A crucial period for Madge...

[cochise]

I think there is more uncertainty now than when the season started.
I thought Doueihi would be our long term fullback - I’m not sure he is a fullback now
I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing
We need to buy a 6.
I’m happy with Liddle as hooker.
So 1 spine position is secure at present.
I thought our forward pack was developing well with only a couple of additions needed but we have been owned weekly over the past 6 weeks.
Our edge defence has regressed from last year
Our defensive resolve across the park has dissolved.
We continue to be a slow team. We need pace.

I’m not being emotional or going into a biased supporter rage - I am looking at our progress this year and on the field I just don’t see it. We are definitely no better off and in fact I reckon we are less certain of our future squad makeup.

It’s a concern really.

Maybe you have been watching too many games with me.

Quality of my posts definitely on the rise?

Definately sounding more knowledgeable about the game lol

In seriousness your post is spot on, so much we need to upgrade it makes it difficult to know where to start.

It really feels that we are starting again and that shouldn’t be the case. I’m really hoping that the investment in youth works.
We need Blore, McIntyre, Stefano, Mikaele Musgrove to work.
We need the new winger and Telau to work
We need Doueihi to find a spot (centre)
We need Twal, Aloiai Liddle to keep developing

I think we also need to grab JAC, tell him he can trial at fullback, we need a half and prop from somewhere, that is bare minimum for next year.

 

[Tiger_Steve]

I think there is more uncertainty now than when the season started.
I thought Doueihi would be our long term fullback - I’m not sure he is a fullback now
I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing
We need to buy a 6.
I’m happy with Liddle as hooker.
So 1 spine position is secure at present.
I thought our forward pack was developing well with only a couple of additions needed but we have been owned weekly over the past 6 weeks.
Our edge defence has regressed from last year
Our defensive resolve across the park has dissolved.
We continue to be a slow team. We need pace.

I’m not being emotional or going into a biased supporter rage - I am looking at our progress this year and on the field I just don’t see it. We are definitely no better off and in fact I reckon we are less certain of our future squad makeup.

It’s a concern really.

Maybe you have been watching too many games with me.

Quality of my posts definitely on the rise?

Definately sounding more knowledgeable about the game lol

In seriousness your post is spot on, so much we need to upgrade it makes it difficult to know where to start.

It really feels that we are starting again and that shouldn’t be the case. I’m really hoping that the investment in youth works.
We need Blore, McIntyre, Stefano, Mikaele Musgrove to work.
We need the new winger and Telau to work
We need Doueihi to find a spot (centre)
We need Twal, Aloiai Liddle to keep developing

I think we also need to grab JAC, tell him he can trial at fullback, we need a half and prop from somewhere, that is bare minimum for next year.

Yep. Absolute minimum

 

[cochise]

I think there is more uncertainty now than when the season started.
I thought Doueihi would be our long term fullback - I’m not sure he is a fullback now
I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing
We need to buy a 6.
I’m happy with Liddle as hooker.
So 1 spine position is secure at present.
I thought our forward pack was developing well with only a couple of additions needed but we have been owned weekly over the past 6 weeks.
Our edge defence has regressed from last year
Our defensive resolve across the park has dissolved.
We continue to be a slow team. We need pace.

I’m not being emotional or going into a biased supporter rage - I am looking at our progress this year and on the field I just don’t see it. We are definitely no better off and in fact I reckon we are less certain of our future squad makeup.

It’s a concern really.

Maybe you have been watching too many games with me.

Quality of my posts definitely on the rise?

Definately sounding more knowledgeable about the game lol

In seriousness your post is spot on, so much we need to upgrade it makes it difficult to know where to start.

It really feels that we are starting again and that shouldn’t be the case. I’m really hoping that the investment in youth works.
We need Blore, McIntyre, Stefano, Mikaele Musgrove to work.
We need the new winger and Telau to work
We need Doueihi to find a spot (centre)
We need Twal, Aloiai Liddle to keep developing

I think we also need to grab JAC, tell him he can trial at fullback, we need a half and prop from somewhere, that is bare minimum for next year.

Yep. Absolute minimum

We also need a fullback or winger depending on how JAC trials

 

[bigsiro]

I think there is more uncertainty now than when the season started.
I thought Doueihi would be our long term fullback - I’m not sure he is a fullback now
I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing
We need to buy a 6.
I’m happy with Liddle as hooker.
So 1 spine position is secure at present.
I thought our forward pack was developing well with only a couple of additions needed but we have been owned weekly over the past 6 weeks.
Our edge defence has regressed from last year
Our defensive resolve across the park has dissolved.
We continue to be a slow team. We need pace.

