TODD'S BLOG

[boonboon]

i remember a couple of guys saying in the FG forum that Miller did not perform well enough. here he won the coach's and players' player awards. really wanna see this guy get a good game in FG.

He is halfback give him time and remeber Joey Johns didn't start a first grade game till about the age Miller is now, Cherry Evans was 21, Kimmorley was 21, etc - Halfbacks need time to build size and also smarts.

For me the best thing Miller could do would be a season in the QLD Cup next year or NSW Cup while training with the NRL side and playing a few games don't rush him. Sironne as a bigger guy and a five eight is a bit different

 

[Spartan117]

Sirro and miller two different types of players in different roles.

I still think Miller will be a great #7 in time.

 

[tig_prmz]

i remember a couple of guys saying in the FG forum that Miller did not perform well enough. here he won the coach's and players' player awards. really wanna see this guy get a good game in FG.

He is halfback give him time and remeber Joey Johns didn't start a first grade game till about the age Miller is now, Cherry Evans was 21, Kimmorley was 21, etc - Halfbacks need time to build size and also smarts.

For me the best thing Miller could do would be a season in the QLD Cup next year or NSW Cup while training with the NRL side and playing a few games don't rush him. Sironne as a bigger guy and a five eight is a bit different

sorry i didnt write that clearly enough, what i meant to say was there were a couple of people who criticised miller's performance in this game saying he was non-existant iirc in the FG forum. i cbf digging out those posts.

 

[Guest]

TODD’S BLOG: I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO FRUSTRATED

Wednesday 13 June 2012 3:35 PM

This week, Under 20s coach Todd Payten explains how frustrating it was watching his team's loss to Melbourne last Friday’ night. He also admits how important the next few weeks will be for his side. Read his weekly blog below.

Friday night at the office was the most frustrated I have ever been watching a game of football.

Our completion rate all year has been the biggest contributing factor in our successes and the weekend’s completion rate nearly sent me cuckoo!

At half time we were 5 from 15 and at one stage with seven to go we were a dreadful two from 12.

The conditions were ordinary but no worse than what we experienced the week before in Canberra. We were dropping balls cold, losing them in the play the ball and at contact.

To Melbourne’s credit they never allowed us to find any rhythm by forcing errors and putting our kicking game under extreme pressure throughout the match.

One of the only positives was that we continually aimed up in defence and were willing to work hard for one and another. At times our body language could’ve been better when we made errors but we knuckled down and kept working defensively.

The best for us was Inno Inosesio who won both our Players’ Player and Coach’s Award. His impact off the bench each week has been excellent and offensively he gives us so much punch through the middle.

I thought all of subs were good with Soni Paasi doing similar things to Inno for us and setting up Inno’s try with a delicate and well timed offload in the line. It was Mosese Fotuaika’s best game since returning from injury. He has been getting better as his match condition and confidence improves. Sitaleki Akaoula is in the same boat. The fitter he gets the better he will be for us.

This week, we’ve spoken about the importance of the next few games. This time of year is tough. Fatigue levels are high and concentration and interest can wane. We have to continue to train with intensity and our preparation has to have the attention to detail it requires.

We came up with a catch cry of “top four”. It is a call we can use when things get difficult in games or training. It can be a trigger to get the guys to switch on or be used in a motivational way.

If we want to be in the top four we have to train and prepare as if we deserve to be there. I believe it also relevant as we play the Roosters, Newcastle, Penrith and the Dogs all of which are top four contenders within the next 6 weeks.

 

[Guest]

TODD’S BLOG: TESTING TIMES AHEAD

Wednesday 20 June 2012 2:31 PM

Under 20s Coach Todd Payten said that his team were outclassed in their 40-18 loss to the Roosters last week. In his weekly blog, he also tells us that there are a few new faces in this week’s side due to injuries and lack of form.

Sunday was a disappointing performance as we were easily out classed and out muscled for the whole match by a big Roosters side.

They are a top 4 side in my opinion when they have a full complement of players.

