Our kicking game needs urgent attention

[larrycorowa]

I have just finished watching most of last weekends matches on Fox.

Sure we looked rusty, but I think we went in underdone (Galloway, Mackinnon, Moltzen) and carrying a few players (Farah, Payten, Ellis) and it is definately not panic stations. We have much more upside than the Dogs and we ran them pretty close really.

But what stood out like a sore thumb was that our kicking game was by far the worst of any of the leading contenders. In each game, most teams scored at least one try from a kick. Now this isn't a new phenomenon; it probably cost us the comp last year. But what compounded it last week was that we tried to adopt a conservative game plan that relies on getting results (field position or points) and consecutive sets from kicks.

Think about last year. In games where we were run down (Souths and the final against Easts spring to mind) we tried to shut the game down and adopt a conservative style which ultimately brought about our undoing. Conversely we pulled off some miraculous victories last year (Raiders, Cowboys, Penrith etc.) when we were forced to attack at all costs because of the game situation (which may have been brought about by our conservative game style).

In part this reflects the increasing maturity of our team and game style; trying to find a happy balance between attack and defence has been our challenge for the last few years. We are getting it right, but it is painful and not something you can change overnight.

But whichever way you cut it up; the equation is simple - our kicking game needs to improve if we are to take the next step.

 

[boonboon]

Our kicking game despite being poor last week - was also the same it has been for the last few years and last year with probably a worse kicking game then Monday night we missed the GF by a whisker - I hope it gets better but whatever happens to it wont make our forwards have a go and that was last weeks problem

 

[Team_Tiger]

Robbie kicked once in the game. What's the go there?

 

[happy_tiger]

Robbie kicked once in the game. What's the go there?

many have posted on previous threads that Robbie has a groin injury Cannot confirm or deny if 100% correct though

 

[tigergirlz]

Poor kicking game…what's new? Benji took most of the kicks and this does not seem to be his strong point. He is better running and passing (or still running). Lui is a better option and needs to take more of a role in this area.
Made me laugh to hear Sheens say the tactic was to run the ball up and kick and chase.......WTF!!! Our kick and chase is best last.
Like to see some faster players backing up Woods when he runs as he barges through and turns his back to the defense.

 

[Guest]

It's no secret that the Tigers kicking game is one area that needs attention more than most. There are 3 general kickers in the team in Marshall, Lui and Farah, but all 3 are inconsistent with the boot which is the frustrating part, because when they're sighted in, they're great, but when they're off, it ain't pretty.

 

[Goose]

I have just finished watching most of last weekends matches on Fox.

Sure we looked rusty, but I think we went in underdone (Galloway, Mackinnon, Moltzen) and carrying a few players (Farah, Payten, Ellis) and it is definately not panic stations. We have much more upside than the Dogs and we ran them pretty close really.

But what stood out like a sore thumb was that our kicking game was by far the worst of any of the leading contenders. In each game, most teams scored at least one try from a kick. Now this isn't a new phenomenon; it probably cost us the comp last year. But what compounded it last week was that we tried to adopt a conservative game plan that relies on getting results (field position or points) and consecutive sets from kicks.

Think about last year. In games where we were run down (Souths and the final against Easts spring to mind) we tried to shut the game down and adopt a conservative style which ultimately brought about our undoing. Conversely we pulled off some miraculous victories last year (Raiders, Cowboys, Penrith etc.) when we were forced to attack at all costs because of the game situation (which may have been brought about by our conservative game style).

In part this reflects the increasing maturity of our team and game style; trying to find a happy balance between attack and defence has been our challenge for the last few years. We are getting it right, but it is painful and not something you can change overnight.

But whichever way you cut it up; the equation is simple - our kicking game needs to improve if we are to take the next step.

some good analysis, and I agree.

our long kicking game is an issue, and i think the big difference between the 2 sides.
I actually think our short kicking is ok (ok only, but not bad)

 

[happy_tiger]

Our kicking in general was pretty bad in particular our short kicking . If Robbie can't kick from dummy half maybe get Lui or Benji in there Reason being early on if you lay a grubber from Dummy half it sits defending team on their heels . Next time you get in that sitaution it creates room out wide for backs to run ball . So it makes sense to have a good short kicking game from duumy half . Our kicking game sets up our attack in a sense

 

[Goose]

my comments re short kicking were last year, and was thinking alot about farah from dummy half, agree on monday, short kicking was ordinary

 

[tiger05]

It's no secret that the Tigers kicking game is one area that needs attention more than most. There are 3 general kickers in the team in Marshall, Lui and Farah, but all 3 are inconsistent with the boot which is the frustrating part, because when they're sighted in, they're great, but when they're off, it ain't pretty.

I think this is the worst part. When they are on they are really good but you never know what is going to happen.