Re: THE ROOSTERS TEAM COMMENTS THREAD

[Rob]

I'm really proud of the Chooks after the opening three rounds. It's fantastic to see them caring again and working hard for the jumper after the (mostly) diabolical past three years. Everyone is putting in and it's good to see when SKD comes up with a few errors that he doesn't hide, and instead continues to put himself in the firing line. Nate Myles has to be the biggest improver, he's always been a fantastic head-on, bruising defender but he's upped his desire level and now takes the ball up strongly. O'Meley was strong against the Broncs and Bunnies, but a bit quieter against the Storm.

Lopini Paea and Anthony Tupou have taken their games up a notch, Paea with some soft hands at the line without sacrificing his go-forward and clever footwork while Toops looks to have added some stamina - he must have played close to a full game. Speaking of which, Craig Fitzgibbon has to be the new Ray Price. He is Mr Perpetual Motion, playing 80 minutes and doing all the dirty jobs without ever straying far from the ball. If he keeps this up, I hope he signs on for another year as he balances our forward pack and gives it ballast. I don't see anyone else who could fulfill that role at the club.

The execution is still not quite there but you wouldn't expect it to be after the third round. I totally agree with Eric that Anasta should be our next captain. Mini might have seniority but Braith is leading by example and, anyway, it's not ideal for a fullback to be captain. I thought Junior Jr played well against the Storm, his kicking game was outstanding and he twice snuffed out Billy Slater when he look dangerous. Let him continue to develop and the other parts of his game will come along in due course; he will probe more at the line when his combination with Aubusson beds down properly.

I think we're still searching for the right balance on the bench. Mitchell Aubusson and Riley Brown didn't play many minutes, and I expect Brown to make way in the 17 as James Aubusson proves his match fitness. We've been lucky with injuries so far, but we probably need another backrower on the bench in case we lose someone, and I'm not sure we can expect Fitzy and Toops to play 80 every week.

The Dogs are going to be tough to beat, they look to be re-invigorated by the shedding of so many name players, and it's clear players like Patten and Ryan are going to be primed to make a statement. It might be best to start Willie from the bench again with either Myles or Shillington (nice pair of consecutive bigs hits BTW) and O'Meley the starting front-rowers.

As for SKD, well his hands are a problem, no doubt, and he will be a target for kickers, but he did some good things too - he came off his wing to crunch Israel close to the line, and then caught the big Mormon (with the aid of J Aubusson) on a breakaway. I don't think Soli is ready, as Perry suggests, so it's either Mitch Aubusson into the centres with Perrett out to the wing or keep SKD.

[Jock]

Hello all this is my first post, having watched the bulldogs last couple of games i can honestly say their half and five eight are pretty ordinary, thats defintely a weak spot which hopefully the chooks can attack, take out SBW and El Masiri and the centre who's name i have forgotten and they have a ordinary side, but alas we have foreever struggled to beat these pricks.

[kjc]

I get the feeling that with the hype this game has that it will either be a non-event or a blow out. Lets hope Fitler/the club can isolate the hype and get the team in the same frame of mind as when we played Souths.

I'm hoping that it is a blow out in favour of the Roosters -but the Bulldogs have a good record against us and 'Homebush' Stadium has not exactly been our best hunting ground.

Fitler will probably want a more controlled Roosters attack to prevent the Bulldogs possesion in broken play. He will also want to attack the wingers with bombs to use the height advantage we have there. I haven't seen the team yet -but I wouldn't be surprised if Mason comes on after 15-20 minutes.

kjc

[salvatori grubber]

19 or not, we have depth enough that we don't need him at present. Surely a Perret/Sa combo at wing/centre is the better option.

I see SKD as a decent second-rower with good footwork, and will one day play there and do well (as long as he learns ball security).

That said, I'm glad Freddy didn't pull him in the second half - that would have been bad for team morale.

[vespa]

Wow I can't believe the non-participation on this forum. I often come here to take a look and see guests reading just about all the time, nobody seems to be posting. Well I only feel sorry for Carlos because all the time and effort he is putting in for a safe place for us to talk about our thoughts is just not being acknowledged.

Yes, I second these thoughts. Thanks Carlos.

All good things take time. Hopefully the regulars from the forum will come across and start posting to really get this joint jumping.

[vespa]

[quote="Horrie"]

But lets not forget that he is only 19. He is still learning.

