AmericanHistoryX
Well-known member
The difference only being Melbourne are perennial semi final team. And we are at the other end. How much is the price for success?
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Thanks TT aka RichoMy thoughts on the Galvin situation...
Firstly, he's contracted for two more years minimum. Richo doesn't strike me as someone to let a player walk early if they are still beneficial to the team. Projecting worst-case scenarios and then getting emotional over that is not healthy.
Personally, I think a win/win would be to get him to sign a ONE-YEAR extension plus adjusted pay for the next two years. Something like $550k + $550k + $700k in 2027. Overall this gives him an extra $1.2M over that time which would be more than if he stuck it out for two years ($250 +$350k) and signed somewhere else for 2027.
This would keep his options open for 2028 when he'll still only be 22 with his whole career ahead of him. Many players don't even start NRL until that age. This way, he doesn't 'lose out' financially but still has options to leave or extend on a pay increase when he has over a decade of playing still to go.
And if it turns out that Latu partners better with Luai then we are only paying $700k for a possible centre or lock/2nd row for one year.
Before we freak out about price, let's put the salary cap into context:
Storm halves for 2025: $1.1M + $900k = $2M
Storm spine for 2025: $1.1M + $900k + $950k + 850k = $3.8M
And that’s just what’s on the cap. Add to that a prop on $900k. So 5 players close to a million each.
Tigers halves for 2025: $1.2M + $250k = $1.45M
Tigers spine for 2025: $1.2M + $250k + $700k + 700k = $2.8M
Next highest paid player is a prop on $650k. That's a million-dollar difference. Even if we threw Galvin an extra few hundred K over the next two years, that still doesn't scuttle our salary cap.
I think the scrambling defence was the issue in 2018.We saw that in 2018 I think it was winning first five or six games.. Storm twice strong Roosters etc... With a frantic scrambling defence that eventually wasn't sustainable.
Just too taxing
The side line is barely used tactically anymoreI think the scrambling defence was the issue in 2018.
Having structure with key playmkers playing what they see is definitely sustainable. They don't have to be running around like headless chooks trying to score off every play. There are times where you need to grind in attack, times where you need to use your attack to set your defence and times when you have the freedom to play what is in front of you. We haven't had a playmaker that understands when to do what.
Scrambling defence just isn't sustainable except in short spurts when it is all hands on deck to prevent the line being crossed. As soon as you get back to a structured defence you can catch your breath. I was shaking my head so often last year when we were out on our feet and didn't take the option to kick for touch and amble down to the scrum to start from a set piece with a "less fatigued" defence.
That's fine if you are fit enough; we clearly weren't and should have slowed the play to enable the game to be played at a pace that suited us as opposed to being out on our feet. A good half/captain would sense when it is time to play with pace and whem to slow the game down. When you have the ball in hand you control the tempo, we have been unable to control the pace of the game and have suffered for it.The side line is barely used tactically anymore
Seems teams are coached to back their fitness
Agree 💯That's fine if you are fit enough; we clearly weren't and should have slowed the play to enable the game to be played at a pace that suited us as opposed to being out on our feet. A good half/captain would sense when it is time to play with pace and whem to slow the game down. When you have the ball in hand you control the tempo, we were unable to control the pace of the game and have suffered for it.
You are on the money - we shouldn't have been trying to play the top teams at their own game. If you know you are outclassed drag the opposition down to your level. The problem with us last year was that we could compete with most side for 75% of the game. 25% of the time we were too taxed from not being able to get out of our own end, handing the ball over in poor field position regularly and ill disciplined through fatigue (and brain farts).Agree 💯
Sometimes I think lower teams on the ladder get caught up trying to play the way of better teams thinking that is the only way to win
Jolls, I had forty employees in my business and found the best measure of morale was “discretionary effort.” It’s the same with a footy team.I think the scrambling defence was the issue in 2018.
Having structure with key playmkers playing what they see is definitely sustainable. They don't have to be running around like headless chooks trying to score off every play. There are times where you need to grind in attack, times where you need to use your attack to set your defence and times when you have the freedom to play what is in front of you. We haven't had a playmaker that understands when to do what.
