Game Day vs BRONCOS

[TomRedVRiver]

See... The biggest thing that concerns me about WIddop at fullback is that Bennett f**king coached him there in the World Cup. He knows how Widdop plays back there, he knows his strengths and weaknesses.

The Widdop/Hunt combination was so successful for us earlier in the season, I see nothing to gain from a switch now.

 

[since77]

A massive shake up at this stage seems like panic.

Hope it works, bet it dosnt.

We’ve won what is it 2 or 3 from the last 11 games? Panic is probably the only useful thing we’ve got.

 

[possm]

See... The biggest thing that concerns me about WIddop at fullback is that Bennett f**king coached him there in the World Cup. He knows how Widdop plays back there, he knows his strengths and weaknesses.

The Widdop/Hunt combination was so successful for us earlier in the season, I see nothing to gain from a switch now.

Most good coaches know how the opposition fullback plays. I mean I'm sure Mary has studied how all the Bronco's players perform and has developed a counter play in attack and defence for our team. In other words game plans A-Z.

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

I reckon the first 10 - 20 mins will tell us a lot.

Not sure about the 10 to 20 mins mate.....I can usualy tell after 2 or 3 mins whether we have turned up to play.......the only thing that will raise its ugly head in 10 mins is if we concede our customary 3 or 4 penalties

 

[possm]

Not sure about the 10 to 20 mins mate.....I can usualy tell after 2 or 3 mins whether we have turned up to play.......the only thing that will raise its ugly head in 10 mins is if we concede our customary 3 or 4 penalties

For the first few sets. Line speed in defence, aggression in attack, yardage gained in attack and yardage lost in defence.

 

[Dragsters]

The only issue I have with Widdop at fullback is his match Fitness. Full-back requires a lot of running and Fitness and I don't know whether he would be match-fit at this time.

However, starting him at fullback I'm playing Mann at 5/8 at least would start the game with some confidence. Dufty playing as the bench impact player coming on where he can use his speed around tired forwards.
This also allows some flexibility if Lomax or Pereira struggle during the game they could move Mann to Centre or wing with Widdop to 5/8 and Duf back to fullback.

We need to start well in this game and having some structures with confidence will give us some chance of holding out the Broncos for the first 15 or 20 minutes that will frustrate them in front of their home crowd.

Dragons 26
Broncos 12

Good summation.

For mine if Widdop plays fullback it is to protect his shoulder from the defensive load in the front line.

Potentially safer under the high ball also.

As for his fitness, I'm sure they would have had him running a lot over the past few weeks in rehab.

Dufty on the bench could provide the spark needed if the game is in the balance late.

I'm not averse to this move but there is some upside if Widdop shoulder is still not 100%.

 

[blaza88z]

Most good coaches know how the opposition fullback plays. I mean I'm sure Mary has studied how all the Bronco's players perform and has developed a counter play in attack and defence for our team. In other words game plans A-Z.

Mary? Game plan?

Nah you're good, did you write that yourself?

 

[blacksafake]

Sausages- check
Steak- check
Beer- check
Wine- check
Jersey on- check
Foxtel working- check
All preparations are in place.

Don’t forget to turn phone off & don’t answer the door

 

[TruSaint]

Good summation.

For mine if Widdop plays fullback it is to protect his shoulder from the defensive load in the front line.

Potentially safer under the high ball also.

As for his fitness, I'm sure they would have had him running a lot over the past few weeks in rehab.

Dufty on the bench could provide the spark needed if the game is in the balance late.

I'm not averse to this move but there is some upside if Widdop shoulder is still not 100%.

Im ok with it as well, albeit such changes should have been at least trialed in previous games, when we were playing like under 10's.

Agree with your analysis though.

My fear is that Gaz "protecting" his shoulder , which sounds logical, tells me he will be the target of gang tackles on kick returns, bombarded with high kicks which may in fact limit his ability to contribute.

Its an knock out final, so I suppose even if he is 80% right them we play him, but if this was any other game I would rest him ..

 

[This Year?]

Nothing would make me happier than seeing us win today.
Go you dragons!

 

[Mark D]

Read yesterday that Widdop has been training at full back ... don’t think they will play that way but if they did I would feel a little more comfortable... Milford and Nikorima will bomb the crap out of Dufty and understandably so

 

[epDragon62]

I’m good for confusing the buggers but it only matters if our forwards are on fire.

 

[My man Gasnier]

CARN DRAGONS. FIRE UP!

 

[Dracarys]

Who will he replace in the backline?

JP

 

[Gareth67]

I agree that it is a bit late in the day -season - to be playing Widdop at fullback , far too late . Should this actually occur then there will be a advantage and also a disadvantage as already said . Duffy will not be subjected to the bombs that will definitely come his way and also give Widdop much more freedom.

The disadvantage I believe far outweighs this and that is that Hunt will still be left to organize our attack , something which he has not been able to do , at least alone . The man needs Widdop there along side of him and our kicking game will improve immensely as will the Dragons attack .

But back to today’s game the Dragons will need to lift in every aspect of their game to come back next week , here’s to a good showing from the boys .

 

[hazzbeen]

Well this is it , either the boys aim up and play what's in front of them or it is another disappointing season ....

 

[MILEY CYRUS]

Hunt man of the match.
Someone like Tariq or Friz needs to shut Milford down. If he has a bad game then the Broncs lose.

 

[TheParraboy]

Good luck today guys

Please belt those showponys and make this Parraboy very happy

 

[ouryears]

Mary? Game plan?

Nah you're good, did you write that yourself?

Similar to our game plan in round 1.

Beat the crap out of your forward pack and make your backs look like Burleigh Heads reserves.

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

For the first few sets. Line speed in defence, aggression in attack, yardage gained in attack and yardage lost in defence.

Yeah I agree Possm....would just like to see our blokes hit with a bit of purpose mongrel and some urgency......of late we look like a bunch if plodders tgat just go through the motions....