General Blueys Round Review 2024

mt.wellington

mt.wellington

Contributor
Blueys Round Review 2024

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For those unfamiliar with this thread it was spawned back in 2012 after former coach Brian (Bluey) McClennan famously stated that he should be judged on his coaching after Round 6 and since then its been a tradition at this forum to have a round 6 review of the season thus far.

So how do you see us going to date and into the finals rounds? Where will we finish on the ladder? Is the team exceeding, maintaining or falling short of your preseason predictions? What scorecard out of 10 does the coach get? And the players?

Discuss...
 
3 wins a draw and 2 losses, I say we are traveling fine.

Webby 8 out of 10 no need to panic.

1 C N Klokstad: 8/10.
Huge since he's been back! Feel more confident with him in the team.

2 D W Zelezniak: 8/10.
Has been consistently good this season with the tough stuff, he's probably suffering from having different fullbacks so far, but with CNK back I'm sure he will start getting more scoring opportunities.

3 R Berry: 8/10.
His best start to a season to date! Has arrived as a first pick first grader! Love what he's bringing to this team for 24, keep it up Rocco!

4 R T Sheck: 7/10.
Has done a great job filling in on the wing and FB. Needs more time at centre, the only thing gripe I have is I hope he knows that we don't need him to do everything all the time (he doesn't need to be that guy).

5 M Montoya: 7.
Doing a solid job on the left edge, does a lot of hard stuff out of our own end. He's a good momentum guy, not flashy but a far better option that Kosi. Left wing is a spot for me where there can be some movement, not because I want Montoya gone, but we could have somthing with RTS on the wing.

6 T M Martin: 7.5.
In the two games I've seen so far Martin has looked at ease at five eight. He's looked crafty with ball in hand, has a crisp passing game and could be the guy to unlock that left edge and RTS.

7 S Johnson: 8.5.
SJ is Everything to this side! We lose SJ we won't be able to do most of the good things we are currently doing. His kicking game is everything to us being able to put teams under the pump. It's so weird to say but SJ is a complete footballer in the halfback position. He's giving his all! He's certainly silenced me who in the past has really put the boot into SJ. I'll eat shit all day for you SJ 😂 the second coming of SJ is the best story in the NRL right now.

8 A F Blake: 8.
Super sad he's leaving, but also enjoying his work so far. His presence on the field just puts everyone on notice! A top line prop who wont be replaced. Will miss AFB so much! Our alpa is leaving so who steps up? A huge question for webby and the club to answer.

9 W Egan: 8.5.
Like SJ he's a vital cog in the warriors wheel. The actual difference when he came back from when he was gone was huge! I hate saying we are fucked without SJ and Egan but the difference in team performance is immense! Would deserve to play origin but for selfish reasons I hope he doesn't. This guy should not be going anywhere amd is already the greatest #9 we have ever had.

10 M Barnett: 8.5.
"I FUCKEN LOVE THIS GUY!" a tough uncompromising player. He's got to be our leader and alpha in 25, who's going to go with him? His line speed on defense is incredible! Looking at the proping options for 25, I would be upgrading this guy handsomely and extension on the cards surely! Please don't leave Barny! Surely origin beckons!!!! I'm picking him all day!

11 J Ford: 7.5.
Other than his handling errors I'm loving his work! This guy should only get better under webby going FORD (no pun intended even though I intended it). It's interesting he's got a good combo with SJ this year, just shows the All-Roundedness of SJ now he plays both sides! A real grafter this guy love Jacko and love that he's found himself in warriors colours.

12 K Capewell: 7.
He's been good at holding down that edge defensively but I feel we love lost that punch that marata was bringing last season, in hindsight with marata it's a blessing. Again he's tough and in time I think we will absolutely love what he does for us. Surly in contention for origin along with Barnett and Egan, would be mad to have all three!

13 T Harris: 8.
The rock! Don't want to jinx him but Tohu looks a lot stronger that he did all of last season! Just having Tohu out there must be so calming for all the young guys. Such a influential figure in the dressing room.

14 C H Tavita: 7.
Still finding his feet but after watching cup the last few weeks I'm so glad he's back! At least he can kick. I also think that a CHT under webby can become more All-Rounded. He's a fix it man right now but an important fix it man. Welcome back.

15 T Ale: 6 5.
Another player trying to find his place under webby. I love Ale and think he's got a future in this forward pack. I think once he finds his place he will grow exponentially. Webby, if you can let jazz run off the back fence like last night against manly and get hurt, then Ale is your guy!

16 J Tavaga: 6.5.
The Warrior! I think jazz has been very mixed so far this season. Wasn't webbys first pick and now injured again. I fear this is the end for jazz as he's off contract (not saying I want him gone). He's trying hard no doubt but it just seems a tad too far. His position is lock forward but with Tohu and walker I'm not sure where he sits?

