BLM01,
Would l be correct in saying, the Storm were the first club to instigate using wrestling coaches?
No incorrect sort of. Manly were doing it under Bozo in the 90's but no where near in the form where Storm has taken it to slowing down the ruck and pinning or immobolising movement targeting pressure points in the body..then Phase 2 the hold em up for 3rd man to come in and knock em down.
Manly were just trying to get people on the ground in a position on their back etc where players could lie on top or just slowing the play the ball as much as allowed.
The refs or rules interpretations have a part to blame of today and Bill Harrigan's leeway refereeing of limited penalties started it all....it became about TV enterianment product first and foremost.
It was Bills idea with the surrender, dominant asking the refs to guess when players deserve more time in the ruck when players started doing voluntary tackles (which should be a penalty) or just getting to the ground quickly to speed up the play the ball. And I am sure he was the big supporter of the 2 ref and full time professional role of a ref today...bloody warming up in front of a crowd..pffttt.
Bill loved the limelight and loved being mates of the players but was strict and took no crap..not like they do today. It has all gone too far to appease coaches and players
Now they dont call held quick enough when momentum is over which I have spoken about many times before and we have now the problems we have around and in the ruck, markers getting back 3 metres, walking off the mark, not getting to feet properly to play the ball and all sorts of stretches of the rules around the play the ball.
