Tigers' try of the year contender no fluke

[Guest]

Tigers' try of the year contender no fluke
Mon 13 Jun, 2016, 1:09pm
By Martin Gabor‌, National Correspondent , NRL.com
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Everyone knows that the set following points is reserved for four big runs from the forwards followed by a heaving kick downfield.

Someone forgot to tell the Wests Tigers.

Having finally converted their early dominance against the Rabbitohs into points on Friday night, the Tigers opted to throw convention out the window with a piece of attacking brilliance from the restart that is the front runner for try of the year.

Halfback Luke Brooks fielded the kick on his own goal line following a try to halves partner Mitchell Moses, but instead of finding a front-rower for an easy 10 metres, he decided to spread it right to Tim Simona.

From there, the ball was passed to James Tedesco; the livewire fullback attracting three defenders before releasing Kevin Naiqama. The high-haired right centre put on the afterburners to take advantage of a Greg Inglis slip, and while he was reeled in, he had time to manage an offload back to Moses.

By this stage the crowd were well and truly on their feet expecting something special to take place, and with support inside and out, Moses looked left and dished it off to Simona who was never going to be caught; even if Alex Johnston did get close.

It was a try you'd expect from a team desperately chasing points at the death, similar to the one the Rabbitohs produced back in 2012 with a final-minute miracle against the Roosters.

But there was nothing frantic about this play. The Tigers had been planning it all week after assistant coach Craig Sandercock noticed something in the video room about South Sydney's chase from kick-offs.

Speaking after his side's 30-14 win at ANZ Stadium, try-scoring hero Tim Simona said the length of the field effort was anything but a fluke.

"It was a set piece that we prepared all week," Simona told NRL.com on Friday night.

"We knew that the Rabbitohs get really aggressive and they sort of tighten their line up.

"We said that we'd do it not at the first kick-off, but definitely at the second or third kick-off. Once we knew that it was on, everyone knew what to do.

"'Woodsy' (Aaron Woods) called it and then everyone else just got ready and luckily we executed it perfectly.

"It's definitely one of the best tries that I've scored."

It was very nearly the best try never scored after Simona had initially juggled the final pass.

"The ball was pretty slippery so thank God I caught that pass from Mitch. If I dropped it they would have been filthy," the relieved centre said.

"Josh Addo-Carr had that chance in the first half when he dropped it over the line so there was no chance I was going to do something similar."

Simona was right; his teammates would have been livid had he put the ball down.

"I saw him juggle it and I thought 'don't you drop it'," Moses said.

"He did it the week before as well when 'Teddy' (Tedesco) hit him on the inside. Once you give Timmy a bit of space, he's gone. You're not catching him."

While obviously thrilled with his side's execution on the night, Moses said the most pleasing aspect of the 16-point win was his side's resolve in defence.

The Tigers missed 24 tackles on Friday night and conceded just 14 points – their third best defensive effort of the season.

"We can play that attacking footy, but it showed tonight that we can play that attacking footy but also grind out games pretty well," the Tigers five-eighth continued.

"We were a bit upset about that try at the end. If we cut that out then we'll be alright."

Simona's try wasn't the only bit of brilliance on the night with David Nofoaluma also crossing for a first-half classic that involved eight sets of hands.

When asked which was better, Simona diplomatically said he couldn't split them. But when pushed: "Mine was definitely better."

 

[stryker]

Simona's try was ballsy and electric. It was the sort of try that the brilliant Canberra or Brisbane sides from the 90's would score.

Nofo's try showcased amazing football thinking and skill, complete with offloads and great forethought. It also reminded me of the silky ball movement in keeping the ball alive in the late 80's and 90's.

Both awesome in very different ways because they were executed by men playing football rather than robotic structure and that's what really excited me the other night.

 

[happy_tiger]

If you watch just before the Simona try , while Moses is getting set to take the conversion , Brooks and Tedesco were talking to Moses

Something was definitely on , Inglis getting tangled up by friendly fire certainly didn't do the WT's cause any harm either

Both good tries , ET's part in try 2 was real good

 

[Byron_Bay_Fan]

And Brooks, Moses and Teddy should get together more often just to confuse the opposition that something similar is on and then do the exact opposite.

