Seibold is obviously no dummy, so this is no cheap shot ‘I know more than a professional coach’ rant, rather, a serious question…has he backed the wrong horse?
I recall a game against Penrith at Brookie in Seibs first year as coach. We had injuries aplenty and were given no chance. We went out and threw caution to wind, shifting the ball from inside our half regularly, and pulling the trigger on low % plays. We jagged a few tries and Penrith looked uncomfortable for a little while, before going on to win well.
In the press conference after the game, Seibs said words to the effect of having to disrupt Penrith and play to our strengths, etc. It seems our game plan moving forward from that day, has been all out attack.
I gather, from other things Seibs has said during press conferences and pre-season feature pieces, is that our strategy is born from a combination of (a) a quicker game means momentum and more points scored and (b) we’ve got attacking weapons.
It’s almost like he has attempted to revolutionise an approach to the game that is very much like Rugby Union; one where the defence is scattered from the fatigue of repeat sets, and Manly are ready to strike.
The trouble is, we’ve still got to have a defensive mindset and do all the fundamentals well. Sadly, we don’t. When Seibs arrived, it should have been about effort, effort, effort, defend, defend, defend, and when the opposition get tired, our speed and simple attacking structures will bear fruit.
