Father Ted
First Grade
- Messages
- 5,531
HERE THEY are: the killer stats that tell NRL coaches whether their players are flying or flopping.
For the first time, Rugby League Week shows you the numbers top coaches watch, week in, week out.
We asked former Dragons, Eels, Knights and Roosters coach Brian Smith to check the numbers from the season so far and tell us what they mean.
They make for fascinating and surprising reading.
THE SAINTS
TACKLE EFFICIENCY
Percentage quality of tackles made (minimum 100 tackles)
1. Tim Grant (Panthers) 97.1
2. Glen Buttriss (Raiders) 96.6
3. Mitch Aubusson (Roosters) 96.3
4. Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs) 95.8
5. Shaun Fensom (Raiders) 95.3
Says Brian: Panther Tim Grant leads the field without being a big hitter. His ability to control the speed of the play-the-ball is his best attribute.
The most interesting name in this group is Glen Buttriss. Not a huge guy and has to control the Raiders attack from dummy half.
To then rank second in NRL efficiency speaks volumes for toughness, mixed with quality technique in tackling
TRY ASSISTS Try Ass From kicks
1. Cooper Cronk (Storm) 12 5
2. Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles) 11 1
3. Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys) 9 3
4. Josh Reynolds (Bulldogs) 7 1
5. Gareth Widdop (Dragons) 7 2
Says Brian Smith: No surprise to see Cooper Cronk on top again. His range of skills is shown as he tops the try assist by kick with five.
The other player of note here is Brett Stewart.
No real surprise he is in the top five the quality of his attacking play complements the Eagles halves perfectly and directly leads to points (Manly rank first for points scored so far).
The interesting factor is that he has played only five games this year!
TACKLE BREAKS
(Touches per tackle break)
1. Semi Radradra (Eels) 3
2. Martin Taupau (Tigers) 3
3. Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys) 3.3
4. David Nofoaluma (Tigers) 3.4
5. Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs) 3.5
Says Brian Smith: Greg Inglis is always among the standouts.
Semi Radradra and Martin Taupaus form is reflected here, while Anthony Milford at 17th with a tackle break every six touches leads the way for the little fellas.
Radradras sensational attack is confirmed by his place at the top here.
LINE-BREAK ASSISTS
(By pass and offload)
By pass
1. Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles) 8
2. Gareth Widdop (Dragons) 7
3. Cooper Cronk (Storm) 6
4. James Maloney (Roosters) 6
5. Michael Morgan (Cowboys) 6
By offload
1. Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles) 2
2. Jesse Bromwich (Storm) 2
3. Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs) 2
4. David Mead (Titans) 2
5. Dave Taylor (Titans) 2
Says Brian Smith: Again, we see Brett Stewart at the top.
Are you starting to see just how important he is to Manly?
He plays such a big role in the Eagles attack, not by volume but by sheer quality.
And what a great indicator this stat is for Michael Morgan switching from the halves to fullback with such positive effect.
TRY SAVERS Matches Saves
1. Billy Slater (Storm) 8 9
2. Anthony Minichiello (Roosters) 8 6
3. Jarryd Hayne (Eels) 8 6
4. Will Zillman (Titans) 3 5
5. Ben Barba (Broncos) 8 5
6. Michael Morgan (Cowboys) 8 5
Says Brian Smith: It might seem ironic that Billy Slater tops the negative mirror of this stat (try causes), but it goes with fullback play.
Interesting to see Zillmans five in only three matches and rookie fullback Morgan again featuring.
Titan Mark Minichiello is the top forward, only two saves behind his brother!
Im predicting Jarryd Hayne to win this category in season 2014.
OFFLOADS
1. Corey Parker (Broncos) 23
2. Andrew Fifita (Sharks) 20
3. Greg Bird (Titans) 19
4. Sam Burgess (Rabbitohs) 19
5. Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles) 17
Says Brian Smith: Because this skill does not translate to breaks or tries, as some other categories, it sometimes eludes the analysts eye.
I rate it for the variety it offers team attack and the energy depletion it creates in the opposition.
Four forwards with an array of power running, footwork or ball skills are joined the top five by the most versatile player in attack Daly Cherry-Evans!
