TODD'S BLOG

[Guest]

Todd’s Blog: Praise the boys from Mullumbimby

Wednesday 12 September 2012 5:31 PM
Todd’s Blog: Praise the boys from Mullumbimby

Under 20s Coach Todd Payten was delighted with his team’s win over minor premiers the Bulldogs last Friday night. In his weekly blog he praises his two halves Jacob Miller and Matt Mulcahy who both hail from Mullumbimby, a town in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW. He explained that there is still a lot of hard work to be done ahead of next week’s Grand Final qualifier. Read the rest of his weekly blog below.

What lies ahead? A hard fought win has earned us a week off and we will now play the winner of the Roosters v Warriors game for a spot in a Grand Final.
I was very excited with the result in a match that really was a game of two halves.

The Dogs had all the field position early and as a result, they got out to a 10 nil lead. I thought we folded a little after they scored first and from there we were really treading water and holding on at times. I must say we did scramble well but we need to be more resilient in the coming weeks if we don’t get the start that we desire.

We did have a couple of chances but were unable to capitalise. However we did receive some good fortune just before half time when Marika Koroibete picked up a deflected kick and ran about 85 metres which got us on the board right on the siren.

I had a list a mile long of the things that I wanted them to do better but that was pointless if we didn’t show more energy when we had the ball.

We had no one pushing up and supporting each other so we were getting dominated in the ruck.

When they had the ball they ran with more vigour and had people pushing up around them so we were unable to get numbers into the tackle therefore they were rolling through us. I thought our discipline, ability to scramble and Jacob Miller’s kicking game kept us in the game up until halftime.

After the break we started a little slow but we slowly started to build some confidence.

Things started to happen for us when Matty Mulcahy sliced through the middle of the ruck from a succession of quick play the balls and Benny Saunders’ ability to hold their markers up. From there we had a lot more spark and energy across the park.

We started winning the battle through the middle of the field and again Matty went over near the right corner after taking the line on at speed and with options.

Best for us were the two halves from Mullumbimby. Jacob got the Coaches’ Award and Matty took out the Players’ Player.

Jacob’s kicking game and leadership was first class and Matty got us back into the game with some blinding speed. When he takes the line on at speed he is very dangerous. He should gain a lot of confidence out of the weekend and I can see at training he is finding his voice on the park and becoming pretty cheeky like all good halves.

Another strong contributor was Asipeli Fine who was brilliant in the air and defended pretty soundly.

Marika Koroibete was always a handful. He rolled his sleeves up and helped the middle men out by taking the ball up field with some strong hit ups.
Sauaso Sue also led from the front in his best game for the year. He ran hard and took the line forward in defence.

This week at training will be pretty intense. It is a good chance for us to get some time out on the park and fine tune a few things I know we need to work on and improve.

We will end the week with a session on Saturday and then get together in the evening to watch the Warriors and Roosters bash each other over a meal!

Our next match will be the Grand Final qualifier against the winner of the Warriors/Roosters match on Friday 21 September at AAMI Park from 5.15pm

 

[Roar-ing_Forties]

Todd’s Blog: Praise the boys from Mullumbimby

Wednesday 12 September 2012 5:31 PM
Todd’s Blog: Praise the boys from Mullumbimby

Under 20s Coach Todd Payten was delighted with his team’s win over minor premiers the Bulldogs last Friday night. In his weekly blog he praises his two halves Jacob Miller and Matt Mulcahy who both hail from Mullumbimby, a town in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW. He explained that there is still a lot of hard work to be done ahead of next week’s Grand Final qualifier. Read the rest of his weekly blog below.

What lies ahead? A hard fought win has earned us a week off and we will now play the winner of the Roosters v Warriors game for a spot in a Grand Final.
I was very excited with the result in a match that really was a game of two halves.

The Dogs had all the field position early and as a result, they got out to a 10 nil lead. I thought we folded a little after they scored first and from there we were really treading water and holding on at times. I must say we did scramble well but we need to be more resilient in the coming weeks if we don’t get the start that we desire.

We did have a couple of chances but were unable to capitalise. However we did receive some good fortune just before half time when Marika Koroibete picked up a deflected kick and ran about 85 metres which got us on the board right on the siren.

I had a list a mile long of the things that I wanted them to do better but that was pointless if we didn’t show more energy when we had the ball.

