We have ten days and one wakeup until our boys are back on the paddock.
The big question still remains: will 2025 be a year of hope, hype, or heartbreak?
As it stands we are year two into yet another rebuild – but this time, I have a feeling that we have turned a corner. Whith Richo at the wheel we could actually be onto something; but will we start to see results in 2025 or is this just a stepping stone to 2026 and a charge up the ladder? 🤔
My take is thatover the last five or so years, our attack has been more confusing than a forward pass ruling in Golden Point. One minute, we’re running one-out hit-ups with all the creativity of a brick wall (Madge) then we’re shifting it side to side like a game of hot potato (Sheens) before appointing Benji, without experience, to drag us out of the mire.
I know there are many that doubt the capability of the coach and his staff - but let's put that aside as we aren't changing that.
The word out of Concord is simplification – stripping it back to fundamentals, playing direct, and actually having a structure that plays to our strengths. I have raised this in a couple of posts - simplification and structure are key elements that enable creative players. If we are going to make the most of Luai and Api, and the potential of Latu F and Bula this is the foundation required.
I have in my head that this means no overcomplicated sweep plays that leave us 15 metres behind the advantage line. No more aimless kicks on the last that gift the opposition seven-tackle sets. No getting monstered in our own 25 due to our back five being unable to get us out of trouble.
Instead, we’re talking decisive ball movement, forward momentum, and strike weapons (plus the baby giraffe) hitting gaps at speed. Imagine our halves playing straight, our forwards running into gaps created by our insde backs and our outside backs getting quality ball at the ad line. Is this a possible reality or a pipe dream?
The kicker: better attack = better defence. I'm not saying that our defence will automatically improve based on our attack. However, for years, we’ve been our own worst enemy, handing the ball over in horrific field position and forcing our defence into to work too hard. If we can finish our sets with quality kicks and structured plays, suddenly, we’re defending on our terms instead of scrambling off our own line. Less fatigue = more pressure on the opposition, and finally, a defensive line that isn't backpedaling like U12's.
So, given what we have heard around the traps; is this finally the year that we put it together, or are we gearing up for another season of "we’ll be good in two years" chat? Is this the moment our attack clicks into gear, and our defence follows? Or are we just setting ourselves up for more heartbreak in September?
If we aren't there yet, what needs to change for us to finally turn the corner? 👇🐯