TACKLE WINS
(or quick play-the-balls)
Most tackle wins
1. Sam Burgess (Rabbitohs) 91
2. Sam Perrett (Bulldogs) 91
3. Matt Scott (Cowboys) 88
4. James Tamou (Cowboys) 84
5. Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs) 84
By percentage
(minimum 20 runs)
1. Api Koroisau (Rabbitohs) 86.4
2. Matt Scott (Cowboys) 85.4
3. James McManus (Knights) 85.2
4. Edrick Lee (Raiders) 85
5. Jesse Sene-Lefao (Sea Eagles) 83.3
Says Brian Smith: This stat shows how important it is for a team to have a range of players capable of kick-starting an attack through this basic of the game there are sometimes 300 of them in a game!
The clubhouse leaders are a front-rower and a fullback/winger.
Anyone can do it, but not nearly everybody does do it.
By percentage, rookie Rabbit Api Koroisau leads the entire NRL. Great technique!
AND THE SINNERS
PENALTIES CONCEDED
1. Aaron Woods (Tigers) 11
2. Michael Ennis (Bulldogs) 10
3. Mitch Rein (Dragons) 10
4. James Segeyaro (Panthers) 10
5. Sam Burgess (Rabbitohs) 9
Says Brian Smith: This area of personal discipline needs careful analysis for coach and player to see trends of how, when and why these pressure-loaders occur repeatedly for the top performers of the most unwanted category in footy.
TACKLE INEFFICIENCY
Lowest percentage of quality of tackles (minimum 100 tackles)
1. Luke Brooks (Tigers) 64.5
2. Todd Carney (Sharks) 70.5
3. Will Hopoate (Eels) 74.1
4. Jack Reed (Broncos) 75.0
5. Tyrone Roberts (Knights) 75.2
Says Brian Smith: Team-mates are unimpressed with having to deal with someone elses mess!
These guys all need technical help in tackling or defensive positioning. Some may need a nudge of a different kind.
Brooks needs time and help, as most rookie halves do in their debut NRL season.
Another Tiger rookie, James Gavet, tops the forwards in eighth spot not a good place for the big man to be.
TACKLE LOSS
(or slow play-the-balls)
Most tackle losses
1. Michael Gordon (Sharks) 47
2. Nate Myles (Titans) 46
3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Roosters) 44
4. Greg Bird (Titans) 44
5. Aaron Woods (Tigers) 44
Lowest percentage of tackle wins
(minimum 20 tackles)
1. Nathan Stapleton (Sharks) 28.6
2. Matt Moylan (Panthers) 30.2
3. Sauaso Sue (Tigers) 32
4. Jayson Bukuya (Warriors) 32.6
5. Chris Sandow (Eels) 33.3
Says Brian Smith: These guys need to develop better play-the-ball techniques . . . or not get caught with the ball too often.
No-one wants the ball on the next play, not unless they learn how to play with quality off slow play-the-balls.
In a league where not too many players are exposed to coaching of anything except quick rucks, this stat is like the black plague in many clubs.
TRY CAUSES
1. Billy Slater (Storm) 17
2. Blake Ayshford (Sharks) 10
3. Jarryd Hayne (Eels) 10
4. David Mead (Titans) 9
5. Matt Moylan (Panthers) 9
Says Brian Smith: Perhaps this one might contend for the most unwanted Sinner category.
Fullbacks feature here simply by the job description.
But, still, there are some who are better at that role than others.
Australias number-one No.1 will be disturbed by the number of these he has had already, as much as he is by the fact he is leading this category.
HANDLING ERRORS
(Touch of the ball per error minimum 50 touches)
1. Luke Burgess (Rabbitohs) 8*
2. Joey Leilua (Knights) 8.5
3. Lote Tuqiri (Rabbitohs) 9.2
4. Peni Terepo (Eels) 9.5
5. Dunamis Lui (Sea Eagles) 9.7*(one error per eight touches)
Says Brian Smith: The Burgess brothers have passed the baton.
Sam has been near the top of this list in previous seasons but has improved his error rate. Luke has taken his place.
Joey Leilua is always creating, so it might be somewhat expected that errors will follow.
Terepo and Lui are developing players.
