It is not cause there is an attitude problem accross the team, but because our coach does not use the bench properly. In boxing, when you have your opponent on wobbly legs, you go for the knockout punch.
There has been a few games this season where we have had the opposition's measure in the forwards (Tigers, Eels, Titans, Raiders, Cowboys) and instead of knocking them out, we have let them back in the game. This is due to the bench not been used properly. The way Des is going at the moment is that he benches Perry and King after about 25 minutes, then brings them back on at around 35 minutes. Then no changes till around 50 minutes, and it is usually the 2 blokes who played in the first half.
Then at 60 minutes, our 3rd sub comes on, and 70 minutes the 4th. So really, we are only rotating 4 big boppers for 60 minutes whereas the opposition rotates almost their entire bench in the first half, and at more regularity.
We have an international class pack, and it is clear where the fitness problem lies. I sure hope that Des starts to use this well, and we start to kill of teams. The Panthers have a huge forward pack, but Elliot uses them wisely and subs them off regularly so they are kept fresh.
Having a fresher pack gives our halves more room to do their magic. If we start doing that, I am sure we will be back in the winners circle and can string a few together.
I have not given up hope and the season ain't over yet.
There has been a few games this season where we have had the opposition's measure in the forwards (Tigers, Eels, Titans, Raiders, Cowboys) and instead of knocking them out, we have let them back in the game. This is due to the bench not been used properly. The way Des is going at the moment is that he benches Perry and King after about 25 minutes, then brings them back on at around 35 minutes. Then no changes till around 50 minutes, and it is usually the 2 blokes who played in the first half.
Then at 60 minutes, our 3rd sub comes on, and 70 minutes the 4th. So really, we are only rotating 4 big boppers for 60 minutes whereas the opposition rotates almost their entire bench in the first half, and at more regularity.
We have an international class pack, and it is clear where the fitness problem lies. I sure hope that Des starts to use this well, and we start to kill of teams. The Panthers have a huge forward pack, but Elliot uses them wisely and subs them off regularly so they are kept fresh.
Having a fresher pack gives our halves more room to do their magic. If we start doing that, I am sure we will be back in the winners circle and can string a few together.
I have not given up hope and the season ain't over yet.