They have a lot of experience backing up from last year when they went down in the preliminary final. Their form line doesn't represent that as they have been playing a couple of their better players in the NSW Cup competition for weeks at a time.

Other Clubs do it as well. The theory being that they get to see how they handle playing against men in preparation for a step up to first grade.

It has some merit I guess but it does dilute the competition and I believe that if you think a player is ready for first grade he is best tested in first grade. Very rarely would a player be deemed not ready after a stint in the NSW Cup.

In saying all that we were outplayed and they were on a different level with their physical intent and that was the most disappointing thing for me as coach.

The Roosters got out to a big early lead and no one really put their hand up and showed me that they thought we were still in the match. That was very disappointing.

Defensively our communication dropped off and guys were trying to solve things on their own plus our line speed and shoulder contact was non-existent.

We fought hard for the first 20 minutes in the second half to get ourselves to within eight points but after that things unfolded with a couple of errors for our opponents to come home the stronger to win convincingly.

Our best by far was Mosese Fotuaika. His impact off the bench through his aggression in “D” was very good. His punch through the middle with the ball was excellent and much needed. Each week he has gained confidence and match fitness and has earned a starting position this week.

Soni Paasi and Inno Issessio were also strong off the bench again. Jacob Miller was positive and tried to spark the side throughout the game which is great from our captain and Matt Mulcahy did some good things on debut having forced his way into the squad through some strong performances in our development games.

You will see a pretty different outfit take the field this week through injury and some changes made due to form.

We have lost Matt Evans to a fractured collar bone, Sauaso Sue to a broken thumb and Soni Paasi has an ankle problem.

That said, it’s is exciting for me to see the character and depth of our squad and to also see a couple of boys make their debut in the side.

 

[Guest]

Todd's Blog: Important win for NYC

Wednesday 27 June 2012 2:40 PM

Wests Tigers NYC Coach Todd Payten talks about how important the win over Newcastle was on Monday night in his weekly blog today.

'The win was very important as we had lost 3 from the last four games and our performances were far from the standards we had been setting early in the year. It has shifted the momentum of our season heading into the bye this weekend.

It was a strange game. I felt that we were winning the battle of the ruck with our forward pack dominating. Yet we were down 10-0 at half-time. They scored their first against the run of play from a regathered charge down and another because of a lapse on our goal line. We did have some opportunities in the first half at their end but some poor execution extinguished those chances.

At half-time, I spoke about the need to get in the rhythm of the game. To start completing and play some field position early. I expressed that I was really happy with our physical intent in defence and I let them know that I believed we were the more dominant side out there. I could see that they believed that too.

The second half didn’t start great with us kicking out on the full early and the Knights capitalising. We were down 14-0\. We managed to complete some sets after that and got some field position. Kyle Lovett hit a hole and showed good pace to go over in the corner. I could see our confidence grow from that.

From there with more field position the Knights came up with a couple of errors and we were able to capitalise through tries to Kurtis Rowe and the last through Matt Mulcahy with 3 minutes to go.

I was really pleased with our resilience and perseverance. Something which had deserted us in recent weeks. Our line speed and aggression was also much improved and a big reason for us winning the game.

We contributed right across the park but standouts were prop Mosese Fotuiaka who won the players player and back-rower Inno Innosessio who won the coaches award. Inno has been one of our better players for a while.

I spoke with him last week and let him know that his form warranted him a starting position but with the impact he provides off the bench and the balance of the side that he will keep playing from the bench in near future. To his credit he put the team first and didn’t let the chat impact his preparation or the way he played. Other strong contributers were Joel Luani, Nathan Brown and Jacob Miller.

Being the bye this weekend we are giving the guys an extended break to get away from footy and get some well needed rest and recovery. Tuesday we had video review and played some indoor cricket to change things up for recovery followed by some pizzas. That is our last engagement before resuming Sunday for an hour of games/ conditioning.

