Round 1 - Bulldogs vs Broncos - Post Match Discussion

[Mr Fourex]

I've asked you elsewhere, what's your solution. Strasser and Nikorama? - No NRL experience between them.

...sooo, they will make Ben Hunt play better?

 

[Alec]

...sooo, they will make Ben Hunt play better?

It'll take pressure off him.

How many teams in the NRL have just the one half who controls everything these days?

 

[bazza]

Maranta has always been talented, and most of us on BHQ were pretty harsh on him, especially in his first season in first grade where he was playing a position completely foreign to him. He never looked comfortable last year and just never backed himself. It was all a case of confidence issues and taking the safer option.

The coaching staff obviously saw something in him that people on here didn't see in him. I think we'll now see a different side of Maranta and we'll see his class shine through as he finds his feet on the wing and in the top grade. He just looked comfortable out their tonight and backed his ability. He read the game beautifully tonight, which comes from the fact he is a fullback.

When he scored that try, he had a bit to do. The pass was behind him, rather than out infront of him, which meant he had to stop, reach out, pirouette and dive in the field of play for the match winner.

In term of when Hodges returns, I'd prefer Copley on the left over Reed. He really didn't do much out there compared to the rest of the backline.

 

[Bucking Beads]

It'll take pressure off him.

How many teams in the NRL have just the one half who controls everything these days?

Especially a half who isn't a star and isn't experienced

 

[Alec]

Especially a half who isn't a star and isn't experienced

The only ones I can think is maybe Cronk or Thurston, but they are genuinely great players, and Cronk had Smith with him (and even Widdop was pretty damn good). And for Thurston, they haven't exactly played as well as they should have with their squad either.

 

[MrMoore]

we are 2nd on the ladder WOOHOO!!

 

[Manifesto]

Good solid game first up, great gutsy win after we were dead on our feet for the last 30 or so minutes. Defence was fantastic, hopefully it will continue to improve and not return to the shocking formations that occurred last year, Attack still needs work, but geez Barba made a huge difference to that.

Man Barba was fantastic, really showed he is a class above the other players. Absolutely impressed by Vidot and Copley as well, they are in for a huge year I feel. Unlike other people, I feel Hunt was OK and solid. Kicking game was terrible but he was OK in the first half. He only lost it a bit when we lost momentum in the second half and our forwards were getting dominated and making errors. Needs to work on attacking play and kicking, but I feel he will come good.

Hoffman - well, he was absolutely rubbish. Awful. We need a proper half, not a winger masquerading as a fullback or 5/th. Seeing Barba play so well tonight, I'm almost tempted to change my tune about 5/8th and play Barba there. Not sold on Niko to be the replacement.

Parker was also completely wasted at prop. He had no effect whatsoever during the first 20min and did not play his natural game, contrary to what the broncos stated. He played a lot better at lock, and needs to stay there if we are serious about this season.

Cowboys next week will be interesting. I reckon Cows will be there abouts the top 4 this year, so could be a big test for us next week. Halves and attacking play needs to improve bigtime for next week.

 

[Mr Fourex]

It'll take pressure off him.

By playing one of two rookie halves beside him ......how?

Let me put it this way. Play either beside Hunt and I honestly think Hunt will still look like shit.

I'm not arguing Hoffman is the answer because clearly he's not, but I'm staring at the harsh realisation that Hunt isn't going to make it

.....ever.

Apart from some good form as far back as R20-ish last year. He's done nothing since.

 

[Sproj]

My biggest problem from tonight is the same from our last trial, can we PLEASE slow down the tackles and STOP THE OFFLOADS!!

 

[Harry Sack]

...sooo, they will make Ben Hunt play better?

It'll take pressure off him.

How many teams in the NRL have just the one half who controls everything these days?

Beaten by Alec

 

[Harry Sack]

By playing one of two rookie halves beside him ......how?

Let me put it this way. Play either beside Hunt and I honestly think Hunt will still look like shit.

I'm not arguing Hoffman is the answer because clearly he's not, but I'm staring at the harsh realisation that Hunt isn't going to make it

.....ever.

Apart from some good form as far back as R20-ish last year. He's done nothing since.

Possibly, but I'd at least like to see it first.

 

[Cult]

I don't care if they're rookies. If they can kick a ball well, put them in the 6.

 

[bazza]

I think Hoffman could work at five-eighth given more time, however, just not at this stage when Hunt is only finding his feet in the NRL. Hoffman would be a great ball runner at five-eighth if we had an NRL hardened halfback with plenty of experience.

At this stage though, we need our halves to create space, and Hunt needs help. We seem to forget he is a rookie in his favoured halfback position in first grade, and like any rookie, they can't run the team on their own to begin with. All rookie halves have a more experienced half partner taking the pressure off of them.

