BrotherJim05
Bench
- Messages
- 3,463
Benji Marshall's departure to rugby union is set to trigger a change in style at the Wests Tigers, with the NRL club planning to mirror the more direct approach of Cooper Cronk and the Melbourne Storm.
The Tigers have recognised a chance for their new-look halves, led by boom rookie Luke Brooks, to be more assertive in taking the ball to the line.
It's a strategy that has forward Adam Blair eyeing a return to his damaging days as an edge runner.
Back in 2009 when Melbourne won the grand final, wide-running second rower Blair was one of the chief beneficiaries of Cronk's ball-playing.
But since his move from the Storm in 2012, Blair has played the majority of his football in the middle of the field at lock, and has been one of the NRL's great disappointments.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have failed to find a game-breaking hole-runner to replace Gareth Ellis in the second row.
Marshall's exit signals the biggest transition in the Tigers' history, and it could inadvertently hold the key to unlocking former New Zealand star Blair's blockbusting capabilities.
Blair is bulking up in a bid to return to his destructive best and hasn't forgotten his fruitful days at the Storm.
"They play really direct, especially their halves and next year that's what we're trying to aim for," said Blair.
"Our halves taking the ball to the line and having the back rowers running really hard into holes.
"If the opportunity comes and it's my turn to play in the back row I'll put my hand up.
"(By putting on weight) I'm hoping for a bit more impact running with the ball.
"I'm getting a bit bigger to play shorter stints and make a bit more impact on the field.
"A bit of brute strength out there on the edges is what we need and we've got some good boys that are really looking sharp out there."
Blair said the experience and exuberance of Marshall is being missed, but backed Brooks and the Tigers' cubs to step up.
"It's going to be really tough for him ... but he's got a good head on his shoulders and he can play some footy," he said.
http://www.nrl.com/tigers-to-play-like-storm-in-2014/tabid/10874/newsid/75693/default.aspx
Will be very interesting to see how we go with our new-look spine. If Blair can get back to his Melbourne Storm form it will change a great many things.
The Tigers have recognised a chance for their new-look halves, led by boom rookie Luke Brooks, to be more assertive in taking the ball to the line.
It's a strategy that has forward Adam Blair eyeing a return to his damaging days as an edge runner.
Back in 2009 when Melbourne won the grand final, wide-running second rower Blair was one of the chief beneficiaries of Cronk's ball-playing.
But since his move from the Storm in 2012, Blair has played the majority of his football in the middle of the field at lock, and has been one of the NRL's great disappointments.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have failed to find a game-breaking hole-runner to replace Gareth Ellis in the second row.
Marshall's exit signals the biggest transition in the Tigers' history, and it could inadvertently hold the key to unlocking former New Zealand star Blair's blockbusting capabilities.
Blair is bulking up in a bid to return to his destructive best and hasn't forgotten his fruitful days at the Storm.
"They play really direct, especially their halves and next year that's what we're trying to aim for," said Blair.
"Our halves taking the ball to the line and having the back rowers running really hard into holes.
"If the opportunity comes and it's my turn to play in the back row I'll put my hand up.
"(By putting on weight) I'm hoping for a bit more impact running with the ball.
"I'm getting a bit bigger to play shorter stints and make a bit more impact on the field.
"A bit of brute strength out there on the edges is what we need and we've got some good boys that are really looking sharp out there."
Blair said the experience and exuberance of Marshall is being missed, but backed Brooks and the Tigers' cubs to step up.
"It's going to be really tough for him ... but he's got a good head on his shoulders and he can play some footy," he said.
http://www.nrl.com/tigers-to-play-like-storm-in-2014/tabid/10874/newsid/75693/default.aspx
Will be very interesting to see how we go with our new-look spine. If Blair can get back to his Melbourne Storm form it will change a great many things.