We had no one pushing up and supporting each other so we were getting dominated in the ruck.

When they had the ball they ran with more vigour and had people pushing up around them so we were unable to get numbers into the tackle therefore they were rolling through us. I thought our discipline, ability to scramble and Jacob Miller’s kicking game kept us in the game up until halftime.

After the break we started a little slow but we slowly started to build some confidence.

Things started to happen for us when Matty Mulcahy sliced through the middle of the ruck from a succession of quick play the balls and Benny Saunders’ ability to hold their markers up. From there we had a lot more spark and energy across the park.

We started winning the battle through the middle of the field and again Matty went over near the right corner after taking the line on at speed and with options.

Best for us were the two halves from Mullumbimby. Jacob got the Coaches’ Award and Matty took out the Players’ Player.

Jacob’s kicking game and leadership was first class and Matty got us back into the game with some blinding speed. When he takes the line on at speed he is very dangerous. He should gain a lot of confidence out of the weekend and I can see at training he is finding his voice on the park and becoming pretty cheeky like all good halves.

Another strong contributor was Asipeli Fine who was brilliant in the air and defended pretty soundly.

Marika Koroibete was always a handful. He rolled his sleeves up and helped the middle men out by taking the ball up field with some strong hit ups.
Sauaso Sue also led from the front in his best game for the year. He ran hard and took the line forward in defence.

This week at training will be pretty intense. It is a good chance for us to get some time out on the park and fine tune a few things I know we need to work on and improve.

We will end the week with a session on Saturday and then get together in the evening to watch the Warriors and Roosters bash each other over a meal!

Our next match will be the Grand Final qualifier against the winner of the Warriors/Roosters match on Friday 21 September at AAMI Park from 5.15pm

go the Mullum boys.
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_Posted using RoarFEED 2012_

 

[TigerCrib]

Todd’s Blog: Praise the boys from Mullumbimby

Wednesday 12 September 2012 5:31 PM
Todd’s Blog: Praise the boys from Mullumbimby

Under 20s Coach Todd Payten was delighted with his team’s win over minor premiers the Bulldogs last Friday night. In his weekly blog he praises his two halves Jacob Miller and Matt Mulcahy who both hail from Mullumbimby, a town in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW. He explained that there is still a lot of hard work to be done ahead of next week’s Grand Final qualifier. Read the rest of his weekly blog below.

What lies ahead? A hard fought win has earned us a week off and we will now play the winner of the Roosters v Warriors game for a spot in a Grand Final.
I was very excited with the result in a match that really was a game of two halves.

The Dogs had all the field position early and as a result, they got out to a 10 nil lead. I thought we folded a little after they scored first and from there we were really treading water and holding on at times. I must say we did scramble well but we need to be more resilient in the coming weeks if we don’t get the start that we desire.

We did have a couple of chances but were unable to capitalise. However we did receive some good fortune just before half time when Marika Koroibete picked up a deflected kick and ran about 85 metres which got us on the board right on the siren.

I had a list a mile long of the things that I wanted them to do better but that was pointless if we didn’t show more energy when we had the ball.

We had no one pushing up and supporting each other so we were getting dominated in the ruck.

When they had the ball they ran with more vigour and had people pushing up around them so we were unable to get numbers into the tackle therefore they were rolling through us. I thought our discipline, ability to scramble and Jacob Miller’s kicking game kept us in the game up until halftime.

After the break we started a little slow but we slowly started to build some confidence.

Things started to happen for us when Matty Mulcahy sliced through the middle of the ruck from a succession of quick play the balls and Benny Saunders’ ability to hold their markers up. From there we had a lot more spark and energy across the park.

We started winning the battle through the middle of the field and again Matty went over near the right corner after taking the line on at speed and with options.

Best for us were the two halves from Mullumbimby. Jacob got the Coaches’ Award and Matty took out the Players’ Player.

Jacob’s kicking game and leadership was first class and Matty got us back into the game with some blinding speed. When he takes the line on at speed he is very dangerous. He should gain a lot of confidence out of the weekend and I can see at training he is finding his voice on the park and becoming pretty cheeky like all good halves.

Another strong contributor was Asipeli Fine who was brilliant in the air and defended pretty soundly.

Marika Koroibete was always a handful. He rolled his sleeves up and helped the middle men out by taking the ball up field with some strong hit ups.
Sauaso Sue also led from the front in his best game for the year. He ran hard and took the line forward in defence.

