Jai Field

[blacksafake]

You'd have to wonder why these elite juniors are not taught how to tackle during their development years. I understand about the size and weight of juniors but just can't understand why they are not toaught the basics.

They can all tackle Possm but the trouble is nowadays the first point of contact must be up around the ball not low like we used to do.Unfortunately there is no reward for a good low tackle around the legs anymore because they have to release & roll away which then allows a quick play the ball.Being a smaller bloke makes it near impossible to tackle someone like Fifita & lock the ball up.

 

[possm]

They can all tackle Possm but the trouble is nowadays the first point of contact must be up around the ball not low like we used to do.Unfortunately there is no reward for a good low tackle around the legs anymore because they have to release & roll away which then allows a quick play the ball.Being a smaller bloke makes it near impossible to tackle someone like Fifita & lock the ball up.

Very well said and I agree completely. Wouldn't it be good if we had a coach who could work out defence techniques and combinations to help our team be more effective. I belive there is still room in our game for hard low tackles providing team mates quickly form defensive structures and nullify the quick play the ball. I can't help thinking that putting two or three men into a tackle not only can lead to gaps in defence for the next play but also saps energy from our players. Sure sometimes it has to be two or three in a tackle but on occasions, especially when it is one our smaller players going low, our players need to quickly form a defensive structure that nullifies the roll-on. Melbourne seem to be good at this. Smith often will go low and the Storm defense seems to re-group quickly.

 

[True_Believer]

Very well said and I agree completely. Wouldn't it be good if we had a coach who could work out defence techniques and combinations to help our team be more effective. I belive there is still room in our game for hard low tackles providing team mates quickly form defensive structures and nullify the quick play the ball. I can't help thinking that putting two or three men into a tackle not only can lead to gaps in defence for the next play but also saps energy from our players. Sure sometimes it has to be two or three in a tackle but on occasions, especially when it is one our smaller players going low, our players need to quickly form a defensive structure that nullifies the roll-on. Melbourne seem to be good at this. Smith often will go low and the Storm defense seems to re-group quickly.

regroup quickly? You have to be kidding. Smith and co wrestle the player to the ground and rarely roll away quickly. Melbourne have plenty of time to get back to position because the opposition take so long to untangle themselves from the twists and players still in the tackle that Melbourne could have made another 2 tackles. Not to mention Melbourne rarely get up from the tackle while the player is not on his back. Melbourne are just as suceptible to the same issues as other teams IF you can get them 1 on 1 and string a couple of quick play the balls together.

 

[2010]

Could Dufty and Field ever play together in first grade

 

[possm]

Could Dufty and Field ever play together in first grade

I believe they could however, the real question is; Can Dufty and Field match it with the larger sized wingers? Will their speed and elusiveness prove to be too much for these big blokes. I think agility is a real asset when it comes to beating a defender and finding your way to the line.

 

[2010]

I believe they could however, the real question is; Can Dufty and Field match it with the larger sized wingers? Will their speed and elusiveness prove to be too much for these big blokes. I think agility is a real asset when it comes to beating a defender and finding your way to the line.

True but just by the size they will find it hard to contest any kicks. That would be my concern especially with Hunt who does have a great kicking game

 

[nontime111]

dufty
field
mann
lafai
mcdonald ( for the kicks)
widdop
hunt

 

[Drag Queen]

True but just by the size they will find it hard to contest any kicks. That would be my concern especially with Hunt who does have a great kicking g

True but just by the size they will find it hard to contest any kicks. That would be my concern especially with Hunt who does have a great kicking game

His kicking game has let him down in the past

dufty
field
mann
lafai
mcdonald ( for the kicks)
widdop
hunt[/QUOTE

 

[Drag Queen]

Hmm, is that the best you've got? Field won't cut it as a winger atm. Dufty and Field have targets on their backs. Speed no doubt, but defensively both have a lot to work on. Add to the equation that we have a clueless coach. Both could get fried.

 

[Overseas dragon]

Hmm, is that the best you've got? Field won't cut it as a winger atm. Dufty and Field have targets on their backs. Speed no doubt, but defensively both have a lot to work on. Add to the equation that we have a clueless coach. Both could get fried.

Is that record cracked again DARLING .nice to see your hatred of DUFTY hasn't changed at least your consistent

 

[Dracarys]

Captain Darling?

 

[tumbidragon]

With rumours abound about Widdop leaving after next season, and people throwing out names like Norman, Moses, Reynolds as a possible replacement (A no for all for me), what about Field? I didn't watch much cup last year, so am wondering how he's developing? Seems the club and fans have gone cold on him as he rarely rates a mention.

 

[Old Timer]

With rumours abound about Widdop leaving after next season, and people throwing out names like Norman, Moses, Reynolds as a possible replacement (A no for all for me), what about Field? I didn't watch much cup last year, so am wondering how he's developing? Seems the club and fans have gone cold on him as he rarely rates a mention.

The truth is just like so many others they have a big tag on them in the juniors and lower grades and never get enough time in the top grade to show if they have it or not
Tackling appears to be a weakness but reggies is far more disorganised than the top grade so just maybe in a better structure he might actually learn how he can effectively carry out his role in defence as well as attack.
As it stands at the moment he will be another headed for the scrap heap.

