I keep waiting for the joeys dominance to re-assert itself
I know they continue to dominate virtually everything outside of the 1st xv
...waiting for a return to "normal programming"
It isn't just scots regularly beating joeys now
And not used to seeing joeys on bottom of the table
I keep wondering if joeys are picking too many youngsters
A kid in year 10 or 11 might be faster, more agile, more athletic. but if you send out a team full of baby faced stars and with not enough year 12 hard heads, you run the risk of being outmuscled
Might be different if the game ran 20 minutes longer . like it seemed to back in the day
Anyway what do I know . maybe it is the fact that the number of country boys in joeys is way down, has impacted
Anyway I can definitely see joeys being favourites in 2018. unless kings brings up the kid in the 14As
SDW,
That's a bit tough - yes bottom of the table but Joeys have played 2 of the favourites in the first 2 games and lost both only by a few points. 3 intercepts over the games (not the reason we lost but did play a part in both) was unfortunate although I must admit we weren't on our game against Scots - too much dropped ball and couldn't win a line out.
You can't give class sides gifts like these or you will invariably end up on the wrong side of the ledger. Regardless Kings & Scots deserved to win but we aren't that far off. We win the Kings game and the comp is wide open.
I know Kings believe it was the toughest game they have played this year & a couple of options at the end cost us dearly. We must be there or thereabouts somewhere. I believe that after all the changes that were made from Round 1 it showed there must be some real talent there - basically the back line was turned upside down but went well with their limited opportunities. I'm hoping we play a more expansive rugby game in the final 3 rounds like we did in years gone by much like the Randwick days.
As for the younger players, it hasn't seemed to hurt other GPS sides and if you're good enough so be it. We have lacked experience in the Opens once they finally got there in the past so this will reap benefits over the next few years.
As for next year - yes we will be very strong. However, Kings have an amazing younger brigade coming through & Scots also. Newington & Riverview should not be underestimated either. It will be close and will come down to who wants it the most.
Oh if only for the 2 rounds to come back!!!!!
