Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Goldust]

impacted his form

Wasn't Lucy on the right with BJ to begin and cos that didn't work defensively, they switched Garner over?

Unfortunately I think that was detrimental for Luke's game. He was much better on the left next to the other Luke.

Unfortunately if switching sides affects his entire game that bad then maybe he should work on it, seems a weak excuse for me some of his defence was very ordinary and I really like Garner. Luc played both edges well, they just couldn’t afford having him next to Benji and Joey.

Maybe with Benji gone and a fitter Joey they can move him back to the right, but I’d prefer to see Blore given a shot too.

Sorry mate but that sounds like a pretty poor argument to me.
They moved Luke Garner to the right because defensively Lucy on the right side was not a real good combination with Benji and Joey.
The same could be said about Lucy needing to work on his game.
The fact that Luke Garner stayed on the right for the rest of the season suggests to me that it was thought that he was a better option there than Lucy even if it was to the detriment of his game.
I like both Luke and Lucy but I think a lot of people have been a bit too critical of Luke at times.
Agree on wanting to see Blore get a shot,

Garners attack suffered moving to the right and there’s no real excuse for it besides him just not stepping up this year, moving sides shouldn’t affect his running game that much. Defensively they thought it was better that way and I agree hence keeping thek that way. With Benji gone they can be swapped back if they feel like it.

Switching sides definitely affects your attack.most centres/backrowers have a foot they prefer steeping off and hitting a certain shoulder of the defender.
Especially players who hold the ball under their arm.
You could be right about him not stepping up,because it definitely looked like that.

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

Gareth Widdop’s mooted NRL comeback appears doomed after the England international returned to the COVID-ravaged UK following a Christmas holiday in Australia.

Widdop has not been able to secure a contract with an NRL club for the upcoming season, almost certainly killing his hopes of returning to the competition in 2021.

While Widdop had interest from several NRL clubs, including the Sydney Roosters, he was not able to find an accommodating suitor.

 

[BAGNF05]

The club is aware that moving him from his preferred side of the field impacted his form last year.

I don't think it just affected Garner. Brooks' attacking opportunities were diminished as well and I think it affected his form also.

At the back end of 2019 the Brooks no-look pass to Garner, running an outside in line, was the only feather we had to fly with. All teams found it hard to defend. They complemented each other and made each other look good.

Separating them was a big mistake. I hope they are re-united this season.

What would make it more interesting is if they move BJ to the left, so that Brooks has the option of the short ball to Garner or the long ball to BJ. That will create a few headaches in our opponent's defence.

Spot on and I have said it many times, Brooks best play is the short ball to 2nd rower/ long ball to fullback sweeping around the back option play. We totally stopped running that play in 2020 and the shifting of Garner was part of the reason for that. Attack also became slightly less structured with the rule changes and that had an impact as well.

I like Brooks best when he gets the ball on the advantage line and runs hard at the A defender with the ball in two hands. With options inside and outside it’s hard for a tiring forward and nearly impossible to stop. Unfortunately last year we rarely had the forward momentum to allow this style of attack.

 

[cochise]

impacted his form

Wasn't Lucy on the right with BJ to begin and cos that didn't work defensively, they switched Garner over?

Unfortunately I think that was detrimental for Luke's game. He was much better on the left next to the other Luke.

Unfortunately if switching sides affects his entire game that bad then maybe he should work on it, seems a weak excuse for me some of his defence was very ordinary and I really like Garner. Luc played both edges well, they just couldn’t afford having him next to Benji and Joey.

Maybe with Benji gone and a fitter Joey they can move him back to the right, but I’d prefer to see Blore given a shot too.

Sorry mate but that sounds like a pretty poor argument to me.
They moved Luke Garner to the right because defensively Lucy on the right side was not a real good combination with Benji and Joey.
The same could be said about Lucy needing to work on his game.
The fact that Luke Garner stayed on the right for the rest of the season suggests to me that it was thought that he was a better option there than Lucy even if it was to the detriment of his game.
I like both Luke and Lucy but I think a lot of people have been a bit too critical of Luke at times.
Agree on wanting to see Blore get a shot,

Garners attack suffered moving to the right and there’s no real excuse for it besides him just not stepping up this year, moving sides shouldn’t affect his running game that much. Defensively they thought it was better that way and I agree hence keeping thek that way. With Benji gone they can be swapped back if they feel like it.

