Fight for Fullback

[Porthoz]

Most of what Norman has been doing when we score tries is just catch and pass. Now it's great that he can do it so quickly, but I think people are giving him too much credit as a creator, when Jack Reed has been pretty much doing the exact same thing when he gets it from Norman.

Hoffman couldn't do it, simply because he could time his runs and hogged the ball too much. Besides Norman has other strings to his bow, like an awesome kicking game.

But yeah, Wallace has been setting that play up very nicely and deserves all the credit!

 

[Alec]

I'd say Alex Glenn plays a big part on the left. Not that he's doing anything special as a decoy, but I think him topping the try scoring list last year is drawing more defenders this year. Maybe that's why we've been so successful on the left - once Norman gets the ball it's usually 3 on 2, and then quick catch and pass from him and Reed, and then great finishing from Hoffman is what is giving us all the tries.

 

[Big Pete]

Bit of both.

Wallace is sharper down the left than Norman was but Norman has better ball skills on him than Hoffman and has the ability to pass to both runners.

It's certainly an advantage he has over Hoffman, but Josh has his advantages in other departments.

But that doesn't matter at this point. Both are doing well in their respective positions and it'll take more than one bad performance for them to get dropped.

EDIT: One area of Norman's game that deserves more credit is his long distance kicking game. It's one of the best in the game.

 

[rnabokov]

I don't disagree with most of what's been said.

All I know is that since Norman has been moving into the line, he times it well, whereas Hoffa hasn't a clue. He did when he had Lockyer there, but not since.

Yes, to Wallace and co. for their great contributions, but for mine, things started to happen when Norman moved up and started to get it right ... mostly.

Hoffman, as I still believe, is the Yow Yeh we have when we don't have Yow Yeh. I believe he is now one of the best wing finishers going around and that is where he has to stay.

 

[jarro65]

Regardless of who we sign, or who we place at fullback next year, i really hope Hoffman stays on the wing as he just looks like he was made to be a winger. So glad to see him back playing positive/confident footy :)

 

[Alec]

I definitely don't think we should be moving Hoffman from the wing at the moment. But I think he could handle it next year if we really needed him to. Last year he was fat and had Norman feeding him the ball. With Wallace/Hunt there and his attitude back, plus an off-season of practice, I think Hoffman could probably get it right. Though I'd still prefer either us signing Barba, or finally giving Bond a shot next year.

 

[rnabokov]

Hoffman should never be moved from the wing. He is a born winger, it's where his instincts show their best. He does his best work when he finishes a play 'cos he can't really create one, and that for mine is essential in a FB - play making skills