Tuqiri is currently in reserve grade . . . and perhaps this stat has something to do with that!
http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/stats-lie-brian-smith-nrls-highest-and-lowest-performers/
For the first time, Rugby League Week shows you the numbers top coaches watch, week in, week out.
We asked former Dragons, Eels, Knights and Roosters coach Brian Smith to check the numbers from the season so far and tell us what they mean.
They make for fascinating and surprising reading.
THE SAINTS
TACKLE EFFICIENCY
Percentage quality of tackles made (minimum 100 tackles)
1. Tim Grant (Panthers) 97.1
2. Glen Buttriss (Raiders) 96.6
3. Mitch Aubusson (Roosters) 96.3
4. Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs) 95.8
5. Shaun Fensom (Raiders) 95.3
Says Brian: Panther Tim Grant leads the field without being a big hitter. His ability to control the speed of the play-the-ball is his best attribute.
The most interesting name in this group is Glen Buttriss. Not a huge guy and has to control the Raiders attack from dummy half.
To then rank second in NRL efficiency speaks volumes for toughness, mixed with quality technique in tackling
TRY ASSISTS Try Ass From kicks
1. Cooper Cronk (Storm) 12 5
2. Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles) 11 1
3. Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys) 9 3
4. Josh Reynolds (Bulldogs) 7 1
5. Gareth Widdop (Dragons) 7 2
Says Brian Smith: No surprise to see Cooper Cronk on top again. His range of skills is shown as he tops the try assist by kick with five.
The other player of note here is Brett Stewart.
No real surprise he is in the top five the quality of his attacking play complements the Eagles halves perfectly and directly leads to points (Manly rank first for points scored so far).
The interesting factor is that he has played only five games this year!
TACKLE BREAKS
(Touches per tackle break)
1. Semi Radradra (Eels) 3
2. Martin Taupau (Tigers) 3
3. Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys) 3.3
4. David Nofoaluma (Tigers) 3.4
5. Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs) 3.5
Says Brian Smith: Greg Inglis is always among the standouts.
Semi Radradra and Martin Taupaus form is reflected here, while Anthony Milford at 17th with a tackle break every six touches leads the way for the little fellas.
Radradras sensational attack is confirmed by his place at the top here.
LINE-BREAK ASSISTS
(By pass and offload)
By pass
1. Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles) 8
2. Gareth Widdop (Dragons) 7
3. Cooper Cronk (Storm) 6
4. James Maloney (Roosters) 6
5. Michael Morgan (Cowboys) 6
By offload
1. Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles) 2
2. Jesse Bromwich (Storm) 2
3. Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs) 2
4. David Mead (Titans) 2
5. Dave Taylor (Titans) 2
Says Brian Smith: Again, we see Brett Stewart at the top.
Are you starting to see just how important he is to Manly?
He plays such a big role in the Eagles attack, not by volume but by sheer quality.
And what a great indicator this stat is for Michael Morgan switching from the halves to fullback with such positive effect.
TRY SAVERS Matches Saves
1. Billy Slater (Storm) 8 9
2. Anthony Minichiello (Roosters) 8 6
3. Jarryd Hayne (Eels) 8 6
4. Will Zillman (Titans) 3 5
5. Ben Barba (Broncos) 8 5
6. Michael Morgan (Cowboys) 8 5
Says Brian Smith: It might seem ironic that Billy Slater tops the negative mirror of this stat (try causes), but it goes with fullback play.
Interesting to see Zillmans five in only three matches and rookie fullback Morgan again featuring.
Titan Mark Minichiello is the top forward, only two saves behind his brother!
Im predicting Jarryd Hayne to win this category in season 2014.
OFFLOADS
1. Corey Parker (Broncos) 23
2. Andrew Fifita (Sharks) 20
3. Greg Bird (Titans) 19
4. Sam Burgess (Rabbitohs) 19
5. Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles) 17
Says Brian Smith: Because this skill does not translate to breaks or tries, as some other categories, it sometimes eludes the analysts eye.
I rate it for the variety it offers team attack and the energy depletion it creates in the opposition.
Four forwards with an array of power running, footwork or ball skills are joined the top five by the most versatile player in attack Daly Cherry-Evans!
