Official Briton Nikora

Sevshark said:
Yeah i said that in the match thread when it happened.

Under current interpretation of the rules it seems like the only time no duty of care exists is when your competing for a live ball on the ground
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Makes no sense, it exists when competing for a live ball in the air!
 
Sevshark said:
Certainly seemed more actively involved this week.
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Meh. It's not like he came in and took a bunch of runs in different situations.

First half the Dragons ended a few of their sets in Ronnie's corner so Nikora had a few extra touches in his own end compared to weeks when teams bomb the crap out of Stoney. Those plays he made down the sideline he is in position for every game. Just doesn't get the ball every time.

Second half almost all of his touches came in a 5 minute period of good ball leading up to his own try. After that the Dragons started kicking to Stonestreet's side, and the Sharks scored some tries from range or early in sets rather than with a long period of attacking the line. Nikora barely touched the ball in the last 35 minutes.

The idea that a second rower can have any influence over how often the ball comes to his side of the field is woo.
 
Sharks NRL Prospects said:
Meh. It's not like he came in and took a bunch of runs in different situations.

First half the Dragons ended a few of their sets in Ronnie's corner so Nikora had a few extra touches in his own end compared to weeks when teams bomb the crap out of Stoney. Those plays he made down the sideline he is in position for every game. Just doesn't get the ball every time.

Second half almost all of his touches came in a 5 minute period of good ball leading up to his own try. After that the Dragons started kicking to Stonestreet's side, and the Sharks scored some tries from range or early in sets rather than with a long period of attacking the line. Nikora barely touched the ball in the last 35 minutes.

The idea that a second rower can have any influence over how often the ball comes to his side of the field is woo.
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Those plays usually tend to involve Ronnie if I recall correctly, so we should start to see them a little more often again.
 
Proud Shark said:
I saw Joey have a big rant a month or two back about kickers now being over protected. They have so much time and space, not just for accurate kicks like you say but for the spiral bombs etc. The balance has been lost a bit.
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I get that, but imagine what the game would be like if you didn't have as much chance to kick yourself out of trouble
 
Sharks NRL Prospects said:
Meh. It's not like he came in and took a bunch of runs in different situations.

First half the Dragons ended a few of their sets in Ronnie's corner so Nikora had a few extra touches in his own end compared to weeks when teams bomb the crap out of Stoney. Those plays he made down the sideline he is in position for every game. Just doesn't get the ball every time.

Second half almost all of his touches came in a 5 minute period of good ball leading up to his own try. After that the Dragons started kicking to Stonestreet's side, and the Sharks scored some tries from range or early in sets rather than with a long period of attacking the line. Nikora barely touched the ball in the last 35 minutes.

The idea that a second rower can have any influence over how often the ball comes to his side of the field is woo.
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There was definitely more intent in his runs imo, definitely played with more energy.
 
Vichyssoise said:
Cynic in him will say that since he got a taste of Origin football (and Origin money), he wants to become a mainstay. And since right now he's not guaranteed a spot on reputation alone, he has to keep working hard.

I merely hope that he's found some form after fixing any issues (mental, physical and whatnot) he may have had. But one swallow doesn't make a summer. It'd be great to see this version of Brit from now on.
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Or he has been down on confidence and being called up to play for his State and being around new coaches and players gave him the boost he needed. Might have picked up a few tips as well
 
Gards said:
Or he has been down on confidence and being called up to play for his State and being around new coaches and players gave him the boost he needed. Might have picked up a few tips as well
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Could be. I even more or less alluded to it in the second part of my post.

Either way, I hope he keeps going. This is the level of play that earned him NZ test caps a few years back.
 
stormshark said:
Hate saying it, but i thought he was lucky to get an Origin call up, but appears to have spurred him on.
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I think it's pretty obvious Slater rates him fairly highly, nowhere near his best this season but Slater has picked him both games. This time picked him as a starter. He's been very good for years, 1/2 a season doesn't matter imo.
 
Any thoughts on this guys game last night? Spud or stud?
I genuinely don't know how he's immune to the Sharks Origin Curse
 
Did everything he needed to do.

Neither of the QLD back rowers had moments worthy of mentioning. They defended well, pressured kicks, worked great at marker shutting down space and forcing the attack to play the way they needed. People who watch rugby league would say that it was a bit of a "meh" game.

I bet Billy Slater made a B-line for Nikora and Capewell and told them both that they were damn near perfect at the job he'd asked of them.
 
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