Yeah cheers for that Horrie, I read that also in the Sun Herald yesterday. True he is only 19 as the song goes, and hopefully he will have a blinder against the mutts.

[vespa]

.

In my humble opinion, it will all depend largely on what tactics Freddy employs. Freddy has proven time and again that even against all odds he is able to come up with a match-winning game plan and that's what I'm hoping for against the dogs. We don't have any one player that can threaten the dogs as much as the cunning tactics of Freddy.

After the naus up of the past couple of seasons, I was a bit worried about Freddy taking over as head coach. I was thinking that maybe we were clutching at straws. We had the late Sticky years and then the Opes debacle. Freddy though was brilliant. He really exceeded my expectations. I mean there have been a lot of good players that havent made it as coaches, Tom Terrific, Wayne Pearce, King Wally, to name a few.

Freddy, well he had the respect of the players, a good footy brain, good mentoring and support. Even though he is a novice coach, you have to really rate the guy.

BTW Dave, I was glad to see you and I shared similar feelings on SKD and Amos. I am sure Freddy is astute enough to have them all pumped and on song for this clash.

Cheers

[Dave]

Last week we won it in the forwards without much help from the backs. This week against a top 'backside' (LOL pun intended) we're gonna need our backs to function as a team or else!

SKD - I'd not want to risk having him in this game but then Amos can be a liability too so it's a toss up. What we really need is an experienced top class backline which we don't have. The doggies are in much better form than Melbourne so we shouldn't expect another Melbourne type result.

In my humble opinion, it will all depend largely on what tactics Freddy employs. Freddy has proven time and again that even against all odds he is able to come up with a match-winning game plan and that's what I'm hoping for against the dogs. We don't have any one player that can threaten the dogs as much as the cunning tactics of Freddy.

From what I've seen so far Freddy is another Jack Gibson in the making. With Gibbo a lot of the players he had to start with were no names yet they very quickly became a well drilled team that went on to win the premiership. Fittler is a creator and not just a coach. He studies other sides weaknesses and strengths and came up with a perfect match plan against the Storm.

I bet we play an entirely different style of game against the dogs and people will think we are a different side yet it's all to do with the brilliant mind of Fittler. He is a genius and knows how to develop a side and will get us to the top in a couple of years. I'm prepared to take the good with the bad so Roosters - bring the doggies on!!!

[vespa]

On form I think we can do the business. I hope SKD has some super glue on those hands and that Amos doesnt go missing. That aside, the pack has the grunt and class to do the job up front, Mini is in good form, Mitch seems to be travelling well and Freddy will have them pumped. Maybe a close contest, but I think the mutts have a glass jaw, that second half loss to Parra was pretty ordinary. And I dont think yesterdays game had the same intensity as our victory of the Mexicans.

Surely a game with feeling, moreso than against the wabbits. Big Willy & Shrek will be out to impress and should lay the foundations for a nice little win by the chooks. There has always been feeling between the clubs and this game should see a really hard contest with no love lost.

I really like the look of the Roosters so far this year and they wont disappoint on Friday night. The Roosters are one classy footy team.

[Tri-Colour Rooster]

This wont be an easy game. With commitment from every player, ball control and the same effort in defence as illustrate against the Storm last Saturday we are in with a chance. Out attacking game needs to be on song and our strong go forward through our big men should give us a fast platform to launch our attacking raids.

The Dogs are playing as a team, no great standout players apart from Sonny Bill, but their support play in attack and broken play, off the ball skills, could cause us serious problems. Their fast play the balls and quick ball service won them the game against the Tigers.

We always seem to struggle at this ground, dont know why, but I hate the hoodoo associated with the ground.

It is going to be a big game so lets get out there and support the mighty Roosters.

[Horrie]

SKD had me well worried in the first half. Yes he came back in the second. Is he suspect ?

I wasnt too impressed with him in 2007, and I hope last Saturday nights effort was one he had to get out of his system. I wont second guess Freddy, and if he has and holds Freddy's confidence then I will stick solid.

Freddy too had a few concerns about SKD

From SMH;

Asked if he was tempted to replace Kenny-Dowall when he was doing his Mr Bean impersonations, Roosters coach Bradley Fittler replied: "Yeah, heaps of times. He was giving me a heart attack.

