For the first time in recent years I like the NSW side. Better balance especially across the back row with numerous high work rate players like Kennedy, Fitzgibbon and Rickertson (as opposed to the likes of Muir etc of the past). Timmins may be a slight risk at 5/8 but if he can do the basic link work there is enough attack elsewhere to get the job done. Defensively it is a good move. Wing will play a lot of 5/8 in once the game has settled, last 15 of the first half and plenty of the second. He will be the big impact player for NSW's attack.
The Newcastle victory over the Broncos at Lang Park 10 days ago is significant in a number of ways towards this game. The hurdle of playing in front of such a large and biased crowd is less, (not that this is still not a big advantage to QLD) as Newcastle showed, and some interesting tatical issues were shown up. The Broncos/QLD miss continue to Langers general play kicking game, Ikin's lacks length so much will rest on Locker which may make it a little easier to shut down. The up shot is Newcastle had far greater general play field position (and less hard yards off their own 20 mtr area), such could be a real bonus for NSW and their mid to late game counter attack. Newcastle also exposed a defensive problem that Bris/QLD have with Ikin. His lack of pace and side way movement since his knee injuries has seen them position him on their defensive short side where ever possible, but Newcastle exposed him by moving the ball (especially from set plays, taps and scrums) in quick plays to the centre and then hit back and wide (inparticular to the right side) using 2 and 3 wide runners as recieving options - running at and around Ikin with width and space. Expect set plays along similar lines again, with Johns and Wing targeting Ikin (fast stepping players). Interesting though that the coach (Hagan) who constructed these tatics is assistant coach this week for QLD.
QLD will be more of the same. The same style of game that Brisbane and QLD have played over recent years won't change here. A roll forward, knock em down one pass yardage game will be their key focus using their big units, limit errors (one pass plays), maintain field position and then hope that Marsh, Berrigan or Locker at some stage can capatilise some where or how.
NSW look to have far more attacking options. Gould tried to throw alot of attack from the start of each game last year, trying to gap QLD and I'm sure they will attempt to do the same again this year. Alot more ball movement and numerous attacking set plays, more attack at the edge of the ruck (two pass plays) and looking to use the 3rd and 4th plays as attacking raids. Higher risk strategy, the more passes the greater the risk of errors (especially against quality defence).
So QLD to keep it simple and be patient, NSW greater ball movement, attack with attack and attempt to build momentum.
As I said above I like the look of NSW. Can never under estimate QLD (or Bennett) but NSW look to be holding many aces. If they play them right they have the potential to score many points. NSW's handling errors will be the key for mine, limit these the games theirs and in the last 20 they could well put some points on. To many NSW handling errors will keep QLD in the game and or give them a sniff.
NSW 13+
The Newcastle victory over the Broncos at Lang Park 10 days ago is significant in a number of ways towards this game. The hurdle of playing in front of such a large and biased crowd is less, (not that this is still not a big advantage to QLD) as Newcastle showed, and some interesting tatical issues were shown up. The Broncos/QLD miss continue to Langers general play kicking game, Ikin's lacks length so much will rest on Locker which may make it a little easier to shut down. The up shot is Newcastle had far greater general play field position (and less hard yards off their own 20 mtr area), such could be a real bonus for NSW and their mid to late game counter attack. Newcastle also exposed a defensive problem that Bris/QLD have with Ikin. His lack of pace and side way movement since his knee injuries has seen them position him on their defensive short side where ever possible, but Newcastle exposed him by moving the ball (especially from set plays, taps and scrums) in quick plays to the centre and then hit back and wide (inparticular to the right side) using 2 and 3 wide runners as recieving options - running at and around Ikin with width and space. Expect set plays along similar lines again, with Johns and Wing targeting Ikin (fast stepping players). Interesting though that the coach (Hagan) who constructed these tatics is assistant coach this week for QLD.
QLD will be more of the same. The same style of game that Brisbane and QLD have played over recent years won't change here. A roll forward, knock em down one pass yardage game will be their key focus using their big units, limit errors (one pass plays), maintain field position and then hope that Marsh, Berrigan or Locker at some stage can capatilise some where or how.
NSW look to have far more attacking options. Gould tried to throw alot of attack from the start of each game last year, trying to gap QLD and I'm sure they will attempt to do the same again this year. Alot more ball movement and numerous attacking set plays, more attack at the edge of the ruck (two pass plays) and looking to use the 3rd and 4th plays as attacking raids. Higher risk strategy, the more passes the greater the risk of errors (especially against quality defence).
So QLD to keep it simple and be patient, NSW greater ball movement, attack with attack and attempt to build momentum.
As I said above I like the look of NSW. Can never under estimate QLD (or Bennett) but NSW look to be holding many aces. If they play them right they have the potential to score many points. NSW's handling errors will be the key for mine, limit these the games theirs and in the last 20 they could well put some points on. To many NSW handling errors will keep QLD in the game and or give them a sniff.
NSW 13+
