Round 2 - Broncos vs Cowboys - Pre Match Discussion

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Unbreakable said:
Look guys, I don't think we're going to see any drastic changes, at least until Hodges & Kahu are back from injury.

1. Hoffman
2. Vidot
3. Reed
4. Copley
5. Maranta
6. Barba
7. Hunt
8. McGuire
9. McCullough
10. Parker (c)
11. Glenn
12. Thaiday
13. Gillett

14. Hannant
15. Kennedy
16. Hala
17. J.Wallace

This is the team I'm expecting to be named, Lowrie out due to concussion, if McCullough gets suspended, replace him with Granville.
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Macca should be fine, he has a pretty clean record
 
bazza said:
I think your missing the point... By all means Strasser is a rookie in his own right, but out all of the the contenders for a halves spot, Strasser has the most experience in terms of directing the team around the field. His time in the QLD Cup would greatly benefit the team, and Hunt in particular as its the closest thing to the actual NRL.

In a way Strasser has more experience of directing a team around the park as a half, than even Hunt himself. Hunt didn't get the benefit of time in QCup, and instead his development was hampered with appearances as a makeshift hooker. Strasser played the most part of the season in the halves for Redcliffe and did a solid job.

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. Hoffman didn't pass to his outside backs, but Strasser could create opportunities for them. He would really compliment Hunt, Barba and McCullough.

Nikorima at this stage is not quite ready and I feel will just go missing over the 80 mins. Despite being a bit of an x factor type player, he needs to develop more in the NYC/Q Cup.

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 has only been given a shot in his favoured halfback position in first grade after about 5 years, 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, but unfortunately Hunt doesn't have that luxury.

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'd move Hunt back to the left side, where he developed a good combination and Strasser on the right. I'd still want them to rove around, rather than be stationed on their individual sides of the field.
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Don't get me wrong, I like Strasser. But did you see him in the trials? Offered very little in attack and dropped of tackles like a wet towel
 
I would select the same team barring injury and suspension and have Barba playing the same fullback/five-eighth role which he did so well last night. The Cowboys are a for more slicker and attacking side than the Bulldogs so improvement is definitely needed.
 
Sproj said:
Go with the same team but swap Hoffman and Maranta.
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honestly this! let maranta defend inn the 6, as we move into attack he can play outside of barba. he was promising in his half game there last season. with this years form we might unearth a gem. barba essentially plays fullback but is one inside maranta in attack.
with hoffman carving it up on the wing.

1. barba
2. hoffman
3. reed
4. copley
5. vidot
6. maranta
7. hunt
8. kennedy
9. macca (want playing 80 can play as a 5/8 [and hooker when granville is tackled the times we lost our way in attack was because macca wasn't at 9] when granville is on)
10. moose
11. glenn
12. thaiday
13. parker

14. gillett(i actually want him playing decent minutes and defending close to the middle)
15. granville
16. hannant
17. lowrie/oates/hala/wallace none will get large minutes
 
[MENTION=8188]coreyh88[/MENTION], I love it and it just has a better feel than this week's positions. Basically everyone keeps their spot which is good for continuity but it just gives a little bit of needed fine-tuning.
 
After just watching the Cows go around against the Raiders, I can safely say we absolutely must shut down JT to have a chance at winning.
 
We're going to have to come up with a plan to protect Ben Hunt in defence. If we don't, he's going to be repeatedly raped by Taumalolo.
 
I bleed Maroon said:
After just watching the Cows go around against the Raiders, I can safely say we absolutely must shut down JT to have a chance at winning.
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Isn't that the case any time you play a team with JT in it?
 
bazza said:
I think your missing the point... By all means Strasser is a rookie in his own right, but out all of the the contenders for a halves spot, Strasser has the most experience in terms of directing the team around the field. His time in the QLD Cup would greatly benefit the team, and Hunt in particular as its the closest thing to the actual NRL.