I like to get the footy in their hands and some games should spark them into footy mode as in my experience first session after byes can be sloppy and skills can be poor. Monday will be video preview of the Bulldogs and a totally defensive orientated day. Tuesday will be more attack orientated focusing on structure and set plays. Wednesday is a rest day and Thursday being a light captains run.

 

[snowleopard]

Thanks for this info…probably a pipe dream ...but wouldn't it be gr8 if We also got Tim's blog each week after a game..would stop a lot of guessing from all the forum members about what he thinks & why he makes the decisions he does

 

[Guest]

TODD’S BLOG: WELCOME TO THE BUSINESS END OF THE SEASON

Wednesday 4 July 2012 3:47 PM
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This week Under 20s Coach Todd Payten tells us that it’s an exciting time of the season. His team are up against a physical Bulldogs side this week and he tells us in his weekly blog that there are more challenges ahead as they press for a finals berth…

We are entering a very important and exciting part of the season. Now that the origin period and bye rounds are complete we can all see the business end of the season in sight. It is why we put all the hard work in for earlier in the year. Finals footy!

I feel we are in a good position to capitalise on our solid start to the year but in no way can we rest on what has been achieved so far.

The table as it stands is congested, with the top seven teams within four points of each other.

Our run home includes three teams in the top four and we also have to play the Dogs twice. In the next nine rounds we play two teams that have beaten us in the Storm and the Cowboys.

This period will hold us in good stead should we prove good enough and qualify for the finals. Games will increase in intensity and quality in both the NRL and NYC over the last nine rounds. I expect as coach that our training will do the same.

Niggles become less of a problem from now on in and competition for spots becomes more important. We are getting fit and healthy as a group lately so fingers crossed that this trend continues. Like I said, it is an exciting part of the year. The time when teams put their title hopes on the line and build some momentum heading into the finals.

Friday night we have the Dogs. They sit just one point below us on the ladder. They have a monster pack with their two man mountain front rowers leading the charge. David Klemmer averages over 180m per game and Michael Ioapa is also quite skilful.

They are a very physical side and will try and out muscle us especially in the middle. They also have speed out wide and skill in the halves to capitalise on the platform provided by the forwards.

On the home front we are welcoming back both wingers Marika Koroibete and David Nofoaluma. We also get a fully fit Suasso Sue back for this week and Soni Paasi should be on deck next week pending medical clearances. Like I said it is exciting times for all of us.

I suggest to take an early mark from work. It is Friday after all so get out to Allianz Stadium and witness a couple of cracking games of football!

 

[Guest]

Todd's Blog: Discipline is the key

Wednesday 11 July 2012 10:07 AM
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Under 20s coach Todd Payten said that his team really need to improve their discipline this week. He also praises an impressive Bulldogs outfit who he thinks are strong contenders for this year’s NYC title. Read his weekly blog below.

Last Friday night wasn't the result we were after but I was really pleased with the effort of our boys. The game was a real arm wrestle and a tough physical contest in the middle of the park. We did have our chances to win the match but some 50/50 decisions went against us and some mistakes under pressure proved costly.

We fought our way back into the game after being behind twice in the first half and went in at half time down by two.

My half time message consisted of a few little details defensively and us sticking to our game plan in attack in using more plays around the ruck with support and being patient with the ball.

The game plan without giving too much away was one that we needed to persist with so we would get results later in the game.

We also needed to clean up our discipline- we were 6-2 behind in the penalty count at the break.

We haven’t won a penalty count for the last six weeks and it’s something we need to address quickly as you cannot consistently win games when you’re at the wrong end of the ledger.

While I think we had the momentum of the game for the first 20 mins of the second half, the Bulldogs turned the momentum with a big play off a kick return followed by another penalty. That really was the turning point.

They were able to gain the lead and with some scoreboard pressure and time running out we took some poor options. In the end we came up short and full credit must go to the Dogs.

I was really impressed with them when I analysed their past performances in the lead up to the game. They were just as impressive on Friday night and are a real threat for the title.

