Just noticed a few fans claim that the Manly outside backs are slow in recent times and thought it deserved it's own thread, to give and get opinions.
Firstly there is truth to the claim....but I don't feel this will stop the Manly team piling on plenty of points out wide.
Tafua IS close to the slowest winger, but has upsize with power charges, improved hands and better options with the old rushing in defensively, yet still intimidating the opposition with good reason.
Parker IS a slow centre, close to the average backrower in speed, but up with the best defensive NRL centres and plays with great intensity and is a handful in the opposition 20m, running great hard lines.
Suli does not have the acceleration to burn his opposite, but can wind up after stomping over 1-2 defenders and when weight drops - reasonable pace.
Garrick is no Addo Carr in speed, but a great athlete, but still above average - about 7/10 for a winger, which is pretty good.
All round it's undeniable that this is a Slow 3/4 line but -
More importantly - the game is won by owning that middle and then even these slower backs will create space, opportunities and score points.
Due to the fact Manly have imo, the most powerful go forward in the game, this suddenly changes the opposition defensive shape and presto, these outside backs suddenly begin to make line breaks as the defence back peddles and loses control of numbers.
Before a ball is kicked - The defence line starts a solid 70m structure for both teams, till gates are created starting inside to outside....
Before considering the FAST outside backs its a case of softening up the middle and edges, once these gates are created the opportunity to attack wide has been earned and will be far more rewarding.
To throw in an addition to a Power game and to maximize the win in the middle, is a FAST dummy half, this is why Fainu was so damaging and took advantage of the rampant go forward in 2019 and I have suspicions Levi will offer similar value.
I think the Manly backs with today's lineup (NO Schuster, Hoppa, Funa ect), will still be dangerous, regardless of the speed factor
If it was a 4 way relay of outside backs (2-5), we would likely run last, but it's a game of footy and this will allow the Manly 3/4 to be up with the more dangerous teams imo....thoughts ??
Firstly there is truth to the claim....but I don't feel this will stop the Manly team piling on plenty of points out wide.
Tafua IS close to the slowest winger, but has upsize with power charges, improved hands and better options with the old rushing in defensively, yet still intimidating the opposition with good reason.
Parker IS a slow centre, close to the average backrower in speed, but up with the best defensive NRL centres and plays with great intensity and is a handful in the opposition 20m, running great hard lines.
Suli does not have the acceleration to burn his opposite, but can wind up after stomping over 1-2 defenders and when weight drops - reasonable pace.
Garrick is no Addo Carr in speed, but a great athlete, but still above average - about 7/10 for a winger, which is pretty good.
All round it's undeniable that this is a Slow 3/4 line but -
- The fullback Turbo is up with the fastest 1's in the game
- The Manly halves are arguably the fastest halves combination in the game
- Most tries are not scored from close range, not long range
More importantly - the game is won by owning that middle and then even these slower backs will create space, opportunities and score points.
Due to the fact Manly have imo, the most powerful go forward in the game, this suddenly changes the opposition defensive shape and presto, these outside backs suddenly begin to make line breaks as the defence back peddles and loses control of numbers.
Before a ball is kicked - The defence line starts a solid 70m structure for both teams, till gates are created starting inside to outside....
Before considering the FAST outside backs its a case of softening up the middle and edges, once these gates are created the opportunity to attack wide has been earned and will be far more rewarding.
To throw in an addition to a Power game and to maximize the win in the middle, is a FAST dummy half, this is why Fainu was so damaging and took advantage of the rampant go forward in 2019 and I have suspicions Levi will offer similar value.
I think the Manly backs with today's lineup (NO Schuster, Hoppa, Funa ect), will still be dangerous, regardless of the speed factor
If it was a 4 way relay of outside backs (2-5), we would likely run last, but it's a game of footy and this will allow the Manly 3/4 to be up with the more dangerous teams imo....thoughts ??
