Awesome post mate.
We struggle to make metres from our own goal line. And that's why we forever seem to be coming out of trouble, rather than being able to release that backline with authority. I think some of that stems from:
1. Arsehole play-the-ball and ruck speed Our attackers always get turned on thier backs facing our own tryline - that's the longest and hardest position to stand, turn and play-the-ball from. You'll notice Lodge was good at when getting tackled, landing on his front. Panthers, Storm (and Chooks funnily) and masters of getting tackled by technique - which is why they are always rolling with momentum.
2. Our forward stats in almost every region / area is literally bottom 3 in the league. For mine, the way to fix that is with better players, and a focus on point one above - lightning fast play-the-balls (and that's just effort and technique).
3. Distribution from dummy half. Love Croker, but it's slow, and lacks any ex-factor (BUT, his kicking game has improved 4 40/20's last season thank you very much). If he can learn a running game, can be a bit more explosive (he WAS an international 5/8 and 1/2 back), and be a bit more cisp (and add some ex-factor), okay. But this point exacerbates both points one and two above.
and it's a vicious cycle.
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