To not have De Koning starting on the ground was one of the stupidest calls I have ever seen. Pittonet is slow and provides no spark. It's no coincidence that once De Koning was subbed in, the goals started to flow. But by then, it was much too late.
And Kennedy looked shattered to be subbed out that early in the game.
Voss and the coaches got this completely wrong.
Yes, have to comment on this, and I messaged my son during the game to say the same. (I don't always contribute on match threads these days, even though I'm probably checking on, because I miss the action trying to read posts or respond with my slow typing).
TdeK really changed the game in the Bloos favour. What a revival he sparked! As I said to my son, why on earth would you make him sub!? He will become, if not already, their best and most important player along with Cripps, excelling past Curnow because he's playing on the ball too. Might well go pass Gawn as the best ruck in the game in '25.
So, either he's fit to play or not. He's named SO must be! They selected Pittonet too. Fine, if TdK was not able to ruck 3/4 Qs.
So start him forward while the Pitt takes on Oscar the Monster in the first half. Would have really straightened up the inept Bloos F50 entries and kept Andrews honest and anxious, while providing a power of support to McKay. Did they think the likes of Kemp, Hollands and Fantasia et al would trouble the Lions backline? As it was, the injury to Payne would have played into their hands.
Strange, weird thinking from the Bloos' 'brains-trust.' It was an elimination final. Lose and there's no next week.
Plus keeping Kennedy on instead of Cerra smarter too.
