Round 17 - Eels vs Broncos - Build Up Thread

[Kimlo]

The most interesting part for me is Baptise getting a spot ahead of McCullough.
Love it :)

Sorry I simply have to quote this, I cannot resist.

There are plenty of players whos poor defense is overlooked due to the fact they are brilliant attacking players. How is Macca any different? If he is merely serviceable out of dummy half, then IMO he demands a spot in the team as he compensates for this with his outstanding D.

You have to remember that to Griffin defense is a much greater commodity than attack. I don't think Macca's place in the team has ever been under threat this year.

And this

I was merely highlighting that IMO what he brings to our ruck defense is completely underated by most, but definitely not by Griffin. I'd go as far to say that he is our best middle defender. With that he merely has to be serviceable with the ball in hand and his spot should not be questioned at all.

Obviously his position has been under threat.
And perhaps he's not as highly rated by Griffin as you say if he's now benched, obviously his spot has been "questioned" [icon_lol1.

I'm happy he's on the bench because it's better than any other option we have while Baptise needs a break.

 

[mjc]

Hopefully Baptiste over Macca keeps happening for the rest of the year.

 

[user_nat]

I kinda think him being benched has more to do with him being more likely to play somewhere other then hooker (like he did against the Raiders). If Griffin rated Baptiste so highly, surely he would have played against the Dragons.

 

[vertigo]

Look at that bench FFS

2 backup hookers? [eusa_doh

No. One backup hooker and a backup five-eighth/half.

Norman shouldn't have to come off, he should be getting ready to play 80 minutes for next year [icon_shru

 

[Kimlo]

I kinda think him being benched has more to do with him being more likely to play somewhere other then hooker (like he did against the Raiders). If Griffin rated Baptiste so highly, surely he would have played against the Dragons.

Baptise is still earning a spot in FG, so he's going to get dropped here and there, completely normal.

 

[mrslong]

I reckon if Macca was playing last Friday night we win.

 

[Kimlo]

I reckon if Macca was playing last Friday night we win.

He wouldn't have stopped the first two trys from 5ouffs and Baptise scored a try, big IF.

 

[m1c]

Coming off the bench means nothing in todays game. How about we wait and see - firstly, Hooks' tactics and secondly, the minutes he plays. For all we know it's still part of their ongoing punishment.

Way to go off half-cocked, two stroke.

 

[mrslong]

I reckon if Macca was playing last Friday night we win.

He wouldn't have stopped the first two trys from 5ouffs and Baptise scored a try, big IF.

Baptiste also got caught too many times on 5th tackle or making a bad option. Macca has a good kicking game and would have done better than baptiste in those conditions.

Baptistes try was lucky. He was a bit robbie-farrah esque with his selfish darts imo.

 

[mrslong]

Coming off the bench means nothing in todays game. How about we wait and see - firstly, Hooks' tactics and secondly, the minutes he plays. For all we know it's still part of their ongoing punishment.

Way to go off half-cocked, two stroke.

ha ha, nice post! icon_thumbs_u

 

[Kimlo]

Coming off the bench means nothing in todays game. How about we wait and see - firstly, Hooks' tactics and secondly, the minutes he plays. For all we know it's still part of their ongoing punishment.

Way to go off half-cocked, two stroke.

But I thought his position was never under threat? And that his position shouldn't be questioned? Yet he got benched... Obviously he's not as much of a certainty in the squad as you seem to think but of course whether BHQ likes it or not you're right about Macca.

And for all we know it's Griffin rewarding Baptise for playing well.

 

[noisetheory]

not sure why the worry. i feel more comfortable with macca coming off the bench than bringing in a rookie. macca's defense is superb which is what we need.

hopefully the organisation in attack clicks a bit better this week.

 

[Jeba]

I reckon if Macca was playing last Friday night we win.

He wouldn't have stopped the first two trys from 5ouffs and Baptise scored a try, big IF.

Baptiste also got caught too many times on 5th tackle or making a bad option. Macca has a good kicking game and would have done better than baptiste in those conditions.

Baptistes try was lucky. He was a bit robbie-farrah esque with his selfish darts imo.

Yes, and Macca hasn't been caught on the last tackle once this season, and he always takes the right option. Oh wait...........

 

[Porthoz]

I reckon if Macca was playing last Friday night we win.

He wouldn't have stopped the first two trys from 5ouffs and Baptise scored a try, big IF.

Baptiste also got caught too many times on 5th tackle or making a bad option. Macca has a good kicking game and would have done better than baptiste in those conditions.

Baptistes try was lucky. He was a bit robbie-farrah esque with his selfish darts imo.

Totally disagree. Baptiste last tackle options where mostly good, although Macca does have a good kicking game. The problem is that he probably wouldn't have used it, to instead throw his dummy 150 times, to see if he fooled the opposition. And in that case, I really prefer Baptiste Farrah-esque darts... [icon_razz1

 

[Raw Boned Youngster]

Well with our problems in attack having 6 hookers should at least provide plenty of openings.

 

[mrslong]

I reckon if Macca was playing last Friday night we win.

He wouldn't have stopped the first two trys from 5ouffs and Baptise scored a try, big IF.

Baptiste also got caught too many times on 5th tackle or making a bad option. Macca has a good kicking game and would have done better than baptiste in those conditions.

Baptistes try was lucky. He was a bit robbie-farrah esque with his selfish darts imo.

Yes, and Macca hasn't been caught on the last tackle once this season, and he always takes the right option. Oh wait...........

But he's improved out of sight.

 

[mrslong]

For the record I like the McCullough/Baptiste option.

 

[Raw Boned Youngster]

RBY is visiting your fine state capital this week.

As well as swanning about doing tourist things, I took my son out to Broncos traning yesterday ( Tuesday ). Thanks to Coxy for sorting some info for me icon_thumbs_u .
The drizzle has curtailed our outdoor plans for the day so I am holed up in some underground internet joint in the Queen Street mall filing this reflection.

Anyway, I was really impressed by the spirit in the team at training- very pleasing. Also, the players were very keen and willing to sign stuff and talk etc to the supporters who attended. Much appreciated.
Good vibe apparent in the squad which augers well for this week.

For locals, which pub do we meet at tonight?