Switching sides definitely affects your attack.most centres/backrowers have a foot they prefer steeping off and hitting a certain shoulder of the defender.
Especially players who hold the ball under their arm.
You could be right about him not stepping up,because it definitely looked like that.

Agreed mate, it also took him away from a player he obviously enjoys running off.

 

[hank37w]

impacted his form

Wasn't Lucy on the right with BJ to begin and cos that didn't work defensively, they switched Garner over?

Unfortunately I think that was detrimental for Luke's game. He was much better on the left next to the other Luke.

Unfortunately if switching sides affects his entire game that bad then maybe he should work on it, seems a weak excuse for me some of his defence was very ordinary and I really like Garner. Luc played both edges well, they just couldn’t afford having him next to Benji and Joey.

Maybe with Benji gone and a fitter Joey they can move him back to the right, but I’d prefer to see Blore given a shot too.

Sorry mate but that sounds like a pretty poor argument to me.
They moved Luke Garner to the right because defensively Lucy on the right side was not a real good combination with Benji and Joey.
The same could be said about Lucy needing to work on his game.
The fact that Luke Garner stayed on the right for the rest of the season suggests to me that it was thought that he was a better option there than Lucy even if it was to the detriment of his game.
I like both Luke and Lucy but I think a lot of people have been a bit too critical of Luke at times.
Agree on wanting to see Blore get a shot,

Garners attack suffered moving to the right and there’s no real excuse for it besides him just not stepping up this year, moving sides shouldn’t affect his running game that much. Defensively they thought it was better that way and I agree hence keeping thek that way. With Benji gone they can be swapped back if they feel like it.

Basically I'm happy with whatever Madge decides works best for the team.

Despite all the criticism Garner still managed to score 6 trys in 2020, which is still better than a lot of second rowers.

 

[cochise]

The club is aware that moving him from his preferred side of the field impacted his form last year.

I don't think it just affected Garner. Brooks' attacking opportunities were diminished as well and I think it affected his form also.

At the back end of 2019 the Brooks no-look pass to Garner, running an outside in line, was the only feather we had to fly with. All teams found it hard to defend. They complemented each other and made each other look good.

Separating them was a big mistake. I hope they are re-united this season.

What would make it more interesting is if they move BJ to the left, so that Brooks has the option of the short ball to Garner or the long ball to BJ. That will create a few headaches in our opponent's defence.

Spot on and I have said it many times, Brooks best play is the short ball to 2nd rower/ long ball to fullback sweeping around the back option play. We totally stopped running that play in 2020 and the shifting of Garner was part of the reason for that. Attack also became slightly less structured with the rule changes and that had an impact as well.

I like Brooks best when he gets the ball on the advantage line and runs hard at the A defender with the ball in two hands. With options inside and outside it’s hard for a tiring forward and nearly impossible to stop. Unfortunately last year we rarely had the forward momentum to allow this style of attack.

Yeah he needs the defence to have to make a decision, that is when he is at his best and why option plays work well for him.

 

[Goldust]

impacted his form

Wasn't Lucy on the right with BJ to begin and cos that didn't work defensively, they switched Garner over?

Unfortunately I think that was detrimental for Luke's game. He was much better on the left next to the other Luke.

Unfortunately if switching sides affects his entire game that bad then maybe he should work on it, seems a weak excuse for me some of his defence was very ordinary and I really like Garner. Luc played both edges well, they just couldn’t afford having him next to Benji and Joey.

Maybe with Benji gone and a fitter Joey they can move him back to the right, but I’d prefer to see Blore given a shot too.

Sorry mate but that sounds like a pretty poor argument to me.
They moved Luke Garner to the right because defensively Lucy on the right side was not a real good combination with Benji and Joey.
The same could be said about Lucy needing to work on his game.
The fact that Luke Garner stayed on the right for the rest of the season suggests to me that it was thought that he was a better option there than Lucy even if it was to the detriment of his game.
I like both Luke and Lucy but I think a lot of people have been a bit too critical of Luke at times.
Agree on wanting to see Blore get a shot,

Garners attack suffered moving to the right and there’s no real excuse for it besides him just not stepping up this year, moving sides shouldn’t affect his running game that much. Defensively they thought it was better that way and I agree hence keeping thek that way. With Benji gone they can be swapped back if they feel like it.

Switching sides definitely affects your attack.most centres/backrowers have a foot they prefer steeping off and hitting a certain shoulder of the defender.
Especially players who hold the ball under their arm.
You could be right about him not stepping up,because it definitely looked like that.

