Run Koula Run

[Stewbojevic]

I feel like Koula is a bit stitched up with the side he plays on. Because of DCE, Mole, and Garrick on the right we run most of our attack down that side. The left is used to set it up more often than not.

Having Brooks and Burbo inside him is a fair bit different than DCE and Mole!!

Imagine Koula running off Mole’s hip?

 

[Disco]

I feel like Koula is a bit stitched up with the side he plays on. Because of DCE, Mole, and Garrick on the right we run most of our attack down that side. The left is used to set it up more often than not.

Having Brooks and Burbo inside him is a fair bit different than DCE and Mole!!

Imagine Koula running off Mole’s hip?

He play on the right for a good while and I feel got crowded out by Smole and DCE.

 

[manlyfan76]

The luxury of having fit players so we don't have to rush players back.

Different times.

 

[silvereagle]

I still maintain that Tolu is NOT a centre. I have always seen him as a winger in the Brian To'o mould. Lightning fast and strong. Lehi on the other hand should be his centre. Much more creative and smart (footy wise). Something I think Siebold should consider. Much better fit imo.

 

[nightster]

I still maintain that Tolu is NOT a centre. I have always seen him as a winger in the Brian To'o mould. Lightning fast and strong. Lehi on the other hand should be his centre. Much more creative and smart (footy wise). Something I think Siebold should consider. Much better fit imo.

Lehi does get manhandled abit due to his size, especially running off our tryline.

 

[Eagle 1]

I still maintain that Tolu is NOT a centre. I have always seen him as a winger in the Brian To'o mould. Lightning fast and strong. Lehi on the other hand should be his centre. Much more creative and smart (footy wise). Something I think Siebold should consider. Much better fit imo.

Think we are all waiting for Tolu to have that big break out year for us, he teases us with his pace when presented with a break, but, sadly this doesn't happen often enough. Getting that try in the Bulldogs semi would of given him the added confidence coming into this year. Lets just hope this latest injury setback wont derail his season.

 

[Bomb Voyage]

Lehi does get manhandled abit due to his size, especially running off our tryline.

I wouldn't say that, in fact, I am often surprised at how hard he is to stop and how much punch he has at the line, he is deceivingly strong.

 

[jbb/james]

I wouldn't say that, in fact, I am often surprised at how hard he is to stop and how much punch he has at the line, he is deceivingly strong.

Being a smaller body he seems to have learnt very well how to use what he has. Plays direct, charges into the line and mostly gets to ground quickly , especially when the have numbers in the tackle

Smaller players generally have a few tricks up there sleeve if they get to grade

Constantly surprises in the good way

 

[Eagle 1]

Being a smaller body he seems to have learnt very well how to use what he has. Plays direct, charges into the line and mostly gets to ground quickly , especially when the have numbers in the tackle

Smaller players generally have a few tricks up there sleeve if they get to grade

Constantly surprises in the good way

It's like he's playing a game of twister around the opposition when he's making a hit up.

 

[Stacks]

Lehi does get manhandled abit due to his size, especially running off our tryline.

In attack, I agree that Lehi would be better suited as a center due to his natural football instincts and ability to draw in defenders. However, I believe Kola is a much stronger defender, and given that defense is just as important—if not more, this must be taken into consideration.

4o

 

[Woodsie]

There is obviously merit in the view that Koula is not overly aided by the players round him ... but for mine he does not create enough on his own ... good centres are elusive and often beat the first defender with a step and footwork .. Koula as often as not just accelerates into the defenders.

Yes, he has great pace, and in the open, and in broken field play is a weapon ... just wish he showed more ability one on one.

But, he's not the worst bloke once a break has been made.

 

[jbay]

I wouldn't say that, in fact, I am often surprised at how hard he is to stop and how much punch he has at the line, he is deceivingly strong.

Totally agree
For such a little guy he more often than not bends the line

 

[HK_Eagle]

In attack, I agree that Lehi would be better suited as a center due to his natural football instincts and ability to draw in defenders. However, I believe Kola is a much stronger defender, and given that defense is just as important—if not more, this must be taken into consideration.

4o

Following on from this point about relative strengths and weaknesses in certain positions… I’ve always wondered why coaches are not more creative with their position strategies. What stops a coach from playing the stronger attacking player in X position, but then swapping with another stronger defender in that position when in defence? So in regards to Lehi and Kola, why not play Lehi in centre when we have the ball, and put Kola on the wing; and then swap them when defending? 🤷‍♂️

 

[Under the Sticks]

Lehi has some other business to take care of now in the Number 1.

 

[XV-1]

Personally, I think Koula is a slightly better choice at this stage and against Melbourne. Very solid in D, has better pace and ability to break tackles at this stage of Hoppa's career . He also played well in the past when he covered for turbo.
Hoppa does have a certain magic about his play though.

Allows Talau to play his preferred centre position. If Talau is not fit, perhaps Hoppa playing fullback may be better for the team balance.

 

[Dion Johnson]

Personally, I think Koula is a slightly better choice at this stage and against Melbourne. Very solid in D, has better pace and ability to break tackles at this stage of Hoppa's career . He also played well in the past when he covered for turbo.
Hoppa does have a certain magic about his play though.

Allows Talau to play his preferred centre position. If Talau is not fit, perhaps Hoppa playing fullback may be better for the team balance.

I don’t mind it in attack, at times watching Hoppa with the ball he has work to do.

Hoppa is better at positioning himself at the back and I can’t remember how Koula was under the high ball.

Thought Koula look likely today and got a four pointer off Hoppa.

 

[Dion Johnson]

Personally, I think Koula is a slightly better choice at this stage and against Melbourne. Very solid in D, has better pace and ability to break tackles at this stage of Hoppa's career . He also played well in the past when he covered for turbo.
Hoppa does have a certain magic about his play though.

Allows Talau to play his preferred centre position. If Talau is not fit, perhaps Hoppa playing fullback may be better for the team balance.

Just read that Faulalo got injured in NSW cup today in the match report, could be big Navren time or Ray Ray if Talau is still out.

 

[manlyfan76]

I still don't think we use Pepsi well enough. So many times it's turbo turning back in.

 

[north coast eagle]

Brooks angled runs leave Koula with little room to move once he gets the ball. I would like to see Brooks play straighter and tighter and hit Koula with longer passes to free up a bit of space for him to use his speed.

 

[47MVEagle]

Yeah, it constantly frustrates me to see Koula trying to break through a compressed defensive line, he never seems to have any space to take advantage of.

Imagine how frustrating it must be for him.