We are greatly improved and excelling in most aspects but a few weak points stand out for me
1. Right edge. Waqa obviously needs more time to get back into NRL and settle down in the team. However once he does that we need to start utilising Fergo again. He is a weapon not being used. However, BA has taught Jenko to pass to his winger so I am sure we can do this on the right.
2. High ball to our wingers. Have not seen us do this effectively yet and we have tall outside backs.
3. One on one strips. Matterson got one at a really crucial time for us. We need to become as good as the Raiders in this with the six more rule.
4. Key player retention. With success and spotlight will come the poachers. We need to tie down obvious targets in the NRL players (e.g. DB, Matto, Moses, Mahoney), coaches (eg Joey), and juniors (eg Schneider)
Replies
Hey, What's the big idea!
I am actually very happy and optimistic. So many weak points are becoming strengths - especially now we seem to be playing smart and know when to hold and fold - probably Joeys influence.
But that does not mean there is not room for improvement
Usually after a big win clubs thiink they are better than they are and lose the next match. Best time for a reality check is after a runaway win. If we start believing the hype like the best Defense in 31 years we will get smashed next week.
Waqa needs clean early ball so he can utilize his size and speed, Moses has to recognize this and at times just catch and pass instead of trying to create something every time he gets the ball, that's not a criticism of Moses.
Did I happen to mention I reckon one of the biggest weaknesses is using Stone as back up DH?
I don't think the ball was getting to Waqa very much - Matto needs to correct that as he had a couple of oppportunites to pass but died with the ball.
Confidence to break the line is great, but if it becomes an ego thing then it kills momentum.
One on one strips - HATE THEM! That said, as they are a legal part of the game when done properly, we do need to learn the art of stripping other players.
Offloads were mind boggling last night - we had more off loads in this one game than we have had for the past two seasons - keep them coming. Best part was it appeared players were waiting for them most of the time.
I agree about 1 on 1 strips. The current rule is not in the spirit of the game. But as it is it is an important loop hole to take advantage of
I like the one on one strip, but i dont like it when defenders drop off to allow that one on one strip.
I know its another rule, but i would much prefer that if the ball carrier at any stage is tackled by two or more defenders that null and voids the one on one strip no matter if defenders drop off etc. First tackler in gets a chance at one on one strip if he likes but if another defender intervenes and touches the ball carrier then no strip can occur fullstop.
It would bring back that risk element of a one on one strip, either make the tackle or strip it. full stop.
Spot on, Blue Eel. The current stripping rule is a disencentive to promote the ball. It rewards gang tackles. It's a bad rule from either an attacking or defending perspective. More than 2 defenders initially contacting the attacker and no strip allowed would allow a balance between attack and defense, because attack takes a risk to promote the ball (could be stripped 1-on-1) and the defense takes a risk to attempt to strip (allows more post contact meters at a minimum).
I hate seeing strips where 1-2 players drop off after the defender goes for the ball while the attacker is confronted by 2-3 defenders. It's ugly. Even if the Eels do it. It's still ugly
Wile, great blog mate. I like your SWOT approach: strengthening weak points in the chain.
Can't disagree with any of your points in principle. I was thinking exactly the same, during the match. Even if we have many strengths, ATM, including building confidence levels and better defence, critically.
Boy, I did love Matto's strip. I used to get annoyed at how often we got stripped (M'au, for e.g., as good a player as he is). But we got one against us.
I thought both LHS & RHS edges showed a lot of promise and looked great, Thursday night. Though, absolutely: Waqa is genrally underused as you say, for now, for whatever reasons.
Also, Moses' running game was underused a bit. His acceleration could be deadly around the more open ruck.