Firstly I would like to say, Long time reader, first time blogger. I'm an absolute massive parramatta fan, and let's get behind our boys, as we have passed rock bottom for this year.
Brad Arthur's quote (in the title), is becoming more relevant each week we play. We are indeed our own worst enemy, not just the errors and penalties, but just plain dumb footy.
Brad Arthur deserves abit of credit, no matter what your opinion is of his coaching as he has certainly tried a couple of things to stiffen up the defensive line. I haven't read this in any other post, but Arthur's decision to defend Hoppa on the wing and allow him to attack in the centres is genius. Hoppas strong carry can be maximised getting off our line on the return off the kick, and/or on 1st or 2nd tackle, whilst not diminishing his attacking prowess on set pieces. This also stiffens up the defence, as he is one of the best defensive backs 1 on 1 in the game. It also limits Morgan's involvement which is a good thing. Credit is deserved where credits due.
Luke Kelly's performance yesterday was expected. Brad Arthur all week was saying he straightens the attack up, and he gives early and good ball to the centres/ 2nd rowers. A very simplified game plan paid dividends in terms of metres gained, and the performances of Watmough, Pauli, Mau, Tepai who were among the best forward on the field. The missed kicks we all can't forgive Kelly for, but he did what Brad Arthur intended him to do, and it worked (except for the 2 points at the end of the result).
That leads me onto my next point - Semi Radradra. 2 bombed tries (1st: in the first few minutes when Taka threw it over the touch line - semi should of been flat and any other winger would of scored and 2nd: the stepping out of touch on the put down - Why the bloody hell was he up so high when wingers get taught to stay low when scoring ?). He also made two crucial errors that led to points being scored (most importantly when we had all momentum in extra time, and had clear space in front of him). I'm not gonna crucify him but he did have a shocker, and I would ask if he is underdone after injury because it definitely seems that way.
My last point is a question, Why not have Chrissy at fullback? Robinsons speed on the edges is vital for us scoring points. We shouldn't weaken the wing to put him at fullback when he doesn't add anything different to what Hoppa did, except for his speed. This will create controversy and debate I know, but Chrissy plays the best when he has no responsibility and he can pop up whenever he wants to. Kelly and Norman will manage the simplified game plan which worked yesterday and Chrissy can add the much needed x factor. His passing and acceleration will add plenty as well from the back (which is how we normally attack anyway). If you remember the tigers and dogs game last year, Chrissy and Norman interchanging in defence worked quite well. I'm sure your only argument against this, is he would be unsure under the high ball, but surely he won't drop more under the high ball than hoppa did !
Stick solid parra fans, the only way is up
Replies
Posted by Bert de Naturál.
I admire the fact BA is sticking to his game plan even though the boys on the field aren't able to carry it out for the 80mins. He is loyal with his selections something some fans have no concept of. Rome wasn't build in a day.
Hi Pete , welcome aboard, good first blog, i like your sentiments.
Im having lunch so i wont get into a big reply but i agree the only way is up from next year, i think theres going to be a few more low points this year, but we just need to stick in there like were so good at doing, cheers
There's a song in that I'm sure.
https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&...