Roosters back on their perch
Roar Guru
By ScottWoodward.me, 22 Feb 2010 ScottWoodward.me is a Roar Guru
The Roosters had a bad week losing young gun Boyd Coydner for the year through injury, but the spring in their step returned after their comprehensive 28 -10 win against a full strength Wests Tigers in the Foundation Cup at the SFS on Sunday.
Despite the ease of the Roosters’ win, they were without two of their most important players in big forward Jason Ryles and skipper Braith Anasta, who is still nursing an ankle after a break late last season.
The Roosters, 2009 Wooden Spooners, are a very young and inexperienced squad and while they may struggle to play in the semi finals this season, they will certainly cause many teams problems with the vast array of attacking options.
Prized recruit Todd Carney looked like a Rolls Royce and his combinations with halfback Mitch Pierce will be responsible for many tries over the next few years. Pierce seems to get better every year and stood out setting up the first four tries.
The big Polynesian boys gave excellent go forward especially Frank-Paul Nuuausala. If Anthony Cherrington can hold it together, he could develop into something very special with his powerhouse running and all round skills. Small forward Mitch Aubusson surprised with his impact and would be just what coach Brian Smith would have been looking for given Jared Waerea-Hargreaves is in rehab.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall, a former left winger, played right center, and will play for New Zealand this year if he can maintain his improvement. He is quick off the mark, fast and offers second phase play. He solves a huge problem for Smith.
Wests Tigers have no hope this season on what they showed, but they would have learnt plenty from the game.
Rob Lui played halfback and despite his skills, his combination with Marshall did not work and Moltzen must come in. You cannot have two “crab” runners in the key half positions and Moltzen will straighten them up.
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alan nicolea said | February 22nd 2010 @ 7:55am | Report comment
Scott
I have high hopes for Nuuasala, especially after his showing for New Zealand in last year’s four nations tournament, in particular the match against Australia. There were some great signs yesterday for the chooks. What are your thoughts on Carney’s performance at fullback against the Tigers?
ScottWoodward.me said | February 22nd 2010 @ 10:07am | Report comment
he has trained well at fullback all off season and took that form into the game. He also played first reciever a bit and looked just as comfortable. he is just a natural talent.
The Roosters had a vast superior kicking game and when Anasta returns that will add to it.
NRL Fan Club said | February 22nd 2010 @ 6:02pm | Report comment
If last year is anything to go by I believe the Roosters will exceed all expectations. Having a new coach, in this case Brian Smith will ensure the players will give it their all. Last year all the clubs that had a new coach played above themselves. Dragons, Doggies, Knights, Eels & Broncos.
Scott cheers for the e-books enjoyed it and recommend it to all NRL nuts.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 22nd 2010 @ 9:15pm | Report comment
NRL Fan Club
Thanx it gave me a lot of satisfaction putting it together, and I learnt heaps in the process.
To be honest I expected a full strength Tigers to beat the Roosters on Sunday and i was very impressed with the talent. Teams are going to have to score more than 20 points to beat them in most games.
Oh, dont wanna be picky but the Broncos didnt play above themselves.
NB:
I am happy to publish each club here but The Roar Management said no, and they are the boss. If they change their mind I will do a different club each day, otherwise people can get it free like you did.