I thought all our boys ripped in but best for us in the backs were Manaia Rudolph, Asipeli Fine and Jacob Miller. Best amongst the forwards were Mosese Fotuaika and Joel Luani. I was also impressed with Brendan Santi’s performance considering he had been pretty sick in the lead up to the match.

This week we play the ladder leaders. They have some quality players with half Harry Siejka having first grade experience this year. Their edge back rower Vaipuna Tia-Kilifi is big and skilful and links up with centre Wellentony Taufa Satini out on their left edge and fullback Kieran Moss has been a try scoring machine this year with his exceptional speed and football sense.

For us there are a few changes. Most notably Connor Toia at halfback and Kyle Lovett starting on the edge in the back row. We have lost Nathan Brown for six weeks with an ankle injury and we have stood down Sitaleki Akaoula for disciplinary reasons.

We need to be at or near our best this weekend and we must improve our discipline to give us a chance to win.

 

[Guest]

Todd’s Blog: Preparation this week will be vital

Wednesday 18 July 2012 2:36 PM
Todd’s Blog: Preparation this week will be vital

This week in “Todd’s Blog” Under 20s Coach Todd Payten says that he was happy with last week’s result against the Panthers but admitted that it wasn’t an 80 minute performance. He also tells us that he’ll need his team to focus 100% on their preparation this week if they’re to beat the Cowboys on their home turf.

A good result for us on the weekend beating the ladder leaders but I must admit we fell over the line with a cracking 42 metre field goal with three minutes to go from Jacob Miller.

It really was a game of two halves. In the first stanza we controlled the ball and stuck to the game plan to a tee and were able to get out to a 22 nil lead after 30 minutes.

I wouldn't go as far as saying that we put the cue in the rack but we started getting away from the things that got us to the lead in the first place.

I thought we could’ve played a lot smarter that's for sure.

Around the 30 min mark our intensity in defence dropped away and we played them back into the contest. I was livid and intended to rip into them at half time but crumbled when it came to the delivery!

I’m sure that they understood my frustration though. We did have the ball for five extra sets than them and if the possession swung we were in for a real contest partly due to our lack of concentration and intensity with our defence.

Of course it did swing with the Panthers having the ball for five extra sets in the second half and easily winning the battle of field position.

Best for us on the weekend was Ben Saunders who took out the Coaches’ Award. He saved our bacon on three separate occasions with scrambling efforts on two chip kicks and a smother on a well struck field goal attempt by Harry Seijka.

Mosese Fotuaika was good up front. He poked his nose through the line nearly every hit up and nearly killed an opposition front rower with a dynamite hit front on in ‘d’ (defence).

Jacob Miller took out the Players’ Player. His form of late has been pleasing. He understands how influential he can be and has led the side well with his enthusiasm and body language.

Last week’s win will mean nothing if we do not back it up this Monday night.

We travel the day of the game which is far from ideal but all sides have to deal with it and I will not be allowing us to use it as an excuse.

 

[Guest]

Todd’s Blog: Good preparation got us the result

Wednesday 25 July 2012 10:31 AM
Todd’s Blog: Good preparation got us the result

In this week’s edition, of “Todd’s Blog”, Under 20s Coach Todd Payten tells us that he was happy with the team’s approach to last Monday night’s game. The win keeps his team in the hunt for a top four berth. He also says that the Rabbitohs will be a tough proposition this week, given they desperately need a win to stay in the top eight.

Monday night was a satisfying result for us against the Cowboys. It keeps us in the race for a top four berth.

We had spoken at length about the way to approach the game and the day throughout the week. We needed to go up there, get the job done and not let any distractions get in our way. I thought the guys travelled well and were focused throughout the day which helped us no end in moments throughout the game.

We got out to an early lead through good completions and field position but that was undone with a drop in intensity in defence as we went to the break at 16 apiece.

Again our discipline was poor as we were behind in the penalty count 4-1 which also helped their revival.

At half time my message was simple. Sort our discipline out and start using our shoulders defensively.

There is no way you can win the battle of the ruck if you aren’t making strong shoulder contact at the point of impact.