"He was catching butterflies. The good thing was, his second half was excellent. That's a big hurdle to be able to come back from having a bit of a downer - a real downer - and being as solid as. He'll learn a lot from that."
So I think he redeemed himself to Freddy in his second half performance. One of his glaring errors cost us a try when instead of diving to the try line he kicked it. His momemtum had him close to the try line and even he didn't realise.

But lets not forget that he is only 19. He is still learning.

[vespa]

SKD had me well worried in the first half. Yes he came back in the second. Is he suspect ?

I wasnt too impressed with him in 2007, and I hope last Saturday nights effort was one he had to get out of his system. I wont second guess Freddy, and if he has and holds Freddy's confidence then I will stick solid.

[vespa]

Carlos

Thanks for the live forum, I hope it goes great and that all the regulrs get on board and support your new venture. The old forum was always great, I cant remember when I first joined, but you and Tim did a great job there and I am sure this will be equally as successful.

Cheers
Vespa
(formerly Tajan)

[vespa]

Round 1 against the wabbits, good to get the win, disappointed that we fell asleep in the second half. Last week, well what a joke. Still we showed really good signs and should have won.

Last night, very good win. Yes, to any doubters, we can mix it with the big boys, we are a force in 2008. From the wilderness of the past couple of seasons, the Roosters return with avengence. Seriously, how good did we look last night ? We kept the storm out for repeated sets, kept them scoreless for so much of the match, made them look second division at times. And off the field, the novice coach, well how good is he travelling ?

[salvatori grubber]

T'was a triumph by all that is pure and righteous over Murdoch's minions.

Freddy decided to start Mason, and in doing so, settled all Roosters fans' curiosity in terms of what he has to offer. In my opinion, Mason was still effective, particularly in the first 20 or so minutes, but after that he failed to dominate the exchanges as he so often does on the occasions where he has been on the bench during the softening-up period. But this was cool, because in his place we had Shillo and Paea smashing the useless Storm pack in his stead during the later stages of the match.

As expected, our forwards were amazing. We truly have a comp-winning pack this year, and it's got the potential to supersede our 2002/3/4 packs as being the form, all-dominating behemoth to strike fear into the feeble hearts of opposing sides.

Our defense was rock-solid and our composure was a joy to behold. I wasn't even too concerned when we lost our advantage by kicking early in the tackle count on occasion, for as they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Stand-out performances were made by Myles, Shillo, Paea, Fitzy, Anasta, Perret and Roberts, but everybody played their part well.

Credit to both Freddy and SKD. To the latter for putting an atrocious first half performance behind him and playing a very solid second half, and to the former for having the class to fire SKD up appropriately.

On the negative side of things, we still seem to lack structure in the backline - we just do not seem to be able to penetrate the line effectively. At least Anasta mixes his game up a bit by taking the line on with ball out in front of him, putting the defense in two (or more) minds, but Pearce lacks this in his game. You can see him going through the motions, playing the ball square and putting in kicks, but there is no trickery in his game. I first thought that he was scared of getting crunched, but this can't be true as he gets stuck in when defending - he seems tough enough.

But all-in-all, I am chuffed-to-bits with the side's progress. Plus the atmosphere at the ground was beautiful. I can't wait for next week.

[salvatori grubber]

It's funny. It takes a full season with the Chooks before I can comfortably support an ex-Bulldog. Anasta has proven himself to the club and support over and again, and after a very poor start to last season, Myles finished well and has continued that this year (he's probably our best player at the moment), and as such has endeared himself to my heart.

Unfortunately with Mason and O'Meeley, I feel uncomfortable cheering for them in public. They have both been as good as I could hope so far, but until they've been with us for a year, I'll still keep my support for them in a sub-category: Roosters-in-waiting.

It would be an awesome feat to win this game. And if we do (and we're a decent chance), then we will be sitting at the pointy end of the table, with some serious mojo. All sides will fear us.

[Dave]

With half the bulldogs over here playing for us I wonder what kind of feeling this game is going to have. Will it be an all-out war, revenge, payback or will it be Willy, O'Meley and Company going all out to make their former club pay for not offering them a good enough contract?

Won't it be historic to witness Rooster fans urging on Mason while Bulldog fans boo and hiss him and O'Meley as traitors? What a huge difference in loyalty money can make!!!

Two wins in a row have been very difficult to come by over the past few seasons so wouldn't it be nice?

