Went to the game which most here can't say.
Gus looked very grumpy. He must wonder what the #### he has to do to get bums on seats.
A crowd of 6000 when us and Sharks are close to full strength, as our last hitout before the season was pitiful.
The positive was our D, which restricted Sharks minus 3 starters for 60 minutes at least, to 1 try. But much still to work on in D.
The negatives are numerous.
First, our linespeed in D was non existent. Sharks had good linespeed throughout the whole contest. Are we fit enough?
Our attack will develop but was mostly bog average. Sharks able to nullify most raids easily.
I'd suggest Taafe and Sexton as halves, try Tracey at FB, with Burton and Critta in centres. JAC and either Kiraz/Wilson on wings.
Taafe can ballplay and both he and Sexton like to run more than Burton. Burton can still position himself on LHS for kicks.
Concerned with our size. There were times last few years we looked like pygmies compared to many teams. If we have Mahoney, Hutch, Mann, Morrin, Sexton, Taffe all on the field at the same time we will get steamrolled. This is going to be an issue and it's on Gus with all the utilities.
Thought Curran and the WGD were strong and enthusiastic.
A 5/8 Burton is not. Xerri will take time to find his feet.
We were up for the game and my fear is we would of lost confidence in our attack from that performance. Jason Taylor and Mick Potter need to come up with something more, or change personnel in the key positions until something clicks.
Who's going to see us take on the Eels to start our campaign?