Firstly this blog is not about whether BA should be sacked or not. We are almost 100% sure that he will be here until at least the end of this season.
Although we are on equal points with the Dogs and the Cowboys (the Eagles not too far behind either), our for & against means that we are effectively 2 points behind them. Whilst BA is trying to avoid the wooden spoon and needs to win more games than those other teams, we are effectively 2 points behind them. So his dilemma is: should he avoid the spoon at all costs or start blooding some junior players (and risk more losses due to their inexperience) in order to get them ready for next year and beyond.
Quite frankly I think next year is a lot more important than if we get the spoon or not. Whether we run last or outside the 8 is still failing in my opinion; so I would blood as many players as I can and see what happens - nothing to lose. I think sometimes youthful enthusiasm can be infectious and could lift the performance of those around them. A flipped situation you might say where the young players would force the more experienced players in putting in those extra 1 percenters.
Of course I don't think BA will do this. He will try to avoid the spoon at all costs and run with same bunch of players for the next 6 weeks - sadly.
Your thoughts?!?!?
Replies
You're aware that in order to "blood juniors" he'd need to ask NRL for permission and that would be assessed on having Top 30 players available to play in those positions? I mean, we couldn't name Reed Mahoney the other week because of that rule.
...and there's your problem right there
unfortunately the NRL doesn't allow you to use anyone you want. If they're not top 30, you have to prove you need the player because of injuries and there's nobody else you can use. We can use Mahoney because King and Smith are injured
Having to name a squad for the duration of the season means that you are likely to play it safe and name experienced players. What the NRL needs to do is to allow players from the developmental squad a certain number of games in the NRL, without clubs having to seek permission to do so. Or set aside some of those 30 positions for young players. That way, the young players in the developmental squads know that if they play well they are a real chance to play NRL, rather than having to wait for a top 30 player in their position to become injured.
spot on brissy - what's good for the Broncs is not good for us?!?!?!?
BA's dilemma? Gezzz more like Parra's dilemma!
In response to your blog assuming that BA will be in charge in 2019, I think that BA should now be focused on 2019. 2018 is effectively gone & is now irrelevant.
What is essentially required is firstly that BA plans his FG squad for 2019 then secondly, primarily utilise those players in our current squad who r going to be part of that squad for the remainder of this season. Those that BA plans to discard should become secondary in his selection decisions. Salary Cap restrictions will probably impact his options.
The basic assumption is that BA is actually capable of planning ahead & that he does have some idea of what he wants for 2019. Based on this years performance, that is a very big assumption.
The other concern which will by nature be corollary to this scenario is the recruitment & retention decisions to actually create the squad. IMO the Club should implement a seperate recruitment process independent of BA to ensure that we r not handicapped with duds like Evans nor excessive salaries or onerous conditions aka MJ for the future.
I agree with you there Mick, I've long maintained that the coach should have no direct say in the make up of the roster. I don't think you need a committee as such, I think you still need to have one final decision maker, that being the GM with the coaching staff, recruitment manager, and other senior football department staff having input, but ultimately the GM has the final say.
He will not blood new players, he needs the wins to cement his position.
FK that - avoid the spoon at all costs! Just my opinion
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