 

[Geo]

If you watch just before the Simona try , while Moses is getting set to take the conversion , Brooks and Tedesco were talking to Moses

Something was definitely on , Inglis getting tangled up by friendly fire certainly didn't do the WT's cause any harm either

Both good tries , ET's part in try 2 was real good

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But there was nothing frantic about this play. The Tigers had been planning it all week after assistant coach Craig Sandercock noticed something in the video room about South Sydney's chase from kick-offs.
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"It was a set piece that we prepared all week," Simona told NRL.com on Friday night.

Good coaching worked on all week…We certainly can score a TRY...

 

[NT_Tiger]

You mean that was a coached plan?

 

[ricksen]

The Broncos scored a similar try against Souths towards the end of last season, though I think it was on the opposite edge.
Good coaching to notice the weakness.

 

[stevetiger]

It's good footy. Let's hope we continue playing that style.

 

[happy_tiger]

It's good footy. Let's hope we continue playing that style.

Or its a low percentage play if we turn it over on the first 10 metres out

 

[happy_tiger]

We had 24 missed tackles , I think Souths had 43 missed tackles

Be nice every week to have 19 less missed tackles than the opposition on top of a 84% completion rate

That wins footy games consistently and makes you a Top 4-8 side

 

[Nelson]

It's good footy. Let's hope we continue playing that style.

Or its a low percentage play if we turn it over on the first 10 metres out

I didn't see that much risk in it, it was just a quick shift that everybody knew was on as it turns out. It's the sort of thing coaches should be coming up with from watching video sessions - weaknesses in structure or in players. I wouldn't be surprised if JAC was also targeted by Souths coaching staff given the number of intercepts he's made, or nearly made in his first few games. If he's in a position to make intercepts he's probably not well positioned to defend against a kick in behind, and that's where they managed to expose him a couple of times. Hopefully if he gets another run he'll have worked on that.

 

[NT_Tiger]

It's good footy. Let's hope we continue playing that style.

Or its a low percentage play if we turn it over on the first 10 metres out

I didn't see that much risk in it, it was just a quick shift that everybody knew was on as it turns out. It's the sort of thing coaches should be coming up with from watching video sessions - weaknesses in structure or in players. I wouldn't be surprised if JAC was also targeted by Souths coaching staff given the number of intercepts he's made, or nearly made in his first few games. If he's in a position to make intercepts he's probably not well positioned to defend against a kick in behind, and that's where they managed to expose him a couple of times. Hopefully if he gets another run he'll have worked on that.

I agree with your observations. That play was an indication that we have very good coaching staff, able to identify and exploit an opponents weaknesses. Unfortunately it is also why well coached teams e.g. Raiders and Storm can cause us big problems. Our defensive weaknesses stand out like the proverbial.

 

[happy_tiger]

It's good footy. Let's hope we continue playing that style.

Or its a low percentage play if we turn it over on the first 10 metres out

I didn't see that much risk in it, it was just a quick shift that everybody knew was on as it turns out. It's the sort of thing coaches should be coming up with from watching video sessions - weaknesses in structure or in players. I wouldn't be surprised if JAC was also targeted by Souths coaching staff given the number of intercepts he's made, or nearly made in his first few games. If he's in a position to make intercepts he's probably not well positioned to defend against a kick in behind, and that's where they managed to expose him a couple of times. Hopefully if he gets another run he'll have worked on that.

I agree with your observations. That play was an indication that we have very good coaching staff, able to identify and exploit an opponents weaknesses. Unfortunately it is also why well coached teams e.g. Raiders and Storm can cause us big problems. Our defensive weaknesses stand out like the proverbial.

That's on a good day

How many times have we seen on a bad day when our playmakers can't hit a team member with a pass from 5-10 metres away ??

 

[Geo]

Or its a low percentage play if we turn it over on the first 10 metres out

I didn't see that much risk in it, it was just a quick shift that everybody knew was on as it turns out. It's the sort of thing coaches should be coming up with from watching video sessions - weaknesses in structure or in players. I wouldn't be surprised if JAC was also targeted by Souths coaching staff given the number of intercepts he's made, or nearly made in his first few games. If he's in a position to make intercepts he's probably not well positioned to defend against a kick in behind, and that's where they managed to expose him a couple of times. Hopefully if he gets another run he'll have worked on that.

