Round 21 - Sea Eagles vs Broncos - Post Match Discussion
- Thread starter Big Pete
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Kaz
State of Origin Captain
- Mar 5, 2008
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I was hoping for a coach who has moved with the times. (but no we sign WB instead)
I wanted a coach that has had nothing to do with the Broncos before, so he had fresh eyes etc.
OK, I wanted them to try & get Hasler.
- Jan 25, 2013
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I didn't think the Broncos were too bad against the likely minor premiers. They were able to get some really decent go-forward, gave themselves plenty of opportunities, and for most of the game were the better team. Our biggest issue is the clutch plays where the game is on the line, but second to that we have real trouble with teams who are grubby in the ruck. We had plenty of tackles on Manly's line, but they were able to get themselves all twisted up and take an age to let us play the ball. A lot of that goes on the refs heads - it was pretty ridiculous at one point, fucking Matai had it in his head that the ball was his, and despite the ref calling it our ball and to play it, Matai was allowed to grab at it and try to reef it out for a good 5 seconds. And the refs did nothing. The net result of those things is that we can't get fast play-the-balls, therefore their defence is able to reset comfortably for every play, and we can't put in an attacking "set" where the defence is moved around, staggered, and tested. We have to learn to overcome the grubby techniques - either work out how to expose them and earn penalties, or practise ways of counter-acting those holds altogether.
But I expected us to get flogged. I wouldn't say that I'm impressed with how we played, but it was nowhere near our worst performance of the year. The scoreline flattered them greatly, but in reality there were probably three tiny moments that decided that, had they gone differently, would have changed the result completely. It's up to our guys to isolate those moments and learn from them.
But I expected us to get flogged. I wouldn't say that I'm impressed with how we played, but it was nowhere near our worst performance of the year. The scoreline flattered them greatly, but in reality there were probably three tiny moments that decided that, had they gone differently, would have changed the result completely. It's up to our guys to isolate those moments and learn from them.
Big Pete
International Captain
- Mar 12, 2008
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- Thread starter
- #77
I get the feeling too that the Broncos didn't play with enough patience.
A few times where they either had to die with the ball or put the kick up and try to restrict Manly but instead they were throwing risky passes or kicks that weren't on.
The Reed grubber is a good example of that. It gave me the sense that Reed was looking to come up with the money play to inspire and compose the team who looked a little flustered with the ball and lacked the temperment required to crack the Manly line.
I also think Morkel raises a fair point too. Admittedly, I actually think the Broncos tested the referees a bit more than usually do in the ruck in the opening exchanges of the dummy half and they were getting to the Manly forwards but deep inside the Sea Eagles line, the players know now that the referees aren't going to keep blowing penalties for minor infringements and they're usually only good for one or two and more often than not they're on the first or second tackle when it has little to no affect on the team.
I know exactly the tackle you're talking about in regards to Matai and it should have been a penalty but in the grand scheme of things too I don't think it would have counted for a whole lot. It's difficult to beat the form team of the competition when you're constantly competing with yourself.
A few times where they either had to die with the ball or put the kick up and try to restrict Manly but instead they were throwing risky passes or kicks that weren't on.
The Reed grubber is a good example of that. It gave me the sense that Reed was looking to come up with the money play to inspire and compose the team who looked a little flustered with the ball and lacked the temperment required to crack the Manly line.
I also think Morkel raises a fair point too. Admittedly, I actually think the Broncos tested the referees a bit more than usually do in the ruck in the opening exchanges of the dummy half and they were getting to the Manly forwards but deep inside the Sea Eagles line, the players know now that the referees aren't going to keep blowing penalties for minor infringements and they're usually only good for one or two and more often than not they're on the first or second tackle when it has little to no affect on the team.
I know exactly the tackle you're talking about in regards to Matai and it should have been a penalty but in the grand scheme of things too I don't think it would have counted for a whole lot. It's difficult to beat the form team of the competition when you're constantly competing with yourself.