17 J Laban: 6.5.
A real diamond to start shining webby. This kid is still a few seasons away but already looks comfortable. Played in the middle last night and looked up there in size! Does he develope into a middle? The world is at his feet!

• T Tuaupiki: 6.5
This guy is solid but I think he's the real third string in this team. Still a lot to learn but not sure he's going to really kick on? Could be wrong and happy to be, but a very solid backup.

• A Pompey: 7.
Man in the two games he's played this year he's looked good! A real question of should he start and push Roger out one! I think RTS needs more time but this guy has taken it all in his stride. Good on him for working his arse off and I have no doubt webby loves this kid and so should we.

• L Metcalf: 6.5.
Unlucky uso! Started the season okay, I'm still on the fence with this guy and I'm super glad we have stacked halves depth because you just need it with TMM and Metcalf. Happy he's happy here but so much more to work on other than staying fit.

• F Lussick: 6.
Has a bit to tidy up in his game! Got no doubt he's fit but who cares! His passing out of DH is average and he's a penalty magnet. There is a decent DH In him bit he needs to play more cup consistently and round out his game.

• B Aofa: 6.5
I've batted for bunty many times! But I can't see why the club would keep him on going beyond 2025? His output for a guy of his experience baffles me. This could be Ales spot or even a new face?

• M Niukore: 6.
Just haven't seen enough! I think his move to the middle needs to be permanent with the loss of AFB.

• D Walker: 7.
injured so far but looked pretty decent coming off the bench before that. Can't wait for him to get back for that anzac game as I think he's huge for that impact off the bench. This old dog is not done yet.

My top target would be Trey Mooney of the Raiders. McFadden you should know this guy and what he can bring, work some magic and offer him a starting spot next year.

I hope you guys enjoy this, I've always wanted to do one of these.
 
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It's an incredibly close comp this year. The Bulldogs nearly got one over the Storm. The Broncos were flattered by too many injuries and reshuffles by the Dolphins. The Eels got a win over the Cowboys. Other than a Panthers outfit with Cleary fronting there hasn't really been a side dominating yet. Manly have been going pretty well so the fact we hung in the game and snatched a point is a good sign for the remainder of the season.
 
Have to sat I'm really happy.
We have got through the first quarter sitting safely in the top eight. We have done so after playing four form sides, Smellbourne, Raiders, Manly, Sharks are all top eight boys.
Newcastle are risky opponents, we claimed that scalp.
The only Floggs we have played was last week, crucially we gave them a hiding.

We are in trouble with injuries. But winnable games will see us get to halfway in the top 6 or so.

Funny thing is, Bluey was right about the 1st rounds being a yard stick come round 6.
 
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Interested to get a short summary from everyone about how you think we are going? I put a few questions in if you want to answer that way.

1. Do you put our losses down to injuries?
2. Are you starting to doubt our gameplan?
3. How confident are you we will still make the 8?
4. How has your opinion changed from end of 2023 till now?

My answers...
1. I feel like we have been hard hit but not in key areas like other teams. We should be able to cover the losses easy enough.
2. I am worried we are too one dimensional. I think we need to start throwing more at the opposition. I am sure the plan was to slowly build on that but we have copped too many losses in the meantime.
3. 90% confident, however we don't have many players returning for 6 weeks so the current guys need to do it. The next 6 weeks have me worried.
4. While I agree Webby is a good coach I did say we need to see him back it up once everyone has seen his cards. Will he show us what he has got? I believe so. One thing I knew coming into this season was the losses were going to hurt more than ever and I would say most of us would be feeling that right now.
 
Lance155 said:
Interested to get a short summary from everyone about how you think we are going? I put a few questions in if you want to answer that way.

1. Do you put our losses down to injuries?
2. Are you starting to doubt our gameplan?
3. How confident are you we will still make the 8?
4. How has your opinion changed from end of 2023 till now?

My answers...
1. I feel like we have been hard hit but not in key areas like other teams. We should be able to cover the losses easy enough.
2. I am worried we are too one dimensional. I think we need to start throwing more at the opposition. I am sure the plan was to slowly build on that but we have copped too many losses in the meantime.
3. 90% confident, however we don't have many players returning for 6 weeks so the current guys need to do it. The next 6 weeks have me worried.
4. While I agree Webby is a good coach I did say we need to see him back it up once everyone has seen his cards. Will he show us what he has got? I believe so. One thing I knew coming into this season was the losses were going to hurt more than ever and I would say most of us would be feeling that right now.
Click to expand...
Players seem to have second season syndrome and I feel Webster is going through the same.
Remember Payton with the Cowboys
 
1. No. Other teams have had bigger impacts than our losses. Just a few weeks ago we were talking about the amazing depth we have in our team, but there is no depth if they cannot be trusted to be called upon. The way we play, and the use of the interchange, we basically need impact players on the bench. I really dislike the use of our benches most weeks.
2. Yes. Too one dimensional.
3. 60-70%
4. Ofcourse. I think most fans would have had us firmly within the 8 at this stage. Yet to see something where we are better at then the 2023 version of the team. Maybe its the second year syndrome, maybe its caught everyone off guard. We need to stop talking it up and just getting it done.
 
