You know how you shouldn’t read anything into NRL trials? Can I interest you in reading too much into trials played in a torrential downpour on the Central Coast?
The first half of the Manly – Raiders game was relatively sedate and normal, until the heavens opened and all hell broke loose.
The commentators spoke of the weather like they’d never seen rain before, which is strange because it’s been raining (Wakefield Trinity Wild)cats and (Canterbury-Bankstown Bull)dogs everywhere where rugby league is popular for about a week now.
Given the deluge, the quality of footy on display was actually good, and the intensity levels a notable step up from last week’s cobweb dustoffathon.
Sure, there was more dropped pill than Bez’s birthday party, but it’s week two of pre-season and Jake Duke was calling for an ark at one point.
Here’s the wettest of takes from Gosford.
Manly Sea Eagles 16 – 18 Canberra Raiders
Is Manly’s defence their best form of attack?
Manly has added just one player in the offseason, preferring continuity as they seek to tie down the stars they already have rather than invest in new blood.
The headlines before the game were about the speed growing on their right: Jason Saab, already arguably the fastest player in the league, was joined by Tolutau Koula, he of the 10.5sec 100m time.
Both got to demonstrate their pace with runaway tries in the first half, but the story was actually how they got to their long-range efforts in the first place.
Saab took a now-characteristic interception, picking off a pass as the Raiders went for broke in attack, while Koula benefitted from a jarring shot in defence.
That Manly haven’t added much on the personnel side plays into that: everyone already knows where to stand, when to jam and when to slide and, crucially, what their teammates are going to do.
That, in turn, allows for Saab to go for intercepts, and empowers defenders to plant their feet and load their shots.
Manly defenders – especially in the first half – dislodged the ball on numerous occasions and while one expects dropped ball in trial games, it’s usually due to poor attacking lines and combinations, not heavy hits in the tackle.
Defensive organisation is only as good as your ability to execute, however. Manly dropped off severely in that regard in the second half, with one laughably simple try under the sticks for Joseph Tapine.
The Sea Eagles had the worst defence in the top 6 last season – if they have made improvements there, they could be an even bigger threat in 2022.
The Fogarty–Wighton partnership looks decent for the Raiders, but the problem remains outside
You could pinpoint the exact moment at which the Raiders fell apart last year to the second George Williams decided that Australia’s illustrious capital wasn’t a match for Wigan and packed his bags.
He was so important to everything they did, not only because of his organisation and kicking, but also because he did all the stuff that Jack Wighton either doesn’t want to do or isn’t very good at.
Happily for the Raiders, Jamal Fogarty might well be the foil that Wighton needs to fire up again in 2022 if their first outing together is anything to go by.
Wighton scored a trademark try – the sort that he score enough last year – and set up another with a smart kick for Nick Cotric.
The issue might come, however, further out. While everyone raved last week about Xavier Savage, he is still raw, and the combination of Savage with Matt Tomoko, Albert Hopoate, Sebastian Kris and Semi Valemei is a very, very inexperienced backline.
It will improve when Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returns, but with Jordan Rapana and Jarrod Croker on the slide and the new blood clearly a bit off, Ricky Stuart will have some big calls to make before Round 1.
Sydney Roosters 8 – 16 Wests Tigers
The Roosters coaching runs deep
Trent Robinson’s coaching credentials don’t need explaining here. There’s something that you see in certain very, very successful sports clubs in which it seems like they can rotate out all of their stars and still keep the system intact.
That was what we saw tonight from the Roosters. This was far from a first string – no James Tedesco, Luke Keary, Jared Wharea-Hargreaves or Angus Crichton, to name just a few – but the DNA was exactly the same.
The way that the young Roosters defended their line for long periods, with both guts and guile, was classic Robinson. Playing for each other, not letting standards slip, digging in. Even the guys who are going back to second grade have bought in.
The willingness to put bodies in the way, even in a trial, even in the horrible conditions, was admirable. That shows how deep the culture runs.
