Rd 17 v Knights

[snickers007]

I think we're all getting a bit ahead of ourselves as we have no idea what shape the NSW boys will be in after tonight.

However, the squad named is an indication of our Top 17 as Ivan sees it. And I don't think an argument can be made that Martin and Sorenson aren't our best second row options at the moment.
This is irrespective of whether Martin should be playing middle, and also doesn't mean that Salmon is the #3 second rower either - he is our utility.

If Martin pulls up sore, Hosking will be straight in. That's his role, and it's the role he's played all year.
Yes he started a few games over Martin - but that was as Martin was returning from injury, and probably a way for Cleary to ease him back in. Play in the middle, less lateral movement, less minutes overall.

 

[Iamback]

Lindsay Smith is now part of the 17, we just need to bite the bullet with the Hooker rotation. Our biggest problem however seems to be carrying Salmon on the bench with no clear position.
He needs to be given more minutes or he should drop back to reserve grade, even though he does Ok when he comes on.

Salmon is the back cover. Maybe we give him a stint in hooker to assess, then we can play 3 forwards on the bench

 

[Iamback]

I think we're all getting a bit ahead of ourselves as we have no idea what shape the NSW boys will be in after tonight.

However, the squad named is an indication of our Top 17 as Ivan sees it. And I don't think an argument can be made that Martin and Sorenson aren't our best second row options at the moment.
This is irrespective of whether Martin should be playing middle, and also doesn't mean that Salmon is the #3 second rower either - he is our utility.

If Martin pulls up sore, Hosking will be straight in. That's his role, and it's the role he's played all year.
Yes he started a few games over Martin - but that was as Martin was returning from injury, and probably a way for Cleary to ease him back in. Play in the middle, less lateral movement, less minutes overall.

We don't but Hosking missed the Roosters game, that would show that this 17 is the preferred option.

Which offers the question of can we fit a 2nd hooker and a utility both in the 17?

 

[snickers007]

Which offers the question of can we fit a 2nd hooker and a utility both in the 17?

This is the heart of the problem.

If we run with a bench of 14. Utility 15. Prop 16. Prop 17. Second Row we need to ask ourselves what the ideal rotation looks like, and who gets what minutes.

With 4 props, the avg time on field is 40mins each. Fisher-Harris and Smith are both capable of 60mins if needed, while Leota and Leniu are better in shorter bursts, probably 45 and 35mins each. So that rotation is easy.

Running 3 second rowers, the avg time on field is 53mins each. Martin, Sorenson and Hosking are all good for 80mins if needed, but Marto and Sorro in particular are more impactful when playing slightly shorter minutes. I'd be starting Martin and Hosking - getting Martin to go berzerk for 25mins, and then bring Sorenson on to play out the game. Martin comes back on for Hosking around the 55min mark.
Also gives us some leniancy if a middle goes down - either Martin or Sorenson can spot fill.

That just leaves us with the utility. At the moment the only 2 genuine options are Salmon or Peachey. I'd rather Salmon as back-row and halves cover, but Peachey for center and hooker cover. Regardless, I think Kenny definitely needs a rest at some stage throughout the game. And by "needs a rest" I don't mean moonlighting as a middle - because he's just taking minutes from a better prop, and is also gassing himself for if/when he returns to hooker.

I know Ivan is risk adverse, and doesn't like to shuffle too many people around when he makes a substitution - but maybe we need to look at giving Luai some minutes at hooker, and bringing Salmon on at five-eighth more regularly. He looked good last week. Played straight, got onto the ball off the back of quick rucks. And Luai could bring a bit of speed and unpredictability to dummy half.

 

[martielang]

My geriatric eyes can sometimes see no evil, I thought Hosking was one of the better forwards last week, maybe should rest Sorrenson.

Agree, I thought Sorenson should've been benched last week instead of Hosking at the 60 min mark.

 

[Iamback]

This is the heart of the problem.

If we run with a bench of 14. Utility 15. Prop 16. Prop 17. Second Row we need to ask ourselves what the ideal rotation looks like, and who gets what minutes.

With 4 props, the avg time on field is 40mins each. Fisher-Harris and Smith are both capable of 60mins if needed, while Leota and Leniu are better in shorter bursts, probably 45 and 35mins each. So that rotation is easy.