They're competitive every week and still giving 100% effort, that's all that matters to me. Yeah some disappointing results after last year's promise, we could be on the slide but I still have faith we'll get back to being a dangerous team by mid season and charge into the 8. Just have to beat the Knights and then hope we don't get totally destroyed and demoralised by Roosters and Panthers. We're going to miss Addin.
 
The margin of error is so tight

Had we beaten Melbourne like we should have, and taken the 2 points against Manly had Tohu not dropped the ball and won in the weekend, we would be in the top 4 and the narrative very different….

1. Do you put our losses down to injuries?

Bad luck including injuries
The ref

2. Are you starting to doubt our gameplan?

It needs continues improvement

3. How confident are you we will still make the 8?

Confident . The “very” has dropped off.

4. How has your opinion changed from end of 2023 till now?

Webby is human and makes mistakes
 
For me there are particular moments in the game they lose energy and concentration. Becomes a common theme with warriors team. The hype around premiership chances may have got to them and fans as well. For me I’m confident they will improve but will it be in time to make the top 8 I don’t know.
 
I am deeply concerned that we seem to not only have a philosophy of don't change a winning team, but we also have a philosophy of don't change a losing team.

My feelings are basically that I am watching Webster to see what he will do to lead us out of this. I really think he is the best coach they Warriors have had in my time of being a fan, even better than Payton, so I expect him to come up with a reaction or self reflection.
 
Lance155 said:
1. Do you put our losses down to injuries?
2. Are you starting to doubt our gameplan?
3. How confident are you we will still make the 8?
4. How has your opinion changed from end of 2023 till now?
Click to expand...
1. Partially, having so many injuries to your middle is going to harm you, even though they are just 'bench' players for the most part. Tohu and AFB are playing a ridiculous amount of minutes due to a lack in trust in our young forwards, is that warranted by Webby? Maybe, he'd know better than I.

2. In my opinion, the game plan is correct, but we are losing our way in discipline and errors through the middle period. We have also seemed to lose that steel in defense on our goal line we used to have. It seems like teams have figured out our defensive structure, or is it due to fatigue in the middle?

3. I think we still make it barring no further serious injuries. Not confident at this stage.

4. I am worried about the age of our team, I think we are one of the oldest? Most teams have some dynamic young forwards or backs that can create something from nothing. We are a very well structured team, but perhaps too structured?

Great questions by the way.
 
I’m not particularly worried the weekends game they just completely clocked off for 40 minutes in the middle same as the week before. Were whipping them up and down the field at the start and finish.

Stop fucking doing that and we’ll be fine, though top 4 may be a Bridge too far. There’s 5 good looking teams roosters, storm, sharks, broncos, panthers. manly seem on par with us, everyone else is whatever

Can be fixed with concentration and effort and better bench.

Tohu needs 20 minutes off in the middle of game, it’s not too much to ask Zyon “run hard son” for 10 minutes before and after halftime.

Shaun needs to let go of the reigns in attack a bit as well, it’s at the point where the defence can just load up wherever he goes so use that as decoy a bit.
 
JustLikeStartingOver said:
Shaun needs to let go of the reigns in attack a bit as well, it’s at the point where the defence can just load up wherever he goes so use that as decoy a bit.
Click to expand...
Not only do they load up but some teams send a runner straight on him as soon as the ball is played regardless of where he is standing and regardless of whether he is the intended first, second, or third receiver on the play.
 
It’s the unknown knowns that send fans to wrong conclusions

Maybe we have had a run of covid or flu through the team

We as fans never know the facts round players playing with injuries

If Sj breaks down and misses multiple games we are probably cooked

Capewell for Curran in terms of winning games?

What’s wrong with TMM

What year will DWZ stop jamming in and letting tries scored against us

A mysterious year
 
The one aspect that is promising is that we still look to have good fitness at the back end of games, even with the bench debacle against the Dragons. Get it together for those 15 minutes either side of half time - admittedly its usually when AFB and Barnett are off the field - and we will be hard to beat. Having Walker back will be a great help and Zyon has some real promise.
 
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