Made a last minute decision to go today and really enjoyed it. Some of my takeaways below -
Firstly the starting 13 just looked a big physical experienced side. Only really Field and Marshall lacked size but we know they have speed to burn.
I know Wire were missing Cooper and have recently lost Hill but we got on top of there pack big time, which was great to see.
Kicking game (especially first half) was night and day from the last 3 years, finding the floor, early kicks. Nice that Cust is a left footer playing on the left.
Ellis - bigger than expected (taller and fitter Singleton). Looked solid and just got through his work.
Cust - nothing spectacular but decent debut, good kicking game. Liked his work rate on the final kick off the game rushing 40m across field just in case the ball bounced (good sign)
Miski - didn’t have many opportunities with Wire having the weight of possession when he was on. Seems to be down the pecking order in the backs.
Mago - still building on his fitness, drifts out wide a bit in the defensive line too much for my liking and let’s others do his tackles. But wow he had xfactor, big hits and high quality offloads.
Thornley - wow not what I expected at all, firstly wing?!?! His carries off our own goal line were SUPERB! Got us on the front foot. Great ball inside for Field (knock on). Took his try well. Hoping like it’s said he’s a great moneyball signing.
KPP - honestly think this guy could be a phenom. Reminds me so much of Sonny bill. Shown already he can do a job at centre. We need to enjoy him while we have him before the NRL come calling.
Only a friendly but really positive signs. Second half was a bit disappointing with conceding all the penalties but work on our goal line D won’t do us any harm.
Field - really impressed, positioning was great, i find he weird he views himself as a half back as full back looks like his natural position. Exciting that we have to find a place for him, Hardaker and hopefully French.
Roll on hopefully a more positive year! The whole club feels different.