We have a tough last 3 games, teams are even this year. 

On paper the Warriors are a good side and close to full strength, as are we 

Most agree that the Sharks, Dogs, Manly and Cows are pretty evenly matched, and one of those 4 teams is a top 4 side.

I think that we should beat the Warriors, but it will be a tough game. 

Next week we have Manly and that might be a shoot out for top 4, if not on the table, on form.

My impression is that Manly are more inconsistent than us and much more prone to patches of weak defence.

Regardless, Cirro has already exceeded expectations and I can't see a reason why we would go backwards. 

Beaten by the better side on the day can always happen. Beaten by the side that wants it more will not happen.

None of our recent coaches achieved this much improvement in a single season. Certainly not Pay and Baz. Des in 2012 is the closest parallel. But we already know what went wrong after 2012.

We are ahead of schedule, no one knew that we would still be in contention from top 4 at this stage of the season. 

My thinking used to be that 5 years is the ideal term for a coach. Certainly Folksy stayed too long.

If a coach wins a premiership then perhaps give them a few more years. If a coach hasn't won after 5 years they probably are not winning.  If they make the 8 one year then miss the next 2 years, they probably are not winning. 

Ecause Cirro is the first coach since Gus that I am 100% happy with. 

Yes, I have always thought that the switch from Gus to Chris Anderson was a mistake and the first sign that our club wad losing its way.

We could have banked lots of premierships with Gus coaching us

But Gus would never have supported Super League, which was the second indicator that we were losing our way.

Super league was tricky, because we were almost forced to do it, but there probably were alternatives.

Oasis was the third, not the idea, the clumsy execution.

And the salary cap debacle was the sealer.

Now everyone respects and likes us again, Parra fans don’t count.

It’s been a tough few decades. Let’s hope we see a repeat of our success in the 80’s soon. 

I don't think our roster is perfect.

Prop is definitely a position we should strengthen.

As good as the attack is I think that we need more X-Factor. 

Karl O and 2 good props might get us there.

If Cirro is the kinds of coach I think he is we should peak in 2027, probably with Woods at halfback.

Getting a bit better each year,  but probably at a slowing rate.

Woods is the key. 

Karl Oloapu starting at 13 would be perfect. Just imagine him playing that Bailey Hayward role. Mann off the bench to add that punch. Hopefully he can get back to first grade. 

I still think we need a very strong bench. Similar to 2004. 

And of course another SBW. But that’s very hard to find. 

He is OK to play now. Should be back next year 13 in our side will suit him.

Come on Tiger pies, just need to play the percentages in attack.

And improve the numbering up in defence. 

Yeah baby - It's the vibe...

Nice...

Dragons, Tigers, and Dogs the in form teams of the comp... 😉

The salary cap is working!!!...

Turbo is wasted playing for that rabble. 

Would have had more chance of winning if the other 12 were in the bin.

We need to beat the Warriors. 

Parra need to lose their last 3 games to claim the spoon they deserve.

We need Dragons to beat Sharks.

Then winning our last 3 should have us top 4.

I don't want to play the Dragons week 1. Broncos would also be tough, but home ground advantage should do it for us.

Storm in Melbourne week 1 is a great challenge and even if we lose we get another shot.

Cirro is right the last 3 rounds are great prep for the semis.

Being in contention and playing semis is great experience, our players and coaches will learn a lot.

And if we can get the job done,  the boost to confidence is fantastic. 

I think that the Dragons can beat the Sharks. 

I am not impressed with the play making smarts of either side.

Sharks will not run over the top of the Dragons. 

Sharks have a better bench. Dragons should replace Lawrie with ..... well anyone. Bill Gates isn't listed as a reserve.  Damn shame, we don't know how Bill would go at prop :)

He'd kill it...

Pass a bit forward to Capewell for a try.

We are going to get flogged tonight. Because of shit coaching. Don’t blame the refs. We haven’t turned up. Poor attitude. Poor performance. 

Micko, ye of little faith. The Dogs will step up a gear in the 2nd half.

I really hope so mate. And if we do it would cement Ciraldo as a damn good coach. I think they go on with this still. But great fight back. 

Sign Ciraldo for life. I agree with Zef. What a fucking win!!!

I think we have a few suspensions after that game. We were lucky to have three not in the bin. 

Just happy to win that one. 

What happened to Presto?

Any players that get suspended get a rest. Hopefully not too many. 

Reserve grade have been flogged the last few weeks. Perhaps some guys are not being resigned.

Presto is OK, we were just giving him a rest.

How about Mann?

No injuries or suspensions from this game will be a bonus.

That was a good win tonight. Warriors had everything to play for Johnsons last game which I'm glad we ruined. Sometimes that guy has given us hell. . I think the team played well. The first half was a bit slow but it is the way we do things at the moment, I think we're in for a big rest of the year. 

I don't know why I think it, but it's like they are pacing themselves and learning when to kick up a gear. Getting primed for the finals. Just a thought.

Mann was holding the sterno- clavicular joint ie. where the collarbone meets the sternum - frigen painful and could be mild with injections for the rest of the year,or bigger issue- He and Curren may've run out of luck- hope not

Curran will be right for the semis.

Mann will probably play as well. Players are tough.

Mann seems to get injured everytime he is playing really well,  probably not just at the Dogs.