As for the guile, that was on full display too: six agains were conceded almost willingly at times on their own line, backing the defence to keep out the Tigers via slowing them down.
Perhaps in a real game, the ref might have acted on it at points in the first half, but in a trial, he didn’t and they got away with it.
The key image from this trial wasn’t anything that happened on the field, it was Robinson, laid back in his chair, calmly talking his soggy and tired Roosters through the game in the sheds after full time. They were hanging off his every word.
Jackson Hastings went alright, but he’s not a miracle worker
It’s always a problem when you put your full team out against an opponent that doesn’t: win and the opposition were depleted; lose and it’s a disaster.
Well, this might not have been a total disaster – it was certainly better than last week – but it wasn’t that encouraging either.
Jackson Hastings was decent enough on his first go, Oliver Gildart got more ball than last week and looked good, while Luciano Leilua showed how destructive he can be.
On the other hand, the Tigers were ponderous for long periods in the first half and when their best XIII was up against the Roosters second string starters, there wasn’t much between the sides.
If you squint, however, there is a dynamic that could well work for the Tigers. Hastings is physical, direct and able to play off the cuff, while Brooks can play the classical halfback role that allows Hastings to be the best version of himself.
When Adam Douehi is back – potentially in the centres – and Oliver Gildart is up to speed, with Daine Laurie chiming in from the back and Luciano Leilua charging around…you can see the Tigers not being the worst team in the NRL.
Michael Maguire might hope that happens sooner rather than later, though: their draw features seven of their first ten away from home and he might not be around to see his boys come good.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Saab looked lost, dazed and confused when Canberra put that grubber kick in behind him. :happy:
Phil
Roar Rookie
Cheer up HY, it's not that bad. I'm confident old Des can get them firing once the comp starts. Saab does have a lot to improve on in defence but the same bloke will win you some games all the same. Geez, don't let Igor near them in tackling practice, he'd break them in two even at his age.
Malo
Guest
Manlys speed will get them in the top 4 . Whilst the Dragons, Sharks , Cowboys and Broncos are going for heavy and slow packs, Manly will just run straight thru and around them. Manly will flog these sides.
Malo
Guest
Why would you risk injury with your stars. Tigers need all the the wins they can. They should celebrate with heir trial win as that will be as good as it gets.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
The Manly defence in the first 35 was excellent - but there were some bad signs after Jack went over - some didn't appear that interested - couldn't accuse Jurbo of that mind you - what a workhorse
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
That's Jack game Nat - everything at 200 kmph - you just hope he takes the right option - I thought we saw some better signs last night apart from the Saab intercept
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Not sure about Valemei – he has had plenty of chances but seems to come up with 2 or 3 unforced errors each game – not sure you can afford that in close games. Unlike Timoko who looks much more assured. Such a shame that HSS did his ACL in the preseason as I could see him holding down the other centre spot. I think the plan with hooker is to give Hodgson the first 30 and then bring Starling on when the defence is tiring – I think it could work if Hodgson doesn’t overplay his hand. Looks as though they may be handing Whitehead the lock position which could be interesting. Saw some good signs from CHN as well. He is easily our best edge forward.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Aside from the Olakau'atu injury which will leave the backrow depleted with Schuster also out (for the first few rounds), I have been very pleased with Manly’s two trials. Defensively they look sharp, hitting hard and sticking. But again some lazy lapses hurt so they still need to keep working. The attack will cause headaches. It’s so nice to have speed. But we lack creativity out of dummy half, meaning the defensive line know they can focus on 1 or 2 off the ruck without being burned on the inside. It’s limiting. Fainu desperately needed back. Foran playing 80 was impressive. He’s looking younger, hope he keeps it up. Lot to like. Plenty to dislike. Pretty much what you expect from trials.