It is important to contextualize these outcomes within the framework of trial matches.
What we are witnessing is a period of experimentation - trialling positional combinations, strategy, and structural configurations both on and off the field. We must remember that the trajectory remains upward for all teams, though the rate of progression may vary.
A useful parallel can be drawn with the NRL pre-season trial games, where we similarly see the fragmented deployment of 'star' players, players in new & unfamiliar positions/roles, and the temporary abandonment of established structure in favour of testing new strategies, formations, and player alignments.
Historically, these trial matches have shown limited predictive value in relation to the final league standings or mid-season form (aside from individual player potential), highlighting the vitality & iterative nature of performance development through experimentation, adaptation, and refinement.
Trial -> error -> Progression
I don't want to speak to soon but I do believe we are simply going through that error stage.