Versatility.....

[TrueTiger]

After seeing the result of the trial game last night and JT saying that we are not buying players this year,I think and this is only my opinion that we have much more versatility in our playing group than what we may think….

Now before anybody flies off the handle at me just let me say,that I reckon some of the younger guys are quite capable of playing different positions competently ...For example J.Drinkwater can play six or seven,Moltzen when fit could play six seven F/B ,Teddy F/B centre, these are just eg of the backs..in the forwards as some have said in earlier threads Marty can adapt to backrow and maybe lock,I said Ava could with good coaching play lock,these are just eg Iam giving so as you guys on the forum can give your ideas..Iam not looking for an arguement it is just my opinion and thoughts on the squad at hand..

the players in the squad seem to be very talented and could surprise in this next season with their versatility...

I will give you an example..years ago when I played in group Nine,my mate was playing prop and second row..they were the only positions he played..we were struck with a heap of injuries and the coach told my mate he wanted him to play lock...with coaching over that season and the following year my mate became an outstanding lock forward and did the job well he even got an award for best forward...the point I am making is these young guys are very talented and could easily adapt to different positions if need be,they are proffessionally coached..these are just my thoughts and things may be brighter than people think...

would anybody like to give some input and thoughts on versatility in our playing group???

could we remain civil within this subject please,we have already upset Willow once this week....

 

[cqtiger]

I don't know what the issue is with players playing out of position. It's not a modern phenomenon, been happening since day dot. Some succeed, some fail.

Artie Beetson started in the backline and became one of the best front rowers ever to quote just one example. Body shape and speed (or loss of) plays a part, too.

I know that some on here have suggested Sue or Taupau playing lock. Listening to a bit of the radio on last nights game I am sure they said that taupau was playing lock and killing it.

Obviously team makeup (injuries) may force sudden change but I think listening to JT over the last few interviews, he seems to be playing people out of position deliberately during some of the trials. Good thinking, it will show those who adapt and fit better.

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[Russell]

TT I think you are talking a lot of sense. Apart from the obvious no no - most of the players we have can play at least one other position maybe two. Unless they are a Thurston etc. maybe they should be let go. It is just part of the game these days IMO.

Apart from maybe Keiffy I think just about all the other players can switch to another position in an emergency and probably play quite well.

In the backs as you say, Teddy can play centre, most FBs can also play 5/8\. In reverse for Moses plus half and at a pinch probably centre. I think Brooks is probably only a half and Drinkwater can play both half positions, Apart from Lawrence - the wingers can play centre and centres can play wing. Richards maybe at FB and Moltzen if he ever plays again can play just about all backline positions.

So there is quite a bit of back up - don't think we will have to revisit the second row playing in the backs again. No one is saying they are going to be a superstar changing position out of necessity but they'll get us out of trouble.

Good Post TT - agree with what you are thinking. I'm sure we will both get shot down now or Lawrence will get it in the neck.

 

[fergiefurr]

JT was trialling a few things last night. Taupau started at lock. Sironen and akauloa had a quarter each at 5/8\. Lovett and Lamar finished the game in the centers. These are probably worst case scenarios but it's good to try them out in the trials.

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[bonstonker]

you have to have some versatility,injuries happen during the game that you have to play someone out of position.
if you have clear structure in your team it really shouldn't be that big of a deal.

it's why sheens struggled with injury replacements.he relied on individual brilliance and not structure.

 

[Geo]

Agree with Bon and TT any Squad needs versatility …

The problem lies for an individual player Akaoula for example has the makings of a very effective backrower IMO yet has been asked to play Centre Wing in FG and now by the looks playing some 5/8...it runs the risk of the player becoming a jack of all trades master of none....unable to settle in the one position for any length of time we have seen this with Moltz...

P.S. Willow wasn't upset...

 

[TrueTiger]

Geo, thank you Im glad we didnt upset Willow you mods do a great job…as far as the trial went I think we can all be a bit more confident coming into round one...

 

[TrueTiger]

Geo,I agree with your summation re different positions,however JT may be familiarising him in these positions just to give him an added depth player in case of a heap of injuries{hope none}….

 

[Snapper]

agree to a certain degree. Some players develop ball skills or techniques, size, they simply grow out of their position.

Eg: I fullback is the best apprenticeship for a halfback I believe. ( Benji Marshall)

Versatility is a great thing and is very important.
But there is a line you should not cross and I believe Tim sheens have had crossed that line many times.

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[TrueTiger]

Snap,I agree with some of your view in regards to Sheens e.g. playing Fulton and Lawrence at 5/8 or Robbie at half….
Having said that I think he wanted to play his contracted fg players rather than look to depth.
Potter could only play the positional changes because of lack of depth and players left to pick from in regards to salary cap issues and his hands were tied as well...
JT on the other hand has an abundance of youth that are very much talented and are chomping at the bit to get a FG run.he is in a much better situation than his predecessor..hopefully this year we won't be decimated with injuries and the youth and other players can show the NRL that the Tigers are a force to reckon with.....it will be up to the individuals to perform to a high standard and fight for a spot in whatever position JT finds suitable to each player..once again and this is only my opinion,we are on the cusp of success how JT plays his cards will depend on how this pool of talent adapts to the intense NRL arena.......cheers...

 

[happy_tiger]

Successful teams don't need much versatility

Look at Melbourne in the past , every player in the club knew their role if they were ever called up to the NRL side and they were always competitive

We should be able to lose a left centre , and bring a left centre in who knows exactly what to expect and what his role is

When injuries happen on field , its just a matter of getting through as best as possible , when you start picking sides worrying about who is going to get injured game day you are screwed before you start

 

[cqtiger]

Successful teams don't need much versatility

Look at Melbourne in the past , every player in the club knew their role if they were ever called up to the NRL side and they were always competitive

We should be able to lose a left centre , and bring a left centre in who knows exactly what to expect and what his role is

When injuries happen on field , its just a matter of getting through as best as possible , when you start picking sides worrying about who is going to get injured game day you are screwed before you start

All I can say Hap is successful teams usually have the least injuries these days. Your top 25 covers your cap so everything maybe ok if there is an even amount of injuries to backs and forwards in your top 25.

I'm hoping that our new S & C team can help us get lucky with injuries lol

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