Relegation to the bench is not so much a demotion as a change of station for maximum impact. I always thought Nuts was best off the bench, same with Beets, same with Sully, same with Hutch (when he doesn't bludge). So maybe it'll be the same with Gall & Doug. Coming on fresh allows for Maximum impact. I expect Nige to have a bigger impact too, albeit I believe he was much more involved last week without receiving quality ball.
IMO Villa had his best game when he came on against the Warriors.
All this said, I believe our MAJOR problem is Noddy's style as per Lam's assertions mentioned by Blacktip on another thread. Opposition seem to know what he's going to do almost every time.
Scott is very incisive in attack, and involved in defence but stuffs it up repeatedly with wrong options, like Dykes used to do. IMO Dykes' has matured markedly, but is still suspect in defence.
We must be a chance this week, although we're not favourites. I believe Hindmarsh and Morrison are each carrying niggles. I believe our pack is strong physically, and our backline is generally big and strong, with incissors off the bench.
I believe our biggest problems will be (in ascending order):
- Kearney under the high ball, and his positioning (albeit Covell and Simmons should provide good cover)
- Dykes' defence
- Noddy's stereotyped play
Our defensive line MUST move up together, not like against the Warriors where we stood back and waited for them. And the line must be able to adjust for Parra's occasional roving attack.
