Discipline a focus for Hales

Author: Wayne Cousins
Timestamp: Fri 6 Apr 2018, 10:46 AM

A better emphasis on ensuring strong discipline has been a focus for Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles Coach Steven Hales this week.

Hales said a lack of discipline proved to be his side’s downfall in the 26-6 loss to Mounties at Lottoland in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW last weekend.

It was the team’s first loss of the season and leaves them in fourth place after four rounds.

“We conceded six penalties in the first nine minutes. It just puts you on the back foot. It is something we will definitely be looking to tidy up,’’ Hales said.

“I thought our effort was good and that’s non-negotiable for us. Defensively, our effort was fantastic.

“Our attack was very clunky and disjointed though. Whether that had to do with the fact that we put ourselves under so much pressure early…we definitely do need to execute better than we did.”

In a beaten side, Hales praised the performances of forwards Taniela Paseka and Jack Gosiewski, who will be looking to break into the NRL side following the season ending injuries to Curtis Sironen and Kelepi Tanginoa.

“Taniela has been a real handful for the opposition in the first four rounds. He has shown real maturity about his footy and is one player that will be pushing for a first grade spot,’’ Hales said.

“Jack has been consistent every week. As a coach, he is a player you can definitely trust. You know he will go out and do his job at 100 miles an hour. He gives himself every opportunity too with his preparation.”

The Sea Eagles tackle Wentworthville Magpies at HE Laybutt Field, Blacktown, on Sunday, April 8, in round five.

The two teams met in round two with the Sea Eagles thumping the Magpies 46-0 at Ringrose Park.

“Wenty will have a bitter taste in their mouths still,’’ Hales said.

“For us, it is not about them, but how we can improve on last week.

“We need to go out and put in another good performance that our parochial home crowd at Blacktown can be proud of.”