Hunt has good instinct, but needs time to play consistently. But to do that, he needs someone to support him in the play making responsibilities. Hunt will improve, but he shouldn't be the only play making half at this stage of his career.

I think the best option would still be Strasser at five-eighth. His experience in steering a team around in the QLD Cup is a major benefit, as it is the closest thing to being an NRL half. Nikorima at this stage is not quite ready, but I feel Strasser should be given a shot.

If you look at it in a way, Strasser has more experience in running the side than even Hunt has as a playmaker. Strasser's style of play is what we need which would greatly relieve some of the pressure off Hunt. He can play to the structure and just pass it to his outside man and put in attacking kicks. At times tonight, Hoffman didn't pass to his outside backs, but Strasser could create opportunities for them. He would really compliment Hunt, Barba and McCullough.

Nikorima I feel will just go missing over the 80 mins despite being a bit of the x factor type and needs to develop more in the NYC/Q Cup.

I'd move Hunt back to his preferred left side and Strasser on the right, although I'd still want them to rove around.

 

[hayseed]

Reminded me of the Broncos of the not so distant yesteryear, hanging on for dear life while the opposition pepper them for 20 mins and then finally get down to the other end and score the clincher. A very gutsy performance tonight and whilst it wasn't pretty, 2 points is like striking gold for a team with so many obvious deficiencies and a win doesn't harm the confidence at all. A very strong first half, their speed off the line was amazing and really, an 8 point halftime lead probably didn't reflect how superior the Broncs were up until that point.

The Doggies were bound to wake up eventually and whilst their backline isn't going to scare anybody (they sure missed Barba), they definitely looked threatening in the second half but full credit to our boys, they were terrific and Hook will sleep easier tonite.

Barba has already shown what a tremendous asset he will be, Vidot had a monstrous Bronc debut (165 m) and hopefully eventually ends up in the centres. Glenn was easily our best player and his numbers back that up, this sort of form will enhance the Broncos chances of a playoff spot. Thaiday, Parker, Gillett were all tremendous, Hannant was great as well, probably his best match in 2 yrs. Maranta was very good, he saved our bacon a few times tonite, would still rather have a flyer in his position but he is probably feeling good about himself tonite. Macca had a mammoth tackle count (54) but his attack remains amazingly predictable. Hoffy as a five eighth makes a damn good centre and Hunt continues to be an embarrassment. Kennedy would be a great forward if not for the excess space betwixt his ears.

Hook still doesn't realize that RL is a 17 man game and he would have copped a lot of flak if the Broncos would have succumbed to the sustained pressure and suffered a defeat. I know I have said it a million times but the Broncos will never be factors in this comp with this novice running the show but we will put all of that aside for now because a win is a win is a win. D-day for Hook will eventually come.

Top effort boys!!!!!

 

[Super Freak]

Maybe I was seeing things, but was Barba playing at 5/8 at one stage there? I thought Broncos were more dangerous when he was taking control of the attack more. Hoffman was just...shit.

 

[I bleed Maroon]

Holy fucking shit Maranta, what the hell happened to you over the off season.

I'm very happy with that result. The boys got stuck in with some serious grit and mongrel and wrestled the win away from the Dogs. Our halves, as everyone have said, continue to be our biggest negative. Hoffman was awful and Hunt was almost pedestrian. It was all Barba when it came to the playmaking. That grubber from him to Copley was brilliant and the mark of a naturally talented player. He will be so important for us this year. Vidot had a very solid game and so did Maranta. He has earned his chance next round before we start sharpening our axes.

 

[pennywisealfie]

Gutsy win Broncos. Fucking loved it. They put in and got the result that they deserved. 1-0

 

[Broncoman]

Good way to get things of and running but there is plenty of room for improvement.

Positives;

- The new signings Barba, Vidot and Kennedy all impressed which is great. Vidot lived up to the hype and was one of our best imo while Barba looks to be enjoying life again (despite playing fullback he will be our main playmaker)

- Maranta had a good game for once and was safe and composed under the high ball and ironically scored the final try

- Our defence and guts won the game. We needed to improve on defence significantly and we held out a wave of Canterbury attack showing plenty of guts which shows that we are ready to turn up and play

- Copley looks to have recovered from injury, played very well tonight

Negatives;

- The halves are still a major worry. Hunt's kicking game was poor and Hoffman had little if any input in attack. Begging Milford is still coming next year

- Still some weird bench use by Hook, Wallace not getting on was a strange and Kennedy could've easily played a lot more

A win is a win and to get a win over a Des Hasler coached team away from home is nothing to look down on. Some good signs are showing but still plenty of work is still needed.