Positives

[roostermcgregor]

The fact that we were outplayed by the Bunnies, but we were somehow still in the game (for a fair bit of the time, anyway)
That shows the class that we have in this team.
Lots of other sides don't have it.

[Paddo Colt 61]

Not so sure about that, Souths had a few disallowed.

Though certainly not the pick of the competition, our young brigade is clearly competent and hopefully might be moulded into the unit (the "living thing") that Robbo talks about and has achieved in the past. However, as has been discussed frequently, the retirement of the Cronkster has left a vacuum. Teddy, to his great credit, looked like being able to fill that void in the later games last year and maybe will be able to go on with it but last week he tried to do too much as a main man in a side that is still coming together. Otherwise it's going to take time and I wouldn't expect to see what we would all like to see until much later in the season if we see it at all this year.

[roosterchook]

So far I see two positives - Manu and Toups both playing great. Some others are lacking match fitness like Keary, Crichton and Tedesco. But still no sign of a good goal kicker.

[bondi.boy]

It's pro footy, pro sport.
It's all about winning.

"A player can have speed, strength, skill and courage...but the question I ask is:
can I win with him?" - Jack Gibson

Got players who can't win games?
Sell/trade them, and buy players who can win games.
Cooper Cronk for example.
No degree from Harvard needed for this one either.
No place for sentiment in pro sport.

[bondi.boy]

So far I see two positives - Manu and Toups both playing great. Some others are lacking match fitness like Keary, Crichton and Tedesco. But still no sign of a good goal kicker.

Indeed.
We have one, but for some reason he's not selected.

[The Corner Post]

Thought I'd put this topic in just because I feel like a lot are hitting the panic button, and focusing too much on the negatives (myself included).

We have on of the best up and coming core and forwards coming through the system at the moment, a few of whom are out but are returning soon. While I'm not that hyped on Sam V, I think his d through the middle and his crisper dummy half play compared to Watson and definitely Hutcho will be a huge influence, especially as it allows Watson to play his favoured role through the middle.

Egan Butcher, while I would like to see a big more muscle on him this season, looked phenomenal last season and will be a definite upgrade over Baker or even his brother, though I'll give Nat the respect he deserves as he has been among our best the last two games.

We got a good problem in that we got our forwards in Norths knocking the door for FG. Tuku (who I really think could be a special player in the future), Whyte, DSF and Atoni are all playing some great football for Norths, provide us insane depth and a hopeful future in the forwards once JWH leave and Tauks is gone, but more than that can probably come in this season and provide immediately. #TukuWhyteForFirstGrade

Walker just looks insane. Nothing more needs to be said. Tedesco is top 3 in Rugby League. Keary will find his feet at 7. Crichton in 2020 and 2021 was a top 3 2nd rower (don't argue with this, if you do its just recency bias) Suaalii is returning. Radley and Sitili are playing some of their best footy. We have the king of the air in Tupou and the best red zone player in Manu.

We will be in the finals in September, I'm still expecting a top 4 finish, but teams have shown in the past, 2015 Cowboys, 2010 Roosters, you don't need to be top 4 to go far.

We've had our back to the wall before and played great footy... 2018 we were 4-4, 2021 we lost 70% of our salary cap. We will be great this season and for many seasons to come!!!!

I agree, things look good.
I'm glad that Robbo used last season to debut so many players, and they all stood up.
Re Verrills, I'm still of the opinion that he can be a first class hooker, his service is great, he prob just needs to add to his game, which he will over the years.