The halves problem

I’d put him at centre and encourage Luai to get him early ball. His running game is his strongest attribute.

I don’t think Center is his best position…he has played three really good games I can think at 7… Dogs last year and Cowboys Warriors this year …

Let’s not forgot that was Madden’s first game last night for us …. We’ll see how he goes when the opposition start game planning for him after watching him play a couple of games
 
I don’t think Center is his best position…he has played four really good games I can think at 7… Titans( Leichhardt ) and Dogs last year and Cowboys Warriors this year …

Let’s not forgot that was Madden’s first game last night for us …. We’ll see how he goes when the opposition start game planning for him after watching him play a couple of games
All valid points.

Madden has to earn the jersey.

AD gets his wraps doing non-traditional halves things, I just don’t know how sustainable that is long term.
 
The good things he does are generally running the ball wide of the ruck though. Two clean breaks last night two off the ruck for tries. Yeo creates from second phase through the middle.

If I was coaching I’d probably have to move him to centre but give him a license to get into second receiver and run it if something is on. Hard player to get a read on.
I actually see AD as more of a wide-running option in the back row because of the exact qualities you’ve mentioned. I don’t think lock is his position at all like you. Being in the middle will stunt his running game.
 
Good points. There is a fair bit of investment in Douehi as a half. However, teams and coaches evolve. I still maintain a traditional halfback, who can kick steer and control will make the Tigers better. The question is whether Madden can continue to produce over the longer term.
Yeah I agree. If Madden keeps his form up I'd personally like to see AD share lock with Fainu, and Twal just play the same role he already is in the front row. It would actually very closely match Penrith's structure if you think about it.

I just think things would probably need to be going poorly before Benji would go that way, with factors other than what we think looks better on paper also being considered. Benji isn't really a tinkerer like Gould, and we've seen what that sort of thing can do to the morale of a side with the Galvin/Sexton/Hayward/Mahoney saga. Players are young men, not widgets, so if things are going well I don't see him rocking that particular boat.

What would be great would be if AD went to Benji in three weeks and said "Mate we need Jock out there, I'm totally willing to move centre or lock"... but I can't see that happening. Jury's still out on Madden's form holding too.
 
Mate we have phenomenal backs with a lot of points in us. I have little doubt Madden with his skill set is the best 7 to unlock them. Latu may enter that conversation at some stage. AD is a good player but a bit of a hog.
He’s a career reserve grader …. I have serious doubt that a guy who’s 2 best assets , are mid field kicking and going deep in the line for block shape , can “unlock” the backs …. I like madden . But this is the most ridiculous forum stupidity conversation I’ve ever participated in . I couldn’t disagree more with this . I find it to be a firm example of the “paralysed by the moment” bullshit that people participate in on this forum . Like last week ,people saying that we should drop Bula … or when the red head centre made a break in Wollongong a few years ago and everyone was sizing up his immortal jacket .
And the shit thing I hate about stuff like this is? I have to imply I dislike a player to apply reason and sanity to the conversation by pointing out his obvious flaws . When I really really like the player .
I said it last week … but the dopamine fix people get from this shit is unhealthy . You’re all acting like you’ve been up all night snorting coke and dumping pills and now sitting around dribbling shit taking turns doing lines around the family room coffee table .
It’s not healthy to be this manic over wins and losses . Especially a whole group of you.
 
He’s a career reserve grader …. I have serious doubt that a guy who’s 2 best assets , are mid field kicking and going deep in the line for block shape , can “unlock” the backs …. I like madden . But this is the most ridiculous forum stupidity conversation I’ve ever participated in . I couldn’t disagree more with this . I find it to be a firm example of the “paralysed by the moment” bullshit that people participate in on this forum . Like last week ,people saying that we should drop Bula … or when the red head centre made a break in Wollongong a few years ago and everyone was sizing up his immortal jacket .
And the shit thing I hate about stuff like this is? I have to imply I dislike a player to apply reason and sanity to the conversation by pointing out his obvious flaws . When I really really like the player .
I said it last week … but the dopamine fix people get from this shit is unhealthy . You’re all acting like you’ve been up all night snorting coke and dumping pills and now sitting around dribbling shit taking turns doing lines around the family room coffee table .
It’s not healthy to be this manic over wins and losses . Especially a whole group of you.
I said it after the trials this debate would rage all season. It’s what happens when you pick up a traditional halfback to deputise for your makeshift option.
 
