Why don’t our forwards go forward?

[twentyforty]

That first 25 minutes against Souths was embarrassing. What the heck is going on with our starting forwards? It was the exact same in the previous game against Manly. It's like our middle-third doesn't even exist at the start of games. We're not really missing tackles, but our defenders are being dragged miles.

Until McIntyre and Eisenhuth came on, we were leaking like a sieve. Simply not good enough from Aloiai and Mikaele.

I was having a closer look during that game and noticed so many times our 2nd man in simply isn't in an effective position to help complete the tackle. The first defensive hit is normally ineffective from either a weak, tired or "uncommitted" defender, the 2nd man in either half tackles our own player, has to re-adjust or a 3rd has to come in and hit the legs which gives the attack more post contact metres. Our defense just looks disjointed and like I've said before, it's because we hang back and wait in defense. We need to be dominate and up in their faces, this will allow us to have some control in how the tackle is completed and slow the attack down. We just seem so scrambled and weak in defense.

The problem is, we've already tried that approach and got absolutely hammered!

Interesting, your right we have. It’s not possible to compete that way for 80mins.
It’s about being smart with it.
Against us Penrith weren’t rushing up per say but moving as one and holding a solid line. We went with them for about the first 40-50mins of the game. Then after their 3rd try I think. They had a defensive set against us where we made 20ms. Once then they finally sat us back down. So to speak. That aggressive set, solidify’d the game for them.
Penrith against the Eels both packs were going set to set but the Panthers pack were playing conservatively at first. People mention stats and then talk Tamou and what he does, doesn’t do.
What he did in his first stint was make sure no player got on top of him when defending. He has an ability to hold the runner half from the ground and force them on their side when completing the tackle.
With us I find our forwards continually shift their feet trying to position themselves in the tackle. What we really need to do is stop our movement once we get a good grab and fall to help the defender down. Walking backwards 2-3m doesn’t help. Unfortunately we aren’t doing this because we are trying to slow the play the ball up by getting the player on the back.
I don’t know who to blame in the coaching staff for this but our defensive style is not effective for the size, stamina and strength of our forward pack. And injection of Tamou and a fit and commited Packer fixes this.
Both start for mine next year.

The Eels got hammered last night. Couldn’t make any meters. This was due as you say panthers moving up in one line. However, their tactic of very enthusiastic marker defence did most of the damage. They hit everything that moved, consequently, their line was always intact. In some clubs the markers have a breather unless a ball carrier runs into them. Gets demoralising after a while if your ball runners are getting picked off by markers and lucky to make 3 meters.

 

[Russell]

We have NO line speed, as someone said probably because we got pinged so much they don't try.

The line, as has been said, needs to stay the ten, but move quickly as a line to meet the ball. At this stage they just walk a step and let the opposition come to them. Usually that is a guaranteed ten metres and then at least five metres post contact (x 5 = 75 metres).

This is the main thing to be addressed, then stopping the off load and putting the ball player on t he deck on h is back.

We when attacking need good quick accurate passing from DH (Little delivers this) and good leg pumping when the line is met, staying on your front (rather than try for another metre and end up on your back), then a super quick PTB.

Lastly, not so high kicks to the corners but finding the grass, make the back three pick the ball up (especially on dewy surfaces) whilst you have at least two players in the chase putting pressure on.

Not rocket science but would be a very effective way to go and a great improvement on what we are doing.

 

[Needaname]

That first 25 minutes against Souths was embarrassing. What the heck is going on with our starting forwards? It was the exact same in the previous game against Manly. It's like our middle-third doesn't even exist at the start of games. We're not really missing tackles, but our defenders are being dragged miles.

Until McIntyre and Eisenhuth came on, we were leaking like a sieve. Simply not good enough from Aloiai and Mikaele.

I was having a closer look during that game and noticed so many times our 2nd man in simply isn't in an effective position to help complete the tackle. The first defensive hit is normally ineffective from either a weak, tired or "uncommitted" defender, the 2nd man in either half tackles our own player, has to re-adjust or a 3rd has to come in and hit the legs which gives the attack more post contact metres. Our defense just looks disjointed and like I've said before, it's because we hang back and wait in defense. We need to be dominate and up in their faces, this will allow us to have some control in how the tackle is completed and slow the attack down. We just seem so scrambled and weak in defense.

The problem is, we've already tried that approach and got absolutely hammered!