SBW offloads and El Masri's kicking are the main dangers I sense along with our low scoring potential. If all we can score is a few points that might not be enough against a team with a very strong backline. We can't always rely on our defense to get us over the line so I'm sure that Freddy has a good game plan in mind. I view Freddy as the main threat to the Bulldogs as he studies a team's weaknesses and plays different set plays and gameplans each week and is tricky to deal with.

Remember the call everyone. It's no longer 'Morely! Morley!' but 'MASON! MASON!' - sound familiar? That should really stick it to the dog fans!!!

[Dave]

Great boost to the boys and us fans to win against the Premiers not once but twice in a row!! I honestly didn't think we were any match against an in form Storm but what I forgot was that we now have a lot of 'mongrel' and that was basically the difference with their 'superstars' taking a beating and hiding all across the park and unable to unleash their brilliance and flair because we had a rooster collar around their necks limiting their movements.

We almost cut our own throats by throwing away too much possession and it is a cause for concern that a side with so much possession and a decent penalty count were only able to score one try. Our attack or lack of it has been a major problem for many seasons now. Also we need a couple of good finishing backs. The backs we have now had enough ball many times over to put the Storm away but weren't capable. Any other side would have scored much more.

Dropped balls continue to mar our games & SKD dropping so many might at last get Fittler doing something about our poor ball security.

[salvatori grubber]

To elaborate, I believe that at present the number of Registered Users are low, and as such, the average amount of users available to contribute to feisty discussion makes this current board unsustainable.

Force people to come here, and the quality of the experience will exceed the old, non-realTime Exetel forum.

Please don't take this for negative criticism, as my intention is to be constructive. A lot of the users of the Ovelar site seem to be astute commentators of the game, as well as being articulate to boot. Plus the fact that we Chookies fans know the score with 'League, way more than the yobbos you find at the home grounds of sides like Parramatta, St George and Souths. If this live forum takes off and fulfills its potential, then I reckon I could enjoy it to say the least.

I mean check it out. We've got italics, bold and bullets and ****, and aside from those stupid Emoticons, we can also do this:

<sub>Minnichielo
Roberts | Soliola | Sa | Perret
Anasta
Pierce
---
Fitzy
Toups | Myles
Paea | Brown | O'Meeley

---------

Mason - SKD - Shillo - Aubo1 - Aubo2</sub>

[salvatori grubber]

Wow I can't believe the non-participation on this forum.

I'm not remotely surprised. As long as the old 'forum' exists along side this one, then it'll never take off.

It may sound bold, but I believe that Carlos et al should leave the existing as an archive for 1 month, and essentially force people to hang out here.

[RoosterBooster]

wow, i just went back and looked at the replay of that broncs game and that brisbane 'try' by the winger in the corner which went to the video ref, it was knocked-on by the winger, he made contact and then the ball hits the ground before he and Mini make contact again with the ball....very impressive performance by the refs.
i'm usually one to think that games are not rigged but mostly refereed by fools....now i think it's 'mostly' both. after following the nfl for the entire last season i can't believe the difference in professionalism in the way the games are ruled, and also the fact that nfl rules are so much more black and white and far easier to apply. in my opinion the nrl has huge problems in this area.

We were Definitely Robbed, all 50/50 calls went in the Broncos favor. The Anasta penatly that lead to that try was a disgrace.

[RoosterBooster]

Greg Ignas and Crocker will be playing tonight.
I am hoping we get a good turn out to the game tonight to support the Mighty Roosters, the boys deserve it.
I would have liked to see Sia and Sa in the centres, with Mitch Aubusson on the bench and maybe Myles in the second row with Paea the starting Forward. Mason coming on from the bench after 15minutes.
But hey Im sure that Master Freddy knows what his doing.
Lets give it the STORM

Tri colours for life.

[rizili]

wow, i just went back and looked at the replay of that broncs game and that brisbane 'try' by the winger in the corner which went to the video ref, it was knocked-on by the winger, he made contact and then the ball hits the ground before he and Mini make contact again with the ball....very impressive performance by the refs.
i'm usually one to think that games are not rigged but mostly refereed by fools....now i think it's 'mostly' both. after following the nfl for the entire last season i can't believe the difference in professionalism in the way the games are ruled, and also the fact that nfl rules are so much more black and white and far easier to apply. in my opinion the nrl has huge problems in this area.