Running 3 second rowers, the avg time on field is 53mins each. Martin, Sorenson and Hosking are all good for 80mins if needed, but Marto and Sorro in particular are more impactful when playing slightly shorter minutes. I'd be starting Martin and Hosking - getting Martin to go berzerk for 25mins, and then bring Sorenson on to play out the game. Martin comes back on for Hosking around the 55min mark.
Also gives us some leniancy if a middle goes down - either Martin or Sorenson can spot fill.

That just leaves us with the utility. At the moment the only 2 genuine options are Salmon or Peachey. I'd rather Salmon as back-row and halves cover, but Peachey for center and hooker cover. Regardless, I think Kenny definitely needs a rest at some stage throughout the game. And by "needs a rest" I don't mean moonlighting as a middle - because he's just taking minutes from a better prop, and is also gassing himself for if/when he returns to hooker.

I know Ivan is risk adverse, and doesn't like to shuffle too many people around when he makes a substitution - but maybe we need to look at giving Luai some minutes at hooker, and bringing Salmon on at five-eighth more regularly. He looked good last week. Played straight, got onto the ball off the back of quick rucks. And Luai could bring a bit of speed and unpredictability to dummy half.

It is really 5 middles because Kenny gets time there. You have middle sitting there not getting gametime as opposed to keeping the edges fresh

That way works but you burn an extra interchange.

I'd go

20-25 min

Fish off Spencer on
Leota off Hosking on

That leaves 6 for the 2nd half

You want both your starting props back for the last 20.

That gives you 4. I'd give Kenny a stint off just after time. Again you want him back on for the end.

Gives you 2 changes to play with depending how the game is going.

Cole being ready would be handy for the 14

 

[Black Panther]

Salmon is the back cover. Maybe we give him a stint in hooker to assess, then we can play 3 forwards on the bench

Salmon has bulked up to much to play Hooker.

 

[Kilkenny]

Like many I guess, sometimes I question Ivan’s bench rotation or who he selects for his bench.

At the end of the day he is in the best position to judge and given our success it is hard to argue his decisions.

 

[Iamback]

Like many I guess, sometimes I question Ivan’s bench rotation or who he selects for his bench.

At the end of the day he is in the best position to judge and given our success it is hard to argue his decisions.

The thing is. Each year is a different squad.

Take Last year we had 2 middles, hooker and a utility on the bench.

Sorensen though on a few occasions was moved to an edge for coverage. Lindsay Smith doesn't offer that same luxury

 

[Kilkenny]

The thing is. Each year is a different squad.

Take Last year we had 2 middles, hooker and a utility on the bench.

Sorensen though on a few occasions was moved to an edge for coverage. Lindsay Smith doesn't offer that same luxury

Who are we to judge.

Seriously, we are keyboard warriors.

What have we done to question the head coach who has taken us to three consecutive GF appearances.

I like you, sometimes wonder what the f**k is Ivan doing but at the end of the day can we as keyboard warriors really argue against him.

 

[Girds89]

Luai money fine only

 

[Fangs]

Luai money fine only

Good.

Not sure when headbuts became fine but I don't care.

 

[Kilkenny]

On a night of few positives at least it appears our SOO reps came thru unscathed physically. Jerome may have an issue with the MRC although I think his issue will be a fine only at worst.

 

[Iamback]

Good.

Not sure when headbuts became fine but I don't care.

They get graded same as a punch now

 

[Sime_11]

if that's a club game - Luai & Walsh dont get fines but 3-4 weeks minimum

 

[Iamback]

if that's a club game - Luai & Walsh dont get fines but 3-4 weeks minimum

It is a grade 2. A few years ago they made those fines not suspension.

Unless it is a dog shot then will always be a fine

 

[ColdWetPanther]

It is a grade 2. A few years ago they made those fines not suspension.

Unless it is a dog shot then will always be a fine

100% it is a suspension outside Origin. That is the rule; grade 1 and 2 in Origin is a fine; outside of Origin grade 2 is a suspension.

 

[Iamback]

100% it is a suspension outside Origin. That is the rule; grade 1 and 2 in Origin is a fine; outside of Origin grade 2 is a suspension.

Radley headbutted Lomax in a club game. Similar circumstances and it was a fine

 

[BxTom]

Radley headbutted Lomax in a club game. Similar circumstances and it was a fine

He can't be suspended, he's a Rooster's player. JWH says hello

 

[soc123_au]

Radley headbutted Lomax in a club game. Similar circumstances and it was a fine

Luai's was probably one of the better headbutts I've seen on a RL field. If he wasn't wearing headgear if he got Walsh in the right spot he would have dropped him. Most are pussy headbutts, not a genuine Liverpool Kiss.