Holbrook appreciation thread

[alexwilliams_66692007]

Too early?

 

[Frederick]

No

I love him

 

[Zoidberg]

Not too early.
Even if we go downhill with results from here, I’m sure we all appreciate the style of footy the team is now playing.

 

[perverse]

I don't think it's too early to appreciate that he has completely transformed this team in a single off season. Actually an incredible job. The way we've been for so many years, basically forgetting how to play together in the off season and figuring it out again every year, had made me forget what a competant team can actually accomplish.

We look great, it's clear the players have bought in and the future actually looks quite bright for once. Can't wait til Brown, KP and Sharpe get more time to develop together on the field.

 

[Yosh]

Refreshing. I enjoy watching our games now. Thank you!

 

[Knight Tales]

The man is a top level coach and we made one of the best decisions in our history by signing him. I hope he is here for many years to follow.

 

[Rod]

The difference in style between previous years and this year is so stark that you can't help but put it down to coaching. The talent isn't *that* much better than last year (if it's better at all). So no it's not too early.

Just so nice to have a team that does the simple things right like support the ball runner, or roll a grubber into the in-goal when the attack isn't on. Stuff that always used to seem so difficult for us.

 

[ryan.a87]

The talent isn't *that* much better than last year (if it's better at all).

The halfback talent alone going from either Hastings or Cogger to Brown or Smith has made the world of difference as well

 

[Dr Dr Gimedanews]

The halfback talent alone going from either Hastings or Cogger to Brown or Smith has made the world of difference as well

this (Hastings Cogger and Gamble are fringe first graders) + a new voice is doing the world of good, this team is playing with more confidence.

 

[Rod]

The halfback talent alone going from either Hastings or Cogger to Brown or Smith has made the world of difference as well

100% the halves are the clear area where we've upgraded massively.

Before the season we were concerned that the squad quality hadn't improved overall though, especially in the forward pack. And now they've just manhandled a Dogs pack with no Mooney.

 

[Yosh]

Good to have proper halves. We actually attack now. Our players look like they got a new lease on life.

 

[Nuke]

I genuinely think that it's both factors. New, better halves and backup hooker make an obvious difference. But also the shackles being released on our team overall. I've said for a few years that I believe our 1-5 are the best in the comp (Marzhew's ability in the air aside), and we have some decent forwards (on their day, just maybe not consistent enough), but up until this year, they were all told they're not to play to their strengths. Only to play a conservative, boring risk-free game plan. Coach changes. New attacking-style coach comes in. Knights look much better immediately. And yes, part of that is the new players too. The importance of that can't be discounted.

 

[Knight Tales]

I wonder if Phoenix to lock and Harry Graham to dummy half is the long term plan. I would imagine Harry is not far off an extension. Really want to know what The Dolphins were thinking letting him go. Their fans are filthy about it.

 

[Sénior Slippyfist]

The guy can coach. He got proper shafted at the Titans IMO

 

[The Axe of Druss]

I wonder if Phoenix to lock and Harry Graham to dummy half is the long term plan. I would imagine Harry is not far off an extension. Really want to know what The Dolphins were thinking letting him go. Their fans are filthy about it.

Maybe but i tend to think we are more effective with Phoenix and Croker starting to absorb the tough stuff then bring Graham on to mess with the tired forwards.

Only issue then is what to do with Smith once Brown comes back

 

[Yosh]

Wonder if Holbrook can develop players much better than AOB. McEwen looks the goods but hopefully he can develop into someone like Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. We got some other great youngsters coming through as well right?

 

[Dr Dr Gimedanews]

24 yr old Graham at 13 NRL games is only 1 year younger than Crossy , Crossland is over 100 games into a career.

Graham and players like him are the quality depth we have always been missing.

It's more than just coaching, it's age and NRL experience - 26 yr old Croker for example is now approaching 100 games, Cant is only 25 games in and still adjusting to the speed and physicality

The great aspect of Crossy, Croker, Cant is they are local boys, bleed for the jersey, and offer great value for money.

Edit - and all have or are regularly bashed in the forum, lost count of how many on here wanted young Crossland gone ( and now bash Cant) . Yet heralded the skill of the now gone over priced plod we had in the roster.

 

[Dr Dr Gimedanews]

Only issue then is what to do with Smith once Brown comes back

Back to the bench where he belongs. He's young, has potential, and still learning, has defensive issues and certainly is no Fletcher Sharpe

 

[The Axe of Druss]

Back to the bench where he belongs. He's young, has potential, and still learning, has defensive issues and certainly is no Fletcher Sharpe

Thats my point though. Is it Smith or Graham we carry on the bench if Crossland is starting at 9

 

[SamSepi0l]

If a guy on a development contract is going to outplay Sandon in the 9, so be it. Great problem to have.

McEwen has gone backwards this yr. Cant still sucks. Hunt has improved. Overall though great *early* signs.