Agreed mate, it also took him away from a player he obviously enjoys running off.

The game we lost against the sharks in 2019 to make the 8 Garner scored that absolute beauty.
Definitely looks dangerous off Brooks

 

[cochise]

impacted his form

Wasn't Lucy on the right with BJ to begin and cos that didn't work defensively, they switched Garner over?

Unfortunately I think that was detrimental for Luke's game. He was much better on the left next to the other Luke.

Unfortunately if switching sides affects his entire game that bad then maybe he should work on it, seems a weak excuse for me some of his defence was very ordinary and I really like Garner. Luc played both edges well, they just couldn’t afford having him next to Benji and Joey.

Maybe with Benji gone and a fitter Joey they can move him back to the right, but I’d prefer to see Blore given a shot too.

Sorry mate but that sounds like a pretty poor argument to me.
They moved Luke Garner to the right because defensively Lucy on the right side was not a real good combination with Benji and Joey.
The same could be said about Lucy needing to work on his game.
The fact that Luke Garner stayed on the right for the rest of the season suggests to me that it was thought that he was a better option there than Lucy even if it was to the detriment of his game.
I like both Luke and Lucy but I think a lot of people have been a bit too critical of Luke at times.
Agree on wanting to see Blore get a shot,

Garners attack suffered moving to the right and there’s no real excuse for it besides him just not stepping up this year, moving sides shouldn’t affect his running game that much. Defensively they thought it was better that way and I agree hence keeping thek that way. With Benji gone they can be swapped back if they feel like it.

Switching sides definitely affects your attack.most centres/backrowers have a foot they prefer steeping off and hitting a certain shoulder of the defender.
Especially players who hold the ball under their arm.
You could be right about him not stepping up,because it definitely looked like that.

Agreed mate, it also took him away from a player he obviously enjoys running off.

The game we lost against the sharks in 2019 to make the 8 Garner scored that absolute beauty.
Definitely looks dangerous off Brooks

I think separating them had a negative impact on both of them in 2020

 

[BAGNF05]

The club is aware that moving him from his preferred side of the field impacted his form last year.

I don't think it just affected Garner. Brooks' attacking opportunities were diminished as well and I think it affected his form also.

At the back end of 2019 the Brooks no-look pass to Garner, running an outside in line, was the only feather we had to fly with. All teams found it hard to defend. They complemented each other and made each other look good.

Separating them was a big mistake. I hope they are re-united this season.

What would make it more interesting is if they move BJ to the left, so that Brooks has the option of the short ball to Garner or the long ball to BJ. That will create a few headaches in our opponent's defence.

Spot on and I have said it many times, Brooks best play is the short ball to 2nd rower/ long ball to fullback sweeping around the back option play. We totally stopped running that play in 2020 and the shifting of Garner was part of the reason for that. Attack also became slightly less structured with the rule changes and that had an impact as well.

I like Brooks best when he gets the ball on the advantage line and runs hard at the A defender with the ball in two hands. With options inside and outside it’s hard for a tiring forward and nearly impossible to stop. Unfortunately last year we rarely had the forward momentum to allow this style of attack.

Yeah he needs the defence to have to make a decision, that is when he is at his best and why option plays work well for him.

His speed off the mark is his greatest asset, his passing and kicking games are ok but it’s when the team is rolling that he looks elite. It’s why the Tigers can run up big scores or score quick points when they’re on. Hopefully these new forwards can help bring out his best.

 

[Tiger_Steve]

I honestly believe Fitzgibbon is no better than Garner. Maybe a slight upgrade at best

Lets hope Garner has a better year with this improved coaching and develoment unit,i think he will,he has the that Steve Menzies running style that i like.All posts think his defence is the problem, i hope they fix it because he has talent.

Yeah I like Garner, clear he has the right attributes just seems lazy. This year might be his final chance to prove himself though so hopefully he gives it his best shot (if manly hasn’t got him)

That observation is a concern because roosters cut him adrift for exactly that reason. Garner acknowledged this in an interview some time ago. Personally, I think he’s a liability and will be overtaken by the stack of forwards talent we are stocking.

 

[cochise]

The club is aware that moving him from his preferred side of the field impacted his form last year.

I don't think it just affected Garner. Brooks' attacking opportunities were diminished as well and I think it affected his form also.

