POST GAME Round 1 - Dragons vs Broncos

[roo-ted]

Simple. Other Teams worked him out. He and Wayne bennett have been unable to take his game to another level. Maybe he isn't capable with improving and he actually peaked in 2015. Who knows what will happen with him but it's certainly concerning.

I do agree, but the thing about the 2015 Milford is that other teams couldn't put a plan in place to stop him because he was so creative and witty he would just bust the game open without any warning.

 

[Maroon4life]

Simple. Other Teams worked him out. He and Wayne bennett have been unable to take his game to another level. Maybe he isn't capable with improving and he actually peaked in 2015. Who knows what will happen with him but it's certainly concerning.

I thought a lot of his best plays in ‘15 were from Adlib and improvised plays, playing off the back of supporting and offloads. That sort of thing is hard for an opposition to work out and plan for, but too play like that consistantly requires him too be enthusiastic and showing a lot of energy and commitment which were definitely not seeing.

 

[Stix]

Kodi had 4 runs for 19 meters last night... faaark me

 

[roo-ted]

Kodi had 4 runs for 19 meters last night... faaark me

Yeah he was my biggest concern last night. 4 even sounds like a lot

 

[Super Freak]

When hunt made the break Boyd stopped chasing. Granted he could be injured yes but the game was on the line and if it was locky or Thurston even on one leg they would Chase until the very end that’s what a leader does.

Lockyer gave up plenty of times in situations like that. For the same reason Boyd did, he knew he wasn't catching him.

 

[Socnorb]

I think the question has to be asked, how can Milford go from one of the most dangerous and devastating NRL players in 2015-early 2016 to the player we seen last night? Is it that the team of 2015 suited his game? Is it a personal slump of form? His lack of effort? What is it!

No go forward, no room, no retreating defence.

 

[Wild Horse]

Bird when fit to 5/8th (as I said in the off season)
Milf to fullback
Boyd to the centres
Kahu to the wing
Thaiday to finish his career in Q Cup (as I said in the off season)

I like it... Never gonna happen, but I agree.

 

[winslow_wong]

I thought a lot of his best plays in ‘15 were from Adlib and improvised plays, playing off the back of supporting and offloads. That sort of thing is hard for an opposition to work out and plan for, but too play like that consistantly requires him too be enthusiastic and showing a lot of energy and commitment which were definitely not seeing.

Well we have a new offload specialist in tpj. Milford needs to be his shadow on every hit up and yes you're right, he needs to show a lot more energy in doing so.

 

[roo-ted]

No go forward, no room, no retreating defence.

Something that the Broncos were excellent at in 2015 was tiring the opposition down. Early kicks (when in good field position), repeat sets, and good kick chasing. I remember when we played bigger teams like the bulldogs (back then), this was a tactic we used a lot. Once they were completly gassed that's when Milford and Hunt run riot

 

[Kyall]

I love how everyone is now against Boyd and him playing FB but when I said it I was stupid and everyone hated my thoughts.

 

[Mightybroncs2k17]

It was pretty disappointing that even after Pangai’s third offload There wasn’t anyone trailing in support waiting for it. Instead it came out the back to a flat footed, surprised looking Macca who had to look left, right then left again before finding a flat footed forward.

surely the team knows and has discussed his offload ability and are told too follow him up and be prepared for it? Billy slater and James Tedesco would be all over that shit like white on rice.

Also how many times did we try and kick from within 10 meters of the sideline allowing the defence to come up and jam the kicker as he has no options to run. I thought the general rule for in play kicking was to finish your set within the middle third of the field with kicking options to the left and right of the hooker?

 

[Dash]

I honestly cannot recall us making an offload through the line. They're always after play has broken down to Macca, who was waiting for the play the ball, and simply results in another one-out hit up.

Basically our sets go from 4 one-out hit ups and an out-the-back sweep play to 5 one-out hit ups and an out-the-back sweep play.

 

[Sproj]

Well here we go, first one of the year:

