Are Parish & Stuart on speaking terms?

http://www.nrl.com/why-offloads-are-all-the-rage-in-2013/tabid/10874/newsid/72473/default.aspxBy Matt ParishWith NRL games being tight and tense affairs, with the emphasis on defence structures that keep points-scoring to a minimum, the offload is an effective way to create second-phase ball and create attacking opportunities against unstructured defences.In 2013, when most coaches are working on teams getting numbers in the tackle and in an era of grappling and slow play-the-balls, the head clipboard-holders are realising more and more that the offload is their secret weapon.Like a rediscovered treasure map that’s been buried for ages, some coaches are dusting off the strategy guidelines and encouraging their forwards to look for offloads whenever possible.The reason? Offloads are a very good way to break up well-structured tackling lines, as they overcome group tackles, create gaps and tire opponents by forcing second efforts.Sure, a poor offload is still a bad play – but a good offload is worth its weight in gold.The offload ‘mania’ of the early ’90s was infectious and, like all crazes, it got out of control. Players ended up pushing their passes in their own territory, or passed to players under pressure. Eventually, the ‘offload bubble’ popped and offloads became a rarity, especially throughout the Super League age.Nowadays most teams boast well-rounded players who are capable of offloading and often you find these players have a large physical presence with a high level of skill. Offloading the ball in the middle of the ruck or out on the edges is a major attribute when a team is in possession of the football. It can test and disrupt even the best defensive structures.The late, great Artie Beetson, a big ball-playing forward, was renowned for his ability to slip a great pass while falling and pre-line pass to create opportunities for his team. Steve Roach, the tough Balmain, NSW and Australian prop of the ’80s, also made it look easy. While he will always be known for his toughness and willingness to cart the ball forward, no matter who was in front of him, we should also acknowledge the great pair of hands ‘Blocker’ had and his skill at being able to pop passes with three defenders hanging off him.Forwards nowadays cannot just tuck the ball under their arms and make a hit-up. They need to be skilled and able to pass the ball, either pre-line or in the collision.While there is only a slight positive correlation between offloads and winning games in 2013, some teams are close to unstoppable when their players are offloading the ball.The Dragons’ four wins this season have come off the back of them convincingly winning the offloads count. The Titans are another team with many big players who are all capable of offloading the ball; they lead the NRL with 144 to date.The Titans have three players – Dave Taylor, Greg Bird and Jamal Idris – among the 10 top players for offloading the ball.Trent Merrin, one of the form forwards of the competition, leads the NRL for offloads with 27. He often ignites his Dragons team with scoring opportunities against well-structured defences. He uses some very good footwork and agility, combined with the ability to get the ball away in the tightest of circumstances.Any team with Sonny Bill Williams in their ranks is going to be good. He is ranked third in the NRL for offloads and at times he and his Roosters teammates have been unstoppable. Williams is able to combine his extraordinary athletic skill and strength with his one-handed basketball grip on the ball, challenging opposition teams to stop him while he effortlessly pops balls for support runners. It’s a pleasure to watch when he is on song.Delving deeper… rather than focus on which players are offloading and how successful their offloads have been, I have tried to establish a correlation between offloads and winning percentage.Out of the 80 games played so far this season, there have been seven games during which each team made the same number of offloads. That leaves 73 games where one team had more than the other.In 42 of these games (57.6 per cent) the team that made more offloads won. You can see the advantage.The disclaimer is that offloading isn’t a strategy that all successful teams use. The Rabbitohs, who currently lead the competition, are ranked 14th for offloads.Nevertheless, there’s a clear message here for some of the teams that are struggling in attack: give the offloads a bit more prominence, boys!

"I can only guess that The bears offered somewhere around 550k, and we didn't want to get into a bidding war for a player who is replaceable. Russell doesn't have good athletic ability for an outside back, and our for and against suffered for it in…"

"Russell has a few young players breathing down his neck. It really depends on injuries and form of these guys. A great opportunity for a young bloke to cement a first grade spot."

Replies

┌∩┐Parody┌∩┐ May 24, 2013 at 12:43pm

loko can offload thats why he should play 2nd row. Its not just offloads we need our big boys need to learn to pass before the line! Look at how much it added to Nathan Cayless's game
mm May 24, 2013 at 2:39pm

harrison is being let go and he proved at manly he can offload and pass before the line so i think stuart has other ideas
Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" May 24, 2013 at 4:01pm

Ridiculous title HH.

Nothing in that to indicate Parish and Ricky are having a lover's spat.

Parish may in fact be signalling the direction the Eels could be heading in.
- HH - Love You Iongi Time! > Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" May 24, 2013 at 6:46pm
  
  Give me a title Col! I was being a smartarse. Get off my tail, you ain't my type.
  
  If Parish is indicating the direction the eels are heading than I am glad he did not tell everyone!
  
  Jesus Col - if we don't do it and continue not to offload then this article is rubbish!
HH - Love You Iongi Time! May 24, 2013 at 6:47pm

Exactly - if we don't have the stock to do it you don't write an article to state that is what is the new black.

Makes us look like fools.
My Captain, My Captain BLOGGER May 24, 2013 at 7:20pm

thats why we missed it...

you / smart arse.

MISS !
Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" May 27, 2013 at 9:09am

HeeHee - HH

Sounds like you getting a little uptight

Have you tried 'Offloading" lately?

PLUS

I would never have thought you would EVA be sarcastic or a smart ass.

to quote another illustrious brain from this site

Nom sayin'? LOL
Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" May 27, 2013 at 9:11am

Makes us look like fools.

C'mon HH - we don't need any help from anyone to make us look like fools.
Michael Ericson May 27, 2013 at 9:20am

we have a lot of big polynesian players with skill who are more than capable of offloading, problem is we have a hooker who isn't interested in support play and a fullback who is too busy doing everything else.
PM www.sportfirstnambucca.com.au May 27, 2013 at 9:54am

got to get some forward momentum first before you can create 2nd phase.