Sharks Poor Attack

[Nobby The Sharkyboy]

Guys

I live in the Uk(Although originally from the Shire), and I dont get to see too many highlights of games etc, but I have a few questions on Sticky's coaching.

1) Is our poor attack down to our intensity in defence, ie our players throw everything into defence, therefore leaving nothing in the tank to attack, except for the standard hit ups. Does anyone else think that maybe if we reduced our intensity a little bit in defence, that we might score a few more tries? We have players that have been attacking stars in previous seasons, but doing nothing at the moment, ie Simonds and Pom.

2) Over the last few seasons the Sharks have been in the top 8/ top4 after 10 or so rounds, and then fall in a heap to miss the finals or just make it(Like 2005, and fingers crossed this doesn't happen in 2008), again is this down to our intensity in defence? Do our players get burnt out mid season, and then have nothing for the rest of the year, while other teams build up there intensity throughout the year?

 

[tjb1986]

Does anyone else think that maybe if we reduced our intensity a little bit in defence, that we might score a few more tries?

no so what would that achieve? more points scored against us ????????????????????????

 

[LeaguePlayer]

id rather have strong defence and stop the other teams from scoring and only score like 2 tries as they say "the best offence is a good defence"

 

[KELPIE]

as they say "the best offence is a good defence"

Actually, it's the other way around.

 

[Great White]

I don't think it is our intensity, I think it is more a mentality thing to be honest. We work so hard in defense, and the old saying attack will just come if you defend well, yes it is ture, BUT we still have to be there and support what we are tryig to do, not just sit back and let a couple try and stand back and clap and say, great job Birdy. If we all push up, look dangerous, run lines, run decoys, if gives you so many more options to produce something, you limit your runners, you limit your options. When we have all pushed up, run lines, run decoys, we look really good. I think our mentality is poor at times, we don't have the confidence in our attack that we do have in our defense.

 

[Pomeroy#3]

I don't think it is our intensity, I think it is more a mentality thing to be honest. We work so hard in defense, and the old saying attack will just come if you defend well, yes it is ture, BUT we still have to be there and support what we are tryig to do, not just sit back and let a couple try and stand back and clap and say, great job Birdy. If we all push up, look dangerous, run lines, run decoys, if gives you so many more options to produce something, you limit your runners, you limit your options. When we have all pushed up, run lines, run decoys, we look really good. I think our mentality is poor at times, we don't have the confidence in our attack that we do have in our defense.

I hate when people say this, no offence GW, though IMO I don't think there should be "decoy runners'' I think they should all be "option runners".

 

[Master Sharky]

The problem with our offence is our speed, Simmons has put on to much size in the offseason hence the loss of explosive speed. Pomeroy, whilst great in defence rarely runs around anyone. When did they last make a linebreak?? We are too reliant on Kearney/Taulapapa for speed, Mitch Brown when he returns will be a great help. I can see a move to drop Covell and bring in Filiga in the not so distant future,from what i have seen of Karl he can run over players on his way to the line! Thats what i think we need.We dont want to drop our intensity in defence as thats what wins matches.

 

[san29]

The problem with our offence is our speed, Simmons has put on to much size in the offseason hence the loss of explosive speed. Pomeroy, whilst great in defence rarely runs around anyone. When did they last make a linebreak?? We are too reliant on Kearney/Taulapapa for speed, Mitch Brown when he returns will be a great help. I can see a move to drop Covell and bring in Filiga in the not so distant future,from what i have seen of Karl he can run over players on his way to the line! Thats what i think we need.We dont want to drop our intensity in defence as thats what wins matches.

Did simmons play did he

 

[brad]

maybe if the outside backs got a little bit of space to move then they will be more dangerous. when pommy got room to move against the dragons he mande a fool out of mark gasnier. basically the only ball our backs is scoots and kick returns with the exeption of kearney because he ahs the freedom to rove and look for the ball. the others are waiting for it but tits not coming to them. id say that comes down to a bit of confidence

 

[too far away]

The reason we cant score points is we only have one back that can step anybody and that is kearney .Everyone else is to slow and not good enough on their feet.Good in defence but only ordinary in attack we need players that can step.eg gaz,bowen benji or anybody from the storm.

 

[FoRzA aZzUrRi]

think about it if our defence is that good all we need is a field goal

 

[Pomeroy#3]

maybe if the outside backs got a little bit of space to move then they will be more dangerous. when pommy got room to move against the dragons he mande a fool out of mark gasnier. basically the only ball our backs is scoots and kick returns with the exeption of kearney because he ahs the freedom to rove and look for the ball. the others are waiting for it but tits not coming to them. id say that comes down to a bit of confidence

Mate you are spot on IMO :cheers , they never see good quality attacking football and the unfortunate thing is its happening in the 20's and NSW Cup aswell (the games I have seen), so maybe its the game plan set by Stick. I liked Pumipi last weekend cos he looks like he has got some flair, but the main reason was cos early on in the game he was shifting the ball out wide alot, though as the match went on that slowly disintegrated .

 

[Great White]

Sorry Pomeroy, for incorrect usage of words, IMO if your a decoy runner, you are coached to always expect regardless, in future I will ensure I use correct terminology for your benefit.

I see what you are saying Brad and Pomeroy, but the way the game is played is changing too, the game has gone from players having a lot of skill and playing what is in front of you, to a game of metres, fitness, athletic ability. The game is so fast now and defensively set, it is all about cutting down decision making times for your opponents.

The way the current game is going the Gasniers, Johns etc will be a long time before they are re-produced.

 

[Bungy]

If you score more points maybe defense will suffer
we dont want the hole in the bag situation

 

[peachey]

if you want space..how wide are bird,gallen and co playing that gives no room for the backs..phil bailey was an expert at giving vagana no room..add to that no early passes from the halves..maybe our great defense comes at the expense of room for backs to move...just a thought

 

[Great White]

There are very few centres these days that also have skill and positioning of Gasnier too, he not only creates himself space but also his wingers, Pomeroy for example is quite poor at passing.

 

[Sharks#1]

the sharks are starting to put on some good plays

 

[jedman1]

Speaking of Gaz, has anyone else heard the rumour that he may sign with us????
GW? is there anything to it? theres mention of it on a few forums.

 

[peachey]

yes ive heard it..salary cap much

that means if it were to be true..the driftwood that are gap fillers like cooper,peak,sua are gone and also covell is goneskies, because gaz wouldnt come cheap..but it seems if we get ryles and gaz..how many more dragons want to follow..ryles - HELL NO, dragons fans wouldnt want you to leave ..