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| Copyright Photo: Renee McKay / www.photosport.nz |
Desperate to break their losing streak the Warriors welcomed Shaun Johnson back and although he added a much-needed spark to the side a lack of Rugby League I.Q. resulted in a Golden Point defeat.
The Sea Eagles started the match strong with Blake Green taking advantage of the high winds and kicking two 40/20’s in the space of 5 minutes.
This lead to Jake Trbojevic crossing the line after a nice inside ball from Blake Green.
An ill timed penalty against the Warriors lead to Matthew Wright kicking a penalty to extend the Sea Eagles lead to 8-0.
The Sea Eagles had firm control of the game until Tom Trbojevich dropped the ball inside his own twenty to give the Warriors their first attacking set in enemy territory which lead to David Fusitu’a scoring in the corner.
The returning Shaun Johnson forced a repeat set and followed up with a nicely weighted grubber kick into the in goal which David Fusitu’a pounced on for his second try to go into the half time break 8-8.
Early in the second half the Warriors were yet again penalised, and the Sea Eagles took a two point lead, the Sea Eagles converted this change of momentum with a try to Dylan Walker minutes later.
David Fusitu’a made his presence felt again, snatching a Shaun Johnson bomb out of the air and putting Blake Ayshford over the line, with Issac Luke converting the scores were level once again.
Both sides struggled to gain the upper hand with unforced errors dampening any opportunities for either side.
A forward pass from the Sea Eagles gave the Warriors the chance they needed, and they responded with a try to Ken Maumalo in the corner, Shaun Johnson converted to give the Warriors a 6 point with 10 minutes to go.
The Warriors kept the pressure on, and Shaun Johnson stepped up to nail a field goal to give the Warriors a two score lead with seven minutes remaining.
It seemed like the losing streak was going to be broken finally, and it appeared the Warriors thought the same as they let their guard down and Tom Trbojevic took advantage scoring a try under the posts with four minutes to go.
Ata Hingano kicked the restart out on the full which gave Manly a piggy bank down the field, and Daly Cherry-Evans slotted a field goal to level the scores at 21 all.
Manly made yet another handling error but Shaun Johnson missed his second field goal attempt, Daly Cherry-Evans missed his second attempt which meant the match was going to Golden Point.
David Fusitu’a gave the Warriors a chance to take the game after making a 50-metre break, but the Warriors inexplicably tried to score in the corner instead of setting up for a field goal and were carrying over the out line.
Manly marched down the field on the next set, and Daly Cherry-Evans sealed the Warriors fate with the match winning field goal handing the Warriors their eighth loss in a row losing 22-21.
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| Copyright Photo: Renee McKay / www.photosport.nz |
David was active in this game, two tries, two line breaks, and a try assist made him a stand out.
His strong runs and ability in the air kept the Warriors in this match.
This season is well and truly over but in 2018 the Warriors should aim to take advantage of Davids skills and use him as an attacking threat in the air more.
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| Copyright Photo: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ |
I couldn't even tell you what Foran did on the field he was Mr. Invisible once again, with the season over the Warriors should have given Ata Hingano the five eight spot to get some much-needed game time.
Foran has had one or two good games for the Warriors, but from the moment he signed for the Bulldogs he has been mentally absent from the Warriors.
The team and more importantly the fans deserve more from a player of his calibre.
Well, that was a heart breaker wasn't it, sitting in those poor conditions I finally thought the Warriors were going to send me home happy.
Shaun Johnson was a welcomed return and even though you could tell he was not 100% his spark on attack lead to the Warriors looking dangerous on attack.
But the difference between these two sides was game management.
The Warriors had the game in the bag, but either through mental weakness or fatigue, the Warriors blew the lead.
When David Fusitu’a made his big break in golden point no one ran with him to convert his run into a game winning try and then to make matters worse instead of setting up for the match winning field goal the Warriors tried to score a try in the corner.
This is where a player like Foran should have stepped up and lead the way.
Putting it simply when push came to shove the Sea Eagles wanted the win more, and they fought for victory every step of the way.
Stephen’s interchange is still a joke, and he needs to wake up.
Having a hooker and a half on your bench is unheard off and using Jazz Tevaga in the prop rotation was a clear indication that Kearney continues to be out of his depth.
I know that the Warriors prop stock have been drastically reduced due to injury, and Charlie Gubb is only useful for 20 minutes a game, but the Warriors need to take a serious look at their forward for 2018 as most of their props are leaving and bar James Gavet there isn't much to work with.
This week the Warriors are playing their final match of the year in Sydney against the Wests Tigers.
Kearney has named the same side that lost in round 24 for this last game, and the Tigers have improved over the last few months, so this will be a test for the team.
The Tigers will be looking at ending their season with a win for their supporters but I'm picking the Warriors to get an upset (yes right now a win over the Tigers is classed as an upset), and they will win by 8.
So that was a dreadful Round 25, and per usual I will leave you with some questions.
What is your score prediction for the Tigers match?
Will Kearney learn to use his interchange correctly?
Are there any players off contract that you would sign?
How much are you looking forward to this season being over?
Excellent review....perfectly put. Why he dosen't give Satae a proper run or Sipley a chance in top grade I don't know, we are fielding the smallest pack in the comp & have NO impact from the bench. He does look out of his depth...I am sick of "The Process"
ReplyDeleteAt least next year we have Harris & Pulu who at least have size, and with James Gavet we vhave a true Beast with a bit of mongrel and a quick play the ball,not sure how Blair would fit in, not a meter eater, but has presence.If we can't get a decent partner for Gavet, best to keep Lillyman(he makes over 100 meters/game), Lisone has to many mistakes in him, and not convinced about Vete.
I dont think Kearney will learn anything at this stage, Warriors fans are in for a rough 2018
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