great game today on ABC. Love Uni atm
I particularly like the look of the front row. Aldy King went really well against Eddie Aholelei, who is no slouch and it's hard to believe that Sam Talakai is only 19. Great shame to see Benny Roberts go down with what looks like a serious knee injury. He really should have a contract by now. No tougher player in the comp. When he went down with what looked like an ACL tear, he tried to get up and keep going straight away, as if he couldn't believe injury was possible. Hodge in the centres is already a 7s player and looks very classy. Rokobaro on the wing is quick and skilful and i think is in the Rebels wider training group. Jono Jenkins already has a contract, of course, but showed yesterday how good a player he is. The other one who is has shown a lot of potential this year is Hickey, the no 7, who was absent yesterday. Still only 18 and able to mix it with the big boys.There going great guns this young University side, tough call at the end I think but many of these boys are not far away from S15 contracts.
I watched Hickey play at joeys and he was a dirty player there too. I'm all for tough uncomprimising rugby with a bit of niggle, but he's just a grub.Respectfully, I'm going to disagree. No doubt Hickey played a very physical, confrontational, niggly, in-your-face, dog-shot style of footy on Saturday... but having seen him come through the system at Joeys, I am aware that he can also be skillful, technical and an outstanding leader.
My gut feeling is that the coaching staff at Uni have recognised the forward pack at the moment is very young, and they have provided Dave with a specific role description - to be the 'intimidator'. Even the Syd Uni match reports, which are posted on their website, have referred to Hickey as a 'cage-fighter' on several occasions this season. The battle between him and Timmy McGann was pretty heavy. Hickey was high-fived & back-slapped by a few members of the Uni coaching staff when he left the field following the red card.
The Wicks old heads went out on Sat to 'bully' the young Uni pigs, but to their credit, the Uni crew stood up and refused to be daunted. I thought they were impressive.
Great shame to see Benny Roberts go down with what looks like a serious knee injury. He really should have a contract by now. No tougher player in the comp. When he went down with what looked like an ACL tear, he tried to get up and keep going straight away, as if he couldn't believe injury was possible.
I watched Hickey play at joeys and he was a dirty player there too. I'm all for tough uncomprimising rugby with a bit of niggle, but he's just a grub.
Next weekend the Sydney vs Country game is on ABC at 3:00pm (it's a wet weather round, isn't it?). Should be good to see who plays in each team.
There going great guns this young University side, tough call at the end I think but many of these boys are not far away from S15 contracts.
Penrith beat Eastwood in 2nds. A great result as Eastwood are top of the table. They move to 8th on the table. In firsts they were not embarrased either going down 40 to 24.
Hopefully a revival is occuring.
I dont understand how it was a tough call. Firstly he was short of the line and secondly Lui Siale's hand was under the ball. The tough call was earlier when Uni were not penalised for a blatant obstruction which saw Metuisela taken out. They should have been penalised and Manly would have kept the ball till the siren one minute later.
Yes Uni's no names are playing very well at the moment but lets not forget how inexperienced that Marlins team was as well. Harry Bergelin, James Hilterbrand and Peter Gilmore were in their run on debut, and Damian Reti, Jack Rowntree and Richard Hooper haven't played many either. It was a good afternoon at Manly with them winning 1sts, 2nds and comfortably beating the chosen ones in 1sts colts.
Not a bad side.
Bergelin, Hilterbrand and Gilmour played well not taking anything away from that although I dont think Reti stood out against Rokobaro likewise Rowntree and Hooper played limited minutes Rowntree 40mins - Hooper last 5 if that. I havn't follwed Manly weekly and im not saying there bad players at all but collectively Sydney University youngsters deserve a mention after previous season where before their superstars come back they struggle during the first couple rounds.