Wow, it's fantastic, that for a change, we can chat about how we fit a bunch of in form players into a handful of key positions! A great luxury to have! Regarding the halves, we find ouselves in a quandary. All of Luai, Douehi, Madden and Latu Fainu deserve/ have to be in the squad. Douehi and Madden both had outstanding games yesterday, Latu was good off the bench and Luai, our club leader and 1.2 mil man has to come back in. Madden played the perfect half back game yesterday by straightening the attack, kicking beautifully and, generally, steering the team around the park. I'd keep him there. Luai, when he returns, should be 6. He's more the runner and freewheeler and is an excellent foil for Madden. Where it gets tricky is when you analyse Douehi. He is not a half in my opinion and this is only my opinion. I agree with Sirro, great player at the moment but not a halfback. However, he's a big body, can make a break and has some ball skills. If all of the players are to fit in the team, Douehi has to be lock. Twal goes to prop and Latu 14. I think this is the only way it can all work, once Luai comes back. One thing is for sure, if Madden can become be our own version of Adam Reynolds, the team will be so much more organised and cohesive. Jock has 3 more weeks to show he can do it.
Calls for Doohey to be lock are high risk. Last night Twal topped the tackle count again with 0 misses. Can AD do that with his dodgy knees and suspect D? Jack Gibson said if it ain't broke don't fix it. Twal is our lock and AD in attack showed his flexibility by running out wide on both sides of the field for those cutting back inside runs. In Def leave AD as either a half or Centre on the right with KPP, who showed his talent again last night. Last night, the right edge stayed solid - it was the left edge that had some issues, but they adjusted well. At least it's nice to be talking about options for a change instead of missed opportunities.
 
He’s a career reserve grader …. I have serious doubt that a guy who’s 2 best assets , are mid field kicking and going deep in the line for block shape , can “unlock” the backs …. I like madden . But this is the most ridiculous forum stupidity conversation I’ve ever participated in . I couldn’t disagree more with this . I find it to be a firm example of the “paralysed by the moment” bullshit that people participate in on this forum . Like last week ,people saying that we should drop Bula … or when the red head centre made a break in Wollongong a few years ago and everyone was sizing up his immortal jacket .
And the shit thing I hate about stuff like this is? I have to imply I dislike a player to apply reason and sanity to the conversation by pointing out his obvious flaws . When I really really like the player .
I said it last week … but the dopamine fix people get from this shit is unhealthy . You’re all acting like you’ve been up all night snorting coke and dumping pills and now sitting around dribbling shit taking turns doing lines around the family room coffee table .
It’s not healthy to be this manic over wins and losses . Especially a whole group of you.
What's wrong with you, that's an over the top rant, Jock had a good game it should be admired.

Is he top quality no, but he's useful and he should be one of the 1st picked next game.
 
Yeah I agree. If Madden keeps his form up I'd personally like to see AD share lock with Fainu, and Twal just play the same role he already is in the front row. It would actually very closely match Penrith's structure if you think about it.

I just think things would probably need to be going poorly before Benji would go that way, with factors other than what we think looks better on paper also being considered. Benji isn't really a tinkerer like Gould, and we've seen what that sort of thing can do to the morale of a side with the Galvin/Sexton/Hayward/Mahoney saga. Players are young men, not widgets, so if things are going well I don't see him rocking that particular boat.

What would be great would be if AD went to Benji in three weeks and said "Mate we need Jock out there, I'm totally willing to move centre or lock"... but I can't see that happening. Jury's still out on Madden's form holding too.
Good points again. I know man management is a big part of the whole formula and it could be difficult for Benji to 'tinker'. However, I still think an astute coach will be willing to ring the changes if he thinks it will lead to better performance from his team. As many have said, Douehi's running game was fantastic yesterday but so was Madden's, management, unlocking the rest of the back line and relieving pressure with his kicks. Also, the Tigers have had a lot of trouble, for a long time, converting opportunities in the red zone. This has been due to a lack of structure and an overdependence on individual running from players such as Douehi. Anyway, we shall see!
 