[Carlos]

Wow I can't believe the non-participation on this forum. I often come here to take a look and see guests reading just about all the time, nobody seems to be posting. Well I only feel sorry for Carlos because all the time and effort he is putting in for a safe place for us to talk about our thoughts is just not being acknowledged. So thanks Carlos I appreciate it but I wouldn't be surprised to see you take this down. I really hope that it doesn't come to it.

It's alright Horrie. I'm cool. I've always said that this site is not mine , it belongs to all of you . It is a little slow but I'm sure it will pick up.

LETS TALK FOOTY!

[Horrie]

Wow I can't believe the non-participation on this forum. I often come here to take a look and see guests reading just about all the time, nobody seems to be posting. Well I only feel sorry for Carlos because all the time and effort he is putting in for a safe place for us to talk about our thoughts is just not being acknowledged. So thanks Carlos I appreciate it but I wouldn't be surprised to see you take this down. I really hope that it doesn't come to it.

The boys would have learned a few lessons from the Brisbane game and the second half of Souths game. The simple fact is that our second half efforts have been well bellow par with that of our first halfs. Sure the boys are al very keen but something is missing, composure. This is something that Freddy provided the team when he was playing. Too often we seem to panic, drop balls, go out into touch and take poor options in the second half.

What else do you all think?

[Radio Rooster]

Hi guys, Match against Broncos was there to be won, but we blew it along with the game officials. Getting pushed out not once but 4 times into touch is not good. Though I was impressed with the attitude of the players especially Willie, he was pumping the players up & was in there getting dirty. Fitzy was amazing, it's like he's grown another leg, Myles is really stepping up this year & enjoying himself. This is the crux of the matter, the players are enjoying themselves what a difference from last year. Looking at Penrith reminds me so much of us this time last year .

As for this weeks game against the Storm, it will be tough & it looks like Crocker will be back for them, which will boost them no end. Lets hope we can give him his 1st loss at the storm.

[Carlos]

Injury Update:
Anasta's nose was yesterday realigned and is ok to play against the Storm. There were no other injuries from last round.

[rizili]

the team looks good but 2 things suprise me,
1 - Soliola still missing with M Aubusson in his place? i would have Soliola in there any time, he must still be behind in fitness.
2 - Myles in at prop; he's doing really well in the 2nd row, not too sure about him at prop, suprised they didn't put Paea in.

[Roosterdude]

Hi folks.

There is no doubt in my mind that we can beat the storm.
I watched Melbourne in there last two games & quite frankly they did NOT impress me one bit.
I thought their effort against the warriors was ordinary & if not for Billy Slater would have been beaten.
Against Cronulla they were just deadset pedestrian. The only time they showed any activity was when Ross clobbered Cronk.
If our forwards go forward for the full 80 this Sat & we can control the footy ,we will win & win well I believe.

Go the chooks!

[Shaneo]

The team for the Melbourne match has been announced;

Team Selection Round 3 v Melbourne

1 Anthony Minichiello
2 Amos Roberts
3 Mitchell Aubusson
4 Sam Perrett
5 Shaun Kenny-Dowall
6 Braith Anasta
7 Mitchell Pearce
8 Nate Myles
9 Riley Brown
10 Mark O'Meley
11 Willie Mason
12 Anthony Tupou
13 Craig Fitzgibbon (c)

Bench Lopini Paea
Bench David Shillington
Bench Setaimata Sa
Bench James Aubusson

This weeks team looks to be quite well balanced and i like the look of it!In an ideal world though my team would be;
Minni, Kenny, Perrett, Soliola, Roberts, Anasta, Pearce, Fitzy, Tupou, Mason, Lopini, Aubusson, Omeley Bench: Myles, Shillo, Sa, Aubusson/Frank Paul. I dont see Mitch Aubusson as a quality centre in the making and thats why soly, and perrett would be my choices but it is an area which we should address this year by purchasing a quality centre!I think this will be pretty close to the team Freddy will select once all players fitness levels are recovered. James didnt train all offseason and thus why brown is getting the start ahead of him, Soliola is playing reserves trying to get his confiidence back after his knee reco!Sa coud come off the bench to play at lock or fill in at hooker if somthing should happen to James on the field!And Mitch is another utility player who could be useful off the bench but if not Frank Paul could be a real x factor for us at the back end of the season! I think this weeks game against the storm will be a cracker, a tight affair like last week with the Broncs and hopefully we learn from our mistakes and we get at least a fair go from the referee and officials.