There wasn't an immediate response but set by set we picked up our intensity and got fortunate when their winger spilled the beans with the line wide open.

This proved to be a big play in the game. From there we scrambled well defensively and the effort picked up and we were able to score three back to back tries and kick away with the result.

Marika Koroibete won our Players’ Player award. He bagged a hat trick of tries with a couple of brilliant individual displays.

Coaches’ award went to Joel Luani. He also bagged a try and his defence on the edge was first class all day.

I thought Mosese Fotuaika had another strong game continuing his rich vein of form and Connor Toia was much improved defensively. He has eased the workload off Jacob Miller with his talk, kicking game and general football nous. He was also able to set up a couple of tries and scored one for himself with a nifty double show to run.

This week we are up against a desperate South Sydney side that is coming off a couple of losses and need to win to stay in the top eight. They are a potent side with the ball with hard working forwards. Their first points of attack are from both starting and interchange hookers.

Half-back and captain Luke Keary had a strong game against us last time, setting up their speedy backs with several opportunities.

We have lost Matt Groat to a broken thumb for at least six weeks. He was just really starting to find some match fitness and playing good footy.

Suasso Sue will come in as a prop which will force Brendan Santi to play longer minutes which I know he’ll handle and I’ll probably use Inno Inosesio as a replacement prop.

We have a couple of other injury clouds which will be re assessed later in the week.

It is important that we keep building towards the finals.

 

[happy_tiger]

I wonder if the injury clouds are players who will be stepping up to top grade

 

[Guest]

I wonder if the injury clouds are players who will be stepping up to top grade

Wouldn't surprise me Happy. I'd be happy to promote 2 or 3 players from Todd's side given the problems in FG.

 

[jmp7875]

be good to see santi playing longer minutes

 

[Guest]

Todd’s Blog: We must be more accountable

Wednesday 1 August 2012 5:29 PM
Todd’s Blog: We must be more accountable

In this week’s “Todd’s Blog”, Under 20s coach Todd Payten expressed his disappointment after his side’s loss to the Rabbitohs last Sunday. The team surrendered a 20-0 lead and he said that his players must be more accountable for their own individual performances. Read his blog below.

We were extremely disappointing on the weekend. We surrendered a 20 nil lead to go down 36-30.

The concerning thing for me is that the habit has been forming over the last three weeks where we start fast and fall away after 20-30 minutes. It is purely a concentration and attitude issue.

We let Souths back into the contest. We didn’t complete our sets, we pushed offloads that weren’t on, gave away ill disciplined penalties at the ruck plus we took some low percentage kick options.

They then converted that into points and started to grow in belief and confidence.

The second half was diabolical. We surrendered possession and field position. We also gave away four unanswered penalties.

On top of that I thought we turned it up at times in the last 20 minutes where too many of us took the soft option defensively.

We lost the momentum of the match and couldn't get it back.

After the game I expressed my disappointment to the group about the final result. You just can’t play for 20-30 mins and expect to win.

I encouraged everyone to talk about what had happened. I expect accountability amongst the group so it was good to see a few guys speaking up and not shy away from the issues.

Our Coaches and Players’ Player Awards went to Brodie Munroe. I am happy for him as he has struggled with confidence at times throughout the season after returning from an injury plagued 18 month period. He is one of the most talented members of our squad so hopefully he can continue with the same attitude and application over the coming weeks.

We have lost Joel Luani with a high ankle sprain until around finals time. Joel is a very influential player amongst our squad and one of our better defenders so he’ll be a big loss over those weeks. Hopefully we can extend our season long enough for him to get more game time.

We have a heavy training load over the next fortnight with us balancing the remaining part of the season after that with recovery and maintenance of our strength and fitness.

This week we have a couple of extra training days playing Monday against the Eels so we’ll have some gym work, a conditioning session, work on our defence and positioning in the line. We’ll also look at our attack and cap it all off with our standard captain’s ball work session on Sunday.