 

[Dragonslayer]

With rumours abound about Widdop leaving after next season, and people throwing out names like Norman, Moses, Reynolds as a possible replacement (A no for all for me), what about Field? I didn't watch much cup last year, so am wondering how he's developing? Seems the club and fans have gone cold on him as he rarely rates a mention.

I think the club has been patient with him.
We saw him on the bench this year a couple of times and thrown in as an impact type player. Bit like Leilua when he got a few chances in 2017. So he hasnt been completely forgotten.
They are also trying to bulk him up with sacrificing his natural speed.
Now the focus seems to be on an outside back with AJ and Jennings names been thrown around, 2019 could be a breakout year for him, but he really newds to improve his defense. Maybe the extra kilos may give him some more confidence to put his body on the line.

If he plays 5/8, or even f/b in ISP he really needs to really shine every game. If so, i feel, if Widdop goes, he may become the #1 candidate at a lot less cost.

Sailor, is the other contender but his defense is worse than Field, so the balls firmly in Jai's court now.

 

[giboz71]

Size is so important when rookies come into FG as 20 year olds. Field and Dufty will always be behind the 8 ball due to their physical limitations.

Compare to guys like Cotric, Tupou, RTS who were prototypical NRL bodies (over 6ft and around 95kgs) when they made their debuts. Even Ponga has bulked up to about 92kgs.

Lomax at 94kgs already and way over 6 foot will be the most likely to come good out of all our rookies, not necessarily due to talent, but just his physical gifts.

 

[BLM01]

OT..you are right re 1st grade description of defensive structures and it teaches how to read and communicate defence better utilising your inside and outside men in a structure of trust and capability better than reserve grade.
But technique starts in Juniors, Under 16's or whatever with those coaches. Jai Field like many other young backs does not quite have the proper technique to do it the old traditional way..nor the ability or strength to hold and wrestle (the modern way) in the big boys league and that is the problem.
You need to be able to do that at least to play 1st grade or progress from reggies. A very select few get away with poor defense in 1st grade only to be able to offset with brilliant game winning attacking ability to good to pass on like Dufty. (then given some time to improve defense in the coal face)
Is Field in that category like a Dufty?..No. Field has speed no doubt and can pass...but Dufty's attacking all round ability is advanced to Field's upon debut..for what I have watched in live ISP games this year.

 

[Carlton]

Size is so important when rookies come into FG as 20 year olds. Field and Dufty will always be behind the 8 ball due to their physical limitations.

Compare to guys like Cotric, Tupou, RTS who were prototypical NRL bodies (over 6ft and around 95kgs) when they made their debuts. Even Ponga has bulked up to about 92kgs.

Lomax at 94kgs already and way over 6 foot will be the most likely to come good out of all our rookies, not necessarily due to talent, but just his physical gifts.

You are spot on, whether its a good thing or not, the size, athleticism and physicality of players is now of paramount importance. If they are small, and/or are not athletes and/or are not able to match it physically there is very little likelihood they'll make it long term in first grade.

I dont like this, I want to see those exciting smaller players with a role to play but unfortunately thats not how rules of the game have evolved.

 

[possm]

I think the club has been patient with him.
We saw him on the bench this year a couple of times and thrown in as an impact type player. Bit like Leilua when he got a few chances in 2017. So he hasnt been completely forgotten.
They are also trying to bulk him up with sacrificing his natural speed.
Now the focus seems to be on an outside back with AJ and Jennings names been thrown around, 2019 could be a breakout year for him, but he really newds to improve his defense. Maybe the extra kilos may give him some more confidence to put his body on the line.

If he plays 5/8, or even f/b in ISP he really needs to really shine every game. If so, i feel, if Widdop goes, he may become the #1 candidate at a lot less cost.

Sailor, is the other contender but his defense is worse than Field, so the balls firmly in Jai's court now.

Maybe our lower grade coaches need a wake up call as it seems nearly all our juniors seem to have defensive problems. The exception being Lomax and maybe Lawrie.

 

[Drag Queen]

You are spot on, whether its a good thing or not, the size, athleticism and physicality of players is now of paramount importance. If they are small, and/or are not athletes and/or are not able to match it physically there is very little likelihood they'll make it long term in first grade.

I dont like this, I want to see those exciting smaller players with a role to play but unfortunately thats not how rules of the game have evolved.

I get where you're coming from but have you noticed shorter players like Slater and Barba have a more solid build all round. When I look at players like Field and Dufty they look like skinny blokes with exaggerated muscles. I still believe a shorter player can make the grade. Damian McKenzie is shorter and lighter than both these young guys and is a phenomenal FB albeit in Union.

 

[Carlton]

I get where you're coming from but have you noticed shorter players like Slater and Barba have a more solid build all round. When I look at players like Field and Dufty they look like skinny blokes with exaggerated muscles. I still believe a shorter player can make the grade. Damian McKenzie is shorter and lighter than both these young guys and is a phenomenal FB albeit in Union.

I dont disagree with this DQ, when I mention smaller players, I was particularly referring to their overall physique not just height. Players now have a lot less opportunity to find clean gaps and must be able to physically break tackles, make metres and tackle high.