At the back end of 2019 the Brooks no-look pass to Garner, running an outside in line, was the only feather we had to fly with. All teams found it hard to defend. They complemented each other and made each other look good.

Separating them was a big mistake. I hope they are re-united this season.

What would make it more interesting is if they move BJ to the left, so that Brooks has the option of the short ball to Garner or the long ball to BJ. That will create a few headaches in our opponent's defence.

Spot on and I have said it many times, Brooks best play is the short ball to 2nd rower/ long ball to fullback sweeping around the back option play. We totally stopped running that play in 2020 and the shifting of Garner was part of the reason for that. Attack also became slightly less structured with the rule changes and that had an impact as well.

I like Brooks best when he gets the ball on the advantage line and runs hard at the A defender with the ball in two hands. With options inside and outside it’s hard for a tiring forward and nearly impossible to stop. Unfortunately last year we rarely had the forward momentum to allow this style of attack.

Yeah he needs the defence to have to make a decision, that is when he is at his best and why option plays work well for him.

His speed off the mark is his greatest asset, his passing and kicking games are ok but it’s when the team is rolling that he looks elite. It’s why the Tigers can run up big scores or score quick points when they’re on. Hopefully these new forwards can help bring out his best.

Im actually of the belief that he has been told for too long that his best aspect is his running game. In 2020 his 1st option was to run, even when that wasn't the best option. He is much better when he has a defence in 2 minds and by overplaying the run in 2020 he nullified his 2 best attributes. When a defence has to make a decision his running game goes to another level but it also opens up his passing game.

 

[JC99]

impacted his form

Wasn't Lucy on the right with BJ to begin and cos that didn't work defensively, they switched Garner over?

Unfortunately I think that was detrimental for Luke's game. He was much better on the left next to the other Luke.

Unfortunately if switching sides affects his entire game that bad then maybe he should work on it, seems a weak excuse for me some of his defence was very ordinary and I really like Garner. Luc played both edges well, they just couldn’t afford having him next to Benji and Joey.

Maybe with Benji gone and a fitter Joey they can move him back to the right, but I’d prefer to see Blore given a shot too.

Sorry mate but that sounds like a pretty poor argument to me.
They moved Luke Garner to the right because defensively Lucy on the right side was not a real good combination with Benji and Joey.
The same could be said about Lucy needing to work on his game.
The fact that Luke Garner stayed on the right for the rest of the season suggests to me that it was thought that he was a better option there than Lucy even if it was to the detriment of his game.
I like both Luke and Lucy but I think a lot of people have been a bit too critical of Luke at times.
Agree on wanting to see Blore get a shot,

Garners attack suffered moving to the right and there’s no real excuse for it besides him just not stepping up this year, moving sides shouldn’t affect his running game that much. Defensively they thought it was better that way and I agree hence keeping thek that way. With Benji gone they can be swapped back if they feel like it.

Switching sides definitely affects your attack.most centres/backrowers have a foot they prefer steeping off and hitting a certain shoulder of the defender.
Especially players who hold the ball under their arm.
You could be right about him not stepping up,because it definitely looked like that.

No doubt players prefer playing on one side, but he didn’t adjust at all, surely after a whole season hes figured out how Benji plays and how to run off him? Benji has quality service and Garner never seemed to run the right lines for him. I think he wasn’t up to standard in that regard and once he’s back on the left he should be fine again.

 

[BAGNF05]

The club is aware that moving him from his preferred side of the field impacted his form last year.

I don't think it just affected Garner. Brooks' attacking opportunities were diminished as well and I think it affected his form also.

At the back end of 2019 the Brooks no-look pass to Garner, running an outside in line, was the only feather we had to fly with. All teams found it hard to defend. They complemented each other and made each other look good.

Separating them was a big mistake. I hope they are re-united this season.

What would make it more interesting is if they move BJ to the left, so that Brooks has the option of the short ball to Garner or the long ball to BJ. That will create a few headaches in our opponent's defence.

Spot on and I have said it many times, Brooks best play is the short ball to 2nd rower/ long ball to fullback sweeping around the back option play. We totally stopped running that play in 2020 and the shifting of Garner was part of the reason for that. Attack also became slightly less structured with the rule changes and that had an impact as well.

I like Brooks best when he gets the ball on the advantage line and runs hard at the A defender with the ball in two hands. With options inside and outside it’s hard for a tiring forward and nearly impossible to stop. Unfortunately last year we rarely had the forward momentum to allow this style of attack.

