Where we can improve

[The Who]

A great effort today. Well done lads, particularly in defence for much of the match.
But being picky....
I don't see Elgey being our solution to the 5/8 problem. He doesn't impose himself on the contest, he rarely runs the ball and he is a flimsy defender. Frankly, I don't think he has shown as much in these first three matches as Croker did last season.
The solution? DESpicable will be loathe to change the team who won so well. But at some stage he'll have to imo. Perhaps he should try Cust at half and DCE at 5/8?

 

[mave]

DCE has been a 5/8 wearing the 7 Jersey since the start.

I would like to see this current combination with LG given more time.

Crokers injury last year was a shame. He had/has a lot more to offer, but was curtailed by regressive game-plans.

 

[grogbog]

It's always hard to tell when playing against an opponent that was as woeful as the Warriors today.

Elgey has looked very shakey so far. He is a massive liability in defense and he doesn't have the attacking talent to make it worth keeping him in the side like a Maloney. He doesn't take enough pressure off DCE and needs to improve all facets of his game very quickly otherwise someone else will take his spot. Kicking game in general is pretty rubbish.

Suli still worries me at times, made a few dumb reads in defense where he shot out of the line at no one and I also question his ability to pass to his winger. He is a damaging runner but against better defensive sides I worry about our ability to score tries down that right hand side. Parker on the other side is solid enough defender but lacks the power and speed needed to make an impact.

We still have a habit of giving away dumb penalties and making mistakes at crucial times, we tend to put ourselves under more pressure than necessary.

Overall attitude in defense is a lot better than last year even though I do see a few worrisome signs with Elgey and Suli in particular. Our attack looks crisp with Turbo out the back, especially when Fainu comes on.

 

[Bearfax]

When he's eligible, I'd be bringing up Schuster. He's ready. Just needs to be brought into the developmental squad and used later in the year after U20s is finished. That guy could sent Manly into another dimension. With Albert Hoppa on the wing we could have a real chance of a top 8 position, if they aren't brought in too late.

 

[eagle66]

I am more concerned of Suli than Parker.

 

[HappilyManly]

Everywhere - Manly are still haphazard and combos are a long way reliable.

The defensive efforts stand out only because for 3 years we lacked them.

Lots to look forward to with Des' guidance and discipline

 

[Shnorky]

Time together will help and a win is a win so it is a reward for their hard work
Give lg time, he will find his way

 

[Ryan]

3 games it too early to judge I think mate on the combination.

Green was flexible because he'd been to like 10 clubs, so learnt to be adaptable.

Foran played with DCE in juniors.

Croker was almost invisible for around 5-6 games.

Lyon was just amazing at any position he played.

Give it time mate, it'll clique imo.

 

[Simonmyers11]

Keep working on combinations and structures. Watching Roosters defence they are crazy good.

Being resilient like on our goal line today under pressure is a big one too

 

[Scorpio]

Tom had about 3 air swings at the ball today. He cannot be making these when the game is on the line. For comparison I think Snake was good for about 1 of these type of errors per season and I don't think this is an exaggeration.

We scored 46 points but Elgey was largely anonymous. I don't think he put in a single attacking kick today. He also fell off a lot of tackles. Which makes me wonder how he fits into this squad. Maybe he will develop into his role but maybe he won't.

There was a bit too much crabbing across field from some of our players today, particularly Garrick and Taupau. It works sometimes but I am not a fan of this being used too often.

Defense was mostly good and this should be the standard for our squad.

 

[The Who]

When he's eligible, I'd be bringing up Schuster. He's ready. Just needs to be brought into the developmental squad and used later in the year after U20s is finished. That guy could sent Manly into another dimension. With Albert Hoppa on the wing we could have a real chance of a top 8 position, if they aren't brought in too late.

YES. He is young, but then I look at other clubs who have blooded 18-years olds and it seems to be working.
Brown at 5/8 for Doesn'tmatta is a good example.
Schuster would be a very big 5/8 but has all the skills (when playing against kids, that is).

 

[KNUCKLES]

Elgey is the best option we have this year. He has fg experience and hasn't played that badly tbh. he was more involved today than he has prior. You can't just throw Cust in and think it's gonna work from the get go. He needs to be eased in. Just give it time. were 1/3. And looking better every game.