 

[Guest]

Todd’s Blog: Still plenty of work to do

Wednesday 8 August 2012 11:27 AM
Todd’s Blog: Still plenty of work to do

In this week’s edition of “Todd’s Blog” Under 20s Coach Todd Payten tells us that he was pleased that his team got the win against the Eels but admitted that there was still plenty of room for improvement. Read his blog below.

Monday night’s match ended up being a hard fought game against a spirited Eels outfit. We started well again but this time it was our attack that put us under pressure.

We got to a 20 nil lead through some smart attacking options and disciplined efforts across the board.

20 points has been a hurdle the last three weeks and it wasn’t our defence that dropped away.

I thought the effort and intent was there. However we could have been sharper and smarter in a few areas around the ruck and defending our line.

We bombed three certain tries and from there we panicked once they scored first in the second half.

I was pretty happy at half time. We just needed to make some minor adjustments in defence.

My main message to the guys was that they would see plenty of opportunities with the ball in the second half and would capitalise if we played disciplined and percentage footy. By that I mean not to push a pass if an arm is free or throw low percentage passes/offloads.

If we make a break go to ground and we can capitalise on the next tackle or two. We just have to learn how to stick to the structures and plays that we practise day in and day out.

After bombing a couple of chances and Parra making the most of their opportunities, we started to do exactly what I asked us not to.

We went away from the game plan which found us giving up a good lead and getting stuck in a really tight contest for the last 20 minutes of the match.

To our credit we absorbed a fair bit of pressure and momentum. In the dying minutes of the match we were able to come up with a classy scrum play to seal victory.

Brendan Santi was by far our best. His work rate was outstanding both in attack and defence. He played all but the last four minutes and was nearly out on his feet because of his workload.

Another strong contributor was Asipeli Fine who defended soundly and really rolled his sleeves up to help out the forwards when they needed it most late in the game. Also strong off the bench was Inno Inosesio and Sitaleki Akaoula. Both made some bruising tackles and got the team rolling forward when they were injected into the game.

We are still searching for an 80 minute performance. There has always been at least one part of our game that hasn’t been up to scratch. We are still in the hunt for a top 4 birth but have to improve and keep winning if that is to happen.

 

[Guest]

Todd's Blog: A tough grinding win

Wednesday 15 August 2012 9:34 AM
Todd's Blog: A tough grinding win
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Under 20s Coach Todd Payten was very impressed with his side’s win over the Dragons last Saturday night. In his weekly blog, he said that his team need to start the second half with as much energy as they start the first half. He is also confident his side can beat the second placed Bulldogs this week. Read more below.

Saturday’s match was a high quality affair considering the terrible conditions.

We were able to come away with the points in a low scoring game where both teams ripped into each other for the whole 80 mins.

I thought we controlled the first half by winning the field position battle but only went into half time with a four nil lead due to a very clever kick from Jacob Miller and an even better read and catch by Kurtis Rowe.

We didn't get off to a great start in the second half. We came out flat, didn’t use our shoulders in defence and allowed them to gain some momentum and field position.

They were next to score and took the lead 6-4 scoring near the posts. From there we got back into the rhythm of the game and played some smart football.

We didn't go for the glory play and just chipped away at some field position. We did absorb a huge amount of pressure at times but with some excellent scramble defence, we were able to hold them out before Mosese Fotuaika stormed over with his speed and strength near the posts. That put us up by four with 15 to play.

The match went back and forth with both sides having opportunities to score points but some last ditch efforts saved both sides.

Our goal line defence held solid in the last few minutes absorbing everything they threw at us and we held on for a 10-6 victory.

Two concerning things for this me this week are our periods just after half time.

We haven’t come out with as much energy and intent as other sides and it has to improve.

Again we lost the penalty count 6-4\. There were at least three penalties from the weekend’s game that should have been avoided with better discipline.

We cannot afford to do that in big games and expect to win. The Dragons had six extra sets than us again in the second half and three for the whole match. That showed our resilience but again we cannot do that consistently and expect to have the scoreboard in our favour.

