It was no surprise how the Broncos ran so many of their big boys at me; I was expecting it. They targeted me last year so I thought they would again with Sam Thaiday and Israel Folau, and Corey Parker came across the ruck to signal me out a few times. It took a bit of energy out of me for attack but that what Brisbane meant to do.
When you’re 80kg all you can do is prepare physically and work hard in preparation for matches. I didn’t expect to make 40 tackles though, that would be the most I’ve had to make in first grade. Your body gets used to the thrashing and being sore after a game so doing everything you can in recovery is important. It’s becoming a bit easier as the season progresses and I get used to what is required to back up each week but it is taxing on the body, I don’t deny that.
We know we’re not playing well in attack, although our defence has been really solid with us only conceding five tries in the past three games – I think three of those were from kicks. But out execution in attack is down; we’re not taking the opportunities like we should. When we get up their end everyone is getting a bit excited and tries to get their hands on the ball where we need to be a bit more patient and stick to our structure. We have a few things to work on, but I feel we’re getting closer.
I’d have to agree with the criticism that the closer we get to the line the more we seem to tighten up and lose our composure, and as halfback I have to take that on board. We probably see ourselves as an offloading team and that’s what got us to the grand final last year but that’s all good and well but we need the basic structure and composure and be aware of when we should stick to that structure.
I’ve definitely learned a lot from my second year in first grade. I have learned what the NRL is all about really; last year I came in as we had that dream run and I was very fortunate to come off the back of that. This year has been a reality check in that I’ve really been taught how the NRL is a constant grind each week and physically and mentally you have to be up for it because you can’t take any team easily; there are 15 teams that can beat another on the day.
So it’s about preparing well and showing consistency and that’s the challenge for a young player. I look at our more experienced boys and take a lot in about how they prepare.
I want to improve my kicking and taking more control of our attack at crucial times in a match. I’m confident it will come; I’m listening and learning but I know I have to become more dominant. Our last tackle plays have not been good enough and that is so crucial these days – ending a good set with a good kick or last play option. I was given control to kick more and I felt my kicking improved a bit but I have to continue working on that. The coach wants more control and impact from the halves.
The feeling in the team is still very good; we’re very close and everyone is on the same page. I really think we’re not far away from putting a few more wins together but to do that we have to be more dominant in the halves and have more control over what we’re doing, and that’s my goal the next few weeks.
We go to Auckland which is always a hard road trip but Nathan Cayless celebrates his 250th first grade game which is an enormous achievement, so we’ll be extra motivated to do well. We need a win to keep in touch with the top eight so the next couple of weeks are crucial.
Don’t give up on us.
Don't worry Daniel, we will NEVER give up on our mighty EELS!!!!!
Replies
criticism can be taken in 2 ways, morts seem to be taking it on and using it as imspiration.
After the bagging he has been copping he doesn't sound too shattered by it.
This is a good sign he intends being around RL for the long haul.
Doesn't shirk away from the fact that he and KK haven't fired well enough either.
Perhaps if he adopts Soward's idea and stands a little deeper to give himself more room he might find he is far more dangerous with 5th tackle option.
Onya Daniel - keep on going forward.
I belive you can put his $250K / year contract down the the exposure he got at the end of last year in the media, and he played us off against the Dogs beutifully.
This is another case of Daniel working the media, but this time to take the heat off him regarding his form.
Can't say I blame the guy, I hope he does well for both his and the Eels sake.
"Not far away from putting a few wins together" - does this mean we should just pray that it starts this week or the next or the one after that ??? How far away is not far away?? What's a few wins; 2 then a few losses after that???
These comments are couched in pseudo positivity but in reality are nothing but a stereotypical "FIIK what's going on" response! About the only cliche he omitted was 'we're taking it one week at a time'.
Let's hope Mort's prophecy is self fulfilling ...A WIN AGAINST THE WARRIORS THIS WEEK AS THE START OF A FEW WINS !!!