Cessnock Goannas coach Dan Smailes was bemused at best with the defensive effort in the 36-all result in the trial game against Maitland Pickers.
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After Saturday’s 18-32 to defending premiers Lakes United, Smailes joked he would settle for a point from another 36-all draw with the Pickers.
“Although a 37-36 win would be better,” he said ahead of the Coalfields clash at Maitland Sportsground.
Smailes said the Goannas, who have one win from their three games, were the victim of their own mistakes against Lakes.
“We were pretty poor I thought. We had no respect for the ball, we didn’t complete very well,” he said.
We had no respect for the ball, we didn’t complete very well
- Cessnock coach Dan Smailes
“We got back to 20-18 early in the second half and had a chance to take control, but we let that slip pretty easily and that was it.
“We coughed up on the next set after we scored.”
Fullback Brent Mendyk continued his impressive start to the season and was in the Goannas best along with Marvin Filipo and Shaun Metcalf.
“No one was that poor, but no one was super either,” Smailes said.
Smailes said poor ball security had been a problem for the Goannas in all their games, but in particular in the successive losses to Central Newcastle and Lakes.
He said he would concentrate on defence at training this week in an effort for the team to regain its rhythm.
“I know we dropped the ball a lot, but defence really grounds you,” he said.
“I’ve got to check on a few blokes and watch some video, but there might be a few changes.
“A few blokes didn’t finish with bits and pieces, but I don’t think it’s anything long term. It’s a pain in the butt for interchange more than anything.”
Smailes said he was impressed with the Pickers attacking options in the trial game.
“They had a fairly decent sort of attacking structure but they leaked a fair few points as we did that day,” he said. “Hopefully we can fix that up.”
Smailes said the competition appeared to be very even this year and results would come down to who could sustain pressure the longest.
“Lakes are not very far ahead of the three teams we’ve played,” he said. “I think they’re beatable. I think the comp’s going to be close this year.
“Most of the tries aren’t spectacular they are just from missed tackles and lack of concentration. If you can keep the pressure on you are going to score.”
