Jolls
Well-known member
I copped a bit of flack on here post game as I was critical of AD. Based on his effort during the game my assessmant that as a half be makes a great prop was probably a bit harsh. But now that the emotion has calmed post the win I thought it is probably time to back up the statement with the reasoning.
There is a recurring theme among premiership-winning teams over the past two decades, it’s the strength and stability of their spine. While teams need powerful forward packs and dynamic outside backs, it is the spine that controls how effectively those assets are used.
My assessmant of AD's performance was his contribution as a half and what we need going forward to be a top 4 club remembering that AD is playing for a contracted positon and my comments were specifically related to his performance as the dominat half. Let's look at what we need going forward:
the dominant half (halfback or five-eighth) brings several critical attributes to an top four NRL team that go well beyond their basic position description. Here is what we need to be looking for:
He is also not a game changing centre so unless he is prepared to take KoE money to be a backup player I don't see where he fits into the Wests Tigers going forward.
He is not a Top 4 level player and like Twal and Seyfarth - good clubmen they may be - they aren't getting us into a premiership window except as solid backups.
There is a recurring theme among premiership-winning teams over the past two decades, it’s the strength and stability of their spine. While teams need powerful forward packs and dynamic outside backs, it is the spine that controls how effectively those assets are used.
My assessmant of AD's performance was his contribution as a half and what we need going forward to be a top 4 club remembering that AD is playing for a contracted positon and my comments were specifically related to his performance as the dominat half. Let's look at what we need going forward:
the dominant half (halfback or five-eighth) brings several critical attributes to an top four NRL team that go well beyond their basic position description. Here is what we need to be looking for:
Game Management
Control of tempo- Dictates when to speed up or slow down play. AD provided good tempo when we started the game be he failed to control the game in the later stages when our young guys were starting to get flustered.
- Adjusts strategy based on game state. Failed to take advantage of the opportuntiy to close out the game with a fielg goal to seal it. Fortunatley we received a penalty that prevented us from being run down.
- He is not a great organiser - he is a doer and tried to lead from the front as opposed to using the assets at his disposal.
- His lack of organisation late in the game almost resulted in us being run down. He needed to take control and slow the game when the Roosters were trying to generate momentum. He is not on his Apt Malone there - Luai hasn't got this down pat yet either.
- Ensures a structured kick at the end of each set to build pressure. I raised his deep kicking game as one of the issues. While he was generally OK too many sets eneded with poor quality kicks into average field positions. It is fine to kick to Toupou or to Tedesco - but too often the receiver was not pressured. We need to be better than that if we are going to be top 4. Again - it is an area we needs to be improved by Luai and Fianu as well.
Vision and Playmaking
Eyes-up footy- Reading defensive weaknesses in real-time. This is not a strength of his, AD tries to use his strength as hsi asset - this works well for him as a centre but his edge provided little strike. Sukkar only had 4 runs in the entire game.
- Double pump, cut-out balls, inside passes, decoys, and variations to break defensive lines. He demonstrated little of this capability as a half. His try assist was created by the work done inside by Latu.
- Sets up centres and wingers for clean line breaks or finishes. He did create tempo in the firt half with his strong running game but when the momentum shifted he lacked the polish to make the difference. He was serviceable for sure - but he will not take us, or any team, to the promised land.
Calm Under Pressure
Composure in clutch moments- Nails field goals, ice-cold under scoreboard pressure. I don't think I need to elaborate here.
- Keeps team focused when momentum swings against them. AD definitely has confidence and I expect that the junior players could see that in him - especially early in the game. I have no doubt that he has leadership qualities and this past weekend he did not have any lapses. He is ususally good for a couple per game though.
Defensive Organisation
Edge defence leadership- Communicates effectively with edge back rowers and centres to maintain line integrity. this is an areas that he has greatly improved and I thought he did a pretty good job on the weekend.
- While not their main role, halves hold their edge defensively to avoid being targeted. Latu led the way with this - AD's tackling technique has improved but he is still vulnerable. He was not exploited but his inside pressure efforts were nothing in comparison to his halves partner. This is a significant weakness in his game.
Leadership and Communication
On-field general- Commands respect and ensures everyone knows their role in each set. I thought he did OK here - he took the line on and led by example. /our attack was not clunky and his direction was good enough to get us aroudn the park.
- Lifts team morale through example and voice, especially during adversity. Another tick in the box for AD. He tried to lead from the front; however, in my eyes he needed to direct a little more when the momentum shifted. Not a big criticism - more the expereince that a top 4 team needs.
Strategic Adaptability
Reading opposition tactics- Adjusts structures mid-game based on momentum. He failed to slow the game when the Roosters gained momentum. This is something we have failed to do in generals so not just a shot at him. This si where a 40/20 or a kick for touch on the last breaks the oppsositons rhythm. Kicking it too deep with not contest and allowing the opposition to run 10m to the line is playing into their hands.
- Recognises when to change the game plan. This is an extension of the point above. A top 4 half should be able to adapt the game plan to control the tempo. While a lot of it is out of the teams hands with 6 agains etc you could see the Roosters coming home strong and we did not adapt. In fact we were confused when we got near the red zone. We failed to finish a couple of sets appropriately whcih almost cost us the game. This was my biggest criticism of his performance as the dominant half.
He is also not a game changing centre so unless he is prepared to take KoE money to be a backup player I don't see where he fits into the Wests Tigers going forward.
He is not a Top 4 level player and like Twal and Seyfarth - good clubmen they may be - they aren't getting us into a premiership window except as solid backups.
