Mick Potter's Biggest Challenge

@willow said:
Hypothetical question then, if Benji happens to tank this season, does anyone think Potter will drop him and give Sirro a run for example? I would like to think so.
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Only if Potter knows his time here is already up
 
IMO he's currently too fat and slow and his opportunities are being limited due to this and he's looking for that little trick play to create something. Sometimes it comes off, most of the time it doesnt. Lose some weight, do some speed and agility training and clear your head….then opportunities will open up more readily and we can see less panic and more consistancy.
 
@Tiger Watto said:
@willow said:
Hypothetical question then, if Benji happens to tank this season, does anyone think Potter will drop him and give Sirro a run for example? I would like to think so.

It would be interesting to see how Benji reacts to being hooked during a game or getting the news he will be spending 2 weeks in Reggie's?

In reality though, I would suggest it will be Potter who would get hooked at the next board meeting… While he should be allowed to run the team, there are some places you just don't go in the political world of Rugby League?!

Let's hope Benji allows players like Miller & Robbie run the team, so he can inject himself into games at the right times. I've always felt less Benji is a more dangerous Benji.
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So what your saying Watto that he is damned if he does drop Benji and damned if he doesn't drop him

If that was my situation as a coach I would drop him and take my chances . Even with Benji
 
Ivan Cleary would have the balls to do it if it is in the best interest of the team.

If Benji cannot perform with the quality of youngsters that we will have nipping at his heels then he will never get better. However, he is worth a fortune in publicity and merchandise….do you just throw that out the window?

Take on the line Benji and don't rely on your outside runners to do all the work!
 
Interesting point re Benji being too fat and slow. I wouldn't call him fat. Probably just a decision to bulk up to help with the physicality of the NRL and the general trend for all players to get as big and muscly as possibly. I have no doubt all NRL players train really hard and are extremely fit. However some make extra sacrifices re diet and training work then others. Just by looking at Sandow now he looks much fitter then 12 months ago.

I have often thought the past couple of seasons Benji looks heavy and slower. There was a game against NQ last year where he was that tired on 5th tackle options that he could barely come up with anything. The magic sidestep is gone and whilst he still has a burst of accleeration he gets run down very quickly these days. Is he playing at a weight that best suits his attributes or not? I would say not if it has led to him using a yard of pace.
 
i thought he bulked up because of several shoulder reconstructions. I guess there is a price to pay- in Benji's case speed. That WAS his weapon plus deceptive individual brilliance. You'd think he'd compensate for this by guiding the team around the park ala Jonathon Thurston. Is this unreasonable to ask?
 
With the exception of Lui's second year Benji has been involved in every second play almost, burnt out playing dual roles and everything that goes with it.

He probably could be slimmer and fitter but reduce the workload and it will help.

Also just on a personal opinion defend him between the backrower and centre where he is supposed to be. Sheens often defended him at centre and he burned a whole lot of extra energy and was terrible there
 
Wasn't there news about Benji carrying an ankle or achilles injury last year? Would explain the lack of explosive pace in recent times. Would also give hope that he can regain some of it once he gets it sorted.
 
@BenjiMagic96 said:
Just ged rid of Benji…..
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This Forum is funny in a sad way. Players who were heroes a season or two ago, at the most are too easily put down by Forum members. Players like Benji, Lote, Galloway and Moltzen to name just a few. If you think that Tigers are not going into the right direction leave them or apply to become assistant coach.
 
I think Benji sustained a PCL injury about 2 years ago - nothing serious but it has affected his pace. I believe he is still lightning over 20 metres but is somewhat slower than he was over 40+.

His decision to bulk up was necessary due to his shoulders.

I also think Benji was carrying a pretty serious thumb injury last year which impacted his ability to tackle as well.

I think he'll be fine. He just needs to play on a edge as second reciever with a pack that his going forward which will in turn give him time and space - then you'll see the real Benji
 
Benji is not dominating and is forced to play his hand alot of the times due to our forwards not dominating the battle up front and the ruck area , if you don't dominate in the forwards stop the flow of your backs finding room….
 
@king sirro said:
IMO he's currently too fat and slow and his opportunities are being limited due to this and he's looking for that little trick play to create something. Sometimes it comes off, most of the time it doesnt. Lose some weight, do some speed and agility training and clear your head….then opportunities will open up more readily and we can see less panic and more consistancy.
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A honeymoon will do it to you (weight gain) :roll
 
@AmericanHistoryX said:
i thought he bulked up because of several shoulder reconstructions. I guess there is a price to pay- in Benji's case speed. That WAS his weapon plus deceptive individual brilliance. **You'd think he'd compensate for this by guiding the team around the park ala Jonathon Thurston. Is this unreasonable to ask?**
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Unfortunately it is unreasonable to ask this, AHX. Benji has never been good at organising a team around the park, it's just not his natural go. We've only seen the best of Benji when paired with a dominant, organising half - i.e Prince 2005 and Lui, in patches during 2010/2011\. It's one of the main reasons why he has struggled to produce much here at WT since 2005, with NZ cause they haven't had a decent halfback since Stacey Jones retired and last night because Reynolds played like he had no idea. If Miller turns out to be the great dominant, organising half that some people believe he will be, then maybe we will get to see some vintage Benji plays once again - it would be nice 😛ray:
 
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