Skill level...has it improved on last year?

[chunk]

I feel the skill level of the finals so far and the year in general is down on last year. The Tigers and the Cowboys were a breath of fresh air.

This year is definately more barge and bash, which I enjoy but I also love seeing ball movement.

The Tigers team last year brought the skill level to new heights.

Their play around the ruck with Farah, the ball handling skills of all players, Marshall and Prince mezmorising the opposition.

Will we see any tries from scrums this year...the Tigers put on two classics.

Sheens coached to his strengths...skill.

The intensity is there but I hope to see an improve in the skill level

 

[greenos]

I feel the skill level of the finals so far and the year in general is down on last year. The Tigers and the Cowboys were a breath of fresh air.

This year is definately more barge and bash, which I enjoy but I also love seeing ball movement.

The Tigers team last year brought the skill level to new heights.

Their play around the ruck with Farah, the ball handling skills of all players, Marshall and Prince mezmorising the opposition.

Will we see any tries from scrums this year...the Tigers put on two classics.

Sheens coached to his strengths...skill.

The intensity is there but I hope to see an improve in the skill level

There is hardly ever a noticable skill level drop. People just say that when their team isn't in the finals to stir other fans or to help them sleep at night.

 

[RABK]

You kidding, Melbourne have the backline movements the great Canberra side of the early 90's had - great to watch.

 

[Timmah]

In a way I'm glad the NRL isn't waxing lyrical about this being the 'best season ever' like they have previously. It's boring and tired and it's certainly not true this year. I hope they don't come out with it.

Then again, maybe we expect too much? I don't know. But the skill level appears to be down.

 

[greenos]

In a way I'm glad the NRL isn't waxing lyrical about this being the 'best season ever' like they have previously. It's boring and tired and it's certainly not true this year. I hope they don't come out with it.

Then again, maybe we expect too much? I don't know. But the skill level appears to be down.

Down compared to what year?

 

[Timmah]

2004 and prior. Last year wasn't anything special either IMO.

 

[greenos]

2004 and prior. Last year wasn't anything special either IMO.

The skill level on a whole hasn't gone down. It is just now the crappier teams are better then they were in 2004 and prior.

 

[t-ba]

The skill level on a whole hasn't gone down. It is just now the crappier teams are better then they were in 2004 and prior.

And teams at the top aren't capable of stockpiling as much talent as they did in the past (Now that most can pay too the salary cap). It's an evening out.

 

[brokendigit]

Yes.

The big names have had more gametime this year than 2005.
The "average" NRL player is fitter, faster, stronger, & more versatile than ever before. & before you jump me, I know this doesn't mean more skillful.

The "skill level" of the league will always be determined by the elite 2 or 3% of players. When these players are playing week in, week out, the highlight reels are fatter, & the game is considered "more skillful".

When one of these players retire, or spends the year on the sideline, it can take a while for a replacement to be found. Thankfully, we always manage to...

 

[phonetic]

I think it's a tougher brand of football being played this finals series.

Last year it was touch footy. The Tigers forwards surrendering and getting quick play the balls, giving Farah, Prince and Marshall a field day. Some of it was great to watch, but I don't really associate that style of footy with September.

 

[chunk]

I'm not just talking about the skill level in attack but defence as well.

The Tigers only let in a handful of points in during the final series as well, this just shows the quality of the side.

 

[Perth Red]

More conservative play this year. Disappointed at the lack of off loading forwards but the backlines of most teams seems to be as good if not better than previous seasons. Too many tries from kicks as well for my liking this year. If I wanted to see a player kick a ball I'd watch the other codes!