I reckon there's a mental block there. As they say, winning (and losing) becomes a habit. Let's put things in perspective though. We were in a position to beat the best team in the comp at their home ground. Sure they were without their regular halves and lock, but they still had a very good team, and we were missing a handful of players too. For a team that had major disruptions (Avo to fullback, Allan first game of the year, and several other changes) they did alright. Now, the way we lost was infuriating and frustrating, but that's what lesser teams do.
In saying all of that, thank god we have Burton and JAC, or we'd be nowhere near a chance of winning last night. One of the major challenges this season has been personnel disruptions. Barrett changed the halves a few times. The forward pack has had various make ups, and the backline has had numerous changes. Only the very best teams can handle all that, and even those can struggle. Just look at Storm when they had to play Seve and Ieremiah. They were bad.
Even though we were in the match last night, I felt like it was an assignment to watch. I really didn't want to, because I knew disappointment was coming, and it did. But I'm glad I watched because there was a lot to like tbh. Well, mainly our left edge. We definitely need a proper halfback because Flange adds nothing.
When you consider how challenged half our team is, it's not a bad result tbh. It's just a matter of settling on a 17 and sticking with them. So far in only a few weeks, Potter has done magic ;-) really, to at least put us in the contest. All they need to do is fix the defence and discipline.