This week at training will be pretty intense. It is a good chance for us to get some time out on the park and fine tune a few things I know we need to work on and improve.

We will end the week with a session on Saturday and then get together in the evening to watch the Warriors and Roosters bash each other over a meal!

Our next match will be the Grand Final qualifier against the winner of the Warriors/Roosters match on Friday 21 September at AAMI Park from 5.15pm

Really?? Millers kicking game was first class?!!! His 5th tackle options were terrible! Time and time again he came up with the wrong option at the end of their sets! And on a couple of occasions it really hurt us!! Lucky for us we had Matt M to stand up and attack the line!!
Miller needs to be made more accountable rather than rewarded!

Agree Matt M to be awarded the players award but Miller getting the coaches award? Please, there were much better performances out there that deserved to be rewarded for their performance!!
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_Posted using RoarFEED 2012_

 

[Guest]

Todd’s Blog: A lot of the time these games are won by who wants it more

Wednesday 19 September 2012 9:04 AM
Todd’s Blog: A lot of the time these games are won by who wants it more

Under 20s Coach Todd Payten and his team are just one win away from a Grand Final. Standing in their way is the Sydney Roosters who have beaten Wests Tigers on both occasions this year. Payten still remains confident in his chargers and says that the game might be won by the team who wants it more than their opposition. Read his weekly blog below.

It all comes to a head on Saturday at 3:05\. We have a chance to win a place in the Grand Final.

We are up against a side with good momentum that has beaten us convincingly in two matches throughout the regular season.

I thought they defended pretty well in the game against the Warriors although they didn’t throw a great deal at them.

The Warriors had the majority of the ball and field position and the Roosters were able to withstand that and come home the stronger.

In order for us to win we have to contain their front rowers, Kane Evans and Dylan Napa, who laid a strong platform for the rest of the team to work from.
Both guys are big, skilful and confrontational. They ran for a combined 370m in their last match which was a 100m more than the rest of the forwards in their side put together.

They also possess smart halves and a terrific fullback in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who has first grade experience. He also has had a big influence in their last two finals matches.

In saying all that I am confident that our guys are ready for what lies ahead.
Although we started and finished poorly in the last game against them we can take confidence out of the fact that we were more physically dominant than them in the middle part of the game. Unfortunately we just couldn’t convert that into points.

We have been sharp and enthusiastic at training over the last week and a bit as you’d expect.

Everyone’s excited.

We need to start better on Saturday afternoon. Control the ball, have good discipline and a strong kicking game and we’ll be right in it.

We need 17 contributors who are willing to work their backsides off pushing each other along.

A lot of the time these games are won by who wants it more.

 

[Guest]

Todd’s Blog: Grand final week!

Wednesday 26 September 2012 3:28 PM
Todd’s Blog: Grand final week!

Our Under 20s team, coached by Todd Payten, is in this Sunday’s NYC Grand Final. In his weekly blog, Payten said that his team has definitely exceeded his own expectations from the start of the season. He also recalls his own experiences from Grand Final week in 2005\. Read more below.

I had grand expectations at the start of the year but if anyone had told me the first day on the job while nervously waiting to address the boys for the first time that we would play in the Grand Final I almost would’ve laughed in their face!

The guys deserve their spot. We have had some ups and downs throughout the year as most sides do. We were able to cash in on our early year form and hold together for the period just after origin finished and cement a top four spot.

We have put two reasonable semi finals together earning the right to play for the title. While it is a fair achievement to make it we are determined to play together and take it out. There is no doubt that we are going to be at or very near our best to beat the Raiders.

I knew in the very first set when we played the Roosters last week that we were a great chance to move into the decider.

The line speed, contact and domination of their forward pack set the tone for most of the game.

You could see by the way the boys reacted after the siren what it meant to them.

Everyone stood up for us. Marika Koroibete took out the Players’ Player. His efforts in yardage by both he and David Nofoaluma got us on the front foot. They are like two extra forwards.

Jacob Miller got the Coaches’ Award. He led the side around well. His vision and kicking game was first class.

I thought as a forward pack our boys were dominant. Joel Luani and Kyle Lovett’s defensive workload was big and all quality. Nathan Brown and Suaso Sue were terrific up front while Soni Paasi had his best game for us off the bench.