Scrambling defence just isn't sustainable except in short spurts when it is all hands on deck to prevent the line being crossed. As soon as you get back to a structured defence you can catch your breath. I was shaking my head so often last year when we were out on our feet and didn't take the option to kick for touch and amble down to the scrum to start from a set piece with a "less fatigued" defence.
You may get a club with Zero culture and stacks of grub each game...The difference only being Melbourne are perennial semi final team. And we are at the other end. How much is the price for success?
Sezer was better then I expected.You are on the money - we shouldn't have been trying to play the top teams at their own game. If you know you are outclassed drag the opposition down to your level. The problem with us last year was that we could compete with most side for 75% of the game. 25% of the time we were too taxed from not being able to get out of our own end, handing the ball over in poor field position regularly and ill disciplined through fatigue (and brain farts).
Reimagine those games if the opposition was starting to get a roll on or when we could feel the pace getting too hot and had kicked long and for touch and then ambled down to the scrum, set our defence and then started the defensive set. This has a two fold effect - lets us catch our breath and set the defensive line but also breaks up the opposition's momentum.
It is easy to say from the sideline as we aren't caught up in the physical battle on the field - but a thinking half/hooker combination dictates the pace of the game to the advantage of the team. That is why Smith was so good for Melbourne - he controlled the pace of the game. Discussing decisions with the refereee when they were out on their feet, kicking for touch from dummy half to slow the play when required, rolling up the middle like a touch game when the opposition was tiring.
It isn't that hard - just need someone who can think to run the game. Sezer, when he was on the paddock, was passable in this area at times. It is a big criticism I have of Api's game - he controls the attack well but does not control the game. A good hooker/captain can do both! Having the C beside your name isn't about being a good bloke!
You're right, Api can't do it all. I also think that he was probably guilty of trying too hard at times. I trust that with Luai calling the plays out the back Api can deliver more quality as he isn't stretched across the park.Sezer was better then I expected.
He had a few tricks and actually played like a halfback. But he was average, about as good as Hastings and not a game winner (better then LB though).
Api, I think you are right. He was huge for us because every game he was there, he was coordinating our attack. But yes defense, he never moderated the tempo of a game like Cam Smith could... This is a HUGE ask though. I also saw him throw the passes and set up the opportunities that just went Begging!
Api simply can't do it all and in him trying to do it all, he won't do everything well. Not excusing, you are right, but there is only so much one guy can do. He needs support around him, and every other tiger seems to have games where they go to sleep.
Has there been anyone else ever that has done it as consistently as smith thoughSezer was better then I expected.
He had a few tricks and actually played like a halfback. But he was average, about as good as Hastings and not a game winner (better then LB though).
Api, I think you are right. He was huge for us because every game he was there, he was coordinating our attack. But yes defense, he never moderated the tempo of a game like Cam Smith could...
Wrong thread and a day late ,Smith ,talk about 1 of the biggest grubs in the gameHas there been anyone else ever that has done it as consistently as smith though
insta wont let me in .Is he ready to commit long term for less ,just to be edumacated from Benji
There's a meme featuring Mel Gibson,. Mike Tyson and Dave Goggins all saying they don't give a f... if people love them or hate Them.insta wont let me in .Is he ready to commit long term for less ,just to be edumacated from Benji
gotta love the haters Tyrell May told me.lol But what's with Galvin,proffesing his love 4 the club again ? it doesn't matter reallyThere's a meme featuring Mel Gibson,. Mike Tyson and Dave Goggins all saying they don't give a f... if people love them or hate Them.
Pretty immature imo
5 brown paper bags n 4 garages full of fun stuff. It all just rolled on from thereThe difference only being Melbourne are perennial semi final team. And we are at the other end. How much is the price for success?
...."I don't care if you love me of hate me - just as long as I win"gotta love the haters Tyrell May told me.lol But what's with Galvin,proffesing his love 4 the club again ? it doesn't matter really