Interesting, your right we have. It’s not possible to compete that way for 80mins.
It’s about being smart with it.
Against us Penrith weren’t rushing up per say but moving as one and holding a solid line. We went with them for about the first 40-50mins of the game. Then after their 3rd try I think. They had a defensive set against us where we made 20ms. Once then they finally sat us back down. So to speak. That aggressive set, solidify’d the game for them.
Penrith against the Eels both packs were going set to set but the Panthers pack were playing conservatively at first. People mention stats and then talk Tamou and what he does, doesn’t do.
What he did in his first stint was make sure no player got on top of him when defending. He has an ability to hold the runner half from the ground and force them on their side when completing the tackle.
With us I find our forwards continually shift their feet trying to position themselves in the tackle. What we really need to do is stop our movement once we get a good grab and fall to help the defender down. Walking backwards 2-3m doesn’t help. Unfortunately we aren’t doing this because we are trying to slow the play the ball up by getting the player on the back.
I don’t know who to blame in the coaching staff for this but our defensive style is not effective for the size, stamina and strength of our forward pack. And injection of Tamou and a fit and commited Packer fixes this.
Both start for mine next year.


The Eels got hammered last night. Couldn’t make any meters. This was due as you say panthers moving up in one line. However, their tactic of very enthusiastic marker defence did most of the damage. They hit everything that moved, consequently, their line was always intact. In some clubs the markers have a breather unless a ball carrier runs into them. Gets demoralising after a while if your ball runners are getting picked off by markers and lucky to make 3 meters.

Agree with this. Probably the first 20-30mins I thought the Eels were making decent yards. Most certainly I think the defence from both sides was pretty even.
The differences in body shapes as another has mentioned early really helps the panthers get an advantage in attack and forward momentum.

Yes our markers are lame. End of story there, serious work in positioning, keeping our feet, which way to chase, pressure etc. Lots to do in the off season.
Some go into marker for the chance for breather. Some go into market because they are one step closer to the action and able to put more pressure on the defence. When was the last time you someone other than Harry Grant make more than 2 consecutive tackles in our team?

 

[happy_tiger]

Then again with the 7 behind them it wouldnt matter ehere on the field we end up

Brooks kicking kicking game is about as scary as a wiggles song

 

[Russell]

That first 25 minutes against Souths was embarrassing. What the heck is going on with our starting forwards? It was the exact same in the previous game against Manly. It's like our middle-third doesn't even exist at the start of games. We're not really missing tackles, but our defenders are being dragged miles.

Until McIntyre and Eisenhuth came on, we were leaking like a sieve. Simply not good enough from Aloiai and Mikaele.

I was having a closer look during that game and noticed so many times our 2nd man in simply isn't in an effective position to help complete the tackle. The first defensive hit is normally ineffective from either a weak, tired or "uncommitted" defender, the 2nd man in either half tackles our own player, has to re-adjust or a 3rd has to come in and hit the legs which gives the attack more post contact metres. Our defense just looks disjointed and like I've said before, it's because we hang back and wait in defense. We need to be dominate and up in their faces, this will allow us to have some control in how the tackle is completed and slow the attack down. We just seem so scrambled and weak in defense.

The problem is, we've already tried that approach and got absolutely hammered!

Interesting, your right we have. It’s not possible to compete that way for 80mins.
It’s about being smart with it.
Against us Penrith weren’t rushing up per say but moving as one and holding a solid line. We went with them for about the first 40-50mins of the game. Then after their 3rd try I think. They had a defensive set against us where we made 20ms. Once then they finally sat us back down. So to speak. That aggressive set, solidify’d the game for them.
Penrith against the Eels both packs were going set to set but the Panthers pack were playing conservatively at first. People mention stats and then talk Tamou and what he does, doesn’t do.
What he did in his first stint was make sure no player got on top of him when defending. He has an ability to hold the runner half from the ground and force them on their side when completing the tackle.
With us I find our forwards continually shift their feet trying to position themselves in the tackle. What we really need to do is stop our movement once we get a good grab and fall to help the defender down. Walking backwards 2-3m doesn’t help. Unfortunately we aren’t doing this because we are trying to slow the play the ball up by getting the player on the back.
I don’t know who to blame in the coaching staff for this but our defensive style is not effective for the size, stamina and strength of our forward pack. And injection of Tamou and a fit and commited Packer fixes this.
Both start for mine next year.


The Eels got hammered last night. Couldn’t make any meters. This was due as you say panthers moving up in one line. However, their tactic of very enthusiastic marker defence did most of the damage. They hit everything that moved, consequently, their line was always intact. In some clubs the markers have a breather unless a ball carrier runs into them. Gets demoralising after a while if your ball runners are getting picked off by markers and lucky to make 3 meters.

