R3 Storm v Panthers - Game Day Thread

2025 Game Day Archive
21

Like most I was very disappointed with last week vs chooks, as we played badly and then amazingly almost came back to tie it up on the bell.

Last night was a very different experience, with us accepting a defeat as a positive for us for the long game. We clearly made errors and not finding touch twice was terrible, $torm are almost unbeatable at home, we had players out and in-game injuries, plus a few early penalties and guess agains put us on the backfoot.

I think there were good signs as we build into 2025. I suggest the 2 teams are likely to be there in the big games, and we should not fear them in Sept/Oct. As I said after round 1, 17 wins is the ‘requirement’ for a top 2 finish based on recent seasons - we may be 1-2, but we need to win 16 more!

Onwards & upwards.

22

The team really had the blowtorch applied this week, already missing Edwards, then losing Laurie late in the week, it was a big ask to have Jenkins play out of position at Fullback:

Then losing Cleary in the 8th minutes just compounded the problem. I would imagine in the thought in the back of most of fans minds was we were going to be on the end of a flogging.

But as said here already, the system held up. After conceding 14 points we held Melbourne scoreless in the first half, even returning serve with a double from Alamoti.

The reshuffle stated taking effect in the second half and with Melbourne holding the lead, the pressure was on us to deliver, and they came so close to knocking off Melbourne.

It was great seeing Yeo and Kenny step up and help guide the side around, it helped sharpen the attack with two inexperienced halves.

I think we should take the positives away from this game. Even without our big guns out we still can even shake the foundation of the competition favourites.

2 Likes
23

Agree with all comments about our effort to stay in the game. That sin bin at the end was farcical…HOWEVER there were 2 moments in the game that really grate on me and it is typical of Bellamy and the Storm…finding new ways to “take out” the key opposition.

Leaving the NC incident alone…The Munster Hip Drop on Marto, OK it wasn’t the conventional hip drop, but he used his knees to attack the ankles…It’s the same friggen thing.

Then the Harry Grub i mean Grant incident on Yeo, OK he was trying to get a penalty, but the impact on Yeo with his back turned is no different to hitting someone after they have passed the ball, they relax and don’t expect to take a dog shot. Yeo’s reaction told the story, he doesn’t abuse anyone, but geez he gave it to grub…i mean Grant.

2 Likes
24

I’m getting a bit concerned with this as it definitely appears so Pete. Unless he is just preparing for the long haul of the season and letting the young guns aim up early, but he needs to get back to being Moses, we need him more than ever now.

1 Like