Blimey. This man deserves some praise. FB, C, Half Back, SR & LF and I bet he could play prop.
He took some stick last year (and I think we know why) but what a handy man to have around.

It was hard to be positive about anything last season and he copped a fair bit of whatvin hindsight was unfair flack, he's been great this season no matter where he has played, which is a real credit to his character, attitude and application.

Really though, i think absolutely everybody has been great, it doesn't look like we have been carrying anybody at all and despite missing quite a few players at various points it hasn't knocked the team out of their stride, so they must be really well drilled too. The balance we have in terms of power through the middle, pace out wide and creativity in the halves and hooker has been really, really impressive. We have 3 really big games ahead but I think we will be alright, I don't think we will be unbeaten after 10, but I don't think any team will beat us comfortably either.

Probably his best game so far today, took it in better and tipped it on when needed, looked a world apart from 2nd row

Fair play, he's been superb and deserves high praise.

But lets not absolve everyone of their sins - he [iwas[/i rubbish last year and so were others who are now showing their worth. Last year should be a constant remibder to everyone at the club as to what happens when you let standards drop, cliques to develop and bad attitudes go unchecked.

Another way to look at this is those that are still here and we called rubbish last season maybe it was a lot to do with the people we had that are now not here.

If you are in a team that does not want to play what can you do, it’s probably the answer to why they are so much better this season. I’m just trying to give benefit of the doubt.

I had faith in Peanut Ratch and Currie.
I could see the backs were copping it for the lack of props.
They were trying to shate the heavy stuff and their own game suffered for it.

Props win games. Props win pots.

No need to argue, you're both right.

Mata'utia's effort and commitment for me have never been in question. Last season he was being used too much as a pivot and was in the middle of each play, which was clearly too much for his style of play and sometimes felt like it was getting in the way of the players who ought to be the generals.

Now he seems to be playing a more reduced role and his involvements have more impact.

Haven’t been on here for a long time. Thought that the first half today was the best I’ve seen in years. As regards Mat’autia, I was really impressed today with him at loose forward. He was popping up everywhere, made some good ground, used his offload ing skills well and worked hard in defence.
Minikin was also good. Last season he came into a poor side in mid-season and didn’t really get that much chance. Having a full pre-season has done him good and he’s really starting to play now.

There are a lot of old posters returning.

Incidentally, what has happened to Sally? Conspicuous by his absence. I would have thought he'd at least come on here to provide a bit of a counterpoint to the positivity and hysteria? Hope he's okay.

He's never left

Probable wrist injury from all them longs posts, out for 6 months I heard

I've not seen him active yet this season? Or is he waiting to pounce on a 'faux pas de canard caoutchouc'?