McIlwrick

@ said:
It's amazing really. He went much better than another million dollar hooker seemed to be able to. Maybe it's an attitude thing.
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Shhh dont criticise the million dollar hooker or you will get called an idiot by his fan club.
 
Credit where it is due he was excellent, as he was against the Cowboys in the final trial.

His position to lose from here.
 
Yes he was very good against the cows. I liked how he passed off the ground when he needed to and only took the privilege of having a run when we had the quick play the ball. Hits hard. Looks much better than a back up hooker imo.
 
He made a great run from dummy half off a quick PTB in the set after we scored our first try. He knew exactly when to run and when to pass.
 
I am probably pointing out the obvious but McIlwrick's style of play last night is what JT was reportedly asking for last year - fast service to the halves, the occasional fast run on an open ruck, aggressive (not just ball-wrapping) defence.

It is evident that McIlwrick has a very different style to Farah and so far, one game only, it does seem to work with the rest of our structure.

I watched Farah closely and he played alright, but he did get involved in the attack a lot, popped up at halfback at times and put a lot of kicks in, which is what he did for the Tigers, but I can understand that this can sometimes stifle / overrun the halves. It seemed again that Farah felt compelled to escalate his hand due to performance of his halves, and you have to question whether that is always his call.

Brooks and Moses appeared to have plenty of room last night because of not just a good forwards platform, but no indecision from DH. DH just threw flat quick passes out in front, very little hesitation or tricksy attempts to play with the markers etc. McIlwrick doesn't appear to have a kick but my feeling is that with both Brooks and Moses able to kick, we were alright on tactical kicking last night.
 
When Liddle is fit he will surely need to spend a bit of time in reserves before coming into the first grade side. That should give McIllwrick more time to prove his worth.

Liddle should definitely be there. Could be a bit of a battle between Ballin and McIllwick for the other spot though
 
Always had a bit of a laugh when most were saying the hooking role this season was going to be a disaster maybe the coach should be applauded for his direction in this matter ! Will not hold my breath…
 
He was fantastic, no holllywood BS from this guy just a football player. Great defender, Tigers noticed it after he went off. Hopefully works up to be a solid 80 minute player. Not the attacking flair of Farah but a better defender by miles (he actually hits hard) and the no BS factor, great decision to axe Farah and replace him with Mcllwrick.
 
Did a great job, good on him, gives the position and team fantastic depth. Hard to see Balin getting a look in with McIlwrick and Liddle going for the spot. McIlwrick was great, Liddle is very special, then there is Peck waiting in the wings…..looking very good indeed
 
Solid effort and gave great service from dummy half. Good defence and support play when breaks were made. Thought JLJ was great when he came on and adds versatility to our bench.
 
@ said:
McIlwrick is a very good defender which is probably more important for us than having another young creative weapon in the 9 full time. He also gets out of dummy half quite well. Better than JLJ and Ballin would.

Liddle to replace JLJ and leave Matty in the 9 imo.
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Yes. Yes and Yes. Totally agree.

He does less work than some hookers but there are far fewer meters conceded after contact when he is in the tackle.
 
I think what MMc offers from dummy half is solid defence and direction for the halves along with stability in his position…he does his job of feeding the ball quickly and crisply without hesitation and hits hard in defence,he is the exact type of hooker JT was looking for,a real workhorse,not a legend....
 
On trial and 9's form I gave him a bagging for both defence & ordinary passes. He was very good Friday night, and if he can consistently perform at that level, he is a very solid first grader.
 
Come on guys he's been around for 5 minutes and your applauding. I will say it was a good first up performance, but his next challenge will start Tuesday and continue on until he runs on against the panthers.
 
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