1. Boyd - There will be some not happy about these comments I'm sure but I fear many will sadly agree, this guy is the captain, yet I cannot recall him ever really playing like he is the captain, at least not since he became captain. He might not have been fully responsible for the forward pass at the start but that set the tone of the game. Once again, he just ball watched when Isaako spilled it, that is not acceptable for anyone but especially your captain, it is also not the first time he's done it. I dread four more years of this bloke at present, his body is breaking down and he seems to lack hunger, huge questions marks over the coach's son - 2
2. Oates - He doesn't want to be on the wing and you know what, maybe he shouldn't be. We need a back on the bench and Oates is tailor-made for that back/forward hybrid utility role you need these days. Given Su'a will be suspended, I'd play Oates off the bench. He overran what should have been the first try, dropped a horrible pass but dragged defenders as he always does. A real rocks and diamonds kind of night without many diamonds - 5
3. Roberts - Just about the only guy who looked dangerous all night in the backline (Isaako notwithstanding), he was about as electric as he could be with such limited ball. That penalty was stupid, he still has the odd brain fade in his game, if it were me, he'd be fullback next week but I'm not the coach - 7
4. Kahu - Terrible, not really much else to say to describe him BUT not really his fault either. He isn't a centre now, his knees just don't have the agility, he also doesn't have the strength. His side of the field was like Swiss cheese in defense and this is not assisted by the millionaire powderpuff defending one in from him. He is a classy winger but that is it these days. Given Isaako's immersion and ability to goal-kick, it is lucky Kahu is still a quality winger because that is all he offers now, embrace it. No pre-season games in the role was mind-numbingly stupid from the coach as well - 4
5. Isaako - He was good for the most part, looks a lot like a Holmes/Hoffman type and makes me think wing is his position, I just don't rate him as a fullback and I'm not really sure why, just a gut feeling. He dropped a bomb but was one of the few who looked like they were bale to get out of reverse gear - 7
6. Milford - Oh man, this guy is really worrying me. He is being paid to be THE man but to be honest, I am not really sure that he is offering ANYTHING better than KNik and that says a lot because both were rubbish last night. He is just have one MAJOR saving factor though, he was behind a forward pack that was being pushed further back than Boyd's defensive position, will hold judgement until after he actually gets some ball in the opposition half but the signs of the last 18 months have not been good and seem to be getting progressively worse. Don't get me started on whatever that thing is he calls defense - 3
7. KNik - Look, I am probably his biggest defender on here and yes, I know he wasn't great BUT he got in a good kick or two, did some ok passing but refused to run the ball (hard to do when your forwards are playing the ball behind you), but I still think he went better than the guy being paid two or three times what he is next to him - 4
8. Lodge - For a first game in three years, that was very impressive. He copped it from pillar to post all week and despite that intercept pass, he was the only forward who looked like he was trying in attack AND defense, a lot to build on here - 7
10. Thaiday - Where do you start here? He was second worst on ground and in a game that included the captain playing like a marshmallow, that tells you everything you need to know. He offers nothing these days, so sad for a club legend who is just making up the numbers these days. He is three seasons past it but Wayne won't drop him unfortunately - 2
14 - TPJ - He was fantastic in attack, such fantastic offloading that needs to be utilized more. The team has the little, fast guys who can capitalise on it...but maybe they are instructed not to or just too lazy to get there, I don't know. He looked fit enough last night which is great but that defense is a massive concern in my opinion. Was dropping off and getting caught out of position so often - 6
11. Glenn - I like this guy, a truly great clubman and I am sure he will come into his own in coming rounds but can see him being overtaken by Su'a later in the season (I know, outlandish after last night's performance) - 6
12. Gillett - Not the Gillett we know and have to come to love. He wasn't the only one in that boat though, it must be said. He looked a shadow of himself but we all know he will get better - 6
13. McGuire - For a guy who is ultra consistent these days, it was a really off game. He was average but in his defense, he was getting very help from anyone - 6

9 - Macca - Just glad he got through the game unscathed, a nice lasting legacy from the powderpuff that was Adam Blair. He looked average but not the most important thing for the guy who is integral to this side's success. His constant kicking on the third, particularly first set after half-time was making me want to throw my vp...tv...whatever I was watching it on - 5
15 - Joffa - I actually thought he went ok without being amazing (he wasn't the only one there) but felt the team did miss his one-two punch with TPJ. I thought he lacked spark but I rate this guy so highly, really would look at starting him next week, as I agree with others that he is probably a better starter than benchie - 6
16. Sims - I have not made my thoughts on this clear a secret. He could be one of the best props in the game but he isn't and it is his own fault...well maybe the Sims' genes fault. He can produce what he did against Newcastle last year but does it ONCE a year. Just not good enough. And if I see him walk back into the defensive line again next week, I tell you, I'm flying back to Brissy and heading straight into training and giving him a highly impassioned letter stating to pull his finger out but not to read it until I run away. His unfulfilled potential just bugs me so much because of what he could be - 3
17. Su'a - Was horrible, no other way to describe it but you can see the talent and ability there. He will miss a week but my outlandish prediction is that he will be starting by the end of the season, just too good to not get there now he is starting to mature physically - 1

Bennett - Not happy mate. Where is the change to structure to play to your players' strengths? This is not a side that can bash and barge, so why use that style? Is that you Des, inhabiting Wayne's body?

 

[Huge]

I love how everyone is now against Boyd and him playing FB but when I said it I was stupid and everyone hated my thoughts.

The sun shines even on a dogs arse, from time to time :)

 

[Sproj]

I love how everyone is now against Boyd and him playing FB but when I said it I was stupid and everyone hated my thoughts.

Here we go with these sweeping generalisations again. I bet not EVERYONE thought it was stupid. Some of us have been calling for it for a while. However, if it was because you wanted to replace him with (insert whichever youngster was your flavour of the month at that time), you can understand why many would have been skeptical.

Let's not forget, you also loved Moga and he was horrid.

 

[Cult]

Bennett is copping it now but I'm pretty sure Kevin Walters was supposed to deal with our attack during the off season.

 

[007]

Bennett is copping it now but I'm pretty sure Kevin Walters was supposed to deal with our attack during the off season.

Im pretty sure we should have recruited and sorted a quality half combo. Can only polish a turd so much.

 

[Stix]

I despise the "rust" excuse for starting round 1 badly.

Just look at the Knights. Round 1, 9 club debutants and look at the heart they played with.

Work your shit out Broncs.

Knights would have put a score on us last night. Think the Mackay Cutters would have too...