TACKLE WINS
(or quick play-the-balls)
Most tackle wins
1. Sam Burgess (Rabbitohs) 91
2. Sam Perrett (Bulldogs) 91
3. Matt Scott (Cowboys) 88
4. James Tamou (Cowboys) 84
5. Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs) 84
By percentage
(minimum 20 runs)
1. Api Koroisau (Rabbitohs) 86.4
2. Matt Scott (Cowboys) 85.4
3. James McManus (Knights) 85.2
4. Edrick Lee (Raiders) 85
5. Jesse Sene-Lefao (Sea Eagles) 83.3
Says Brian Smith: This stat shows how important it is for a team to have a range of players capable of kick-starting an attack through this basic of the game there are sometimes 300 of them in a game!
The clubhouse leaders are a front-rower and a fullback/winger.
Anyone can do it, but not nearly everybody does do it.
By percentage, rookie Rabbit Api Koroisau leads the entire NRL. Great technique!
AND THE SINNERS
PENALTIES CONCEDED
1. Aaron Woods (Tigers) 11
2. Michael Ennis (Bulldogs) 10
3. Mitch Rein (Dragons) 10
4. James Segeyaro (Panthers) 10
5. Sam Burgess (Rabbitohs) 9
Says Brian Smith: This area of personal discipline needs careful analysis for coach and player to see trends of how, when and why these pressure-loaders occur repeatedly for the top performers of the most unwanted category in footy.
TACKLE INEFFICIENCY
Lowest percentage of quality of tackles (minimum 100 tackles)
1. Luke Brooks (Tigers) 64.5
2. Todd Carney (Sharks) 70.5
3. Will Hopoate (Eels) 74.1
4. Jack Reed (Broncos) 75.0
5. Tyrone Roberts (Knights) 75.2
Says Brian Smith: Team-mates are unimpressed with having to deal with someone elses mess!
These guys all need technical help in tackling or defensive positioning. Some may need a nudge of a different kind.
Brooks needs time and help, as most rookie halves do in their debut NRL season.
Another Tiger rookie, James Gavet, tops the forwards in eighth spot not a good place for the big man to be.
TACKLE LOSS
(or slow play-the-balls)
Most tackle losses
1. Michael Gordon (Sharks) 47
2. Nate Myles (Titans) 46
3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Roosters) 44
4. Greg Bird (Titans) 44
5. Aaron Woods (Tigers) 44
Lowest percentage of tackle wins
(minimum 20 tackles)
1. Nathan Stapleton (Sharks) 28.6
2. Matt Moylan (Panthers) 30.2
3. Sauaso Sue (Tigers) 32
4. Jayson Bukuya (Warriors) 32.6
5. Chris Sandow (Eels) 33.3
Says Brian Smith: These guys need to develop better play-the-ball techniques . . . or not get caught with the ball too often.
No-one wants the ball on the next play, not unless they learn how to play with quality off slow play-the-balls.
In a league where not too many players are exposed to coaching of anything except quick rucks, this stat is like the black plague in many clubs.
TRY CAUSES
1. Billy Slater (Storm) 17
2. Blake Ayshford (Sharks) 10
3. Jarryd Hayne (Eels) 10
4. David Mead (Titans) 9
5. Matt Moylan (Panthers) 9
Says Brian Smith: Perhaps this one might contend for the most unwanted Sinner category.
Fullbacks feature here simply by the job description.
But, still, there are some who are better at that role than others.
Australias number-one No.1 will be disturbed by the number of these he has had already, as much as he is by the fact he is leading this category.
HANDLING ERRORS
(Touch of the ball per error minimum 50 touches)
1. Luke Burgess (Rabbitohs) 8*
2. Joey Leilua (Knights) 8.5
3. Lote Tuqiri (Rabbitohs) 9.2
4. Peni Terepo (Eels) 9.5
5. Dunamis Lui (Sea Eagles) 9.7*(one error per eight touches)
Says Brian Smith: The Burgess brothers have passed the baton.
Sam has been near the top of this list in previous seasons but has improved his error rate. Luke has taken his place.
Joey Leilua is always creating, so it might be somewhat expected that errors will follow.
Terepo and Lui are developing players.
Tuqiri is currently in reserve grade . . . and perhaps this stat has something to do with that!
http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/stats-lie-brian-smith-nrls-highest-and-lowest-performers/
