Game Day: Manly v Souths [Round 2, 2021]

[SeaEagleRock8]

We played great that game. Robbed.
Problem is 2019 Rugby League was totally different ballgame. Speed was not absolutely everything and we hit hard and gutsed it out.

2021 and no speed = lose.

Speed alone is not the answer. Broncs have speedy players yet are favourite for another spoon.

We've got a number of fast players anyway. Obviously Foran can't run, Parker isn't fast, but the rest aren't too bad. Suli can motor fine for a big guy as he showed in that game.

I think they key under the new rules is being able to exploit space, having players who can use the ball and take advantage of it. This is where we've totally flopped so far, but as we (hopefully) get some spine players back we have potential to improve greatly in this area.

Of course the other non-negotiable under the new rules is high completion, and getting your share of decent field position. If you can't do those, it doesn't matter how fast your players are or how gifted the ball-players.

 

[susan]

SE8 By speed I don’t mean just player speed which we do lack

I mean the tempo with which a team plays- the speed of the play the ball, players hitting their front in a tackle, , playmakers hitting the advantage line ( not standing still like we do), players pushing up around the ball ,outside backs playing with depth .
We look stilted and slow - both individually and game tempo.

The days of grinding out a win , slowing down the play all, conservative ball movement are gone. Bulldogs play like us too - it’s old school and failing.