Thanks for the update Peter. Any more updates welcome!
Went to the game this afternoon. Thought Sharks were the better side and ran harder and faster than most of our guys all day.
George was trying hard and busier than games earlier in the season but he didn't get over the advantage line very often.
Robinson had a solid game.
Junior Palau only played in patches but he ran hard and got the Sharks on the back foot more than our other forwards.
Guys like Skinner and Harrison were missed - they are both at interesting stages as they stand out in Reserves when they play but still have to step to another level to make an impact in Firsts. They both have a way to go but my opinion is they are better than any of our forwards who played Reserves today.
Our best player was again Riccardi...I get the impression though he is a real halfback and if anything he would compliment Foran rather than Daly...which is a real shame with everything happening at the moment. In saying that if Foran does leave, Manly should definately give Riccardi a shot at partnering with Daly. He certainly has silky passing skills and he has that knack of putting someone over the line when they are in the opposition 22. For example, our Centres Wollaghan scored today off a beautiful Riccardi pass.
The Cronulla Centre - No. 3 and an Islander ran all over Oldfield - made him look like ( I was going to say a Reserve Grader, but this was Rerserve Grade : )...he made him look like an A Grader !. It was a bit sad as Oldfield probably has more talent than most of the players on the field today combined but he needs to work out how to get into a game, play tough and make an impact...its no good just waiting to receive the ball in space.
Ben Falconne played out of position at 5 8th and was a bit out of his depth but as usual he made a couple of nice little bursts - he can beat his man - sort of player who could do something one day if the coaching staff are patient with him.
Liam Higgins tried hard, tackled hard, ran hard but seems to be carrying a bit of an injury as he has lost a little pace from the last couple of years. Scored a good dummy half try and played tough.
The fullback - can't remember his name, was quite solid but probably not ready for first grade.
In summary, be patient with Skinner, Harrison, Robinson - they are all fringe first graders but good back up players under a salary cap and the best we have behind our main 17. Keep your fingers crossed no one pinches Riccardi as he will make it somewhere in the next 18 months.
Cheers, Adrian