Tigerstripes
New member
@flash said:
Agreed. Glad someone else noticed. He seemed to make it his personal mission to mark Dugan and thank goodness he did.
Agreed. Glad someone else noticed. He seemed to make it his personal mission to mark Dugan and thank goodness he did.
The_Phantom
Active member
@Yossarian said:
My thoughts also…..
I had a few heated arguments about this kid with some of my mates. I have huge wraps on him…he is only 20 and could develope into a very very good player. I noticed today that Croker from canberra was named in the kangaroos train on squad, which does get cut, but I believe that if he keeps up his finals form he should be also named into the squad.
G
Guest
Guest
Sheens warning lifts Ayshford
21/09/2010 3:24 PM
Adam Lucius
Sportal
A mid-season truth session with coach Tim Sheens led to the turnaround that has Wests Tigers centre Blake Ayshford ready to make amends for the worst day of his NRL career in Saturday's preliminary final against St George Illawarra.
Sheens warned the 22-year-old he was on the verge of losing his first grade spot after a series of average performances, particularly in defence, as the Tigers struggled for consistency early in the year.
"The coach pulled me aside halfway through the year after a couple of crucial misses and said there are people chasing me like Geoff Daniela and Mitch Brown who want my spot, whereas last year I was the one doing the chasing," Ayshford told Sportal.
"He said to pick my act up."
"I probably felt a little too comfortable but getting the kick up the butt helped me."
So too did the move to shift Benji Marshall to Ayshford's side of the field.
The Tigers superstar's constant barking at his outside men has been music to the young centre's ears.
"Benji's come over to my side in defence and attack and that's helped me in both areas," Ayshford said.
"He's the ultimate player. He talks non-stop and tells me what we're doing in defence, whether we're rushing or holding back."
"My defence earlier in the year was a bit poor but coming into the back-end of the season it's got a lot better."
That improvement will be tested against the Dragons, with Matt Cooper giving Ayshford enduring nightmares last time they opposed each other in the centres.
"I played him last year and he put two tries on me. Him and Ben Creagh carved me up a bit," the Tigers star admitted
"It was only my fourth game and coming up against them was hard."
"He (Cooper) is a NSW and Australian centre and I can't let my guard down with him."
"But I take a lot of confidence out of (my improved defence) and hopefully I’ll do better against him (Cooper) this time."
Ayshford's composure for such a young player has been a feature of his game since entering the NRL last year.
But he admits the nerves are starting to kick in a game out from the grand final.
"It didn't feel like a semi-final last week but seeing all the fans and media here this week, it dawns on you that we are 80 minutes away from the grand final," he said.
"Not many people can say they got this close. To win and get to the grand final would be awesome."
"They (St George Illawarra) are well deserving of favouritism but we've got the team."
"We're all confident we can beat them."
21/09/2010 3:24 PM
Adam Lucius
Sportal
A mid-season truth session with coach Tim Sheens led to the turnaround that has Wests Tigers centre Blake Ayshford ready to make amends for the worst day of his NRL career in Saturday's preliminary final against St George Illawarra.
Sheens warned the 22-year-old he was on the verge of losing his first grade spot after a series of average performances, particularly in defence, as the Tigers struggled for consistency early in the year.
"The coach pulled me aside halfway through the year after a couple of crucial misses and said there are people chasing me like Geoff Daniela and Mitch Brown who want my spot, whereas last year I was the one doing the chasing," Ayshford told Sportal.
"He said to pick my act up."
"I probably felt a little too comfortable but getting the kick up the butt helped me."
So too did the move to shift Benji Marshall to Ayshford's side of the field.
The Tigers superstar's constant barking at his outside men has been music to the young centre's ears.
"Benji's come over to my side in defence and attack and that's helped me in both areas," Ayshford said.
"He's the ultimate player. He talks non-stop and tells me what we're doing in defence, whether we're rushing or holding back."