I agree with your observations. That play was an indication that we have very good coaching staff, able to identify and exploit an opponents weaknesses. Unfortunately it is also why well coached teams e.g. Raiders and Storm can cause us big problems. Our defensive weaknesses stand out like the proverbial.

That's on a good day

How many times have we seen on a bad day when our playmakers can't hit a team member with a pass from 5-10 metres away ??

Wow.. :unamused: ….just enjoy it for what it was..A well organised set play executed perfectly by every player involved...It was a good day with many many more to come..

 

[NT_Tiger]

Or its a low percentage play if we turn it over on the first 10 metres out

I didn't see that much risk in it, it was just a quick shift that everybody knew was on as it turns out. It's the sort of thing coaches should be coming up with from watching video sessions - weaknesses in structure or in players. I wouldn't be surprised if JAC was also targeted by Souths coaching staff given the number of intercepts he's made, or nearly made in his first few games. If he's in a position to make intercepts he's probably not well positioned to defend against a kick in behind, and that's where they managed to expose him a couple of times. Hopefully if he gets another run he'll have worked on that.

I agree with your observations. That play was an indication that we have very good coaching staff, able to identify and exploit an opponents weaknesses. Unfortunately it is also why well coached teams e.g. Raiders and Storm can cause us big problems. Our defensive weaknesses stand out like the proverbial.

That's on a good day

How many times have we seen on a bad day when our playmakers can't hit a team member with a pass from 5-10 metres away ??

Yes, True. But that's not coaching thats execution. I think its the execution that needs work to improve our ability to achieve consistent results.

 

[stevetiger]

I didn't see that much risk in it, it was just a quick shift that everybody knew was on as it turns out. It's the sort of thing coaches should be coming up with from watching video sessions - weaknesses in structure or in players. I wouldn't be surprised if JAC was also targeted by Souths coaching staff given the number of intercepts he's made, or nearly made in his first few games. If he's in a position to make intercepts he's probably not well positioned to defend against a kick in behind, and that's where they managed to expose him a couple of times. Hopefully if he gets another run he'll have worked on that.

I agree with your observations. That play was an indication that we have very good coaching staff, able to identify and exploit an opponents weaknesses. Unfortunately it is also why well coached teams e.g. Raiders and Storm can cause us big problems. Our defensive weaknesses stand out like the proverbial.

That's on a good day

How many times have we seen on a bad day when our playmakers can't hit a team member with a pass from 5-10 metres away ??

Yes, True. But that's not coaching thats execution. I think its the execution that needs work to improve our ability to achieve consistent results.

I think what has happened is that the coaching has been poor. We haven't been coming up with plays like that one and others designed to win games. We've also had problems executing just what was in front of us.

I think slowly the coaching staff are starting to try some attacking plays and we will get trys like we did against Souths. There will be some mistakes as well but we will definitely perform better and win more games this way.

 

[stevetiger]

Or its a low percentage play if we turn it over on the first 10 metres out

I didn't see that much risk in it, it was just a quick shift that everybody knew was on as it turns out. It's the sort of thing coaches should be coming up with from watching video sessions - weaknesses in structure or in players. I wouldn't be surprised if JAC was also targeted by Souths coaching staff given the number of intercepts he's made, or nearly made in his first few games. If he's in a position to make intercepts he's probably not well positioned to defend against a kick in behind, and that's where they managed to expose him a couple of times. Hopefully if he gets another run he'll have worked on that.

I agree with your observations. That play was an indication that we have very good coaching staff, able to identify and exploit an opponents weaknesses. Unfortunately it is also why well coached teams e.g. Raiders and Storm can cause us big problems. Our defensive weaknesses stand out like the proverbial.

That's on a good day

How many times have we seen on a bad day when our playmakers can't hit a team member with a pass from 5-10 metres away ??

