Robbie - Gone as an attacking threat?

[Tony33]

The reason Robbie took more of a play making role last week was because Moses was missing and his replacement (Lawerence) isn't a playmaker.

Someone had to take some pressure of Brooksy so it makes sense that JT told Robbie to do some of the play making. It can't be a coincidence.

The fact that Robbie's two best games in ages have been when he has been instructed to become a play maker is pretty interesting. He is clearly at his best when he plays whats in front of him, unfortunately that isn't what is required in this team ATM with Brooks and Moses' development so crucial. Doomed if you do and doomed if you don't.

To continue playing at somewhere close to his best Robbie had to go to a team like the Dragons or Bulldogs who could use a play maker on the field. I for one am still happy to still have him in our jersey. Just hope he can find a happy medium with our halves for the rest of his career with us.

 

[stevetiger]

The reason Robbie took more of a play making role last week was because Moses was missing and his replacement (Lawerence) isn't a playmaker.

Someone had to take some pressure of Brooksy so it makes sense that JT told Robbie to do some of the play making. It can't be a coincidence.

The fact that Robbie's two best games in ages have been when he has been instructed to become a play maker is pretty interesting. He is clearly at his best when he plays whats in front of him, unfortunately that isn't what is required in this team ATM with Brooks and Moses' development so crucial. Doomed if you do and doomed if you don't.

To continue playing at somewhere close to his best Robbie had to go to a team like the Dragons or Bulldogs who could use a play maker on the field. I for one am still happy to still have him in our jersey. Just hope he can find a happy medium with our halves for the rest of his career with us.

I think that this is a coaching issue. Robbie can add plenty to the team especially his play making around the ruck.

Brooks and Moses have also not really performed. Farah should be more involved. Taylor just needs to reign in his hog plays.

 

[beachtiger]

Hi all I've been watching Robbie's distribution really closely and have an observation that I'd love everyone's opinion on.

I know he is slowing with age (as we all do) but it seems like his body position behind the man playing the ball isn't great. When the ball comes back through their feet Robbie almost stops it with his back foot and picks it up, this movement then adds a split second longer to the distribution. The only exception to this is his one handed scoop which he invariably then skips out to either run himself or distribute from a few steps away from the ruck.

Watching a lot of other hookers they seem to give themselves a little bit more space between themselves and the man playing the ball therefore picking the ball up and passing in the same movement.

Maybe I'm seeing things but have noticed this more and more lately and thought it is perhaps part of the reason his distribution is becoming a bit slow, what are your thoughts??

 

[Cosimo_Zaretti]

Farah has been one dimensional since returning from injury this season, but against the rabbits he seemed to have some of that flair again so may be he has turned the corner, or Taylor has given him some freedom. It also could have been because Souths were diabolical

With Moses suddenly pulling out, Farah had to help steer the team from dummy half, just like in the Sheens days when Benji was constantly short a partner. Farah looks a different player when he's handed a different assignment. I enjoyed seeing him kick again.

And yeah Souths were pretty rubbish.

 

[Snake]

Watching the Souths game live you got the real indication of how Farah is playing ..I gave him credit on a few fronts especially the short side play and a few kicks . In reality he his is an aging player that is slow to the ruck as the game progresses,his passes are at times high and slow which stunts the go forward ,I hope he is not one that will play one season to many he should make 2016 his final Season as I think he will struggle to regain his spot next season ..played good the other night but think he was at his top range.

 

[Tim Sheens]

Hi all I've been watching Robbie's distribution really closely and have an observation that I'd love everyone's opinion on.

I know he is slowing with age (as we all do) but it seems like his body position behind the man playing the ball isn't great. When the ball comes back through their feet Robbie almost stops it with his back foot and picks it up, this movement then adds a split second longer to the distribution. The only exception to this is his one handed scoop which he invariably then skips out to either run himself or distribute from a few steps away from the ruck.

Watching a lot of other hookers they seem to give themselves a little bit more space between themselves and the man playing the ball therefore picking the ball up and passing in the same movement.

Maybe I'm seeing things but have noticed this more and more lately and thought it is perhaps part of the reason his distribution is becoming a bit slow, what are your thoughts??

I have had plenty to say on the slow distribution issue over the past few years, so am reluctant to do so again, but have not considered his positioning as causation. I note your observation and will look to see if I feel it may effect his timing and/or cause him to stand before passing, which I see as the major service problem.

On the thread title, well He is certainly not the out and out best attacking dummy half that he was for a number of years, though he is still more of a threat than most of his peers. Whether or not that ability at current levels and his defence actually make up for deficiencies in other areas is the subject for debate, and gets a good airing on here.