General thoughts?
Good contest. Two teams that like to do it a little bit different. In the end, it was scrambling, committed defensive work that made the game the contest what it was. There were a lot of 50/50 plays and drama in the games. It's one of those that would have been great on TV.
The game probably lacked a bit of rhythm. Errors and a few other bits and bobs, even the stoppage there at the end where someone is getting strapped up. It lacked rhythm which both of those teams like, a bit of flow to the game. It was one of those, pleasing to find a way to win. It was a good, hard battle that could have gone either way.
Slow start to second half
The first set after halftime was really disappointing. We've been strong at limiting opportunities but at various times today I thought we tried a little too hard with our line speed and with that type of attack I'm not sure you need much, you just need to be connected when they go sideline to sideline. Sneyd is an unbelievable kicker, all three from his kicks, aside from that it's another game with no tries with a running play.
They're a quality team, well coached, I've said that multiple times, they're a team who believe in what they do and ask a lot of questions of your defensive line. I'm pleased with how we stuck together at the end, there were lots of bits and bobs going on but we held our nerve and played together. I think we deserved the win today.
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Aidan Sezer
He had a few big plays in the game, particularly at the end with that kick-and-chase game. He talks about that a lot and he leads the way with that. He stepped forward in Blake's absence, it was a good, gritty, hang-in-there type of performance.
Improved goal-line defence
I thought we dealt with them well. They're a dangerous team, they keep asking questions and if you solve it they keep asking. I'd say our defence against their shift plays was a big part in us getting the result today.
Does this feel similar to last year's run?
No.
What's different?
I think we're further ahead as an actual footy team than this time last year but that's about the only reflection you're going to get from me. It's a short turnaround before Hull KR on Friday.
The decision to play Corey Johnson in the halves
I think based on the season to date it was important to keep some cohesion this week. When you're on long winning runs you can jumble your team around but for us trying to get some rhythm I thought it was the right way to go. Corey did a good, solid job. With every Super League performance, he hasn't played a lot, there was a lot of pressure today playing against Tim Lafai who is among the most dangerous players in the competition. For him to defend out there with all those plays thrown at him, he did a good job. He's fit, a competitor and with each game that goes by he will grow into the attacking skills he's got as a hooker and a halfback.
Ash Handley
He carries the ball hard, he's brave. I think there are plenty of other guys in there as well but he's one of those that's the teammate people want to play with. He plays for the name on the front rather than the one on the back. I think that's the best way to sum Ash up.
James Donaldson injury
I didn't ask but I presume so because we had to give up a card. It's disappointing for Donno and the other guys.