I’m not being emotional or going into a biased supporter rage - I am looking at our progress this year and on the field I just don’t see it. We are definitely no better off and in fact I reckon we are less certain of our future squad makeup.

It’s a concern really.

Maybe you have been watching too many games with me.

Quality of my posts definitely on the rise?

Definately sounding more knowledgeable about the game lol

In seriousness your post is spot on, so much we need to upgrade it makes it difficult to know where to start.

It really feels that we are starting again and that shouldn’t be the case. I’m really hoping that the investment in youth works.
We need Blore, McIntyre, Stefano, Mikaele Musgrove to work.
We need the new winger and Telau to work
We need Doueihi to find a spot (centre)
We need Twal, Aloiai Liddle to keep developing

I think we also need to grab JAC, tell him he can trial at fullback, we need a half and prop from somewhere, that is bare minimum for next year.

Yep. Absolute minimum

We also need a fullback or winger depending on how JAC trials

Be lovely if we could get JAC, Koro, Alex Johnston.
Then all we need is a goal-kicking halfback.

 

[cochise]

I think there is more uncertainty now than when the season started.
I thought Doueihi would be our long term fullback - I’m not sure he is a fullback now
I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing
We need to buy a 6.
I’m happy with Liddle as hooker.
So 1 spine position is secure at present.
I thought our forward pack was developing well with only a couple of additions needed but we have been owned weekly over the past 6 weeks.
Our edge defence has regressed from last year
Our defensive resolve across the park has dissolved.
We continue to be a slow team. We need pace.

I’m not being emotional or going into a biased supporter rage - I am looking at our progress this year and on the field I just don’t see it. We are definitely no better off and in fact I reckon we are less certain of our future squad makeup.

It’s a concern really.

Maybe you have been watching too many games with me.

Quality of my posts definitely on the rise?

Definately sounding more knowledgeable about the game lol

In seriousness your post is spot on, so much we need to upgrade it makes it difficult to know where to start.

It really feels that we are starting again and that shouldn’t be the case. I’m really hoping that the investment in youth works.
We need Blore, McIntyre, Stefano, Mikaele Musgrove to work.
We need the new winger and Telau to work
We need Doueihi to find a spot (centre)
We need Twal, Aloiai Liddle to keep developing

I think we also need to grab JAC, tell him he can trial at fullback, we need a half and prop from somewhere, that is bare minimum for next year.

Yep. Absolute minimum

We also need a fullback or winger depending on how JAC trials


Be lovely if we could get JAC, Koro, Alex Johnston.
Then all we need is a goal-kicking halfback.

and a prop lol a 2nd half would be good too

 

[Tiger5150]

I think there is more uncertainty now than when the season started.
I thought Doueihi would be our long term fullback - I’m not sure he is a fullback now
I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing
We need to buy a 6.
I’m happy with Liddle as hooker.
So 1 spine position is secure at present.
I thought our forward pack was developing well with only a couple of additions needed but we have been owned weekly over the past 6 weeks.
Our edge defence has regressed from last year
Our defensive resolve across the park has dissolved.
We continue to be a slow team. We need pace.

I’m not being emotional or going into a biased supporter rage - I am looking at our progress this year and on the field I just don’t see it. We are definitely no better off and in fact I reckon we are less certain of our future squad makeup.

It’s a concern really.

Maybe you have been watching too many games with me.

Quality of my posts definitely on the rise?

Definately sounding more knowledgeable about the game lol

In seriousness your post is spot on, so much we need to upgrade it makes it difficult to know where to start.

It really feels that we are starting again and that shouldn’t be the case. I’m really hoping that the investment in youth works.
We need Blore, McIntyre, Stefano, Mikaele Musgrove to work.
We need the new winger and Telau to work
We need Doueihi to find a spot (centre)
We need Twal, Aloiai Liddle to keep developing

I think we also need to grab JAC, tell him he can trial at fullback, we need a half and prop from somewhere, that is bare minimum for next year.

Yep. Absolute minimum

We also need a fullback or winger depending on how JAC trials


Be lovely if we could get JAC, Koro, Alex Johnston.
Then all we need is a goal-kicking halfback.

So the answer to our problems is to buy 3 wingers? OK.....

