The problem with the workers is we seem to have too many. Too many guys who aim to do 40+ tackles and not enough who bend the line.
Is it to much to ask for a player who can do both? Like most other clubs…
Well for starters, that strategy has yielded the 3rd-best defence in the comp. Yes we have lacked for attack in 2018 and that's probably also a result of having more workers than flashy footballers. But I support the coach trying to get the defence right first, for the first time in probably 10 years.
Guys who bend the line and make heaps of tackles at other clubs - who are they exactly? Fonua Blake was tough to contain last night but not as if he's a defensive powerhouse. Who else? Marty Taupau, Taumololo, Boyd Cordner… ok so fair enough we'd like more Origin-level forwards in our side, can't argue with that.
We also have to consider how they are coached, because there is something of instruction involved in the way we play. We certainly could barge the ball up full-speed every tackle, but most of our forwards don't, and it is possible that some of that is in the coach's instructions and not just the lack of venom. We make metres in many sets, I don't think our territory has been a huge issue.
More the issue as I see it is a lack of pace / options at the point end of the field. Johns said last night we don't attack the line fast enough, but he was talking about the backs not the forwards. Chris Lawrence is a good attacking forward because he runs great lines and is always ready for the kick - but he's got a rare footballing brain, his ability to read the movement of defensive lines.
Don't get me wrong I'd love higher-quality forwards at the club, but I don't believe it's the particular lack of ability from the forwards we have. Rather it's the lack of consistent energy that troubles us, a lack of consistent intensity from everyone in the forwards at the same time.
Twal was great last night, but Cleary started him against the Titans and he was destroyed. Work in progress.
This post is spot on! We do need a replacement for Sue, perhaps two, another good 2nd rower to join Lawrence, but our biggest shortfall is speed in the backs. Perhaps if Bolt doesn't work out for the Mariners he can come and have a run on our flank?!?