Moses took control of team instead of Norman tonight which was the major change I noticed. Norman has been the major half previously and there is definitely tension between both halves as they looked stronger tonight not overcalling each other.  I also think when Norman played fullback in another game we had a win or much better performance as well. Was he fullback in the Manly game we won, if not someone may know which game it was.

Moses looked to run first which created the opportunity to pass and players seemed to be backing up with lot more enthusiasm tonight which could have been assisted with fresh faces.  On top of that, the side definitely looks a lot better when Moses is given more control. I felt he lost control this year and was happy to let Norman take major responsibility for the team which has affected our results.  Norman although probably more naturally skilled is better when not having to control the play while Moses seems to thrive when handed sole control. He played the same at tigers when without Brooks and showed with Lebanon side that he is a great attacking half when the major half.  He goes into his shell and is hesitant to run if not dominant half.

In addition to that many people here including myself have said a team that changes style of play and use of positions (fluid style play I think Phil called it recently) is the next development of the game.  Our style tonight showed more switching of positional play then I have seem before and not just with Norman and Hayne as commentators called. It seemed when Moses was caught in tackle Norman jumped straight to half back or first receiver and Gutho at centre still got heavily involved in a lot of play and popped up in dummy half many times after supporting near the middle.  Some of this could be to help the younger players ease their way into side and effort required over 80 mins in 1st grade but is how experienced players should be taking control regardless.

We showed that switching positions doesn't affect the combinations or fluidity of attack either as it allowed Hayne and Norman to pick their moments without overplaying their hand worrying about guiding or controlling the attack and being responsible for game plan.  I think this is something both players have struggled with as they are both naturally gifted yet overplay their hand trying make things happen. I noticed when Moses was tackled on few occasions Norman stepped straight up into first receiver as well to take pressure off Salmon which will help Salmon in first few games in top grade. If Norman not here next year I expect hayne to continue that role from fullback or wing.  Whether this would work long term is still unknown as Salmon will develop and want more ball as well.

I think with Ferguson joining next year and Siva as back up one of Jennings brothers misses out and possibly Norman as well if moved on which will allow Hayne at fullback and Siva into the side.  As a previous supporter of French, I have to admit he no longer fits the team but still believe in right system, maybe Melbourne or even sharks if Holmes leaves he could kill it at fullback. Rabbitohs would probably be best for French though with their strong aboriginal presence I think he would fit in better and with improved mindset his performances and effort will lift.  Him sniffing round the burgess boys for offloads would be deadly.

Hopefully BA continues try new ideas and doesn't revert to safety first footy next year.  I hope Moses is handed the team as well as the major playmaker as well. Mahoney, Salmon and Nikuore look promising but will go backwards if we are relying on Norman to control the attack.  Mahoney has helped with straightening the attack and pushing team forward but still believe the combo with Moses is lot stronger then Norman. Moses has lot more effort and commitment then Norman and as seen from his try tonight his running game is equal.  I just feel the extra efforts from Moses are what we require going forward. We still don't have the skill and squad strength of others so effort is a huge factor in parra making finals or competing going forward. Moses kills Norman in effort and the other player with no questions on his effort week in week out is King Gutho.  Gutho at centre allows him to still be involved regularly as he can push in to 2nd row position to utilise skills he has learnt playing fullback or in halves to create numbers or an extra kick option on edge similar to Wade graham.  He also popped up in dummy half early in sets to help out of own half.  At centre it ensures when given ball he is more likely to have space to run which is his strength, much like Tyrone peachey who excelled at centre when given role for extended period after being used as am utility.

The win was great for a lift but has come to late this year. Hopefully we learn from this year and as shown with injection of some fresh blood and enthusiasm it is not all doom and gloom that many predict going foward.



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  • gotta ask why Moses hasnt run like this all year?
    • Very good question. I said in another blog that when he plays fast and straight, good things happen for this team.

      • I think that all season there was a lack of runners following him thru. He started going across field instead of running straight looking for runners. It made it easy for opposition defences to shut down our attack. Now that he is back running straight at the defence they have to make a defensive decision.

        The try he scored was a result of this. I think that they were expecting him to pass.

        • Agreed, although I will add that as tough as this sounds, there will be times when Mitch simply has to take on the line regardless of whether he is getting the support from his teammates or not. That's what separated JT, and at his best Kieran Foran from the rest, they continued to attack the line regardless.

          It's easier said than done obviously, but that's what he is being paid the big bucks for, to put his body on the line and lead the way.

          I think that is the next step for Mitch. It's one thing to do it when the opposition is on the back foot, but when the opposition is rolling you that's where it really tests your resolve.

          • Agreed

  • nice blog! good read!
  • Yer nice blog, very true
  • The only thing I would disagree with your assessment FM is the idea that Corey doesn’t put in much effort. I have to disagree with that, he’s a very laconic character and it appears he is in 2nd gear, but when the effort is really required he puts it out there. His laid back nature I think is misleading.

    Based on tonight’s performance, if Corey can’t find a suitor for next season I would be more than happy for him to be our Fullback in 2019.

    • I had a look back and the other game Norman was fullback was against broncos.  He had a much better game then as well as did Moses.  Despite losing and not scoring many points we had lot of tries pulled up and disallowed which resulted in lot of ref bashing blogs so would appear Norms at fullback is solid option.  Switching Hayne with him particularly in defence on our own line was good move as well.  I noticed Hayne involved in tackle on one side of the post then covered a kick the next play the opposite side and make it to field of play.  I don't think Norman has the knowledge of fullback to make plays like that and may be to late to learn.  

      • True, BA also mentioned he was gassed by the end of the game as well, so conditioning will be a factor 

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