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Geoff, the Raiders are in danger of having a pretty tidy outfit this year. They’re looking good and will toughen up with match experience. Manly continue to perplex, befuddle and alarm the fans of the team - indeed fans of the game itself - with infantile defence. Is it malnutrition ? Is it some form of Group Traumatic Stress Disorder after Barrett ? Is it lack of conditioning and weedy frames? Are they worried about getting mud on their shorts? They need to get 1970-82 , never started off the bench, Manly Defence Legend Terry ‘ Igor ‘ Randall in as a consultant. He’d knock some sense into them. Saab could start by practising tackling the cushions on his couch. Look, there are a lot of vulnerable people living on the Beaches these days you know. Not only the children whose dreams and hearts are liable to be broken. But there are , like me , elderly people who could contract heart conditions, liver problems, hyper-tension and God knows what, from watching players miss easy tackles or fail to move up in Defence. It has got to be fixed if only to avert a regional health disaster this Season.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Hi Geoff. I thought, for both sides, there was plenty to be pleased about for trial match in those wet conditions. I thought both packs looked solid defensively with the key players Tapine , Papalii & Hudson Young for the Raiders & Jurbo, Keppie & Sipley for Manly giving plenty. I reckon both teams are starting the wrong number 9's . I would have Starling & Lawton as my starting 9's. Both packs seemed to work better with these two around the rucks. I thought the Raiders halves did well for the first run together (apart from Jack's couple of errors for the Manly runaway tries), whilst Foran was strong for Manly. The Manly back three showed they will cause plenty of trouble in attack this year, but once again Saab showed how vulnerable he is in defence. Whilst the Raiders will welcome back the experienced back three of CNK , Rapana & Cotric . I like Timoko for a centre spot, but wouldn't have Valemei near this team.
Nat
Roar Guru
I think Jack just needs to calm down. It seems like he has a idea and there is no thinking on the run. That intercept he threw to Saab left his center running empty handed into a gaping hole. Fogarty fluffed multiple 5th tackle options but I know he will settle into the role. I wonder how quick Savage will learn not to run at Jurbo? How quick would Saab be if he was taught to run like Koula? Koula hits space, gets his knees up and body in shape while Saab just cruises beside him!! Can't take too much from the Easts/Tigers game. Easts goal line defence was very good and the Tigers did throw a few shapes but we come to expect that from the Bondi boys and know it wouldn't be too long before the eventual fumble came. The Tigers ball movement was pretty good with a lot of bodies in motion. The final score doesn't mean much with the Roosters B side out there for the final half.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
‘pretty ordinary….’ not naming any names the 13 for Manly didn’t fight very hard to stop 2 tries.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Agree about Rapana. I'd go further - he was definitely the Raiders' best in '21. There's a few encouraging signs there. Hodgson hasn't been faffing around taking time of his halves so far, which would help both immensely if it continues. They do need to sort their outside backs out, but at least they've got options.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Snap. Exactly my thoughts.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Jordan Rapana on the slide - are you serious? He was arguably the Raiders best player in 2021. He had a few brain explosions at FB for the Maori but he would be one of the first picked for the Raiders on the wing or as cover at FB. You make some fair points about the inexperienced backline - but a settled back 3 of Cotric, CNK and Rapana is pretty decent - solid defenders and big bodied ball returners. I also think Timoko has shown enough at centre to show he belongs at this level. Its really the Croker's centre spot that is the most contentious. Can he regain his form of 2019? Seb Kris is a possibility to replace him and Savage and Valemei provide cover for the wing and FB spots. Manly got lucky with an intercept to Saab when Jack passed long when he should have gone short to Timoko - plus the turnover ball which turned into another long range try. Manly had their best team on the field for 60 minutes but only came up with one try that they constructed themselves. I thought it was a good tough tight game. I think the Raiders willl have got a lot out of their two trials. Some promising signs for mine. Jack looks as though he has his mojo back and the attack looks a lot more structured and expansive -although they looked more threatening after half time when they were more direct. Some of Manly's defensive efforts were pretty ordinary in that second half.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Rapana on the slide ? Fresh off club player of the year and all.
Tony
Roar Guru
Mike - just love the article's title :thumbup: