Tigers Vs Sharks trial, 20th February

[sharks2010]

That would be Parra.

****!!!

 

[Sparkles]

Pretty interesting article:
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl...e/news-story/67755504392ce0c53b97d799afd2c0f2

Makes it sound more like Bird isn't as familiar with fullback, so if he gets picked he'll work hard to do his best while he learns. A bit different to the "I'll be lazy of I'm not fullback" impression some people were thinking.

And he talks about a player getting ahead of himself and needing to be pulled into line... Sounds like he could be talking about Val. Just a feeling, but could make sense of Val not getting a shot at fullback straight away. Checks out.

 

[Wilson]

Our squad could do it easily as we have plenty of players capable of big minutes.

What proof of this do you have under the new 8 interchange limit rule?

We have proof of forwards being able to play the 80 with the normal 10 interchanges. We also have proof that said forwards like to miss more tackles, make more mistakes and have a tendency to give away more penalties when required to do so.

To think that that would still be the case under new interchange rules when the middle become more fatigued, is incredibly niaeve

 

[slide rule]

What proof of this do you have under the new 8 interchange limit rule?

We have proof of forwards being able to play the 80 with the normal 10 interchanges. We also have proof that said forwards like to miss more tackles, make more mistakes and have a tendency to give away more penalties when required to do so.

To think that that would still be the case under new interchange rules when the middle become more fatigued, is incredibly niaeve

Why would guys that already play 80 be worse with less interchange?

 

[Wilson]

Why would guys that already play 80 be worse with less interchange?

Is that a serious question?

 

[Capital_Shark]

If the bench is well managed with the guys who don't play 80 it shouldn't put more strain on the guys who do.

 

[slide rule]

Is that a serious question?

Ummm yes?

 

[Wilson]

If the bench is well managed with the guys who don't play 80 it shouldn't put more strain on the guys who do.

Which goes full circle to back what I said to being with, it's foolish to waste one interchange on a utility (unless they are admittedly someone like Aubusson or Carter) and some instances two. Fifita's well renowned for a big motor for a front rower, however we all know better than the rest that his defence and discipline is highly wayward when he is required to play long minutes (if not most of the ****ing time anyway). Lewis and Graham's edge defence is suspect towards the end of the game when fatigue is at its highest.

The point is, with the lowering of interchange, the game is going to open up and be a lot quicker through the middle. As a result the edge players in particular will be required to do more work to cover for the middle, which will only result in fatigue setting in much sooner.

No doubt the edge players will still be able to play 80, that's not what I'm saying. What I am saying is that it's foolish to instantly take one interchange out of your hands (especially from the first round) as exactly how much quicker fatigue will set in is unknown.

 

[Wilson]

The timing on scrums only furthers this as well. In Souths case where they'll most likely have two hookers they're automatically taking their interchange down to 6. They're giving themselves 3 forward rotations a half in what will be a much quicker game.

 

[Capital_Shark]

Which goes full circle to back what I said to being with, it's foolish to waste one interchange on a utility (unless they are admittedly someone like Aubusson or Carter) and some instances two. Fifita's well renowned for a big motor for a front rower, however we all know better than the rest that his defence and discipline is highly wayward when he is required to play long minutes (if not most of the ****ing time anyway). Lewis and Graham's edge defence is suspect towards the end of the game when fatigue is at its highest.

The point is, with the lowering of interchange, the game is going to open up and be a lot quicker through the middle. As a result the edge players in particular will be required to do more work to cover for the middle, which will only result in fatigue setting in much sooner.

No doubt the edge players will still be able to play 80, that's not what I'm saying. What I am saying is that it's foolish to instantly take one interchange out of your hands (especially from the first round) as exactly how much quicker fatigue will set in is unknown.

The timing on scrums only furthers this as well. In Souths case where they'll most likely have two hookers they're automatically taking their interchange down to 6. They're giving themselves 3 forward rotations a half in what will be a much quicker game.

Fair points.

I actually don't think the reduction will change things too much. A lot sides regularly probably only use 6 fatigue interchanges as is. Plenty of times sides don't use their 10. Injuries and especially the strict concussions rules will be where most fall to bits under the reduced interchange.

 

[endevour shark]

I still think Barba will get the #1 come round 1. We know what we will get from him, so i dont see the point in trialing him there.

Bird on the other hand has never played there so a bit of experience wont hurt, especially considering the length of the season.

Flanno seems to be humoring Bird for the mean while and giving him his fullback position in a nothing game.

I hope you are right it makes sense but unfortunately that may not be how it pans out.

 

[HaroldBishop]

To be fair, you're kind of comparing Arsenal to Southampton...

Things are looking better for the future of the Sharks, but there's still a rich tier of clubs like Manly, Easts and Cowboys that will attract and keep top players.

I wouldn't include North Qld in that lot. Serial underachievers, wouldn't be where they are now without JT.

Anyway, I think you're missing the point. I doubt those teams play a guy like Bird at FB, who has never played there before and keep a weapon like Barba on the bench. Let's not forget we've been a team that's struggled to score points over the years but hey, why play an attacking weapon like Barba for 80 when you can play a guy with 23 first grade games under his belt in a position he's never played before.

 

[Sir Chadley]

I wouldn't include North Qld in that lot. Serial underachievers, wouldn't be where they are now without JT.

Anyway, I think you're missing the point. I doubt those teams play a guy like Bird at FB, who has never played there before and keep a weapon like Barba on the bench. Let's not forget we've been a team that's struggled to score points over the years but hey, why play an attacking weapon like Barba for 80 when you can play a guy with 23 first grade games under his belt in a position he's never played before.

The thought process is mind boggling to say the least HB. And we are people who have never played the game before or little of it at least at a high level, but it's so obvious to us I'm wondering how our coach is missing it. Even some of the so called experts think Barba needs to be in the starting side. I know a lot of people don't like Talkin Sport on 2SM and some opinons of Hughes, Robbo, Pappy and Tunksy aren't good, but they have all said that Bird needs to be at 6 or centre with Barba at fullback and they have been involved in the game for a long time so I'd value their opinion. It's such a no brainer it's frustrating.

I mean could it be as idiotic as having Billy Slater on the bench for Melbourne and bringing him on after 40 minutes? A bit extreme I know but it's almost getting to that point of ludicrousy.

Either Ricky has pictures of Flanno in a compromising situation or he's promised Bird the number one spot for the first four weeks or so.
I just can't see any other rational explanation for it.

 

[deano the p]

Pretty interesting article:
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl...e/news-story/67755504392ce0c53b97d799afd2c0f2

Makes it sound more like Bird isn't as familiar with fullback, so if he gets picked he'll work hard to do his best while he learns. A bit different to the "I'll be lazy of I'm not fullback" impression some people were thinking.

And he talks about a player getting ahead of himself and needing to be pulled into line... Sounds like he could be talking about Val. Just a feeling, but could make sense of Val not getting a shot at fullback straight away. Checks out.

:lmao

I wouldn't include North Qld in that lot. Serial underachievers, wouldn't be where they are now without JT.

Anyway, I think you're missing the point. I doubt those teams play a guy like Bird at FB, who has never played there before and keep a weapon like Barba on the bench. Let's not forget we've been a team that's struggled to score points over the years but hey, why play an attacking weapon like Barba for 80 when you can play a guy with 23 first grade games under his belt in a position he's never played before.

Spot on we already have the talent just looks like we don't want to use it.

 

[CrankyShark]

I wouldn't include North Qld in that lot. Serial underachievers, wouldn't be where they are now without JT.

Anyway, I think you're missing the point. I doubt those teams play a guy like Bird at FB, who has never played there before and keep a weapon like Barba on the bench. Let's not forget we've been a team that's struggled to score points over the years but hey, why play an attacking weapon like Barba for 80 when you can play a guy with 23 first grade games under his belt in a position he's never played before.

What I think is happening is that Flanno wants Bird at fullback for his defence in an effort to maintain his grinding game plan. The man doesn't have an attacking gene in his body.

 

[Sir Chadley]

What I think is happening is that Flanno wants Bird at fullback for his defence in an effort to maintain his grinding game plan. The man doesn't have an attacking gene in his body.

I'm not sure he doesn't have the attacking gene, I think he is just generally over cautious and always wanting to play safe. But he's now got the cattle to throw caution to the wind and be an attacking side and he doesn't seem to be taking the opportunity. Ad-lib football is what we'd love to see but if that is played at the expense of a good defence, that won't be what Flanno wants.

 

[SharkShocked]

I think you'll find with Towsend and Maloney in the side we are going to need to score more points.

Our defense will not be as good this year.

 

[1990 sharkie]

What I think is happening is that Flanno wants Bird at fullback for his defence in an effort to maintain his grinding game plan. The man doesn't have an attacking gene in his body.

Or flanno likes the old school ball running fullbacks like mick gordon and thats why he wants bird

 

[northofthebordershark]

What I think is happening is that Flanno wants Bird at fullback for his defence in an effort to maintain his grinding game plan. The man doesn't have an attacking gene in his body.

It's weird though because he's never been inclined to drop or hook someone who's been defending poorly.

I reckon if this turns into an ordinary season he'll be lucky to keep his job. Perhaps he'll need to change and throw caution to the wind if the play it safe style isn't working.

 

[CrankyShark]

I'm not sure he doesn't have the attacking gene, I think he is just generally over cautious and always wanting to play safe. But he's now got the cattle to throw caution to the wind and be an attacking side and he doesn't seem to be taking the opportunity. Ad-lib football is what we'd love to see but if that is played at the expense of a good defence, that won't be what Flanno wants.

I don't think fans want or expect a Wests Tigers circa 2005 style of ad lib footy of all out attack at the expense of defence. There is a lot of scope with our backline to attack without compromising our defence a great deal though by playing Ben Barba at the back. If Ben Barba went ballistic we could make a grand final. He may not have it in him but unless we take a risk we are going to finish in the middle of the eight again. We aren't good enough to take on the Cowboys or the Broncos without throwing some caution to the wind.