maxta
First Grader
Fact is Ballin is the same reliable workhorse who has been a key component in well oiled machine but 2 Key things have changed.
*The dominent aggressive pack around him is gone, minimising his influence from dummy half as a proactive distributer taking the game past the advantage line & then finding a 6 or 7 at speed against a staggered retreating defence.
*The speed of the modern game conflicts with his style as he is still that tough hardworking footballer & has never had the explosive qualities of the Luke, Segeyaro type, he is however a quality player who, like the halves is struggling behind a beaten pack.
Ballin has not dropped form - the game has changed & the Manly team is far weaker in 2015 all over the park for reasons that can & can't be helped.
Hodges definately picks up the tempo & has the attributes for todays dummy half.....a fair way of The Lukes & Segeyaro's but give the kid a go - playing super under the circumstances for a youngster with limited opportunity.
*The dominent aggressive pack around him is gone, minimising his influence from dummy half as a proactive distributer taking the game past the advantage line & then finding a 6 or 7 at speed against a staggered retreating defence.
*The speed of the modern game conflicts with his style as he is still that tough hardworking footballer & has never had the explosive qualities of the Luke, Segeyaro type, he is however a quality player who, like the halves is struggling behind a beaten pack.
Ballin has not dropped form - the game has changed & the Manly team is far weaker in 2015 all over the park for reasons that can & can't be helped.
Hodges definately picks up the tempo & has the attributes for todays dummy half.....a fair way of The Lukes & Segeyaro's but give the kid a go - playing super under the circumstances for a youngster with limited opportunity.