Players’ Player went to Kyle Lovett. His workload was high and all quality. He made 50 tackles and missed only two.

Asipeli Fine took out the Coaches Award. He made some very good reads on the front foot defensively and again made some telling carries at important moments of the game. Other big contributors were Brendan Santi, Kurtis Rowe and Mosese Fotuaika.

On the whole I was extremely pleased with everyone’s effort.

This week we have a short week to prepare for the Bulldogs.

In my opinion they are the best side we have played this year. They are massive across the park. We are going to have to improve to win the game but I believe we have it in us. I think we learnt a fair bit about them and us in our 22-16 defeat against them last time around.

 

[Guest]

Todd's Blog: Time to step up

Wednesday 22 August 2012 11:42 AM
Todd's Blog: Time to step up

Under 20s Coach Todd Payten was not happy with his team’s performance last week but said that the side can take a lot of confidence from the final 20 minutes of the match. In his weekly blog, Payten also says that it’s an exciting time of the season with the semi-finals not far away. Read more below.

Last Friday night’s result was not what we wanted. We didn’t play that well and it wasn’t until the last 20minutes of the game that we started to stick to our game plan.

It almost got us over the line which gave the guys a lot of belief that if they can get things together for the full 80, we can beat this Bulldogs outfit.

They are definitely the benchmark of the competition. They don’t intimidate us but their size does get them out of trouble a bit. Hopefully we get the chance to play them again.

We were never in the hunt until the final quarter of the game. We pushed passes and kept putting ourselves under pressure.

We finally started to play the way I know we can. We kept to our structures and really came home with a wet sail.

Unfortunately things didn’t quite pan out and we ended up on the wrong side of the ledger but the fact we saw them lose so much momentum at the back end of the game is a huge positive for us.

Special mention to Nathan Brown who won the Players’ Player and Coaches’ awards. It was his first game back from injury too.

I also have to give praise to Sitaleki Akaoula who spent most of the game filling in for us on the wing. Asipeli Fine was forced to leave the field early through illness and Sitaleki did a great job playing in a position he’s not really used to.

Mosese (Fotuaika) was again very strong.

This week will be another tough test for us but I believe we’re up to it. The Roosters man handled us last time and our forwards will need to muscle up to stop them from doing it again.

They have two agile and skilful front rowers in Kane Evans and Dylan Napa who we will need to contain. In our last meeting, the pair of them ran more metres than our entire forward pack.

We must all work together as a unit and cannot afford to sit on our heels when we’re in defence.

We must have intent and really hit with our shoulders.

This is a game we must win to ensure we stay in the top four.

I know the boys will be up for it. It’s the business end of the year. Semi finals aren’t far away and with a few guys on their way back from injury, competition for places will be fierce.

I’m really pleased for Marika Koroibete who was selected in the Toyota Cup Team of the Year. He’s a good kid who can really play footy. After what he’s had to endure to get to where he is, it’s a great reward for him. Unfortunately for me, I think his 20s career is over. There’s no doubt that he’s a first grader now.

 

[Guest]

Todd’s Blog: The last 25 rounds count for nothing

Wednesday 29 August 2012 3:54 PM
Todd’s Blog: The last 25 rounds count for nothing

Under 20s Coach Todd Payten tells us what a crucial time of the year it is for his side. The team need to make it count as they might not get the opportunity again. In his weekly blog, Payten also stressed the importance of each individual performance. Read more below.

I was pretty disappointed with the outcome on the weekend considering it was a vital game for our top four aspirations.

We got off to a terrible start with only three completed sets from seven. We also gave away four straight penalties.

Some were harsh but we were unable to deal with it. The most disappointing thing was the manner in which they were able to score. Soft! Not a word I like to use but honestly we were just that.

At 18 nil down we fought hard to get back into the game and I thought we were the much better side for the 20 minutes either side of half time. We just couldn't come up with the right option and some very poor kicking killed what chance we had.

The last 10-15 minutes again were disappointing as they were able to convert field position into points too easily.

