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McIllwrick – Went off the same time as Fergo and we didn’t see him again. His service was maybe a
little off on their line early. But that improved and points came from it. Made a couple of good
scoots from dummy half, picked his moments well there. Was strong in defence while he was on.
Very competent in that area. Looks like he’ll be starting for Friend to start the season. But I’d say he
and Mitch Williams will each get a good run there against Manly in the next trial.
Kennedy – Looked fitter than ever out there. I’d say he’s down to 110-115kg from the 122kg he was
at last year. Much more mobile in defence which is promising. Still has that similar movement into
the line which looks a bit ineffective. Had more impact in his runs than Stromquist though, making
10m most carries. Only the one penalty he was involved in.
Leuluai – Pretty disappointing really. Didn’t get much ball and really should have been used more on
the line imo. Defended well while he was on. Had one damaging run where he bumped a few off and
dragged a few more. Hopefully he gets involved a bit more against Manly.
Papalii – Didn’t get on for a bit, maybe 30-40 mins in. His runs were infrequent but boy he’s got
some power. Took 6 defenders to stop him and hold him up at one point in the second half. An
enormous human and very fast for his size. They had him in the centres for portions of the game
where he was just catching a cold. Might do very well playing on the edge off good halves.
Holden Cup – A reasonable showing from the boys, considering the Penrith side had a bit more
experience and they were missing their best two players in Mitchell and Butcher. A couple of players
worth commenting on:
Joseph Manu – Very exciting young player. Got a very Sheck-esque step on him. Made fools of a
couple of the Penrith boys yesterday.
Charlie Taylor – Wasn’t involved much playing centre. Made a nice run downfield in the second half.
showed a bit of footwork and toe. Looks a fair way off the top grade to me though.
Piki Rogers – Played well at lock. Had some good runs supporting his front rowers and a couple of
good offloads.
The No.8 – Without a match day program it was tough figuring out who was who. But I think this
was Poasa Faamausili. He looked best of the forwards with some really strong runs and a few good
offloads. Might have also been Shiem Mariner or Richard Skelton though
little off on their line early. But that improved and points came from it. Made a couple of good
scoots from dummy half, picked his moments well there. Was strong in defence while he was on.
Very competent in that area. Looks like he’ll be starting for Friend to start the season. But I’d say he
and Mitch Williams will each get a good run there against Manly in the next trial.
Kennedy – Looked fitter than ever out there. I’d say he’s down to 110-115kg from the 122kg he was
at last year. Much more mobile in defence which is promising. Still has that similar movement into
the line which looks a bit ineffective. Had more impact in his runs than Stromquist though, making
10m most carries. Only the one penalty he was involved in.
Leuluai – Pretty disappointing really. Didn’t get much ball and really should have been used more on
the line imo. Defended well while he was on. Had one damaging run where he bumped a few off and
dragged a few more. Hopefully he gets involved a bit more against Manly.
Papalii – Didn’t get on for a bit, maybe 30-40 mins in. His runs were infrequent but boy he’s got
some power. Took 6 defenders to stop him and hold him up at one point in the second half. An
enormous human and very fast for his size. They had him in the centres for portions of the game
where he was just catching a cold. Might do very well playing on the edge off good halves.
Holden Cup – A reasonable showing from the boys, considering the Penrith side had a bit more
experience and they were missing their best two players in Mitchell and Butcher. A couple of players
worth commenting on:
Joseph Manu – Very exciting young player. Got a very Sheck-esque step on him. Made fools of a
couple of the Penrith boys yesterday.
Charlie Taylor – Wasn’t involved much playing centre. Made a nice run downfield in the second half.
showed a bit of footwork and toe. Looks a fair way off the top grade to me though.
Piki Rogers – Played well at lock. Had some good runs supporting his front rowers and a couple of
good offloads.
The No.8 – Without a match day program it was tough figuring out who was who. But I think this
was Poasa Faamausili. He looked best of the forwards with some really strong runs and a few good
offloads. Might have also been Shiem Mariner or Richard Skelton though
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