Rumours and Stuff

[Poupou Escobar]

You don't think the coach should have a better understanding of our team's ability to offload and defend? He's better off leaving them to determine that?

I'm sure his instructions to the team are a bit more nuanced than his explanation to the press.

 

[Obscene Assassin]

Yep, that's great and he's a very good option.

But Beau Scott on the bench is a waste of time....maybe he could start in the back row and Tepai could come off the bench? Might allow Tepai to play a bit more attacking footy as well. Of course, then you've got two back rowers on the bench and an 80 minute back rower in Ma'u....maybe Scott can shift to lock when Brown gets a breather? I dunno, but I think Scott on the bench is total waste of time personally.

I personally didn't mind Scott off the bench yesterday, and don't see why he can't come off the bench. We all talk about impact off the bench, which we generally refer to attacking ability, but there's no reason why that impact can't be the impact in defence. It also works because we don't lose the middle like we do when both Mannah and Scott start and then go off at the same time. Was the best he's looked in attack since joining the club.

This will be Scott's last season playing anyway. I don't think we'll need him past this year, he's left his legacy on this club and we'll have more experience next year with players returning and possibly some new recruits with experience.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Does that not start with the service from the hooker at the base of the ruck? Is he suddenly not part of the spine?

It's not like Norman, the chief play maker, is inexperienced....

Kritchard just has to pass to the first receiver. It's the halves and fullback who will be receiving the ball against defensive pressure. The dummy half has never been a key playmaker in our structure since before Arthur got to the club.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

How many offloads did the forwards throw in the set of six for our first try yesterday?

I didn't count them but I assume you did. What's your point?

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

I'm sure his instructions to the team are a bit more nuanced than his explanation to the press.

Of course they are. Doesn't make the statement any less likely to be a cop-out. I'm not hanging BA here, it's just a typical coach's statement.

 

[Bazal]

Of course they are. Doesn't make the statement any less likely to be a cop-out. I'm not hanging BA here, it's just a typical coach's statement.

Equally, I think BA has made it pretty clear he doesn't have a lot of time for the press. Like, he'll do his commitments and all that but he's not going to give them a lot outside the basics. Some coaches will sit there and give the press every little detail, BA isn't like that

 

[Noise]

Kritchard just has to pass to the first receiver. It's the halves and fullback who will be receiving the ball against defensive pressure. The dummy half has never been a key playmaker in our structure since before Arthur got to the club.

And this is the problem. In today's game you need a dummy half that is a playmaker. It boggles the mind we are still running with a Matt Keating clone

 

[Bazal]

And this is the problem. In today's game you need a dummy half that that is a playmaker. It boggles the mind we are still running with a Matt Keating clone

They don't even have to be a genuine playmaker, honestly. They just have to have a bit of skill. You wouldn't say McCullough is a playmaker, but he's streets ahead of what we're running with because he's got a good passing game (and his service is good), he can kick and he can run. So while he's not a playmaker as such, he's still got options and he can put doubt in the defenders mind. Same with Jake Friend.

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

Equally, I think BA has made it pretty clear he doesn't have a lot of time for the press. Like, he'll do his commitments and all that but he's not going to give them a lot outside the basics. Some coaches will sit there and give the press every little detail, BA isn't like that

Spot on. I don't think public relations is his strong suit. He's been able to get by through the recent shit storm because the media had better targets and 'team sticks solid' is a nice feel-good story.

 

[Noise]

They don't even have to be a genuine playmaker, honestly. They just have to have a bit of skill. You wouldn't say McCullough is a playmaker, but he's streets ahead of what we're running with because he's got a good passing game (and his service is good), he can kick and he can run. So while he's not a playmaker as such, he's still got options and he can put doubt in the defenders mind. Same with Jake Friend.

Yep, that's what we need. We don't need Cameron Smith but someone who can run, kick and pass well

 

[hineyrulz]

Yep, that's what we need. We don't need Cameron Smith but someone who can run, kick and pass well

Hell I'd just be happy to at least take someone that is first grade standard.

 

[Kornstar]

Hell I'd just be happy to at least take someone that is first grade standard.

So what is it that our coaching staff love about him to keep re-signing him even with all the injuries?

Genuine question.

 

[Bazal]

So what is it that our coaching staff love about him to keep re-signing him even with all the injuries?

Genuine question.

Who knows? Previous coaches did the same thing with Anthony Mitchell who eventually amounted to nothing as well.

Kaysa was definitely a very good junior. Maybe the injuries are, in some way, the reason he's been re-signed? We could keep him on the cheap and the club constantly felt like his best was just around the corner if he could stay fit....?

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Of course they are. Doesn't make the statement any less likely to be a cop-out. I'm not hanging BA here, it's just a typical coach's statement.

I reckon there is certainly truth to it. He has always indicated he wants us to use the ball. This has obviously influenced his recruitment and retention.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

And this is the problem. In today's game you need a dummy half that is a playmaker. It boggles the mind we are still running with a Matt Keating clone

De Gois is smarter than Keating and Kritchard is a lot quicker. They are both better attacking hookers than Keating.

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

I reckon there is certainly truth to it. He has always indicated he wants us to use the ball. This has obviously influenced his recruitment and retention.

In what way?

 

[Chipmunk]

I didn't count them but I assume you did. What's your point?

My point is that the try was setup by two forwards running one out straight and hard with quick play the balls, which is always going to be much more effective than this half hearted runs with interchange passing and trying to offload.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

So what is it that our coaching staff love about him to keep re-signing him even with all the injuries?

Genuine question.

His speed, strength and aggression probably have something to do with it. He does seem to be a player that still has a bit to learn, like French and Gutherson.

 

[Noise]

De Gois is smarter than Keating and Kritchard is a lot quicker. They are both better attacking hookers than Keating.

kaysa's running game has pretty much been ineffective. And his service is poor.

Then there are his defensive issues.

 

[Noise]

So what is it that our coaching staff love about him to keep re-signing him even with all the injuries?

Genuine question.

He is cheap.