Agree with this. Probably the first 20-30mins I thought the Eels were making decent yards. Most certainly I think the defence from both sides was pretty even.
The differences in body shapes as another has mentioned early really helps the panthers get an advantage in attack and forward momentum.

Yes our markers are lame. End of story there, serious work in positioning, keeping our feet, which way to chase, pressure etc. Lots to do in the off season.
Some go into marker for the chance for breather. Some go into market because they are one step closer to the action and able to put more pressure on the defence. When was the last time you someone other than Harry Grant make more than 2 consecutive tackles in our team?

McInyre against Souffs. Does it all the time.

 

[Needaname]

Then again with the 7 behind them it wouldnt matter ehere on the field we end up

Brooks kicking kicking game is about as scary as a wiggles song

Moses has a better boot and even he couldn’t get good field position with his kicks.
Execution is one part of it. But a good halves kicking game relies on a lot more than just the strike of a ball.

Different context. But similar in highlighting the difference between good and bad teams and positioning in general.

Watching Raiders v Roosters the other night when SBW came on. At one play he rushed up out of the line and chased the halfback about 5m across field. Bit of a rush of blood but there was a huge risk to the defensive line when he was doing this.
The inside ball didn’t cause much issue for the roosters because the players outside SBW held a straight line and the players inside SBW pushed across and covered the gap SBW left.

That exact change of pattern in our defensive line would of led to a try. But not the good teams.

 

[Needaname]

That first 25 minutes against Souths was embarrassing. What the heck is going on with our starting forwards? It was the exact same in the previous game against Manly. It's like our middle-third doesn't even exist at the start of games. We're not really missing tackles, but our defenders are being dragged miles.

Until McIntyre and Eisenhuth came on, we were leaking like a sieve. Simply not good enough from Aloiai and Mikaele.

I was having a closer look during that game and noticed so many times our 2nd man in simply isn't in an effective position to help complete the tackle. The first defensive hit is normally ineffective from either a weak, tired or "uncommitted" defender, the 2nd man in either half tackles our own player, has to re-adjust or a 3rd has to come in and hit the legs which gives the attack more post contact metres. Our defense just looks disjointed and like I've said before, it's because we hang back and wait in defense. We need to be dominate and up in their faces, this will allow us to have some control in how the tackle is completed and slow the attack down. We just seem so scrambled and weak in defense.

The problem is, we've already tried that approach and got absolutely hammered!

Interesting, your right we have. It’s not possible to compete that way for 80mins.
It’s about being smart with it.
Against us Penrith weren’t rushing up per say but moving as one and holding a solid line. We went with them for about the first 40-50mins of the game. Then after their 3rd try I think. They had a defensive set against us where we made 20ms. Once then they finally sat us back down. So to speak. That aggressive set, solidify’d the game for them.
Penrith against the Eels both packs were going set to set but the Panthers pack were playing conservatively at first. People mention stats and then talk Tamou and what he does, doesn’t do.
What he did in his first stint was make sure no player got on top of him when defending. He has an ability to hold the runner half from the ground and force them on their side when completing the tackle.
With us I find our forwards continually shift their feet trying to position themselves in the tackle. What we really need to do is stop our movement once we get a good grab and fall to help the defender down. Walking backwards 2-3m doesn’t help. Unfortunately we aren’t doing this because we are trying to slow the play the ball up by getting the player on the back.
I don’t know who to blame in the coaching staff for this but our defensive style is not effective for the size, stamina and strength of our forward pack. And injection of Tamou and a fit and commited Packer fixes this.
Both start for mine next year.


The Eels got hammered last night. Couldn’t make any meters. This was due as you say panthers moving up in one line. However, their tactic of very enthusiastic marker defence did most of the damage. They hit everything that moved, consequently, their line was always intact. In some clubs the markers have a breather unless a ball carrier runs into them. Gets demoralising after a while if your ball runners are getting picked off by markers and lucky to make 3 meters.

Agree with this. Probably the first 20-30mins I thought the Eels were making decent yards. Most certainly I think the defence from both sides was pretty even.
The differences in body shapes as another has mentioned early really helps the panthers get an advantage in attack and forward momentum.

Yes our markers are lame. End of story there, serious work in positioning, keeping our feet, which way to chase, pressure etc. Lots to do in the off season.
Some go into marker for the chance for breather. Some go into market because they are one step closer to the action and able to put more pressure on the defence. When was the last time you someone other than Harry Grant make more than 2 consecutive tackles in our team?

