IPSWICH Jets co-coach Shane Walker has warned fans to expect the unexpected when his side takes on the Sea Eagles in their big trial game at Rat Park on Saturday.
The Queensland team has captured the imagination of the rugby league world with the innovative style of play introduced by Walker and his brother Ben who have trashed the conservative playbook.
It has been like a breath of fresh air and resulted in the Jets earning the nickname of the “Harlem Globetrotters of rugby league.”
“If fans are coming along to watch five hit ups before a kick or a series of block plays they will be at the wrong game- they can go to a Rabbitohs game for that,” Shane Walker told the
Manly Daily.
He said their philosophy was a bit like that of football teams where they try to retain possession of the ball and keep it away from the opposition for as long as they can.
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“Basically we try to keep the ball alive, make the defence work for multiple plays within each tackle.
“So rather than just doing a hit up where three guys make a tackle and slow you up we keep the ball alive and challenge right across the defensive line.
“We don’t want to have to sit there and bore out way through 80 minutes of footy.
Walker said all the Jets players train to be able to throw a spiral pass at least 10m, the majority of them can kick and a lot have a good offload.
“So in a game it is not really a risk,” Walker said.
Walker is realistic about the difference between the full NRL player from the Sea Eagles and his part-time Jets side.
“Naturally they are just bigger and stronger guys,” Walker said.
“As long as we can get a decent of possession we will certainly be able to give them a football game.
“Hopefully the Manly boys won’t handle our style too well.
“It’s going to be a real buzz for our guys.
Walker said the Jets players were looking forward to coming up against their former star hooker Matt Parcell who has joined the Sea Eagles this season.
The game kicks off at 6pm.
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