correct regardless of the stats.

[Half time]

In Friend's defence, the refs don't usually let us get quick ball. Remember that bloody Johnson kick that was nowhere near close?!?

NUP... NUP... I HAVE TO CHECK WHETHER IT WAS ACTUALLY A FIELD GOAL!!! With Friend saying 'we're entitled to a quick tap sir and they are all offside'. NUP... GOTTA DO THIS, IT'S IMPORTANT!!!

After like 20 replays 'ALRIGHT THANKS... NO GOAL... PLAY ON ROOSTERS'. Not saying the refs took the game away from us, but stuff like that fires me up.

Almost every time SKD runs the ball nowadays, he gets a quick play the ball. And almost every time friend fails to take any advantage of it. Friend did it once or twice in the manly game after a strong run and quick play the ball by skd and we marched downfield easily. But friend doesn't do it enough.

[Half time]

HT, did you forget to include Daniel Tupou as one of the senior players? He's under performing notably without Jenko and needs time at Wyong.

yes he is a lost cause so that is why I forgot about him. I am sick of seeing him being dragged backwards and getting a slow play the ball. I also cringe every time he holds the ball because he has a very loose carry. Then don't get me started on his defence, hopeless arm grabber.

[Headless Chook]

Here is a bit of perspective - take Friend out of our side and our defence would be in deeper trouble than what it is today ...

I'm not critical of Friend's effort at all, I know he puts in and does a lot of work. I'm critical of his lack of control of our game from dummy half. He is easily the most experienced out of our 1,6,7 and 9 so he should be taking control of those sets when we are setting up for the field goal but it looks like we are just playing 'off the cuff' with no real thought to what we want to achieve. With Cameron Smith, Mick Ennis or Robbie Farah at 9, we would have beaten Canberra and NZ.

[eddie]

. I enjoy discussing those solutions with smart Roosters comrades.

But apparently if any of those comrades disagree's with your master plan you find it boring?

[bondi paul]

There are several "senior" players who are letting us down badly, apart from the drunk idiot halfback that is suspended at the moment.

Guerra is just terrible, I hope they release him.

Fergo is a disgrace in defence.

Friend is one of the few hookers in the comp that rarely if ever takes advantage of a quick play the ball with only 1 marker by shooting out from dummy half like most good hookers are meant to do. I know there are plenty of fans of his on this site who give the usual excuse about the amount of tackles that he does, but most other hookers do a lot of tackles as well (not quite as many as friend does but they do a lot as well yet they still manage to run with the ball from dummy half which he lacks). He also comes up with poor options a lot of the time, stupid face balls when we are on the opposition try line instead of going out back deep. Yesterday again he went down the blind side in the first half on the last tackle when nothing was on down there.

I would be keeping Mitchell in first grade, he is one of the few players that we have that actually looks like he might do something when he has the ball in his hands.

What makes you think that Hayne is coming?

Both Guerra and Fergo minds are not totally focused on leadership or game due to their personal life as young parents. I am not making excuses but it would have a impact on performance as it is life changing.

[Guest]

There are several "senior" players who are letting us down badly, apart from the drunk idiot halfback that is suspended at the moment.

Guerra is just terrible, I hope they release him.

Fergo is a disgrace in defence.

Friend is one of the few hookers in the comp that rarely if ever takes advantage of a quick play the ball with only 1 marker by shooting out from dummy half like most good hookers are meant to do. I know there are plenty of fans of his on this site who give the usual excuse about the amount of tackles that he does, but most other hookers do a lot of tackles as well (not quite as many as friend does but they do a lot as well yet they still manage to run with the ball from dummy half which he lacks). He also comes up with poor options a lot of the time, stupid face balls when we are on the opposition try line instead of going out back deep. Yesterday again he went down the blind side in the first half on the last tackle when nothing was on down there.

I would be keeping Mitchell in first grade, he is one of the few players that we have that actually looks like he might do something when he has the ball in his hands.

What makes you think that Hayne is coming?

It looks like you must have told him.

You posted on here numerous times in the off season he will be here this year or the next.