 

[tiga4eva]

Maybe the fans are backing the coach but not the players according to an article in today’s Tele.Saying there’s a lot of player unrest and a lot of disharmony behind the scenes and it’s showing in the side’s effort

According to the WT site we have 10 players off contract next year. It is possible that none of them will be re-signed. So, potentially we have at least 10 players who are not happy with Madge.

When you consider that we have only 11 players signed for 2021 and that Madge is engaged in a clean out, we could have many more than the 10 players disgruntled at the moment.

That is probably what happens when you have a poor, underperforming squad, and a coach that demands consistency and success. The players see the writing on the wall and are not happy.

It would be bizarre if, under these circumstances, the club took the side of the underperforming players and sacked the coach.

If we are going to replace 10 players, why haven’t we already made inroads? I know of one bench forward coming, hate to always be the pessimist but I fear we will just resign most of our current squad for next year. If that happens there must be some big questions asked of Pascoe and Hartigan.


WHat players have we missed out on?

WHat quality has been available?

It doesn’t matter what was available, our Cap was so badly managed last time we did have Cap space, we weren’t in the market for anyone decent anyway. It’s an endless cycle with this Club.

 

[BAGNF05]

Maybe the fans are backing the coach but not the players according to an article in today’s Tele.Saying there’s a lot of player unrest and a lot of disharmony behind the scenes and it’s showing in the side’s effort

According to the WT site we have 10 players off contract next year. It is possible that none of them will be re-signed. So, potentially we have at least 10 players who are not happy with Madge.

When you consider that we have only 11 players signed for 2021 and that Madge is engaged in a clean out, we could have many more than the 10 players disgruntled at the moment.

That is probably what happens when you have a poor, underperforming squad, and a coach that demands consistency and success. The players see the writing on the wall and are not happy.

It would be bizarre if, under these circumstances, the club took the side of the underperforming players and sacked the coach.

If we are going to replace 10 players, why haven’t we already made inroads? I know of one bench forward coming, hate to always be the pessimist but I fear we will just resign most of our current squad for next year. If that happens there must be some big questions asked of Pascoe and Hartigan.


WHat players have we missed out on?

WHat quality has been available?

Josh Morris went to Roosters
SBW went to Roosters
Tyson Frizell to Knights
Latrell to Souths
Euan Aitken to Warriors
Blake Green to Knight then Bulldogs
Rapana to Raiders
Holmes to Cowboys
David Fifita to Titans
Tino to Titans
Eseese to Titans
Elliott resigned with Bulldogs

That’s just off the top of my head, bit of quality there.

 

[Tiger5150]

Maybe the fans are backing the coach but not the players according to an article in today’s Tele.Saying there’s a lot of player unrest and a lot of disharmony behind the scenes and it’s showing in the side’s effort

According to the WT site we have 10 players off contract next year. It is possible that none of them will be re-signed. So, potentially we have at least 10 players who are not happy with Madge.

When you consider that we have only 11 players signed for 2021 and that Madge is engaged in a clean out, we could have many more than the 10 players disgruntled at the moment.

That is probably what happens when you have a poor, underperforming squad, and a coach that demands consistency and success. The players see the writing on the wall and are not happy.

It would be bizarre if, under these circumstances, the club took the side of the underperforming players and sacked the coach.

If we are going to replace 10 players, why haven’t we already made inroads? I know of one bench forward coming, hate to always be the pessimist but I fear we will just resign most of our current squad for next year. If that happens there must be some big questions asked of Pascoe and Hartigan.


WHat players have we missed out on?

WHat quality has been available?

Josh Morris went to Roosters
SBW went to Roosters
Tyson Frizell to Knights
Latrell to Souths
Euan Aitken to Warriors
Blake Green to Knight then Bulldogs
Rapana to Raiders
Holmes to Cowboys
David Fifita to Titans
Tino to Titans
Eseese to Titans
Elliott resigned with Bulldogs

That’s just off the top of my head, bit of quality there.

Most of those were before this season, of the ones that were this season, IMO 3 or 4 would have been useful at the Tigers depending on the $$$$.

At the right money, Frizell, Rapana, Fifita, Eseese would have been good at the Tigers, I can only assume that the Tigers offered the right money and they signed for more elsewhere. Thats how it works.

 

[Alex Seyfarth's #1 Fan]

I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing

I still can't understand what happened to Brooks. Based on the trend of 2018 and 2019, where he improved each year, it looked like this year he might push for a NSW jumper. Instead he's gone so far backwards he's starting to look like a slower 2015 Luke Brooks.

