Round 5 - Broncos vs Eels - Pre Game Discussion

[Sproj]

We did make a big deal about him being 110 kg when we signed him.

He actually reminds of Steve Price in his running, always kind of ambles to the line and just keeps driving his legs through it carrying players.

 

[CaptainHook]

I'm really looking forward to this game. Hopefully the team can continue their good form. I'm disappointed that Maranta was dropped as I think he has been a solid contributor to our victories. Reed needs to have an absolute blinder to justify Griffin's faith in him.

 

[CaptainHook]

Maranta over Hoffman at 5/8. That'll just about do me.

I don't care where Hoffman plays just as long as it isn't fullback.

 

[I bleed Maroon]

Maranta over Hoffman at 5/8. That'll just about do me.

Are you still stuck on that Maranta hate train that has long since derailed? Name me one good thing Hoffman brings to the 6. ONE.

 

[Brocko]

I cannot wait for this game, especially with Hodges now being back. So keen!

Just quickly on the Reed/Maranta thing, the thing that I found most funny last week was Wally Lewis claiming Reed was one of the better defenders in the league. :laugh: It may have already been mentioned but it gave me a good chuckle.

For me, this has to be Reed's 'last chance' at putting in a good all round game. If not, Copley shifts sides and Maranta comes back. Imo.

 

[Unbreakable]

Are you still stuck on that Maranta hate train that has long since derailed? Name me one good thing Hoffman brings to the 6. ONE.

While I agree that Hoffman is a rubbish Five-Eighth, he's played above expectations so far for me, despite the virtually non-existent passing and kicking game, he's made do with what skills he has, and he's got a few try assists while doing some good things in defense.

 

[Mister Wright]

I can see Maranta replacing Vidot at some point in the game and Vidot having a stint in the 2nd row.

 

[AceAv]

Well there's certainly a lot of criticism for Reed going on here.

Personally I'm a very happy Bronco fan at the moment, considering the way we've shaken off the last two seasons to show some very positive signs for 2014-15. Still early I days however!

Looking critically at the reasons Maranta was dropped for this week over Reed is pretty clear for me:

Maranta has been much better this year and good under the high ball with some nice improvements on his overall game. -But he's still struggling to get us out of danger and gets put to ground pretty easily when you compare him to Vidot. He's still for me the new kid on the block who was very lucky to retain his place over quicker players like Jordan Drew last season.

Reed on the other hand has been part of the team for a few years now, and though I think he's plateaued a little from the brilliant form we saw in his first couple seasons. He's still an extremely hard working centre, always leads the kick chase to apply pressure, has good endurance, a decent step, offload and for me; can regularly pull off that crucial play that leads to a try when we need it most. Last weeks repeat set was just one of many examples.

Having said all that though. He does have a weakness that the Roosters exposed on a few occasions, and thats his inability to 'Reed' the plays and rush up on the back line receiver to shut down the play with those big tackles -when it looks like they are about to create an over lap and charge over. This is what makes a top centre IMO. Hodges can do it, Inglis can do it and only a handful of others can really pull these types of plays off.

I really don't see us sacking all the good work he puts in, because he's still developing the tools that will turn him into a brilliant centre from a good one. -At least not yet and certainly not when we have Griffin at the helm, who is notorious for playing favourites..

There's been some concern also over Hoffmans ability to play 6. And I do think he's better suited at wing, but defensively he has been solid and more importantly, he is making good metres and acting as a back more when our forwards are needing a breather. He's improving slightly more every week, but we won't really be able to properly rate him until after 10-12 games I think.

My largest concern is Barba. There was always a question mark on which Barba we will see this year (2012 or 2013) and I think he's started well for us, but is now getting picked up and slammed back on his kick returns, his speed is lacking and so is his confidence. We can be sure he's a class player and his form will improve as his injury recovery subsides, but right now, if he copped a knock that needed him to play a few rounds in the qld cup and find some of his form again, I'm happy to reshuffle.

Back to this week and I am really pumped to see hodges come back. I'm hoping he lifts the team even more and we stick it to the slimy eels.

 

[Crazy Sam]

Broncos always find ways to lose against lower teams like the Eels. Hope we step up tomorrow night.

 

[Foordy]

On Barba ... i read a couple of weeks ago that we are using him differently to the Bulldogs, we are using him more as a play maker than a runner, so i think it will take time for him to find the balance between the two, as well i think he is still bothered by that ankle

 

[broncsgoat]

Did anyone expect 2012 Barba though? I think Barba's been playing to expectations and will only get better (whilst not likely hitting the heights of 2012 consistently)

 

[CaptainHook]

Did anyone expect 2012 Barba though? I think Barba's been playing to expectations and will only get better (whilst not likely hitting the heights of 2012 consistently)

I think those sorts of things are a rare occurrence where players in such sublime form really make an impact on the rest of the competition. Jarryd Hayne in 2009 is another good example.

 

[cento]

this is my first post but really i am glad we dont need barba magic im glad every person doing there job and we are getting the wins

 

[noisetheory]

I think those sorts of things are a rare occurrence where players in such sublime form really make an impact on the rest of the competition. Jarryd Hayne in 2009 is another good example.

when you have a season like that, you become the focus of every other coach in the NRL. every team we've come up against so far has paid close attention to barba, kick chases have generally been good, they've been swamping him as soon as he gets the ball.

hayne is showing signs of good form but for the most part he's struggled to replicate 2009.

most players that have amazing seasons will.

i never expected 2012 barba but i do expect his form will continue to improve and he will come up with some magic plays as the season goes on. he's already shown he has time and class when he gets his hands on the ball in attacking areas. seems a little gun shy at times to really take it on himself but hunt said last week his ankle was still giving him trouble so he may just be lacking the confidence in himself/his body to do that as yet. it will come

 

[broncsgoat]

I think those sorts of things are a rare occurrence where players in such sublime form really make an impact on the rest of the competition. Jarryd Hayne in 2009 is another good example.

Exactly.

 

[Morkel]

this is my first post but really i am glad we dont need barba magic im glad every person doing there job and we are getting the wins

Welcome! Yeah, that is the beauty of our team so far. It's been a great team effort, so we haven't needed someone like Barba to play out of his skin just to jag a win by the skin of our teeth. Last year every single point looked so difficult to get. It took massive effort and every ounce of luck just to cross the line, and it looked so easy for our opposition. This year the tries look so more natural. It means when sub-par (per expectation) performances turn in to decent showings, we should really be on fire.

 

[Foordy]

I think it has been mentioned before, but another benefit of having Barba in the team is opposition players concentrate on him leaving space for other players to take advantage

 

[noisetheory]

I think it has been mentioned before, but another benefit of having Barba in the team is opposition players concentrate on him leaving space for other players to take advantage

that and he forces the defense to wait or hold off committing themselves to a defender. that half second of indecision creates space for those outside him