Wests Tigers Holden Cup Coach Todd Payten talks about the strong win over Brisbane on Monday night in his weekly blog.
Todd's Blog
We returned to the winners circle after a good performance from our boys. Across the park we were a lot better and shared the workload equally. Everyone was willing to work for one another which is a non negotiable in all good teams and something that was missing against Penrith.
Brisbane got out to a 10-0 lead early with a huge weight of possession and field position. We remained composed and stayed in the game by completing our sets and by the half hour mark the possession evened up.
We led the penalty count 3-1 and were able to take the lead going into half time 22-10.
We came out with the same intensity and got to a comfortable lead of 32-10 about the midway point of the 2nd half. For the next 15 minutes we took our foot off their throat and got away from our structure and the things that got us to the handy lead. They were able to go in and then a try really against the run of play steered the ship and we played the last 5 minutes with the right attitude and intensity.
I was relieved to get the win and frustrated in the lapse of concentration in the 2nd half. The top teams go on with it and realistically at the moment we arent a top team. I have no doubt we have the ability to be but we arent there yet.
As mentioned before everyone contributed but our standouts were Luke Brooks, Manaia Rudolph, Andrew Kazzi, Fosio Tatola, Delouise Hoeter, Brendan Santi and Kyle Lovett.
Brooksy scored a hat-trick. He steered the side around well and made their big men look silly by straightening up to play Brendan Santi into a hole and also taking them on and beating 4 of them through the middle of the ruck.
anaia had his best game at centre. Defended aggressively and was threat when the ball went his side of the field.
Andrew Kazzi and Fosio Tatola came off the bench and had an immediate impact with energy and enthusiasm. They swung the momentum back our way when we were 10 nil down.
Delouise Hoeter was strong at the back and played an unfamiliar position as edge back rower for 20 mins. He was out on his feet but pushed when things were tough and made some crucial tackles. It highlights how good of a footballer he is being able to play two completely different roles
Brendan Santi and Kyle Lovett were their usual selves returning after a stint in NSW Cup. They are mature men and footballers and leaders of our side. They do a mountain of work and all of it quality. Their work on the ground defensively is where I really noticed the difference.
Todd's Blog
We returned to the winners circle after a good performance from our boys. Across the park we were a lot better and shared the workload equally. Everyone was willing to work for one another which is a non negotiable in all good teams and something that was missing against Penrith.
Brisbane got out to a 10-0 lead early with a huge weight of possession and field position. We remained composed and stayed in the game by completing our sets and by the half hour mark the possession evened up.
We led the penalty count 3-1 and were able to take the lead going into half time 22-10.
We came out with the same intensity and got to a comfortable lead of 32-10 about the midway point of the 2nd half. For the next 15 minutes we took our foot off their throat and got away from our structure and the things that got us to the handy lead. They were able to go in and then a try really against the run of play steered the ship and we played the last 5 minutes with the right attitude and intensity.
I was relieved to get the win and frustrated in the lapse of concentration in the 2nd half. The top teams go on with it and realistically at the moment we arent a top team. I have no doubt we have the ability to be but we arent there yet.
As mentioned before everyone contributed but our standouts were Luke Brooks, Manaia Rudolph, Andrew Kazzi, Fosio Tatola, Delouise Hoeter, Brendan Santi and Kyle Lovett.
Brooksy scored a hat-trick. He steered the side around well and made their big men look silly by straightening up to play Brendan Santi into a hole and also taking them on and beating 4 of them through the middle of the ruck.
anaia had his best game at centre. Defended aggressively and was threat when the ball went his side of the field.
Andrew Kazzi and Fosio Tatola came off the bench and had an immediate impact with energy and enthusiasm. They swung the momentum back our way when we were 10 nil down.
Delouise Hoeter was strong at the back and played an unfamiliar position as edge back rower for 20 mins. He was out on his feet but pushed when things were tough and made some crucial tackles. It highlights how good of a footballer he is being able to play two completely different roles
Brendan Santi and Kyle Lovett were their usual selves returning after a stint in NSW Cup. They are mature men and footballers and leaders of our side. They do a mountain of work and all of it quality. Their work on the ground defensively is where I really noticed the difference.