 

[Tiger_Steve]

I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing

I still can't understand what happened to Brooks. Based on the trend of 2018 and 2019, where he improved each year, it looked like this year he might push for a NSW jumper. Instead he's gone so far backwards he's starting to look like a slower 2015 Luke Brooks.

Yep. It’s got me stuffed. I don’t want to think it’s the coaching/game style but maybe that’s naive

 

[BAGNF05]

Maybe the fans are backing the coach but not the players according to an article in today’s Tele.Saying there’s a lot of player unrest and a lot of disharmony behind the scenes and it’s showing in the side’s effort

According to the WT site we have 10 players off contract next year. It is possible that none of them will be re-signed. So, potentially we have at least 10 players who are not happy with Madge.

When you consider that we have only 11 players signed for 2021 and that Madge is engaged in a clean out, we could have many more than the 10 players disgruntled at the moment.

That is probably what happens when you have a poor, underperforming squad, and a coach that demands consistency and success. The players see the writing on the wall and are not happy.

It would be bizarre if, under these circumstances, the club took the side of the underperforming players and sacked the coach.

If we are going to replace 10 players, why haven’t we already made inroads? I know of one bench forward coming, hate to always be the pessimist but I fear we will just resign most of our current squad for next year. If that happens there must be some big questions asked of Pascoe and Hartigan.


WHat players have we missed out on?

WHat quality has been available?

Josh Morris went to Roosters
SBW went to Roosters
Tyson Frizell to Knights
Latrell to Souths
Euan Aitken to Warriors
Blake Green to Knight then Bulldogs
Rapana to Raiders
Holmes to Cowboys
David Fifita to Titans
Tino to Titans
Eseese to Titans
Elliott resigned with Bulldogs

That’s just off the top of my head, bit of quality there.

Most of those were before this season, of the ones that were this season, IMO 3 or 4 would have been useful at the Tigers depending on the $$$$.

At the right money, Frizell, Rapana, Fifita, Eseese would have been good at the Tigers, I can only assume that the Tigers offered the right money and they signed for more elsewhere. Thats how it works.

I suspect we offer more money but the perception is we won’t win games so we’re not a good career move for a player. Also, there was a time not so long ago when players wages were being paid late and the club was a financial mess. That reputation is proving hard to shake. It’s going to take some ballsy administration to turn us into a destination club, We are looking at a few more lean years at least I’d say.

 

[BAGNF05]

I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing

I still can't understand what happened to Brooks. Based on the trend of 2018 and 2019, where he improved each year, it looked like this year he might push for a NSW jumper. Instead he's gone so far backwards he's starting to look like a slower 2015 Luke Brooks.

Yep. It’s got me stuffed. I don’t want to think it’s the coaching/game style but maybe that’s naive

Even the great Andrew Johns was running last in the Comp behind a badly beaten forward pack. Brooks needs some help up front.

 

[Tiger5150]

I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing

I still can't understand what happened to Brooks. Based on the trend of 2018 and 2019, where he improved each year, it looked like this year he might push for a NSW jumper. Instead he's gone so far backwards he's starting to look like a slower 2015 Luke Brooks.

Yep. It’s got me stuffed. I don’t want to think it’s the coaching/game style but maybe that’s naive

Even the great Andrew Johns was running last in the Comp behind a badly beaten forward pack. Brooks needs some help up front.

I know that this LOOKS like a cop out and easy excuse and Brooks detractors will scoff but I think there is a lot of merit in this.

One of the telling aspects of Brooks game that has gone backwards is his kicking, particular on last tackle. One thing Ive noticed all the time and in particular against Penrith is that on the last, by the time the ball hits Brooks hands, he was seriously about to get smashed and Brooks was flat out getting any kick in.

What is the cause of this? Could be poor work by forwards resulting in a slow PTB on the last, could be that Brooks is not deep enough behind the line but the difference between him and Cleary was incredible, Cleary had all the time in the world and Brooks was rushed every time. The fact that Brooks is rushed is NOT Brooks fault unless the cause is he is not deep enough.

 

[BAGNF05]

I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing

I still can't understand what happened to Brooks. Based on the trend of 2018 and 2019, where he improved each year, it looked like this year he might push for a NSW jumper. Instead he's gone so far backwards he's starting to look like a slower 2015 Luke Brooks.

Yep. It’s got me stuffed. I don’t want to think it’s the coaching/game style but maybe that’s naive

Even the great Andrew Johns was running last in the Comp behind a badly beaten forward pack. Brooks needs some help up front.


I know that this LOOKS like a cop out and easy excuse and Brooks detractors will scoff but I think there is a lot of merit in this.

