We've sunk to ther level a bit. Yes player combo's changing has affected our fluency but some of the mistakes are just concentration.

Great first eight minutes

Okay rest of the first half

Absolutely terrible in the second half!

PNG will be rubbing their hands because we are simply average in our execution and fluidity.

Agreed, on this occasion I think it'd be harsh to criticise the players too much as I have some sympathy with them given how much chopping and changing throughout the game has gone on.

What's our threequarters now?

W - Percival
C - Brown/McMeeken???
C - Bateman
W - Ratchford

A centre and FB/HB on the wings and two 2nd rowers/a HB in the centres. The lineup has become a mess from the first lot of substitutions.

I think we have to conclude that we're just not capable of putting in an eighty minute performance. That is very concerning.
It's going to be tough in Port Moresby, I think we'll have enough but no one is going to be worried about playing us.

It looked like an England football friendly, throwing players in loads of different positions and making loads of changes.

First half good enough but the second half was poor. I think Bennett thinks he knows his best team but not many would agree with it.

Trouble is Brown and Gale are well known flat track bullies. They looked great here against a side that gave them space but will choke against any side with good line speed, so what to do with the threequarters is a really tough choice. I hoped williams would look good today , but he was probably our worst player. One thing for sure is that percival must play, and i would go with him and watkins in the centres with obviously hall and mcgillvary outside. I know one of them would have to take the centre position they are not used to in their club games, but better than playing can't pass, won't pass bateman there again.

As to 1, 6 and 7 that is a real problem.

On a positive note, I think we've found the right spine:

Widdop
Brown
Gale
Roby
Flanders

Should start next week.

Brown will be terrible and go missing against better sides, just as he is at club level. Playing well against a sub-SL level French side does not mean he will be good against Tonga/NZ/Aus

If PNG can stay in the game for 60 mins they have a real chance.

we arent playing in port moresby

we will beat png in melbourne

Yep. I don't worry about us playing PNG outside port moresby.

We're not playing in PM are we, it's Melbourne. Oh looks like others have beat me to it.

I think we are capable but ateotd this a Tournament and for us it's been about finding our best combos and pack, especially with losing Sam so early and also we've got to peak at the right time. No point blasting teams to bits and been spent when it comes to the business end.
Hopefully as the teams we play get better, we will play better & play more like we did in the 1st half with the same skill levels and intensity. Also we've obviously been working on the combo's that work best (such as starting with Roby) and fingers crossed when the time comes we put an 80 minute performance in.We do sometimes against the lesser sides have an habit of starting well then sinking to the opponents level. Plus we should get Sam back.

Watkins plays RC for Leeds and Percival LC for Saints so no problem there.