It's interesting to change your halfback after such a period of stability and quality from the team. That's a run of form we've not seen since 2019 and we made quite a few changes to accommodate returning players.
I don't know if madden makes the difference but it surely leaves everyone wondering if he would have. Just highlights why it is unwise to switch a winning team.
On the halves, they seemed to both start at first receiver wider of the ruck than madden does and they weren't playing straight or fast, often changing the pace or cutting back, which led to a more improvised style of play. It took longer for them to get the ball and their wider play made our backline slower and more bunched. This gave Brisbane time to push up and pressure our outside backs.
When luai and doueihi combined it was sideways and messy.
When madden plays halfback he seems closer to the ruck in receiving the ball and he also plays straight. This pulls the defensive line towards him and creates space out wide as a consequence, where luai and doueihi setup wider and pulled defenders towards the outside. Madden also passes faster and sets up mainly to also get the ball on the next play. This made us fluid and threatening. I've seen doueihi play this way where he is more direct and simple in his movements, but he's currently in his mode where he gets indecisive and stuck with the ball too much.
The kicking produced a number of turnovers and a try, but it didn't feel like it had the same control and placement of madden.
Madden's play in our run of wins wasn't perfect, we squandered plenty of chances with him, but I think this game proved how much better we looked with him organising us. It was noticeable in the attacking areas, but I also felt we struggled switching momentum effectively in the way a madden long range kick has done for us.
I really think it starts with madden at 7. Our team needs someone steering the team around and simple and consistent style against the more improvised play of our outside backs and forwards. Having both halves also playing that way just doesn't work. You need a better mix, and it's not really about player quality as both Doueihi and luai obviously have their strengths. Doueihi seems a more natural fit in the halves for Madden being a strong running type, but luai could also be a decent pairing with him.
I don't like doueihi in the centres. I know it should work because of his running and strength, but he never handles the reduced space of centre well and lacks that burst of acceleration that the best centres have. His best spot is at 6, and potentially at fullback, so I'd either play him there or not.
I also like the role Latu plays off the bench and I wouldn't put our spare half on the bench. You just have to make the hard decision and pick one and drop the other.
Alternatively, if they persist with doueihi he has to play halfback as a halfback. That is closer to the ruck running straight and on the front foot with a pass first mentality. None of this dinking around.
We need a halfback. Benji's pursuit of Reynolds and recruitment of madden at least highlights he sees this. Big test for Benji to solve this issue and negotiate the personalities.