One of the telling aspects of Brooks game that has gone backwards is his kicking, particular on last tackle. One thing Ive noticed all the time and in particular against Penrith is that on the last, by the time the ball hits Brooks hands, he was seriously about to get smashed and Brooks was flat out getting any kick in.

What is the cause of this? Could be poor work by forwards resulting in a slow PTB on the last, could be that Brooks is not deep enough behind the line but the difference between him and Cleary was incredible, Cleary had all the time in the world and Brooks was rushed every time. The fact that Brooks is rushed is NOT Brooks fault unless the cause is he is not deep enough.

To me Brooksy looks like a kid who lacks a bit of confidence. When his pigs are on a roll he runs the ball into space and his confidence grows and his form goes along with it. Right now we are getting bashed week in week out and he has no time on the ball. Not entirely his fault. We need to move heaven and earth to replace Packer with somebody quality who wants to be there.

 

[hobbo1]

I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing

I still can't understand what happened to Brooks. Based on the trend of 2018 and 2019, where he improved each year, it looked like this year he might push for a NSW jumper. Instead he's gone so far backwards he's starting to look like a slower 2015 Luke Brooks.

Yep. It’s got me stuffed. I don’t want to think it’s the coaching/game style but maybe that’s naive

Even the great Andrew Johns was running last in the Comp behind a badly beaten forward pack. Brooks needs some help up front.


I know that this LOOKS like a cop out and easy excuse and Brooks detractors will scoff but I think there is a lot of merit in this.

One of the telling aspects of Brooks game that has gone backwards is his kicking, particular on last tackle. One thing Ive noticed all the time and in particular against Penrith is that on the last, by the time the ball hits Brooks hands, he was seriously about to get smashed and Brooks was flat out getting any kick in.

What is the cause of this? Could be poor work by forwards resulting in a slow PTB on the last, could be that Brooks is not deep enough behind the line but the difference between him and Cleary was incredible, Cleary had all the time in the world and Brooks was rushed every time. The fact that Brooks is rushed is NOT Brooks fault unless the cause is he is not deep enough.

Not deep enough

 

[Tiger5150]

I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing

I still can't understand what happened to Brooks. Based on the trend of 2018 and 2019, where he improved each year, it looked like this year he might push for a NSW jumper. Instead he's gone so far backwards he's starting to look like a slower 2015 Luke Brooks.

Yep. It’s got me stuffed. I don’t want to think it’s the coaching/game style but maybe that’s naive

Even the great Andrew Johns was running last in the Comp behind a badly beaten forward pack. Brooks needs some help up front.


I know that this LOOKS like a cop out and easy excuse and Brooks detractors will scoff but I think there is a lot of merit in this.

One of the telling aspects of Brooks game that has gone backwards is his kicking, particular on last tackle. One thing Ive noticed all the time and in particular against Penrith is that on the last, by the time the ball hits Brooks hands, he was seriously about to get smashed and Brooks was flat out getting any kick in.

What is the cause of this? Could be poor work by forwards resulting in a slow PTB on the last, could be that Brooks is not deep enough behind the line but the difference between him and Cleary was incredible, Cleary had all the time in the world and Brooks was rushed every time. The fact that Brooks is rushed is NOT Brooks fault unless the cause is he is not deep enough.

Not deep enough

Could very well be the case. I noticed with Cleary, he is MILE behind the line, running passing and kicking and as a result has a stack of time and looks good. Over the last few years there has be a chorus from fans and coaches screaming that Brooks has to "engage the line", "run more at the line" and he clearly has but I wonder if this is the result that he NEVER has time to run, pass or kick and I wonder if he stood deeper and only ran at the line sporadically if he would have more time to structure things as we all want?

 

[cochise]

I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing

I still can't understand what happened to Brooks. Based on the trend of 2018 and 2019, where he improved each year, it looked like this year he might push for a NSW jumper. Instead he's gone so far backwards he's starting to look like a slower 2015 Luke Brooks.

Yep. It’s got me stuffed. I don’t want to think it’s the coaching/game style but maybe that’s naive

Even the great Andrew Johns was running last in the Comp behind a badly beaten forward pack. Brooks needs some help up front.


I know that this LOOKS like a cop out and easy excuse and Brooks detractors will scoff but I think there is a lot of merit in this.

One of the telling aspects of Brooks game that has gone backwards is his kicking, particular on last tackle. One thing Ive noticed all the time and in particular against Penrith is that on the last, by the time the ball hits Brooks hands, he was seriously about to get smashed and Brooks was flat out getting any kick in.

