Round 8 - Broncos vs Titans - Post Match Discussion

[rnabokov]

I thought Wallace was superb, and Norman too. They controlled the middle really well and gave options left and right. Glenn's support play and defense was great.

It worries me still that Macca is taken off when the momentum is rolling. What is Griffin's logic? Doesn't seem to be any. One day, against a good side, it will backfire.

So far, as most seem to acknowledge, we are playing 60 mins of good footie. So far, against largely ordinary opposition - Cowboys excepted, we are doing enough. Now, the real tests begin starting next week.

 

[ningnangnong]

rnabokov in not mentioning Gillett shocker! :cheesy:

 

[rnabokov]

rnabokov in not mentioning Gillett shocker! :cheesy:

Who? Oh, him. Nah, I was too busy watching Parker play prop. But seriously, we are doing well with only 1 back rower and 3 props.

 

[ningnangnong]

Have to agree with the few comments regarding how we use Macca.

The difference in quality between McCullough and Hunt as hookers was plainly obvious last night once McCullough went off. You don't really notice it so much when he's on the field, but Macca provides the team with fantastic direction and organisation, plus his defence is top notch. Hunt isn't a horrible hooker, but he's of a much lower standard than McCullough - that said, hooker isn't his natural position, so we probably shouldn't expect him to be as effective as Macca. Hunt did impress for that brief period he had at halfback after Wallace went off.

Glenn and Norman were clearly our best. I love Norman's running game. Sure, sometimes he might hog the ball (although I think this is more to do with not wanting to force the play, which is a good thing!), but he's so unpredictable and elusive when attacking the line - it's brilliant. His kicking game continues to improve too. He's doing a cracking job.

Thought Parker had a strong game, and got through a lot of work as usual, but... his inability to recognise players outside of him and pass the ball is really starting to annoy me. There were a few opportunities last night where Parker received the ball in broken play with numbers outside of him, but decided to put his head down and head back towards the middle of the pitch. It's not a huge concern I guess, but it'd be great if he showed a bit more awareness.

Hannant and Petero did well too. Hannant was his usual self, taking plenty of hit ups and making lots of tackles, whilst I thought Petero provided some much needed go forward at important times.

Great win!

On another note, Alfie Langer was on my plane back to Newcastle this morning! Wonder what the deal is? :shady: I saw him walking down the aisle of the plane and I couldn't believe my eyes! For a fleeting moment I thought he was going to take the spare seat next to me, but alas he ended up a few rows in front. I swear only about a handful of people recognised him. :haha:

 

[rnabokov]

I agree with what you say, especially about Parker.

And yes, I still believe Gillett should start, and Parker should be part of our prop rotation. Parker's game is increasingly becoming less that of a back rower and more prop, and he is truly excellent at gaining metres and defending - up the middle.

Watching Glenn and Gillett out wide, especially last night, tells me that is what effective back rowers should be doing, and they are both so good on the edges and out wide. I'd love have them both on the field as much as possible. It would increase our attacking options on both sides a lot, and both Glenn and Gillett are also excellent support runners and off loaders.

 

[Alec]

I don't know what you see that's wrong with prop-like locks, rnabokov. It's a genuine role these days.

 

[Bucking Beads]

I don't see us getting the best out of Gillett being an 80 min player. He is only young and is an impact player.

 

[mrslong]

Thought Copley's no try was the worst call of the match. Hodges try was the 2nd worst call of the match. The Luke Douglas call the 3rd worst call of the match. The Josh Hoffman try the 4th worst call of the match....although I don't really think it was a bad call.

WTF is the go with Bodene Thompson v Corey Parker? Remember last year Bodene threw the ball at Corey's head and tried to fight him, then again last night he wanted to go Corey again. Bodene is such a tool....but it does make me curious.

I do think the Titans have a good team on paper. They have strength across the park and a first class pack. Not like the Eels who are a bunch of nufty's + Hindmarsh and Hayne. Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Luke Douglas & Luke Bailey are all in excellent form. David Mead and Jamal Idris are playing some good football when on the park with the ball in hand. Matt Srama is excellent at getting his forwards over the advantage line and Scott Prince is not a bad player, when he gets some room he is as good as ever. I'm giong to have to blame the Coach, they have no clue how to set up a try (think the Kiwis under Kearney). I suppose Luke O'Dwyer is RUBBISH, and Will Zillman is not a good fullback. Move Mead to FB and Zilly to the wing to start with.

Not that I care. I love the Titans sucking, but the Legion are right to be upset. They have a pretty good team "on paper"

 

[Big Pete]

I don't think Corey is too popular in League circles.

Always hear rumours about him being a bit of a tool and some league players have said as much publicly.

 

[Bucking Beads]

I don't think Corey is too popular in League circles.

Always hear rumours about him being a bit of a tool and some league players have said as much publicly.

Heard similar things about him when he was at high school.

 

[user_nat]

He has his last name tattooed onto his arm. He is clearly a tool.

Great player though.

 

[Bucking Beads]

He had his head shaved and polished at high school. Massive tool.

 

[Ghibli]

Re. Parker, my understanding is his personality went strongly against him in the captaincy selection. Paul White and Griffin appear to value the importance of being humanistic when managing their respective areas (and obviously wanted the same in a Broncos captain); having met Sammy T he's a nice bloke and very easy to speak to, and to my knowledge the players respond very well to his personality/captaincy traits.

Also, didn't Yow Yeh lay one on Corey's chin on the tour to England last year?

 

[Coxy]

The Luke Douglas no try was 100% correct. The only wrong calls went against us

 

[Fozz]

Corey and Ennis are besties. You know what the say, birds of a feather....

 

[user_nat]

Was it a no try because it was a forward pass or no try for some other reason?

 

[Kaz]

I don't think Corey is too popular in League circles.

He could be a tool.

And because he's not popular, that could be the reason he wasn't made captain.

His wife isn't very nice.

I had an arguement on another forum (not football) a few years ago, & I found out I was arguing with Corey's wife. lol

Lets just say she would fit in at Inala. hehehe

 

[Ghibli]

I was directly in line with the Norman tap-on pass, it wasn't forward and it wasn't backward, therefore, I would say it was flat.