2016 Strongest Line-Up

[Marty Deutschmann]

Interesting point about Bennett's tactics. I think it's what makes him such a terrific man manager. He just seems to know the right approach to get the best out of his players.

A good example was in the aftermath of the opening round of 2009. Bennett's first game in charge of the Dragons. It was an unhappy night for Jamie Soward being exposed by the likes of Inglis. Bennett's response was to just stick with him and it paid off in spades. He backed him publicly and some players would get a massive boost of confidence if they're copping it in the press.

I hope by Bennett backing Copley in the media accomplishes several things. Mainly that it ends speculation, gives Copley some confidence after an injury hampered season and motivates him to work hard and reward his coach's faith in him.

Personally, I've always been curious about what motivates professional sportsmen.

A contrasting example might be Andrew McCullough. He's had an outstanding season and proved me wrong but you could easily make the case he only seems to play well when a replacement is in the team. He went up a gear with the arrival of Granville and showed no sign of slacking off with Nikorima on the bench. Considering also he was only signed to a 2 year deal - nothing to be smirked at I think but still not exactly a huge vote of confidence and also a year below his previous deal. It could be an example of a player who doesn't respond to a guaranteed position and needs things in place to ensure he plays his best.

On another note, I know Kahu would make an awesome center but I'm tempted to leave him on the wing as he is pretty good there too. I like Copley - I thought he played really well for us in 2012 before his knee injury. I hope he gets some solid game time under his belt and shows us what he can do.

Oh yeah completely. It's brilliant. Soooo much better than the whole "turn up to training and everyone is a fair chance" like it's an open audition process for spots. Griffin did that too much. Put certainties and let them lose it. It's now Copley's to lose. Like vidot.

 

[Splinter]

Interesting point about Bennett's tactics. I think it's what makes him such a terrific man manager. He just seems to know the right approach to get the best out of his players.

A good example was in the aftermath of the opening round of 2009. Bennett's first game in charge of the Dragons. It was an unhappy night for Jamie Soward being exposed by the likes of Inglis. Bennett's response was to just stick with him and it paid off in spades. He backed him publicly and some players would get a massive boost of confidence if they're copping it in the press.

I hope by Bennett backing Copley in the media accomplishes several things. Mainly that it ends speculation, gives Copley some confidence after an injury hampered season and motivates him to work hard and reward his coach's faith in him.

Personally, I've always been curious about what motivates professional sportsmen.

A contrasting example might be Andrew McCullough. He's had an outstanding season and proved me wrong but you could easily make the case he only seems to play well when a replacement is in the team. He went up a gear with the arrival of Granville and showed no sign of slacking off with Nikorima on the bench. Considering also he was only signed to a 2 year deal - nothing to be smirked at I think but still not exactly a huge vote of confidence and also a year below his previous deal. It could be an example of a player who doesn't respond to a guaranteed position and needs things in place to ensure he plays his best.

On another note, I know Kahu would make an awesome center but I'm tempted to leave him on the wing as he is pretty good there too. I like Copley - I thought he played really well for us in 2012 before his knee injury. I hope he gets some solid game time under his belt and shows us what he can do.

Most of the Bronco contracts are finishing 2017 because of the new NRL rights deal, not just Macca's. Thaiday being one of the few for longer and they are trying to upgrade Milford to a longer deal

 

[Rhino1001]

Looks like we have two decent drop goal kickers as Kahu slotted one against the England, plus a conversion from the sideline so it is good that he is improving

 

[I bleed Maroon]

Nikorima getting some surprise starting half time and holding his own wasn't bad to see either. It's clear who Bennett wants to play in the 7 for Round 1 while Hunt is suspended.

 

[Foordy]

Nikorima getting some surprise starting half time and holding his own wasn't bad to see either. It's clear who Bennett wants to play in the 7 for Round 1 while Hunt is suspended.

Hunt will be available for round 1

 

[Mitch06]

I still think we need to sign a back up half regardless. There will be one, hopefully with some first grade experience.

 

[charbel]

That moment you realise we had a drop goal specialist in our line up all this time

 

[Unbreakable]

I'd class Milford as a specialist at this point, the last 2-3 he attempted were all from 30+ out and he nailed them into the stands.

 

[Danoz Direct]

I'd class Milford as a specialist at this point, the last 2-3 he attempted were all from 30+ out and he nailed them into the stands.

Good to know we have option though, because if Milford is injured and Hunt is the only other option we are doomed.

 

[charbel]

I concur, Milford is more than able. Just wanted to play on Kodi's priceless expression.

And make a memorable first post as a long time lurker and bronco tragic

 

[Super Freak]

Hunt is better than what he has shown.

He has got quite a boot on him.. He can get them from 40 metres out.

I've seen him take some in the warm ups and he nails them perfectly. But as soon as he is under pressure, it just goes to shit.

I think he needs to take a look at how the best in the business set up for them.

Although, I think a good start would be to just take a couple when the game isn't on the line. Get his confidence up a bit.

 

[Rhino1001]

Nikorima's effort for the first try was pretty good
Here is the highlights for anyone who wants it Video highlights: Kiwis tie series with low scoring win over England | Sport | 3 News

 

[Morkel]

I concur, Milford is more than able. Just wanted to play on Kodi's priceless expression.

And make a memorable first post as a long time lurker and bronco tragic

Welcome!!! TBH I didn't notice Kodi's expression until you pointed it out. Nailed it.

 

[Foordy]

You have to laugh at rugby league journalists sometimes. This is from the courier mail.

Following Justin Hodges’ retirement, right centre shapes as coach Wayne Bennett’s biggest headache. Jordan Kahu will likely get first shot at filling the huge shoes of Hodges out wide. Equally as pressing for Bennett is who will be Hodges’ successor as captain.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...emiership-charge/story-fniabjcr-1227601948072

Yet 2 weeks ago, in the very same paper ... Bennett was quoted as saying he has already decided Hodges replacement and it is Copley.

:laugh:

 

[winslow_wong]

Old man benny pulling all the strings already.

 

[AceAv]

Man broncos shining in that kiwis side. Nikorima certainly growing in ability and only being told 1 hour prior that he'd be in the halves!

 

[broncos4life]

Man broncos shining in that kiwis side. Nikorima certainly growing in ability and only being told 1 hour prior that he'd be in the halves!

Kodi has really been impressive and to think his is his first year in the NRL

 

[Mitch06]

Man broncos shining in that kiwis side. Nikorima certainly growing in ability and only being told 1 hour prior that he'd be in the halves!

He and Tui were told a few days before, it was just kept private until just before the game. I'm pretty sure he only told his girlfriend.