Yeah he needs the defence to have to make a decision, that is when he is at his best and why option plays work well for him.

His speed off the mark is his greatest asset, his passing and kicking games are ok but it’s when the team is rolling that he looks elite. It’s why the Tigers can run up big scores or score quick points when they’re on. Hopefully these new forwards can help bring out his best.

Im actually of the belief that he has been told for too long that his best aspect is his running game. In 2020 his 1st option was to run, even when that wasn't the best option. He is much better when he has a defence in 2 minds and by overplaying the run in 2020 he nullified his 2 best attributes. When a defence has to make a decision his running game goes to another level but it also opens up his passing game.

We are essentially agreeing. I think our lack of forward momentum killed brooks running game this year, he was trying to make something out of nothing too often.

 

[Tiger_Steve]

The club is aware that moving him from his preferred side of the field impacted his form last year.

I don't think it just affected Garner. Brooks' attacking opportunities were diminished as well and I think it affected his form also.

At the back end of 2019 the Brooks no-look pass to Garner, running an outside in line, was the only feather we had to fly with. All teams found it hard to defend. They complemented each other and made each other look good.

Separating them was a big mistake. I hope they are re-united this season.

What would make it more interesting is if they move BJ to the left, so that Brooks has the option of the short ball to Garner or the long ball to BJ. That will create a few headaches in our opponent's defence.

Spot on and I have said it many times, Brooks best play is the short ball to 2nd rower/ long ball to fullback sweeping around the back option play. We totally stopped running that play in 2020 and the shifting of Garner was part of the reason for that. Attack also became slightly less structured with the rule changes and that had an impact as well.

I like Brooks best when he gets the ball on the advantage line and runs hard at the A defender with the ball in two hands. With options inside and outside it’s hard for a tiring forward and nearly impossible to stop. Unfortunately last year we rarely had the forward momentum to allow this style of attack.

Yeah he needs the defence to have to make a decision, that is when he is at his best and why option plays work well for him.

His speed off the mark is his greatest asset, his passing and kicking games are ok but it’s when the team is rolling that he looks elite. It’s why the Tigers can run up big scores or score quick points when they’re on. Hopefully these new forwards can help bring out his best.

Im actually of the belief that he has been told for too long that his best aspect is his running game. In 2020 his 1st option was to run, even when that wasn't the best option. He is much better when he has a defence in 2 minds and by overplaying the run in 2020 he nullified his 2 best attributes. When a defence has to make a decision his running game goes to another level but it also opens up his passing game.

I love Brooks and get sick of the garbage he cops on here but if I’m honest I think he struggles to know when to run, when to pass. He seems a confused footballer to me. I’d love him to spend some time with Matty John’s or a mentor as such

 

[JC99]

impacted his form

Wasn't Lucy on the right with BJ to begin and cos that didn't work defensively, they switched Garner over?

Unfortunately I think that was detrimental for Luke's game. He was much better on the left next to the other Luke.

Unfortunately if switching sides affects his entire game that bad then maybe he should work on it, seems a weak excuse for me some of his defence was very ordinary and I really like Garner. Luc played both edges well, they just couldn’t afford having him next to Benji and Joey.

Maybe with Benji gone and a fitter Joey they can move him back to the right, but I’d prefer to see Blore given a shot too.

Sorry mate but that sounds like a pretty poor argument to me.
They moved Luke Garner to the right because defensively Lucy on the right side was not a real good combination with Benji and Joey.
The same could be said about Lucy needing to work on his game.
The fact that Luke Garner stayed on the right for the rest of the season suggests to me that it was thought that he was a better option there than Lucy even if it was to the detriment of his game.
I like both Luke and Lucy but I think a lot of people have been a bit too critical of Luke at times.
Agree on wanting to see Blore get a shot,

Garners attack suffered moving to the right and there’s no real excuse for it besides him just not stepping up this year, moving sides shouldn’t affect his running game that much. Defensively they thought it was better that way and I agree hence keeping thek that way. With Benji gone they can be swapped back if they feel like it.

Basically I'm happy with whatever Madge decides works best for the team.

Despite all the criticism Garner still managed to score 6 trys in 2020, which is still better than a lot of second rowers.

Just a shame he couldn’t adjust to playing on that right side. He’ll be fine back on the left but disappointing that he didn’t find his best form eventually

 

[Tiger_Talk]

Not sure if been mentioned but Dylan Smith is with penrith now. He wasn’t even contracted to us this year was he?

