Storm are getting beat albeit Raiders beating them at Aami is nothing new, and I don't think they have so far given away a ruck infringement, interestingly though Smith was done for verbal dissent that has to be a first, Anyway do you think Storm will struggle with the speed of the game ie. No wrestling or will adapt? love the speed of the games so far, the new rule has worked a treat and if it causes The Storm to lose momentum then all good.
Roosters on the other hand were fast and good last night and again will be hard to beat.
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The Storm are unable to constantly reset and get into their structures. They struggle when their unable to get into rhythm and these new rules don't allow it unless you completely control posesion.
Big Nelson's really struggled moving around the ruck defensively, I don't think we'll see him start another game any time soon and Cams getting visibly frustrated.
Anumber of times Smith has looked to engage late in the tackle as a defender like he usually does to prolong the tackle and pulled out. He has flopped twice without being penalised but his instincts to do what he's been doing for over a decade manipulating the ruck is not available to him now.
CONGRATS VLANDYS you've given us a our game back and I've watched every minute of every game something I haven't done in an age .
The 6 again rule has completely nullified the Storm's entire ruck strategy. Praise the Lord!!!!!
The Storm are still a great side, extremely well drilled and miles of talent. But their grubby ruck tactics for slowing down the play the ball is now officially dead. They got pinged for hands on the ball, leg pulls, taking too long etc. The usual garbage wasn't tolerated and the Raiders made them pay.
As the game went on I watched the Storm closely and their wrestle disappeared. They were clearing the ruck quickly (so as not to give away 6 again) and the Raiders were just rolling them. It completely rattled the Storm.
I've no doubt that the Storm will change tactics to deal with the rule change but their BS, garbage, grubby, niggling crap in the ruck is now gone!!!
All hail V'Landys!!
The Storm previously relied on the fact that referees were powerless in handing down continues penalties. Now they'll have no answer as they also relied on a third man in to further slow it down.
The Storm are finished
Raiders also looked better in attack with new addition Williams , which is what they lacked in the GF last year, thier defense still very strong.
Travelling away every week will take it's toll soon enough
There are only 3 real contenders IMO, the Eels, Raiders & Roosters.
Standard of all games has been excellent considering. Tigers can thank Storm for the loan of Harry Grant who they can't fit in. Drinkwater released to Cowboys is pretty awesome as well. Season should be very competitive for a change fingers crossed.
I don't think Melbourne have ever really played a fast game. I can't see them adapting any time soon and will likely struggle this year. That has to be a good thing for the game!
Agreed on that Longfin, their style does not suit a fast temp but it is only early. They started lots of the slow tactics and others followed in succession - Cronulla / Manly and Canberra. So it will be a test of the refs to keep the games as is and for the coaches to adhere.
Eggman, good blog, mate.
But, I'm not writing off the Storm, yet. Way too early.
Last night, the Raiders looked fantastic. If they continue in the same vein, it's another top four finish. Exciting team. It's now 3-0 to Raiders in the last three games (all in Melbourne).Williams and Hodgson really took Storm to the sword, as did their outside backs.
The game has sped up, as I expected. Well-structured defensive structures, like Storm's, will be under greater pressure, especially when a team gets a roll-on; it's going to be next to impossible to stop the train's momentum burning fuel faster. Harder than before. Storm will need to adapt, and quickly. But, they have the ability and enough class to.
Also, there is some evidence the Storm may recover, perhaps quicker than many would like, even in last night's game:
For one, they could have easily scored another 3-4 tries. And Raiders scored the last off three kicks (which won't happen every game). The bounce favoured them, this time.
Two, the Storm managed to claw back possession from being down almost 45%-55%, at half-time, to win it back 55%-45%. Impressive, under the new rules. And as such, if they can get an early roll-on some teams will end up getting blown away. Then, people will change their minds about Storm's demise. But, they'll need to start better and not let teams off to 12-0 leads, and execute better. They uncharacteristically didn't take their chances, last night.
People have always waited for the Storm to fall. For decades. Time will tell. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up top four again in 2020 and there at the pointy end. Again.
Also, as an aside, something that's really impressive is the penalty count: it was only 1-2 in Storm's favour at half time. Together with the six again (and lax attitude on the 10) it's helped the game flow. It's something I noticed in other games as well. First half counts were really low, then they increased in the second half a bit.
That's a great result for the game. Well done, V'landys and everyone involved in the game.
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