We start the week sitting in 8th place â the first time weâve been in the top 8 since Round 1 in Vegas.
Our boys proved theyâve got what it takes to get the job done, even without our âOrigin 5.â The ânext man upâ mentality still rings true.
Weâre riding a 3-game win streak â our best run all season. You can see the confidence building, even in this weekâs clash with the Warriors. That win against the odds was a real shot in the arm.
The Origin 5 enjoyed a well-earned rest over the weekend, which is a blessing given yet another short turnaround (terrible scheduling, again). Theyâll also be keen to shake off the disappointment of that narrow loss to Queensland.
Looking ahead, weâve got a stretch that could really help us cement our top 8 spot: Eels, Rabbitohs, Tigers, Titans â but it all starts Thursday night against the Dogs.
The Bulldogs have shown they deserve respect. Theyâve climbed to the top of the ladder (albeit on a soft schedule), but theyâre far from unbeatable.
With nearly a full squad (Sorensen out via suspension), weâre hitting our stride. The attack is sharp, and our defence has tightened up â points leakage has slowed noticeably. Discipline is still a concern, and no doubt will be a focus heading into this week.
Weâre well-positioned to take on a top 4 side â we beat the team sitting third just last week.
Plenty of former Panthers in the Dogsâ squad too. Like we saw against the Tigers, theyâll be familiar with our systems, so weâll need to be alert and disciplined to avoid being caught out.
Iâm feeling optimistic about this one. I reckon we can match them for intensity, and our forwards look fired up again.