It happens but the alternative is playing losing footy. If the playmakers aren't up to it get rid of them. I don't think that is the case though.

Do you want to win more games or not ? Thats how simple it is. Negative footy is losing footy.

 

[happy_tiger]

I didn't see that much risk in it, it was just a quick shift that everybody knew was on as it turns out. It's the sort of thing coaches should be coming up with from watching video sessions - weaknesses in structure or in players. I wouldn't be surprised if JAC was also targeted by Souths coaching staff given the number of intercepts he's made, or nearly made in his first few games. If he's in a position to make intercepts he's probably not well positioned to defend against a kick in behind, and that's where they managed to expose him a couple of times. Hopefully if he gets another run he'll have worked on that.

I agree with your observations. That play was an indication that we have very good coaching staff, able to identify and exploit an opponents weaknesses. Unfortunately it is also why well coached teams e.g. Raiders and Storm can cause us big problems. Our defensive weaknesses stand out like the proverbial.

That's on a good day

How many times have we seen on a bad day when our playmakers can't hit a team member with a pass from 5-10 metres away ??

It happens but the alternative is playing losing footy. If the playmakers aren't up to it get rid of them. I don't think that is the case though.

Do you want to win more games or not ? Thats how simple it is. Negative footy is losing footy.

No Steve quality sides don't need to rely on low percentage trick shots to win games , maybe when they are behind with 5 minutes left on the clock

But hey , you continue to convince yourself otherwise

But funnily enough , when it doesn't come off next week , you'll blame Taylor

Predictable Mr Agenda

 

[stevetiger]

I agree with your observations. That play was an indication that we have very good coaching staff, able to identify and exploit an opponents weaknesses. Unfortunately it is also why well coached teams e.g. Raiders and Storm can cause us big problems. Our defensive weaknesses stand out like the proverbial.

That's on a good day

How many times have we seen on a bad day when our playmakers can't hit a team member with a pass from 5-10 metres away ??

It happens but the alternative is playing losing footy. If the playmakers aren't up to it get rid of them. I don't think that is the case though.

Do you want to win more games or not ? Thats how simple it is. Negative footy is losing footy.

No Steve quality sides don't need to rely on low percentage trick shots to win games , maybe when they are behind with 5 minutes left on the clock

But hey , you continue to convince yourself otherwise

But funnily enough , when it doesn't come off next week , you'll blame Taylor

Predictable Mr Agenda

It has nothing to do with going for trick shots. It has to do with playing positive footy. I'd expect the team to have a whole bunch of attacking plays that they can use in the right situation. Sometimes 5 hit-ups and a bomb is the right approach. It's about knowing when to use that.

As for blaming JT. I will blame him when the team is playing losing footy and underperforming. If he gets the team playing well I will give him credit. I'm more than a fair judge when it comes to JT.

 

[happy_tiger]

That's on a good day

How many times have we seen on a bad day when our playmakers can't hit a team member with a pass from 5-10 metres away ??

It happens but the alternative is playing losing footy. If the playmakers aren't up to it get rid of them. I don't think that is the case though.

Do you want to win more games or not ? Thats how simple it is. Negative footy is losing footy.

No Steve quality sides don't need to rely on low percentage trick shots to win games , maybe when they are behind with 5 minutes left on the clock

But hey , you continue to convince yourself otherwise

But funnily enough , when it doesn't come off next week , you'll blame Taylor

Predictable Mr Agenda

It has nothing to do with going for trick shots. It has to do with playing positive footy. I'd expect the team to have a whole bunch of attacking plays that they can use in the right situation. Sometimes 5 hit-ups and a bomb is the right approach. It's about knowing when to use that.

As for blaming JT. I will blame him when the team is playing losing footy and underperforming. If he gets the team playing well I will give him credit. I'm more than a fair judge when it comes to JT.

For me the most important things from the Souths game was we only conceded 14 points , only had 19 missed tackles and had a completion rate of 84% and missed 24 less tackles than our opposition

With those stats we don't need to take risks

We need to repeat those stats every week , especially the 19 missed tackle , only conceding 14 points and a high completion rate

We will win a hell of a lot more games than we lose

That's the simple facts