Aside from obvious, our goal kicker being out we only have two negatives at the moment.
1 - right side edge defence, and
2 - there is a massive, absolutely massive gap between the quality of our starting middles and our bench middles.
Ideas?
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Bench players ran reasonably hard but have no point of difference. It's all tuck it under arm, one out, straight running just a fraction to edge of ruck. Takes no effort from the defence to line them up and belt them. With Junior and RCG, there is a noticeable difference of running a bit wider, with support or interchange of short passing. The defence have to make more decisions.
The edge defence was interesting. Something a bit different I thought. Tended to hold and slide rather than up and in. So rather than being blown away on the outside by giving a 20m channel and then having to turn and chase to no avail, they would backpedal but slide and eventually shut them down near the sideline. Problem with that is it allowed Manly to make 60-80m every set and make every end of set run or kick a dangerous proposition. This meant greater risk of multiple repeat sets, always having to work off own line and kicking from deep in own half. Therefore Manly starting every set from good field position.
Number 1 is a problem, but it's exacerbated by number 2
It's was clearly noticable when RCG & Junior came back on for their 2nd shifts we suddenly looked dangerous again which took the pressure off our defence. I think we are underusing Bryce Cartwright. I think he could be the key to unlocking our bench.
I think Cartwright is a like for like replacement for Matto. Both players ability to offload and ball play is vital to Parras attack. With Matto not able to play 80 mins in this key position I don't understand why Matto is replaced by Makatoa
Makatoa, Kaufusi, Cartwright out.
Greig, Ogden and Nathan Brown in.
Brown Carty Kaufusi Niukore the bench for me
While Papalli'i plays in the second row the right edge defence will always be suss. We also have young Will who can make a bad read and it puts pressure on the winger.
It wasn't a coincidence that side was tight end of last year with Nuikore there. Marata is a much better defender with good lateral movement.
Swap those two around and not only does the defence improve out wide but we get more leg drive in the middle
Well we tried fixing it with kapow & Klemmer but it wasn't to be. This game will be viewed during the week, we need to be better against South's their defence is great & their attack deadly. I hope to see Brown again I think he would be deadly & a lot of frustration to release.
Coach Arthur and Nathan Brown both need to bury the hatchet, be the bigger man and start talking again for the sake of our finals campaign
Simple get rid off Kaufusi, Niukore, and Makaslower bring in Rodwell, Ogden, Grieg and either Cartwright or Perham. But Super Coach has probably left it too late
3. NepoKid
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