Are you sure about this one..... I hope he has, as he is a great lad and just needs a chance.....

 

[cochise]

The club is aware that moving him from his preferred side of the field impacted his form last year.

I don't think it just affected Garner. Brooks' attacking opportunities were diminished as well and I think it affected his form also.

At the back end of 2019 the Brooks no-look pass to Garner, running an outside in line, was the only feather we had to fly with. All teams found it hard to defend. They complemented each other and made each other look good.

Separating them was a big mistake. I hope they are re-united this season.

What would make it more interesting is if they move BJ to the left, so that Brooks has the option of the short ball to Garner or the long ball to BJ. That will create a few headaches in our opponent's defence.

Spot on and I have said it many times, Brooks best play is the short ball to 2nd rower/ long ball to fullback sweeping around the back option play. We totally stopped running that play in 2020 and the shifting of Garner was part of the reason for that. Attack also became slightly less structured with the rule changes and that had an impact as well.

I like Brooks best when he gets the ball on the advantage line and runs hard at the A defender with the ball in two hands. With options inside and outside it’s hard for a tiring forward and nearly impossible to stop. Unfortunately last year we rarely had the forward momentum to allow this style of attack.

Yeah he needs the defence to have to make a decision, that is when he is at his best and why option plays work well for him.

His speed off the mark is his greatest asset, his passing and kicking games are ok but it’s when the team is rolling that he looks elite. It’s why the Tigers can run up big scores or score quick points when they’re on. Hopefully these new forwards can help bring out his best.

Im actually of the belief that he has been told for too long that his best aspect is his running game. In 2020 his 1st option was to run, even when that wasn't the best option. He is much better when he has a defence in 2 minds and by overplaying the run in 2020 he nullified his 2 best attributes. When a defence has to make a decision his running game goes to another level but it also opens up his passing game.

We are essentially agreeing. I think our lack of forward momentum killed brooks running game this year, he was trying to make something out of nothing too often.

Yeah mate I'm not disagreeing with you, more discussing the situation.

 

[cochise]

The club is aware that moving him from his preferred side of the field impacted his form last year.

I don't think it just affected Garner. Brooks' attacking opportunities were diminished as well and I think it affected his form also.

At the back end of 2019 the Brooks no-look pass to Garner, running an outside in line, was the only feather we had to fly with. All teams found it hard to defend. They complemented each other and made each other look good.

Separating them was a big mistake. I hope they are re-united this season.

What would make it more interesting is if they move BJ to the left, so that Brooks has the option of the short ball to Garner or the long ball to BJ. That will create a few headaches in our opponent's defence.

Spot on and I have said it many times, Brooks best play is the short ball to 2nd rower/ long ball to fullback sweeping around the back option play. We totally stopped running that play in 2020 and the shifting of Garner was part of the reason for that. Attack also became slightly less structured with the rule changes and that had an impact as well.

I like Brooks best when he gets the ball on the advantage line and runs hard at the A defender with the ball in two hands. With options inside and outside it’s hard for a tiring forward and nearly impossible to stop. Unfortunately last year we rarely had the forward momentum to allow this style of attack.

Yeah he needs the defence to have to make a decision, that is when he is at his best and why option plays work well for him.

His speed off the mark is his greatest asset, his passing and kicking games are ok but it’s when the team is rolling that he looks elite. It’s why the Tigers can run up big scores or score quick points when they’re on. Hopefully these new forwards can help bring out his best.

Im actually of the belief that he has been told for too long that his best aspect is his running game. In 2020 his 1st option was to run, even when that wasn't the best option. He is much better when he has a defence in 2 minds and by overplaying the run in 2020 he nullified his 2 best attributes. When a defence has to make a decision his running game goes to another level but it also opens up his passing game.

I love Brooks and get sick of the garbage he cops on here but if I’m honest I think he struggles to know when to run, when to pass. He seems a confused footballer to me. I’d love him to spend some time with Matty John’s or a mentor as such

Mate we have had this conversation so many times lol. People need to get out of his head and stop telling him to run constantly. He needs to pick better times to run and work on identifying players in the defensive line who are poor at defending the run. As @BAGNF05 has been saying, hopefully with a better forward back these decisions will become easier for him as the defence will be on the back foot. On paper the 6 again rule should benefit Brooks more than any other player we have except maybe Liddle.