We have spoken about the week ahead as a group. There is a lot going on and it can be a distraction if you let it. That along with the excitement amongst everyone means that the week will fly by.

We spoke about how we were going to approach it. My advice was to take it all in and enjoy the occasion. While it is a big occasion try not to play the game in your head throughout the week and be exhausted by the time the game comes around.

During 2005 I tore my hamstring at training on Tuesday and was so self absorbed from then until the game with treatment, ice, doctor’s appointments and hyper barrack chambers.

I didn’t know if I’d be right but I didn’t want to let the my team-mates down at the same time.

Looking back at the week, I cannot remember much and that is a regret of mine. It was the best and worst week of my football in my career.

The Raiders also deserve to be there Sunday. They play an attractive brand of football, constantly asking questions of the opposition.

That said, come Sunday, I am confident we will be ready.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the support we have received from everyone.

For me the best thing about this time of year is seeing how much it means to the people around you. It really has been an enjoyable ride up until this point and I’m looking forward to experiencing some more excitement on Sunday!

Hope to see you there!

 

[TigerCrib]

Todd’s Blog: Grand final week!

Wednesday 26 September 2012 3:28 PM
Todd’s Blog: Grand final week!

Our Under 20s team, coached by Todd Payten, is in this Sunday’s NYC Grand Final. In his weekly blog, Payten said that his team has definitely exceeded his own expectations from the start of the season. He also recalls his own experiences from Grand Final week in 2005\. Read more below.

I had grand expectations at the start of the year but if anyone had told me the first day on the job while nervously waiting to address the boys for the first time that we would play in the Grand Final I almost would’ve laughed in their face!

The guys deserve their spot. We have had some ups and downs throughout the year as most sides do. We were able to cash in on our early year form and hold together for the period just after origin finished and cement a top four spot.

We have put two reasonable semi finals together earning the right to play for the title. While it is a fair achievement to make it we are determined to play together and take it out. There is no doubt that we are going to be at or very near our best to beat the Raiders.

I knew in the very first set when we played the Roosters last week that we were a great chance to move into the decider.

The line speed, contact and domination of their forward pack set the tone for most of the game.

You could see by the way the boys reacted after the siren what it meant to them.

Everyone stood up for us. Marika Koroibete took out the Players’ Player. His efforts in yardage by both he and David Nofoaluma got us on the front foot. They are like two extra forwards.

**Jacob Miller got the Coaches’ Award.** He led the side around well. His vision and kicking game was first class.

I thought as a forward pack our boys were dominant. Joel Luani and Kyle Lovett’s defensive workload was big and all quality. Nathan Brown and Suaso Sue were terrific up front while Soni Paasi had his best game for us off the bench.

We have spoken about the week ahead as a group. There is a lot going on and it can be a distraction if you let it. That along with the excitement amongst everyone means that the week will fly by.

We spoke about how we were going to approach it. My advice was to take it all in and enjoy the occasion. While it is a big occasion try not to play the game in your head throughout the week and be exhausted by the time the game comes around.

During 2005 I tore my hamstring at training on Tuesday and was so self absorbed from then until the game with treatment, ice, doctor’s appointments and hyper barrack chambers.

I didn’t know if I’d be right but I didn’t want to let the my team-mates down at the same time.

Looking back at the week, I cannot remember much and that is a regret of mine. It was the best and worst week of my football in my career.

The Raiders also deserve to be there Sunday. They play an attractive brand of football, constantly asking questions of the opposition.

That said, come Sunday, I am confident we will be ready.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the support we have received from everyone.

For me the best thing about this time of year is seeing how much it means to the people around you. It really has been an enjoyable ride up until this point and I’m looking forward to experiencing some more excitement on Sunday!

Hope to see you there!

Jacob Miller got the Coaches’ Award…..... AGAIN? Really? This guy could get the Coaches' Award sitting on the bench!! There is no doubt that if Marika Koroibete took out the Players’ Player Award, the Coaches' Award had to go to David Nofoaluma!! And if there were more awards to be handed out Joel Luani, Kyle Lovett, Nathan Brown and Suaso Sue deserved an accolade before Miller! Not doubting his skills as a player and a captain and I will happily give credit when its due..... but Nofoaluma, you were ripped off this week boy!!