McInyre against Souffs. Does it all the time.

Ok. So the two most recent introductions to our team lead the defence on effort is that what your saying Russ?

 

[twentyforty]

Then again with the 7 behind them it wouldnt matter ehere on the field we end up

Brooks kicking kicking game is about as scary as a wiggles song

Moses has a better boot and even he couldn’t get good field position with his kicks.
Execution is one part of it. But a good halves kicking game relies on a lot more than just the strike of a ball.

Different context. But similar in highlighting the difference between good and bad teams and positioning in general.

Watching Raiders v Roosters the other night when SBW came on. At one play he rushed up out of the line and chased the halfback about 5m across field. Bit of a rush of blood but there was a huge risk to the defensive line when he was doing this.
The inside ball didn’t cause much issue for the roosters because the players outside SBW held a straight line and the players inside SBW pushed across and covered the gap SBW left.

That exact change of pattern in our defensive line would of led to a try. But not the good teams.

There are many advantages in having quick markers with a vincero attitude. Those two are the first line of defence. And another thing.. back in Andy Norvel’s day speed off the mark was an essential skill for every player. Yes wingers as well.

 

[Russell]

That first 25 minutes against Souths was embarrassing. What the heck is going on with our starting forwards? It was the exact same in the previous game against Manly. It's like our middle-third doesn't even exist at the start of games. We're not really missing tackles, but our defenders are being dragged miles.

Until McIntyre and Eisenhuth came on, we were leaking like a sieve. Simply not good enough from Aloiai and Mikaele.

I was having a closer look during that game and noticed so many times our 2nd man in simply isn't in an effective position to help complete the tackle. The first defensive hit is normally ineffective from either a weak, tired or "uncommitted" defender, the 2nd man in either half tackles our own player, has to re-adjust or a 3rd has to come in and hit the legs which gives the attack more post contact metres. Our defense just looks disjointed and like I've said before, it's because we hang back and wait in defense. We need to be dominate and up in their faces, this will allow us to have some control in how the tackle is completed and slow the attack down. We just seem so scrambled and weak in defense.

The problem is, we've already tried that approach and got absolutely hammered!

Interesting, your right we have. It’s not possible to compete that way for 80mins.
It’s about being smart with it.
Against us Penrith weren’t rushing up per say but moving as one and holding a solid line. We went with them for about the first 40-50mins of the game. Then after their 3rd try I think. They had a defensive set against us where we made 20ms. Once then they finally sat us back down. So to speak. That aggressive set, solidify’d the game for them.
Penrith against the Eels both packs were going set to set but the Panthers pack were playing conservatively at first. People mention stats and then talk Tamou and what he does, doesn’t do.
What he did in his first stint was make sure no player got on top of him when defending. He has an ability to hold the runner half from the ground and force them on their side when completing the tackle.
With us I find our forwards continually shift their feet trying to position themselves in the tackle. What we really need to do is stop our movement once we get a good grab and fall to help the defender down. Walking backwards 2-3m doesn’t help. Unfortunately we aren’t doing this because we are trying to slow the play the ball up by getting the player on the back.
I don’t know who to blame in the coaching staff for this but our defensive style is not effective for the size, stamina and strength of our forward pack. And injection of Tamou and a fit and commited Packer fixes this.
Both start for mine next year.


The Eels got hammered last night. Couldn’t make any meters. This was due as you say panthers moving up in one line. However, their tactic of very enthusiastic marker defence did most of the damage. They hit everything that moved, consequently, their line was always intact. In some clubs the markers have a breather unless a ball carrier runs into them. Gets demoralising after a while if your ball runners are getting picked off by markers and lucky to make 3 meters.

Agree with this. Probably the first 20-30mins I thought the Eels were making decent yards. Most certainly I think the defence from both sides was pretty even.
The differences in body shapes as another has mentioned early really helps the panthers get an advantage in attack and forward momentum.

Yes our markers are lame. End of story there, serious work in positioning, keeping our feet, which way to chase, pressure etc. Lots to do in the off season.
Some go into marker for the chance for breather. Some go into market because they are one step closer to the action and able to put more pressure on the defence. When was the last time you someone other than Harry Grant make more than 2 consecutive tackles in our team?

McInyre against Souffs. Does it all the time.

Ok. So the two most recent introductions to our team lead the defence on effort is that what your saying Russ?

