Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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MATT Gillett says the eight-man interchange is biting on NRL forwards, but it will become less of a factor in matches when the weather gets cooler and big forwards get fitter.
The Broncos forwards handled better than their Warriors counterparts the Brisbane humidity last Friday when the home team collected a 25-10 win to stay among the unbeaten sides in the NRL after two rounds.
Some clubs have clearly planned and prepared better than others for the reduction from 10 interchanges but Gillett, who topped the Broncos tackle count by a clear 10 tackles last Friday, expects the distress of players will lessen as the season continues.
“The conditions made it a lot worse this stage of the season,’’ Gillett said.
“It will take a while to get used to, especially the big boys in the middle. The longer the season goes, the better every team will get with this and be better at it.
“Towards the end of halves, it is tough on the body, but it’s hard on everyone. I try to get in there and show a bit of energy and get on top of them.’’
Gillett is impressed by Anthony Milford’s improved short kicking game this year.
Milford secured two line dropouts in the second half against the Warriors, backing up his words in the pre-season that he had made a focus on improving his kicking in 2016.
The first of those came when the Broncos led by two points only and from the dropout, fullback Darius Boyd scored a converted try.
“He didn’t kick that much early last year, but he worked hard in the off season and you can see the rewards on the field,’’ Gillett said.
“He’s getting repeat sets and sometimes putting the ball nicely in behind the line. He was thrown in to play five-eighth at this club last year and he’s learning and getting to know the players. He has a better connection with the boys and how they play.’’
Gillett, who says he is grateful for Penrith coach Anthony Griffin giving him a contract extension at the Broncos, said Brisbane will be concentrating on stopping the offloads of Panthers backrower Bryce Cartwright in Saturday’s clash at Pepper Stadium.
“He’s a very talented footy player and he will be in the highlights reel when we do our review I’m sure,’’ he said. “It would be a good start by shutting down those offloads of his.’’
While Penrith have lost both their first two games, they will have nine days stewing on the manner of their loss to Canterbury in Round 2 with a late Bulldogs converted try.
“Penrith have a physical forward pack, like most teams, and it will be a tough ask to get the win there,’’ Gillett said.
“They were unlucky to lose (to Canterbury), but if we can execute better maybe we can get away with a win.’’
Gillett wishes the Panthers and Griffin luck — after Saturday night.
“Ivan Henjak was my first NRL coach. Hook (Griffin) kept me on the books at the Broncos and made me welcome,’’ he said. “I have a lot to thank him for and hopefully the Penrith players respond to him and they have a good season.’’
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...r/news-story/4b6b2bf8588449fddeef58d53a5d03d3
The Broncos forwards handled better than their Warriors counterparts the Brisbane humidity last Friday when the home team collected a 25-10 win to stay among the unbeaten sides in the NRL after two rounds.
Some clubs have clearly planned and prepared better than others for the reduction from 10 interchanges but Gillett, who topped the Broncos tackle count by a clear 10 tackles last Friday, expects the distress of players will lessen as the season continues.
“The conditions made it a lot worse this stage of the season,’’ Gillett said.
“It will take a while to get used to, especially the big boys in the middle. The longer the season goes, the better every team will get with this and be better at it.
“Towards the end of halves, it is tough on the body, but it’s hard on everyone. I try to get in there and show a bit of energy and get on top of them.’’
Gillett is impressed by Anthony Milford’s improved short kicking game this year.
Milford secured two line dropouts in the second half against the Warriors, backing up his words in the pre-season that he had made a focus on improving his kicking in 2016.
The first of those came when the Broncos led by two points only and from the dropout, fullback Darius Boyd scored a converted try.
“He didn’t kick that much early last year, but he worked hard in the off season and you can see the rewards on the field,’’ Gillett said.
“He’s getting repeat sets and sometimes putting the ball nicely in behind the line. He was thrown in to play five-eighth at this club last year and he’s learning and getting to know the players. He has a better connection with the boys and how they play.’’
Gillett, who says he is grateful for Penrith coach Anthony Griffin giving him a contract extension at the Broncos, said Brisbane will be concentrating on stopping the offloads of Panthers backrower Bryce Cartwright in Saturday’s clash at Pepper Stadium.
“He’s a very talented footy player and he will be in the highlights reel when we do our review I’m sure,’’ he said. “It would be a good start by shutting down those offloads of his.’’
While Penrith have lost both their first two games, they will have nine days stewing on the manner of their loss to Canterbury in Round 2 with a late Bulldogs converted try.
“Penrith have a physical forward pack, like most teams, and it will be a tough ask to get the win there,’’ Gillett said.
“They were unlucky to lose (to Canterbury), but if we can execute better maybe we can get away with a win.’’
Gillett wishes the Panthers and Griffin luck — after Saturday night.
“Ivan Henjak was my first NRL coach. Hook (Griffin) kept me on the books at the Broncos and made me welcome,’’ he said. “I have a lot to thank him for and hopefully the Penrith players respond to him and they have a good season.’’
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...r/news-story/4b6b2bf8588449fddeef58d53a5d03d3
