This year we did not show the professionalism needed to be competitive. We always took the low percentage option, rather than building pressure. This was not just about not having a quality halfback, but also about the mindset of the team and the lack of a game plan.
Yes, we need a good half. But I am concerned that all of the posts are focused on signing big names, without considering what we need to do to change the way the team plays. I think we should also be looking at bringing in some proven, hard-working players to supplement the existing talent. I think Shackleton's return will help with this. With him, Hindy, Ben Smith, Horo and Mannah in the forwards that gives us quite a good base.
We need to replicate this by introducing one or two outside backs that will consistently come in and relieve pressure. Grothe is good at doing this and we missed him this year.
After last year we lost Kevin Kingston, Lowrie and Big Joe. Yes, none of them are superstars by any stretch, but maybe they were doing some of the little things that helped the team to gel. They are all seasoned professionals and may have created the platform for the bigger names to thrive. Call it crazy, but you never know.
At this point, all I hear about is spending massively on a half, but that is not going to do the trick by itself. It will also make it very difficult to retain whatever talent we do bring through the ranks.
Replies
Throwing that extra needless pass, putting that miracle kick in on the 4th tackle, taking the low percentage option - that is about having the wrong attitude - that things will just "happen" for you.
Attitude is also about keeping effort levels up. Did you see the way they were walking to scrums at Souths, even when there was still enough time to have a go?
I don't blame any one player for this, but the Coach has to be able to get more out of the team.
Reddy putting in kicks on the break, or trying to throw a miracle ball, on the first or second tackle.
Cayless throwing a pass coming out of our own end in the game against the Panthers, when we were up by 8. Panthers score from that set and we're then under pressure to hold out.
Cayless throwing a ball to Hayne on tackle 1 against the TIgers in the last 5 minutes, when we have a full repeat set to build pressure.
Inu throwing silly passes coming out of the red zone on a kick return.
Mateo trying to throw miracle balls, holding the ball out one-handed.
Tahu rushing up out of the line trying to put shoulder charges on.
KK trying to beat the line on his own, one out stuff.
Mortimer - hospital passes to forwards.
We saw it throughout the season - and unfortunately some experienced players were the main culprits. That said, I think the Coaching and lack of a game must have a lot to do with this.
If you look at the two times we have made grandfinals since 1986, in 2001 we did so with Taylor/Buettner and 2009 Robson/Mortimer.
None of the players were brilliant individually but they played well as a team and did all the simple things correctly. I don't want to harp on Mortimers woes this year but he should not be in our starting line up. At the very most he should come off the bench as a replacement hooker or to cover for the 6 or 7. I think Robson has done enough despite his knockers to hold his spot. We looked dreadfull on Friday without his steadying influence.
One thing a lot of supporters have noticed this year is that we don't physically try to dominate teams anymore. In defence we allow the opposition to move up on us instead of rushing in and trying to force the collision.
Back to basics for next year and the team will be all the better for it as their natural talent will come through when they learn how to win again.