 

[BAGNF05]

The club is aware that moving him from his preferred side of the field impacted his form last year.

I don't think it just affected Garner. Brooks' attacking opportunities were diminished as well and I think it affected his form also.

At the back end of 2019 the Brooks no-look pass to Garner, running an outside in line, was the only feather we had to fly with. All teams found it hard to defend. They complemented each other and made each other look good.

Separating them was a big mistake. I hope they are re-united this season.

What would make it more interesting is if they move BJ to the left, so that Brooks has the option of the short ball to Garner or the long ball to BJ. That will create a few headaches in our opponent's defence.

Spot on and I have said it many times, Brooks best play is the short ball to 2nd rower/ long ball to fullback sweeping around the back option play. We totally stopped running that play in 2020 and the shifting of Garner was part of the reason for that. Attack also became slightly less structured with the rule changes and that had an impact as well.

I like Brooks best when he gets the ball on the advantage line and runs hard at the A defender with the ball in two hands. With options inside and outside it’s hard for a tiring forward and nearly impossible to stop. Unfortunately last year we rarely had the forward momentum to allow this style of attack.

Yeah he needs the defence to have to make a decision, that is when he is at his best and why option plays work well for him.

His speed off the mark is his greatest asset, his passing and kicking games are ok but it’s when the team is rolling that he looks elite. It’s why the Tigers can run up big scores or score quick points when they’re on. Hopefully these new forwards can help bring out his best.

Im actually of the belief that he has been told for too long that his best aspect is his running game. In 2020 his 1st option was to run, even when that wasn't the best option. He is much better when he has a defence in 2 minds and by overplaying the run in 2020 he nullified his 2 best attributes. When a defence has to make a decision his running game goes to another level but it also opens up his passing game.

We are essentially agreeing. I think our lack of forward momentum killed brooks running game this year, he was trying to make something out of nothing too often.

Yeah mate I'm not disagreeing with you, more discussing the situation.

Fair enough. If I’m coaching Brooksy I’m telling him to be more vocal with his forwards, he needs to be screaming at them to get faster play the balls and talking to the refs more. He still seems a bit timid within himself.

 

[cochise]

The club is aware that moving him from his preferred side of the field impacted his form last year.

I don't think it just affected Garner. Brooks' attacking opportunities were diminished as well and I think it affected his form also.

At the back end of 2019 the Brooks no-look pass to Garner, running an outside in line, was the only feather we had to fly with. All teams found it hard to defend. They complemented each other and made each other look good.

Separating them was a big mistake. I hope they are re-united this season.

What would make it more interesting is if they move BJ to the left, so that Brooks has the option of the short ball to Garner or the long ball to BJ. That will create a few headaches in our opponent's defence.

Spot on and I have said it many times, Brooks best play is the short ball to 2nd rower/ long ball to fullback sweeping around the back option play. We totally stopped running that play in 2020 and the shifting of Garner was part of the reason for that. Attack also became slightly less structured with the rule changes and that had an impact as well.

I like Brooks best when he gets the ball on the advantage line and runs hard at the A defender with the ball in two hands. With options inside and outside it’s hard for a tiring forward and nearly impossible to stop. Unfortunately last year we rarely had the forward momentum to allow this style of attack.

Yeah he needs the defence to have to make a decision, that is when he is at his best and why option plays work well for him.

His speed off the mark is his greatest asset, his passing and kicking games are ok but it’s when the team is rolling that he looks elite. It’s why the Tigers can run up big scores or score quick points when they’re on. Hopefully these new forwards can help bring out his best.

Im actually of the belief that he has been told for too long that his best aspect is his running game. In 2020 his 1st option was to run, even when that wasn't the best option. He is much better when he has a defence in 2 minds and by overplaying the run in 2020 he nullified his 2 best attributes. When a defence has to make a decision his running game goes to another level but it also opens up his passing game.

We are essentially agreeing. I think our lack of forward momentum killed brooks running game this year, he was trying to make something out of nothing too often.

Yeah mate I'm not disagreeing with you, more discussing the situation.

Fair enough. If I’m coaching Brooksy I’m telling him to be more vocal with his forwards, he needs to be screaming at them to get faster play the balls and talking to the refs more. He still seems a bit timid within himself.

I don't really see that changing at this point, I actually had a chance to spend a couple of hours with him just before Christmas and he is a fairly quiet guy, I don't know if he has that vocal leader in him.