Again I don't want to base this just off a few games of 9s. Im just worried that perception can become reality in terms of how refs game plan and do their homework. We were undisciplined last season, and have started off in the same mould in the trial and in the 9s. The refs and refs coaches will be watching and talking about this.
I thought it was a really inexperienced ploy by David Kidwell to talk so strongly about slowing down the play the ball in some interviews. Obviously we (and lots of other sides) need to improve our contact and our wrestle however talking about it in that ways only brings unwanted tip sheets for the refs. You can say it is a minor detail but like i said for the ref perception is reality. Implementing a Melbourne style technique here could take alot of time, and if done poorly, means double digit penalty counts against you.
I think with a really young side, a raw side, trying to improve "slowing down the play the ball" could come at the expense of being penalised out of games. The other problem he have is we are rated as favourites for the wooden spoon. It is easier for refs to pinger "smaller sides" because the lack of hype and lack of fall out that goes with it. I dont think refs do it on purpose however sub consciously it is certainly a factor in all big time leagues, the lower sides dont get the 50-50 calls. So we need to make every effort to be disciplined and clean in the ruck, where the refs find these 50-50 penalties.
Im not bagging us, I just think Kidwell needs to be savvy about the way he approaches it. Becaise i think we will be on a number of tip sheets, as the early signs are not good.
I thought it was a really inexperienced ploy by David Kidwell to talk so strongly about slowing down the play the ball in some interviews. Obviously we (and lots of other sides) need to improve our contact and our wrestle however talking about it in that ways only brings unwanted tip sheets for the refs. You can say it is a minor detail but like i said for the ref perception is reality. Implementing a Melbourne style technique here could take alot of time, and if done poorly, means double digit penalty counts against you.
I think with a really young side, a raw side, trying to improve "slowing down the play the ball" could come at the expense of being penalised out of games. The other problem he have is we are rated as favourites for the wooden spoon. It is easier for refs to pinger "smaller sides" because the lack of hype and lack of fall out that goes with it. I dont think refs do it on purpose however sub consciously it is certainly a factor in all big time leagues, the lower sides dont get the 50-50 calls. So we need to make every effort to be disciplined and clean in the ruck, where the refs find these 50-50 penalties.
Im not bagging us, I just think Kidwell needs to be savvy about the way he approaches it. Becaise i think we will be on a number of tip sheets, as the early signs are not good.