You asked when was the last time someone other than Grant.

Just saying that McIntyre made more than 2 consecutive tackles.

I would also add Taylor in the Souffs game as well - he's not a recent introduction.

 

[Magpie1969]

We lack an enforcer like JWH. Hetherington must be signed for this role.

This is the pack we need.

Tamou (c)
Liddle
Musgrove
Blore
LL Cool J
McIntyre

Bench Big Boppers that keep the momentum going. Don't see the need to carry a hooker or back on the bench

Hetherington
Aloiai
Twal
Stefano

The others can be used for injury replacements.

 

[TheDaBoss]

We lack an enforcer like JWH. Hetherington must be signed for this role.

This is the pack we need.

Tamou (c)
Liddle
Musgrove
Blore
LL Cool J
McIntyre

Bench Big Boppers that keep the momentum going. Don't see the need to carry a hooker or back on the bench

Hetherington
Aloiai
Twal
Stefano

The others can be used for injury replacements.

Simpkin and liddle bench swap could be lethal

 

[Magpie1969]

We lack an enforcer like JWH. Hetherington must be signed for this role.

This is the pack we need.

Tamou (c)
Liddle
Musgrove
Blore
LL Cool J
McIntyre

Bench Big Boppers that keep the momentum going. Don't see the need to carry a hooker or back on the bench

Hetherington
Aloiai
Twal
Stefano

The others can be used for injury replacements.

Simpkin and liddle bench swap could be lethal

hopefully lower grades are played in 2021 and Simpkins gets a run. Want to start the season we 4 forwards and hurt the opposition. A bit like Potter's Bash Brothers. Need teams to fear our pack and not treat them like rag dolls or powder puffs.

 

[coxy1]

That first 25 minutes against Souths was embarrassing. What the heck is going on with our starting forwards? It was the exact same in the previous game against Manly. It's like our middle-third doesn't even exist at the start of games. We're not really missing tackles, but our defenders are being dragged miles.

Until McIntyre and Eisenhuth came on, we were leaking like a sieve. Simply not good enough from Aloiai and Mikaele.

I was having a closer look during that game and noticed so many times our 2nd man in simply isn't in an effective position to help complete the tackle. The first defensive hit is normally ineffective from either a weak, tired or "uncommitted" defender, the 2nd man in either half tackles our own player, has to re-adjust or a 3rd has to come in and hit the legs which gives the attack more post contact metres. Our defense just looks disjointed and like I've said before, it's because we hang back and wait in defense. We need to be dominate and up in their faces, this will allow us to have some control in how the tackle is completed and slow the attack down. We just seem so scrambled and weak in defense.

The problem is, we've already tried that approach and got absolutely hammered!

Interesting, your right we have. It’s not possible to compete that way for 80mins.
It’s about being smart with it.
Against us Penrith weren’t rushing up per say but moving as one and holding a solid line. We went with them for about the first 40-50mins of the game. Then after their 3rd try I think. They had a defensive set against us where we made 20ms. Once then they finally sat us back down. So to speak. That aggressive set, solidify’d the game for them.
Penrith against the Eels both packs were going set to set but the Panthers pack were playing conservatively at first. People mention stats and then talk Tamou and what he does, doesn’t do.
What he did in his first stint was make sure no player got on top of him when defending. He has an ability to hold the runner half from the ground and force them on their side when completing the tackle.
With us I find our forwards continually shift their feet trying to position themselves in the tackle. What we really need to do is stop our movement once we get a good grab and fall to help the defender down. Walking backwards 2-3m doesn’t help. Unfortunately we aren’t doing this because we are trying to slow the play the ball up by getting the player on the back.
I don’t know who to blame in the coaching staff for this but our defensive style is not effective for the size, stamina and strength of our forward pack. And injection of Tamou and a fit and commited Packer fixes this.
Both start for mine next year.


The Eels got hammered last night. Couldn’t make any meters. This was due as you say panthers moving up in one line. However, their tactic of very enthusiastic marker defence did most of the damage. They hit everything that moved, consequently, their line was always intact. In some clubs the markers have a breather unless a ball carrier runs into them. Gets demoralising after a while if your ball runners are getting picked off by markers and lucky to make 3 meters.

Agree with this. Probably the first 20-30mins I thought the Eels were making decent yards. Most certainly I think the defence from both sides was pretty even.
The differences in body shapes as another has mentioned early really helps the panthers get an advantage in attack and forward momentum.