I thought our forwards really stood up together. Their aggression and intent is what we need for the rest of the year.

Nathan Brown took out the Coaches’ Award. His enthusiasm and impact off the bench has been awesome. He runs hard in attack and gets off the line in defence.

Mosese Fotuaika received the Players’ Player Award. Mosese has been a cornerstone over the last six to seven weeks. He’s become our forwards’ leader. While he mightn’t say much he leads by his actions and the guys enjoy playing with him.

After the game the guys were very disappointed. We spoke a little about the game. I also spoke about the opportunity we had as a group.

We have worked so hard to get to where we are today.

In my 16 years as a footballer, I qualified for the semis only seven times and could only play in four due to injury. I was lucky enough to play in a winning grand final but also missed playing in another due to injury.

The thing that burns me the most in retirement are those years when we had the chance to take out the title.

We now have that opportunity as a group.

Although we took a thumping on the scoreboard we were the better side for large periods of the game and can take confidence out of it.

Some of my best times as a footy player were playing as an 18-19 year old with my mates.

On Sunday, we made a pact to prepare the best we can so we can play well for the rest of our time together. Some of the boys even spoke about what it meant to them to play together.

We have a reasonably healthy squad and it is an important time of the year. From here on in the side will be picked based on performance.

The last 25 rounds account for nothing. The guys know this and you might notice some changes to our team this week. Some big, some minor.

Some would think themselves hard done by or unlucky but that's my role as coach.

Everyone knows where they stand so it's now up to the individual.

 

[Guest]

Todd’s Blog: We are all excited about what lies ahead

Tuesday 4 September 2012 5:08 PM
Todd’s Blog: We are all excited about what lies ahead

Under 20s Coach Todd Payten said he was happy his team were able to sneak away with the win last week against the Storm. However he admits that there is a bigger challenge awaiting them this Friday at ANZ Stadium when they take on the minor premiers.

The Broncos beating the Panthers last Friday night was a great result for us. That meant if we won our match, we’d leap frog the Panthers into fourth position on the ladder.

I was pretty relieved to be able to sneak away with the game after getting to a healthy lead then the Storm fighting back and taking the lead midway through the second half. We were able to halt their momentum and come up with a nice play with seven minutes to go and hold on from there.

It is still a concern that we are surrendering such good leads.

In the first half we completed 19 from 22 sets and with a strong breeze at our backs, we spent large parts of the first half at their end of the park.

After the break they came out with more intensity just by willing to run harder and tackle harder. They grabbed the momentum of the game and with the wind behind them I thought we were in real trouble.

I was really pleased that we didn't panic. We kept in the game by completing our sets and capping it off with a strong kicking game by both of our halves.

We spoke after our loss to the Bunnies about how to wrestle the momentum back once it is lost. We chipped away and then Mosese Fotuaika came up with a great shot in defence to force the error close to their line. We capitalised from there with a super catch from a kick by David Nofoaluma who still had plenty of work to do in getting over the line.

Another pleasing aspect for me was our discipline. We won the penalty count 8-5.

I thought all the boys ripped in and worked hard but our standouts were Kurtis Rowe, Suaso Sue and Kyle Lovett.

Kurtis was back at the more familiar role of fullback. His work rate was very good and his speed and strength really worried the opposition. He created a few opportunities for us.

Both front rowers were good too. I was impressed with Suaso after having two weeks out of the team. He ran hard and got off the line to hunt their halves with good effectiveness.

Kyle’s work rate was high and all quality. He made 35 tackles and had no misses. He also rolled his sleeves up in our end and used his skill on their tryline.

Matty Mulcahy also did some good things at five eighth. He has great touch on his kicks and should feel more comfortable for the run.

We play the Dogs on Friday night. We have had two small losses to them in the regular season. The encouraging thing is we had chances to win both games.

We are all excited about what lies ahead. No doubt we have to play better but the guys are bouncing at training.

We have a short week to prepare for the match and I think that will work in our favour.

The game will roll around quick so the guys won’t have too much time to think about it and the occasion.