NSW Metro boys had a really really off game. Not sure why coach didn't start AIS CoE player Deng Gak in the 4 spot. Looked to play with 4 guards then Isaac Humphries at Centre - unorthodox decision that seemed to not work.

The real test will be to see whether they bounce back vs Vic Country tomorrow. If not, I don't like their chances of a medal.

^ Agree with you anon that Country Vic are a good team and hard to beat on their day. But looking at the supposed talent that NSW Metro have in their team, they really should be beating teams like Country Vic and SA Metro. Their PF (Gak) and C (Humphries) are both at the AIS and most teams don't even have 1 AIS player in their team. Sure, their guards aren't the best but they should have enough talent there. Just strange that they are struggling so much...

You're misunderstanding what i'm saying, so maybe you shouldn't act with such hostility. I'm not seeking to detract from the talent VIC Country have at all - I wholeheartedly acknowledge it. To be honest though, if it weren't for one certain player, who dominates the scoring and will remain unnamed, they wouldn't be anywhere near as good as they are.

My question wasn't about them either, it was trying to seek answers as to why NSW Metro have struggled so much over TWO games against TWO different teams. That's all. So calm down.

I know where they would be - the same place most teams (including Vic Country) would be without their main man. Not really a matter of opinion -more a matter of fact. Stats speak for themselves.

This post was more for recognising how even the teams must be this year, rather than two of you sprouting how good Vic Country or NSW Metro are.

Give the tournament another few days and bragging rights will be found. One bad game though in tournaments like this will cost a team. Let us all sit back and watch what eventuates.

Honestly the standard of NSW metro guard is fairly low this year - notably the Musulin kid, who although can play a little has pretty much no hope of sticking with guys at a state level

I'm tipping a NSW Country vs VIC Metro grand final in the Mens. Both sides have had players ruled out with injury and illness in the past week so will be interesting to see how they adapt.

Great to see some online coverage of the U18's.

Takes me back!

I also watched the NSW Country v QLD North game as an impartial observer. NSW were head and shoulders above QLD but the game was marred by the 60 odd fouls called in the game - pretty evenly across both teams may I add. Can't say the QLD big didn't deserve his fouls either, he was pretty silly in unnecessarily elbowing an opposition player when he was on 4 fouls.

The referees had a good game - they did their job and called a foul when there was one. Both teams need to learn to keep their hands out.

Hahaha not an official and never will be one. I'm well aware there is more to it than that but making excuses for throwing elbows is really quite sad. Especially from a player that should know better.

All this talk about AIS or as they are now known C of E players, a star team will always beat a team of stars when the team of stars play as individuals . Early days yet, but credit were it's due young jack White from Vic country is dominating at the moment, but some start well and fall away through the week others take a few games to hit their straps and then some teams can pull one out the box unexpectedly and change the whole course. The only game that counts is the gold medal game, get there first then you can pump up the players, till then it's anyone's game, though don't be surprised if Vic country make finals.

Maxymoo were do u access online coverage? Thanks