"My defence earlier in the year was a bit poor but coming into the back-end of the season it's got a lot better."
That improvement will be tested against the Dragons, with Matt Cooper giving Ayshford enduring nightmares last time they opposed each other in the centres.
"I played him last year and he put two tries on me. Him and Ben Creagh carved me up a bit," the Tigers star admitted
"It was only my fourth game and coming up against them was hard."
"He (Cooper) is a NSW and Australian centre and I can't let my guard down with him."
"But I take a lot of confidence out of (my improved defence) and hopefully I’ll do better against him (Cooper) this time."
Ayshford's composure for such a young player has been a feature of his game since entering the NRL last year.
But he admits the nerves are starting to kick in a game out from the grand final.
"It didn't feel like a semi-final last week but seeing all the fans and media here this week, it dawns on you that we are 80 minutes away from the grand final," he said.
"Not many people can say they got this close. To win and get to the grand final would be awesome."
"They (St George Illawarra) are well deserving of favouritism but we've got the team."
"We're all confident we can beat them."
king_sirro
Well-known member
So happy for Blake (or maybe for myself becaue i just love tall centres). Been a big fan of his since he came into first grade but i must admit, there was one time this year i felt he could benefit from a stint in State Cup to work on a few things. He still has a bit to work on but thank god Sheens stuck with him because he's a genuine weapon and his defence has lifted too (touch wood).
This is 100% true mid year I wouldve been happy to seen him replaced! Now he is dynamite!!!
and if we get a good winger (tuiaki/latu) outside of him next year we will be so deadly u cannot believe it. I mean atm TBH our right side attack is pretty average.. all our damage is done on left.
and if we get a good winger (tuiaki/latu) outside of him next year we will be so deadly u cannot believe it. I mean atm TBH our right side attack is pretty average.. all our damage is done on left.
Hardwick_2040
New member
Has made a big improvement in defense and backs himself to take on a few when hes running. Feel very comfortable when he has the ball now, seems to have a very level head when there is balls being flicked all around him.. was a couple of times tonight where he could have went for the miracle offload (which wasn't on) but was good to see him digress.
So many of the boys have put themselves in to Origin contention
So many of the boys have put themselves in to Origin contention
mike
Well-known member
Had a great game. SOO? We will have to see how he goes at the start of next season. Thought Lawrence would still be ahead of him by a fair way.
tiger_tigers
New member
dont get ahead of yourselves …wests are not the favored side when it comes to rep honors .....
but gee aysh came of age and really stepped up to the next level in this finals series .....
but gee aysh came of age and really stepped up to the next level in this finals series .....
G
Guest
Guest
He had a good backend to the season, but he's not ready for Origin yet, and as far as centres go, Lawrence is in front of him and will hopefully earn a blues jersey next year.
fergiefurr
New member
@T-REXX said:
6 weeks ago ayshford had about 8 terrible games in a row, he deserved all the critisicm he copped. However sincethen he has been brilliant
tig_prmz
Well-known member
Trying not to think about SOO!!
Trying, trying, trying! FAIL
Put the whole Tigers team in it! Make sure Sheens is the coach though.
Trying, trying, trying! FAIL
Put the whole Tigers team in it! Make sure Sheens is the coach though.
benjibrotown
New member
I remember a couple of weeks ago Wiz Freemen said that Ayshford had a good chance of making the Australian squad :slight_smile:
I dont think hes quite there yet but with another solid season and with plenty of improvement he could be up to State of Origin standard.
I dont think hes quite there yet but with another solid season and with plenty of improvement he could be up to State of Origin standard.
prattenpark
New member
What a centre pairing for 2011\. Ayshford and Lawrence. Sheens always said it takes 50 first grade games to make a player. These two will have the opposition defence in turmoil next year. But, so many players have really stepped up as this year has gone on. We will have a forward pack that instills fear and a backline out of this world in 2011.