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I said it after the trials this debate would rage all season. It’s what happens when you pick up a traditional halfback to deputise for your makeshift option.
Yea maybe … but geezus man I’ve seen people dropping luai today , others moving AD to centre , others building the team around madden …. Walk outside for a bit . I’m stoked we won as well . and he will and is a great addition to the team especially against teams like the warriors and Penrith , with simple game plans build around field position and forcing errors , taking opportunities .
But that’s not going to work against the broncos types . Where the kick finds grass and then Walsh picks it up chucks a 30m cutout and mariner is sprinting away down the edges . Then what ? It’s a team sport . We have done amazing with recruiting , and being able to present different shapes at different times . Benji , and Shannon should be proud of themselves .
But I’m under no illusions that it’s gonna be all hands on deck , and the best all out 6 in nsw , is a definite starter and asset in our team . I don’t even know wtf we are even talking about …
 
What's wrong with you, that's an over the top rant, Jock had a good game it should be admired.

Is he top quality no, but he's useful and he should be one of the 1st picked next game.
This is my point . You’ve missed it . Go back and read the comments ; people wanting to sell and drop luai … AD to centres … build the team around jock .
I 💯 agree with you. But the absurdity this morning is mental . Like I keep saying it reads like a bunch of dudes up all night on the bags now dribbling cod shit in the morning .
Just chill out with the hyperbole . He had a great game and is a great asset. Leave it at that.
 
Yea maybe … but geezus man I’ve seen people dropping luai today , others moving AD to centre , others building the team around madden …. Walk outside for a bit . I’m stoked we won as well . and he will and is a great addition to the team especially against teams like the warriors and Penrith , with simple game plans build around field position and forcing errors , taking opportunities .
But that’s not going to work against the broncos types . Where the kick finds grass and then Walsh picks it up chucks a 30m cutout and mariner is sprinting away down the edges . Then what ? It’s a team sport . We have done amazing with recruiting , and being able to present different shapes at different times . Benji , and Shannon should be proud of themselves .
But I’m under no illusions that it’s gonna be all hands on deck , and the best all out 6 in nsw , is a definite starter and asset in our team . I don’t even know wtf we are even talking about …
My only contribution to all that - I believe Madden is the best halfback on our roster currently.

AD played a big hand in a win last night.

The tape will show that he made two line breaks, receiving the ball as third receiver and ignored an overlap to run the ball on each occasion. Thankfully we scored twice.

Doesn’t make him a halfback though.
 
I did mention that the proviso was Douehi's defence. I agree, it's great to be discussing ways of sharpening the saw...
for a change!
Calls for Doohey to be lock are high risk. Last night Twal topped the tackle count again with 0 misses. Can AD do that with his dodgy knees and suspect D? Jack Gibson said if it ain't broke don't fix it. Twal is our lock and AD in attack showed his flexibility by running out wide on both sides of the field for those cutting back inside runs. In Def leave AD as either a half or Centre on the right with KPP, who showed his talent again last night. Last night, the right edge stayed solid - it was the left edge that had some issues, but they adjusted well. At least it's nice to be talking about options for a change instead of missed opportunities.
 
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My only contribution to all that - I believe Madden is the best halfback on our roster currently.

AD played a big hand in a win last night.

The tape will show that he made two line breaks, receiving the ball as third receiver and ignored an overlap to run the ball on each occasion. Thankfully we scored twice.

Doesn’t make him a halfback though.
Love it! Succinct and spot on.
 
This is my point . You’ve missed it . Go back and read the comments ; people wanting to sell and drop luai … AD to centres … build the team around jock .
I 💯 agree with you. But the absurdity this morning is mental . Like I keep saying it reads like a bunch of dudes up all night on the bags now dribbling cod shit in the morning .
Just chill out with the hyperbole . He had a great game and is a great asset. Leave it at that.
I know L, these posts that get carried away especially after an exceptional win can get on your goat, best to let them go through to the keeper to prevent steam venting out of your ears.

Something I've been trying to practice after the HBG crap lol.
 
AD gets his wraps doing non-traditional halves things, I just don’t know how sustainable that is long term.

Its something he won’t be able to do every week ..he didn’t do anything against Souths last week although their defensive effort was first class and hard to replicate

On the flip side .. he is totally unpredictable so if he is on it’s more difficult for the opposition to gameplan to stop that … I think we need this unpredictability as the attack is still conservative otherwise in my opinion …
 
Its something he won’t be able to do every week ..he didn’t do anything against Souths last week although their defensive effort was first class and hard to replicate

On the flip side .. he is totally unpredictable so if he is on it’s more difficult for the opposition to gameplan to stop that … I think we need this unpredictability as the attack is still conservative otherwise in my opinion …
The 6 man bench probably helps us having so many options around the ball. We won’t experience the same drop off as some teams when the inevitable injuries hit. I’m sure it will all sort itself out, possibly with Latu getting impatient being the biggest risk.
 
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