In a way Strasser has more experience of directing a team around the park as a half, than even Hunt himself. Hunt didn't get the benefit of time in QCup, and instead his development was hampered with appearances as a makeshift hooker. Strasser played the most part of the season in the halves for Redcliffe and did a solid job.

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. Hoffman didn't pass to his outside backs, but Strasser could create opportunities for them. He would really compliment Hunt, Barba and McCullough.

Nikorima at this stage is not quite ready and I feel will just go missing over the 80 mins. Despite being a bit of an x factor type player, he needs to develop more in the NYC/Q Cup.

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 has only been given a shot in his favoured halfback position in first grade after about 5 years, 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, but unfortunately Hunt doesn't have that luxury.

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'd move Hunt back to the left side, where he developed a good combination and Strasser on the right. I'd still want them to rove around, rather than be stationed on their individual sides of the field.
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You seemed to be suggesting that Hunt's downfall was his inexpierence. If that is the issue well I don't see how Strasser's 12 games at number 6 is going to solve your problem. In fact it could make it worse. I don't think 18 ISC games in total will help much against the Cowboys on Friday night. That's not to say Strasser won't play NRL or play well if he gets a shot.

I agree with Hunt needing an experienced half with him but they're greatly lacking at Red Hill at the moment. I think Hoffman is the best option at this stage.

Strasser's kicking game has been worked on over summer and it certainly wasn't his strongest skill last year when he was moved to the halves. Reddy also had one of their worst years and attack wise they were very average.
 
We're in for a tough night with JT in form like this, he was absolutely superb and master minded the Cowboys comeback win. The Cowboys still have weaknesses and we have a very good record against them.
 
1910 said:
You seemed to be suggesting that Hunt's downfall was his inexpierence. If that is the issue well I don't see how Strasser's 12 games at number 6 is going to solve your problem. In fact it could make it worse. I don't think 18 ISC games in total will help much against the Cowboys on Friday night. That's not to say Strasser won't play NRL or play well if he gets a shot.

I agree with Hunt needing an experienced half with him but they're greatly lacking at Red Hill at the moment. I think Hoffman is the best option at this stage.

Strasser's kicking game has been worked on over summer and it certainly wasn't his strongest skill last year when he was moved to the halves. Reddy also had one of their worst years and attack wise they were very average.
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Why is Hoffman the best option? He has no passing game, and even if Strasser needed work on his kicking, it simply cannot be worse than Hoffy's!
 
My team:

1. Barba
2. Vidot
3. Reed
4. Copley
5. Maranta
6. Hoffman
7. Hunt
8. McGuire
9. McCullough
10. Hannant
11. Glenn
12. Thaiday
13. Parker (C)

14. Lowrie
15. Gillett
16. Kennedy
17. Hala

Being realistic, we're unlikely to see Maranta replaced, or Hoffman moved at this stage.

Cozza back to 13. Moose and the Polar Bear up front, as they probably are the fittest of our front rowers and most familiar with our structures.

Bench has a mix of impact with Kennedy and Hala, utility /X factor in Gillett, and a tackle sponge in Lowrie. Gillett in particular, I think, would benefit from coming off the bench and being able to pick his moments against less than fresh defensive lines.

Realistically, we're outside chances against the Cows and Roosters. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I'd like to see us use these next two weeks to work on our combinations and structures against solid competition.

Even if we end up 0/2, we should be in good shape and cohesive for the more favourable match ups against DragQueens and Eels. Both very winnable.

Depending how things pan out at this stage would dictate whether to stick with current choices or mix things up.
 
1910 said:
I agree with Hunt needing an experienced half with him but they're greatly lacking at Red Hill at the moment. I think Hoffman is the best option at this stage.
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In a perfect world Hunt has an experienced half but obviously we don't have that option. Wouldn't we love Shane Perry right now. I think Hunt would benefit from having a partner who has a kicking game and a passing game. Hoffman will just run it which seems to be the game plan but it leaves us very short on help for Hunt who isn't up to doing it all.
 
Look at baby Maranta go. Be prepared for his return against the Cowboys.

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