 

[hammertime]

Geez payten talks like a Quality coach. Perfect balance of optimisim and reality. I can't believe he spent all those years under sheens.

 

[tiga4eva]

Geez payten talks like a Quality coach. Perfect balance of optimisim and reality. I can't believe he spent all those years under sheens.

Hahahahahaha. Don't talk too soon Hammer, if Miller pulls a hammy, Marika to half, Santi to wing, Luani to 5/8.
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[TigerCrib]

Geez payten talks like a Quality coach. Perfect balance of optimisim and reality. I can't believe he spent all those years under sheens.

Hahahahahaha. Don't talk too soon Hammer, if Miller pulls a hammy, Marika to half, Santi to wing, Luani to 5/8.
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_Posted using RoarFEED 2012_

And that's what happens when you don't field a bench to cover all positions!! Seems like Payten picked up more from Sheensy than we thought! Lol
Really though, with the amount of speedsters Canberra have across the park, why would you line up a team full of big men like we did against the roosters and the dogs? What harm would it be to put the likes of Rudolph or someone similar on the bench to cover any possible injuries?
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_Posted using RoarFEED 2012_

 

[Guest]

Todd’s Blog: Winners are grinners

Wednesday 3 October 2012 2:14 PM
Todd’s Blog: Winners are grinners

In his final blog for 2012 before taking a well earned holiday, Wests Tigers NYC Coach Todd Payten talks about how winning the premiership on Sunday was such a special feeling.

Todd's Blog

Sunday was a very special day for everyone involved with our group. We definitely saved the best for last. I thought when it boiled down to it we just ran harder and tackled harder than the Raiders.

I’ll admit we didn't get off to the best of starts. If anything we were too wound up and they were able to break the line on a couple of occasions. The line breaks were caused by us trying to get off the line and give it to them without any communication which meant we were coming in on the wrong man at times.

We were able to hit back straight away from a rehearsed set piece which we haven’t been able to nail at training or a game since we introduced it half way through the year.

After that try we seemed to settle into the game better.

Our team goal was to go set for set with them. It was the same goal as the week before but for different reasons.

We knew the Roosters wouldn't be able to run with us for fitness but the Raiders were a different case altogether. They have played pretty football all year and don’t like getting in the arm wrestle or grind of the game as it is commonly known.

We also wanted to kick into their right corner so Edrick Lee could only carry out of the corner instead of them shifting along to him where he is a lot more dangerous.

Our right edge in Joel Luani, Matt Mulcahy, Brodie Monroe and David Nofoaluma worked well together and handled everything that came their way.

There is no doubt our forwards were head and shoulders better than their pack. They worked together well and played smart.

We wanted to get their bigger men making repeat efforts and making decisions with people in motion coming at them. All of this can only work well if they run hard and push up with each other.

Sauaso Sue took out our Players’ Player. Sitaleki Akauola did some really good things when he came on, as did Soni Paasi. Brendan Santi was his usual tireless self.

Our starting front rowers were also terrific. They set the platform for the rest of the team to play off. They led by example by just running hard and out played their counterparts.

Matty Mulcahy really came of age. I wanted to take some responsibility off Milky’s (Jacob Miller) shoulders with his kicking game and have been at him to take the line on with more speed and you saw the results of that happening.

After the match we celebrated at Ashfield Leagues Club with our friends and family. It was a really good night.

The best part about football at this time of year is you see how much it means to the people around you. As a footballer you tend to be selfish with your time and single minded with your preparation so it was good to see everyone relax and enjoy the company of our extended family.

Monday we had a staff lunch and a few more beverages before getting on a harbour cruise with all the guys for a few hours to have a bit more fun.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Members for their kind wishes and support throughout the year. I would also like to thank the boys for what was a really enjoyable year.

We deserved what we got in the end. I know we got the balance right between having fun and working hard.

It certainly is more enjoyable winning but I could tell the guys cared about each other and were willing to go that little bit extra for the good of the group. I wish all of those guys that are graduating from the Toyota Cup the very best in their future endeavours.

For those guys that are still there, the bar is set high for next year and we are aiming for the title again.

 

[happy_tiger]

Question I meant to ask the other day

Noticed Shannon Boyd's name on the unsigned list for 2013 on zerotackle

That couldn't be possible could it

 

[Spartan117]

Well Done Todd and the Team.

Lets Lock in Miller and the youngsters asap