Yes our markers are lame. End of story there, serious work in positioning, keeping our feet, which way to chase, pressure etc. Lots to do in the off season.
Some go into marker for the chance for breather. Some go into market because they are one step closer to the action and able to put more pressure on the defence. When was the last time you someone other than Harry Grant make more than 2 consecutive tackles in our team?

McInyre against Souffs. Does it all the time.

Ok. So the two most recent introductions to our team lead the defence on effort is that what your saying Russ?

You asked when was the last time someone other than Grant.

Just saying that McIntyre made more than 2 consecutive tackles.

I would also add Taylor in the Souffs game as well - he's not a recent introduction.

First set after half time McIntyre made 4 tackles
4 minutes later a 40 meter chase of the bomb made that tackle and 3 in that set.

 

[tony soprano]

We lack an enforcer like JWH. Hetherington must be signed for this role.

This is the pack we need.

Tamou (c)
Liddle
Musgrove
Blore
LL Cool J
McIntyre

Bench Big Boppers that keep the momentum going. Don't see the need to carry a hooker or back on the bench

Hetherington
Aloiai
Twal
Stefano

The others can be used for injury replacements.

Simpkin and liddle bench swap could be lethal

Hopefully Simpkin gets a run this year so we know what we are dealing with

 

[Russell]

We lack an enforcer like JWH. Hetherington must be signed for this role.

This is the pack we need.

Tamou (c)
Liddle
Musgrove
Blore
LL Cool J
McIntyre

Bench Big Boppers that keep the momentum going. Don't see the need to carry a hooker or back on the bench

Hetherington
Aloiai
Twal
Stefano

The others can be used for injury replacements.

Simpkin and liddle bench swap could be lethal

Hopefully Simpkin gets a run this year so we know what we are dealing with

At 19, probably a guy with a broken body.

 

[twentyforty]

That first 25 minutes against Souths was embarrassing. What the heck is going on with our starting forwards? It was the exact same in the previous game against Manly. It's like our middle-third doesn't even exist at the start of games. We're not really missing tackles, but our defenders are being dragged miles.

Until McIntyre and Eisenhuth came on, we were leaking like a sieve. Simply not good enough from Aloiai and Mikaele.

I was having a closer look during that game and noticed so many times our 2nd man in simply isn't in an effective position to help complete the tackle. The first defensive hit is normally ineffective from either a weak, tired or "uncommitted" defender, the 2nd man in either half tackles our own player, has to re-adjust or a 3rd has to come in and hit the legs which gives the attack more post contact metres. Our defense just looks disjointed and like I've said before, it's because we hang back and wait in defense. We need to be dominate and up in their faces, this will allow us to have some control in how the tackle is completed and slow the attack down. We just seem so scrambled and weak in defense.

The problem is, we've already tried that approach and got absolutely hammered!

Interesting, your right we have. It’s not possible to compete that way for 80mins.
It’s about being smart with it.
Against us Penrith weren’t rushing up per say but moving as one and holding a solid line. We went with them for about the first 40-50mins of the game. Then after their 3rd try I think. They had a defensive set against us where we made 20ms. Once then they finally sat us back down. So to speak. That aggressive set, solidify’d the game for them.
Penrith against the Eels both packs were going set to set but the Panthers pack were playing conservatively at first. People mention stats and then talk Tamou and what he does, doesn’t do.
What he did in his first stint was make sure no player got on top of him when defending. He has an ability to hold the runner half from the ground and force them on their side when completing the tackle.
With us I find our forwards continually shift their feet trying to position themselves in the tackle. What we really need to do is stop our movement once we get a good grab and fall to help the defender down. Walking backwards 2-3m doesn’t help. Unfortunately we aren’t doing this because we are trying to slow the play the ball up by getting the player on the back.
I don’t know who to blame in the coaching staff for this but our defensive style is not effective for the size, stamina and strength of our forward pack. And injection of Tamou and a fit and commited Packer fixes this.
Both start for mine next year.


The Eels got hammered last night. Couldn’t make any meters. This was due as you say panthers moving up in one line. However, their tactic of very enthusiastic marker defence did most of the damage. They hit everything that moved, consequently, their line was always intact. In some clubs the markers have a breather unless a ball carrier runs into them. Gets demoralising after a while if your ball runners are getting picked off by markers and lucky to make 3 meters.

Clever little play. Last 2 into the tackle mark up. They’ve come into the tackle as floppers..to slow the ruck and position themselves to be first in on the next tackle.
Teamwork in action..a beautiful thing to watch.