Yeah I'm happy with our performance. Was fully expecting to get smashed but credit our character, especially after going down 10-0 (although Roosters prob got a bit complacent at that point thinking it would be a cakewalk). 6 again rule is killing us this season. It's obvious referees come into our games with a pre-conceived notion that we'll be pushing the boundaries of the ruck and 10m in order to try and bring superior teams into the grind. As a result, the ref is oblivious to the other team in many instances doing the exact same thing. We win that game if we play in the pre-6 again era. Horrible rule that's ruining the game and giving already inept/bias officials even more influence over results. Other thoughts:
- Lewis is five-eighth remainder of the season. He's not going to play like that every week but his effort puts Flanagan and Wakeham to shame and that's enough to keep him there.
- Hetherington is hard done by a lot with penalties. Even still, he's a complete liability when the game is in the balance and fatigue and frustration start to set in. Teams know it and he's targeted accordingly. Baz needs to managing his time on the field better.
- Averillo having very little impact recently now that teams know he's our only running threat and are defending him better. He needs to figure out different ways to get involved. Get out of dummy half, trailing forwards looking for an offload, etc.
- I like what I've seen from BBO and Manu. BBO could be a real weapon if we manage his development properly and I like Manu's energy. He isn't the most gifted winger but the kid has grit and doesn't take a backward step against anyone. Much prefer that to the likes of Allan, Hopoate, Katoa, etc.
- Finally, love Jacko's effort but he needs to go to the Cam Smith school of ref complaining. I don't care if we lose 10m out of it every now and then. Someone needs to hold the officials accountable on the field.