Firstly I want by saying I reckon we played a decent game of footy last Sunday, especially the 2nd half. I thought the D was outstanding and the completion rates and way we ran the ball strongly was top notch. We were bloody unlucky to lose that game. I also think BA is in the top 5 coaches in the NRL. You dont get teams up consistently if you cant coach. The guy can coach dont worry about that. I have one lingering question though: Is BA and ultimately under his watch, the Eels, too conservative when the game is there for the taking. We all know BA loves the run hard, tackle hard stuff but we have a very good attacking side and we can score plenty of tries. But it seems when we lose BA never says we didnt show enough skill or show enough intent to score tries or that we should have gone to the edges when it was on or backed up our forwards when they were getting their heads through the line. He always goes back to our defense and holding the ball and being patient and all those lines. Yes it's clear you need to do those things but as the Roosters, Storm and Panthers have shown us, you also need skill, a bit of finesse and the ability to push the go button in attack when it's on. Ther perfect example of our conservative approach was on Sunday when we had about 4 sets on their line and you could see they were ready to break. Then they give away a penalty, no doubt on purpose and we throw over the 2 points. We missed a certain 6 points there. They were out on their feet. The champion sides know when to hit go, when to chance their hand and when to give the ball some air. Do we? or is BA stil talking about our defense and holding the ball? Time will tell but it's a question unanswered for me right now. BA - let em play!
You need to be a member of 1Eyed Eel to add comments!
Replies
Yeh NZ I thought that decision to kick when they were on the ropes showed how little confidence we have in our attack. Even if they didn’t get the points I would have liked to have seen them back themselves.
Our attack is still convervative. Still very one out. In opp red zone, we only use 1 set play every 6 tackles. Still a lot of room for improvement. Looking at Dylan's Brown side in attack, he is forced to run himself alot because the players outside of him are not organised. He needs to step up and have dominant voice in that side. We need Gutho to be pushing up in support more often because countless times against sharks we had players looking for an offload but no one there.
Dont you think that comes from BA though?
Without doubt we make a bunch of line breaks if Reed or Gutho were backing up more. I couldn't believe how long players were standing in a tackle looking for an easy offload and no support came.
Yes, we are at our best when theres lots of 2nd n 3rd phase play, thats why im dirty Carty wasnt there last week because thats his specialty, offloads and he can be very effective.
Yes he has a few brain fades but who doesnt in our team.
We only have one real half that creates, Moses, and when Reeds contained we lack the punch in attack.
We dont have it from FB anymore, Guths pace has dropped off, we dont really have centres who are causing troubles.
We need a few more lads who can promote the ball anbd give us some more options, making us less predictable.
Good blog NZeel
Whilst agree changing the personel sounds like the answer and a guy like Carty will chance his arm, I'm not sure BA encourages that. Carty showed us last year he can make something out of nothing but he is in reserves. Presumably because he cant follow the game plan they want him to play i.e he aint conservative enough.
We could really do with a Brad Drew or David Solomona atm
We have them in the squad, but my feeling is they are being reigned in and it is madness. Use players talents instead of playing the so called boring and discplined game. There is a balance required and after how many years at the helm, will BA ever get it? His boring and predictable so called discplined approach works without doubt. However, it is not enought to go the extra yard and take a title.
Our attack is woeful. Far too reliant on kicks. Numerous occasions last week where other teams would have pounced on off loads, but we had no support players there to snap up that potential off load. Playing like the ROBOTS he appears to want. So much talent in this team and BA and his clowns seem to want to kill it, rather than promote it. All for the disciple and getting repeat sets and building pressure, but gees. Our attack inside the 20 is boring, predictable and offers few challenges to the opposition. Oh, what happened to our so called robust defence. All said and done, only two games in and a long way to go. However, BA, keep doing the things you have always done and you will always get what you have always got. Opposition teams know what they have opposing them. FFS take the hint and let the talent free!
This is why I'm keen on a player like Cartwright. See if Arthur had Cartwright on the bench and didn't end up using him I wouldn't have an issue but if the situation is right he can really break a game open.
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next