What is the cause of this? Could be poor work by forwards resulting in a slow PTB on the last, could be that Brooks is not deep enough behind the line but the difference between him and Cleary was incredible, Cleary had all the time in the world and Brooks was rushed every time. The fact that Brooks is rushed is NOT Brooks fault unless the cause is he is not deep enough.

Not deep enough


Could very well be the case. I noticed with Cleary, he is MILE behind the line, running passing and kicking and as a result has a stack of time and looks good. Over the last few years there has be a chorus from fans and coaches screaming that Brooks has to "engage the line", "run more at the line" and he clearly has but I wonder if this is the result that he NEVER has time to run, pass or kick and I wonder if he stood deeper and only ran at the line sporadically if he would have more time to structure things as we all want?

He is now running too much, its like all those years of people telling him it is the best part of his game has gotten to him. All he does now is run, its why his form and assists are down.

 

[hobbo1]

I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing

I still can't understand what happened to Brooks. Based on the trend of 2018 and 2019, where he improved each year, it looked like this year he might push for a NSW jumper. Instead he's gone so far backwards he's starting to look like a slower 2015 Luke Brooks.

Yep. It’s got me stuffed. I don’t want to think it’s the coaching/game style but maybe that’s naive

Even the great Andrew Johns was running last in the Comp behind a badly beaten forward pack. Brooks needs some help up front.


I know that this LOOKS like a cop out and easy excuse and Brooks detractors will scoff but I think there is a lot of merit in this.

One of the telling aspects of Brooks game that has gone backwards is his kicking, particular on last tackle. One thing Ive noticed all the time and in particular against Penrith is that on the last, by the time the ball hits Brooks hands, he was seriously about to get smashed and Brooks was flat out getting any kick in.

What is the cause of this? Could be poor work by forwards resulting in a slow PTB on the last, could be that Brooks is not deep enough behind the line but the difference between him and Cleary was incredible, Cleary had all the time in the world and Brooks was rushed every time. The fact that Brooks is rushed is NOT Brooks fault unless the cause is he is not deep enough.

Not deep enough


Could very well be the case. I noticed with Cleary, he is MILE behind the line, running passing and kicking and as a result has a stack of time and looks good. Over the last few years there has be a chorus from fans and coaches screaming that Brooks has to "engage the line", "run more at the line" and he clearly has but I wonder if this is the result that he NEVER has time to run, pass or kick and I wonder if he stood deeper and only ran at the line sporadically if he would have more time to structure things as we all want?

The whole team plays to flat imo
I’d say it’s instructions from the coach ...just like Doohey defending in the line against Parra and being caught out ..

 

[cochise]

I thought Brooks was a lock in for years to come but there is something no right and it needs fixing

I still can't understand what happened to Brooks. Based on the trend of 2018 and 2019, where he improved each year, it looked like this year he might push for a NSW jumper. Instead he's gone so far backwards he's starting to look like a slower 2015 Luke Brooks.

Yep. It’s got me stuffed. I don’t want to think it’s the coaching/game style but maybe that’s naive

Even the great Andrew Johns was running last in the Comp behind a badly beaten forward pack. Brooks needs some help up front.


I know that this LOOKS like a cop out and easy excuse and Brooks detractors will scoff but I think there is a lot of merit in this.

One of the telling aspects of Brooks game that has gone backwards is his kicking, particular on last tackle. One thing Ive noticed all the time and in particular against Penrith is that on the last, by the time the ball hits Brooks hands, he was seriously about to get smashed and Brooks was flat out getting any kick in.

What is the cause of this? Could be poor work by forwards resulting in a slow PTB on the last, could be that Brooks is not deep enough behind the line but the difference between him and Cleary was incredible, Cleary had all the time in the world and Brooks was rushed every time. The fact that Brooks is rushed is NOT Brooks fault unless the cause is he is not deep enough.

Not deep enough


Could very well be the case. I noticed with Cleary, he is MILE behind the line, running passing and kicking and as a result has a stack of time and looks good. Over the last few years there has be a chorus from fans and coaches screaming that Brooks has to "engage the line", "run more at the line" and he clearly has but I wonder if this is the result that he NEVER has time to run, pass or kick and I wonder if he stood deeper and only ran at the line sporadically if he would have more time to structure things as we all want?

The whole team plays to flat imo
I’d say it’s instructions from the coach ...just like Doohey defending in the line against Parra and being caught out ..

Most teams have gotten deeper this year, we have gotten flatter.