Yeah and against the cook islands on 3rd Nov
Watched the Highlights today against Aus, only bits i saw of russell was one really poor tackle where he completely failed to tackle a player who ran directly at him and another player stood shoulder to shoulder with him, and the Aus player just ran completely through them and scored.
And another failed tackle 2 on 1 which led to a try.
Didn't look good but i didn't get to see any of his attacking plays or any of the other defensive work he did, so doesn't tell the whole picture.
But the first failed tackle was shocking.

So we've lost Nicholson and Bateman from our back row options and it looks (barring further recruitment) like our first choice options are a very good player with a persistent shoulder issue and a guy with little to no pedigree at the top level in Australia. Assuming Currie keeps the 13 spot (as I think he should) then our back up options are Crowther and Holroyd who I fear may always be too small. I also think we're short of a prop who can give us some real impact from the bench.

I think our backs are fine with some real x factor players, especially if Lindop takes the right centre position in 2025, but we also look short of experience at half back - we may see Ratchford filling in there at times.

For me we need another big experienced second rower and a monster prop to be able to keep our position in the top 4.

Quote: Or thane "Yeah and against the cook islands on 3rd Nov https://www.nrl.com/watch/news/png-pms- ... 2-1736928/ Is he #11 at 2:14 and 2:59 ? Get him on the tackle bags

Quote: Or thane "Yeah and against the cook islands on 3rd Nov https://www.nrl.com/watch/news/png-pms- ... 2-1736928/ Is he #11 at 2:14 and 2:59 ? Get him on the tackle bags

Got to let it go. If we could have kicked a goal, or concentrated and stopped a barge over from the play the ball. It was in our hands and we blew it, admittedly with no help from the ref.