Attacking structure for Nikorima and Fergo this year??

[Yak]

Was reading an article today where Jake Friend was asked about Nikorima and Hastings. He remarked that Hastings would steer the team around and Nikorima has a lot of strike "from the back". Maybe I'm reading too much into it but I thought that phrasing gives good insight into how Robbo plans to use both Niko and Fergo.

If you recall back to 2013 when Mini was our fullback and Maloney was at 6 we had a very unique attacking structure for that period. Has let's split halves of 2012 were all the rage with a fullback that played the link between the half on each side of the field and the three quarter line. We however didn't have the luxury of a ball playing number 1 so Robbo was forced to think outside the square slightly. He opted for the classic halfback that plays both sides of the ruck, but instead of playing his 6 as second receiver on both sides he had Maloney play a fullback role on the left and used the now famous double lead play to keep edge defenders in tight.

Last year we went away from that. RTS was freakish both sides of the ruck and Maloney was left to play flat off quick play the balls hitting Cordner short or shifting the ball wide immediately. He barely played the fullback role at all last year. He was more of an opportunist first or second receiver relying on his instinctive support game.

But it sounds to me like this year Nikorima will play the role that Maloney played so well in 2013. I see him playing two main roles. Second receiver off Hastings on the left for sweeping blocks. And supporting up the middle for his forwards and hooker or on the edge getting early ball off a quick play the ball using his elusive running game.

So where does that leave Fergo? I think in the main it keeps him fresh to fulfil his defensive role properly and to Robbo's standards. And it probably means his attacking role may not change a lot from last year. I'm thinking early shifts to the right and any blocks out that side. And maybe as he warms into it a bit of a roving commission that gets his on the left side.

What's everyone's thoughts??

[Salvatori Grubber]

My thought, Yakleberry, is that if you're correct then you are a freak!

We'll find out tomorrow morn. Can't wait!

[Roosterfarian]

Was reading an article today where Jake Friend was asked about Nikorima and Hastings. He remarked that Hastings would steer the team around and Nikorima has a lot of strike "from the back". Maybe I'm reading too much into it but I thought that phrasing gives good insight into how Robbo plans to use both Niko and Fergo.

If you recall back to 2013 when Mini was our fullback and Maloney was at 6 we had a very unique attacking structure for that period. Has let's split halves of 2012 were all the rage with a fullback that played the link between the half on each side of the field and the three quarter line. We however didn't have the luxury of a ball playing number 1 so Robbo was forced to think outside the square slightly. He opted for the classic halfback that plays both sides of the ruck, but instead of playing his 6 as second receiver on both sides he had Maloney play a fullback role on the left and used the now famous double lead play to keep edge defenders in tight.

Last year we went away from that. RTS was freakish both sides of the ruck and Maloney was left to play flat off quick play the balls hitting Cordner short or shifting the ball wide immediately. He barely played the fullback role at all last year. He was more of an opportunist first or second receiver relying on his instinctive support game.

But it sounds to me like this year Nikorima will play the role that Maloney played so well in 2013. I see him playing two main roles. Second receiver off Hastings on the left for sweeping blocks. And supporting up the middle for his forwards and hooker or on the edge getting early ball off a quick play the ball using his elusive running game.

So where does that leave Fergo? I think in the main it keeps him fresh to fulfil his defensive role properly and to Robbo's standards. And it probably means his attacking role may not change a lot from last year. I'm thinking early shifts to the right and any blocks out that side. And maybe as he warms into it a bit of a roving commission that gets his on the left side.

What's everyone's thoughts??

Seriously have you ever considered coaching mun?

[Darkone]

Yak I concur

2015 The play was weighted towards RTS, excessively I believe

Niko a touch deep on second play off Hastings would ask questions

Nippy Niko might find space...

[LeCoq]

Brilliant again, Yak.

I agree with your analysis. Although I have never seen Nikorima play so I don't know what his qualities are or whether he'll be up to it; I hope he is.

Given Fergusson has yet to develop a solid passing game and is more of a ball runner (and a potentially much stronger runner than Mini was in 2013), your analysis has even more merit. I can see Robbo revert to the older system.

Ideally I would like us to develop a ball playing back rower or lock. All our guys, whilst good or very good in those positions, are predominately ball runners. If we were to develop (or acquire) a ball playing back rower or lock, that would make our attack a lot more dynamic (irrespective of which side they play on) and would alleviate some of the pressure on our halves (and FB). I'm talking guys like Tyrone Peachy, Bryce Cartwright etc.

[Double]

A heavy reliance on structure is exactly what I don't want to see this season.

I understand the need for a coach to have their plans executed out on the field but dumbing down the role of players to the extent of performing a function isn't footy smarts in my mind. I think the modern coaching game has stripped a lot of players of the ability to assess the impact they're having on a game and adjust their contribution accordingly. There's too much focus and attention on being 'the role' and not enough thought process for my liking. I know coaches of today do not want players to think but want them to follow the instructions they're given to the T but I think this is why we see so many dead-head errors and penalties from certain players and why we see some teams occasionally play as if they're determined to demonstrate for all, the definition of stupidity.

The Roosters performance v Storm in the QF 2015 is a good example of this 'going through the motions' for the mere sake of it.

I think for the early part of the season at least we will have two young confident halves playing a little ad-lib footy at times off of the foundation of structure as a fall-back.

The question for me is will our fringe and hole runners trust them enough and get behind them or will the structure eventually win out and stifle their creativity?
And if they do get behind them, do our players even have the smarts to see the opportunities opening up and take advantage?

[Bigchook]

I think our game plans will revolve around defence more than attack this year. Who knows how long nikorima will even be in the side for.

[Tommy Smith]

Love your insight, as always, Yak.

Whilst I don't have the technical and tactical knowledge that you possess, one thing I will say I'm looking forward to seeing is Fergo with more early ball in more space.

In 1-on-1 situations I believe he's every bit as dangerous as Inglis, as we saw in the Prelim with those two amazing tries that maybe only Inglis could have scored. Opposite a good defensive centre, too.

I do agree that he'll be mostly confined to the right. But I think he'll be super effective, especially between 10-20m out against a fully retreating defensive line. If our forwards continue to get the quick play the balls in those areas, which we're so good at, then he'll wreak havoc on sweeping plays on the right.

His opposite defender simply can't be left 1-on-1 with him, which means his outside defender will be under pressure to come in and help which should open up some huge opportunities for both SKD & Burgess, who are both natural try scorers; possessing a remarkable ability to find the line from 5m out.

I think both are capable of 15 tries in 2016 on the back of the space that Fergo will create for them. And i think Fergo himself will grab about 10 tries as he's so hard to stop close to the line ala GI.

Uncertain times ahead. But also hugely exciting.

[Guest]

Yeah nice post Yak. You certainly have a deep understanding of some of the more technical aspects of the game.

[Johnny Tobin]

Great post.

The only question I have on that is that they thought that structure would not work in 2014 because other teams were hip to it.

Have to see if they changes their minds. Might be a case of horses for courses.

[Johnny.]

HoJu seems to be naturally gifted as a player. If Johns can nurture that rather than his import/export skills then I see good times. Two things I do know, he won't shit his pants when he's put under a little pressure and he will get more repeat sets than Canis (Very) Familiaris.

[Guest]

Was reading an article today where Jake Friend was asked about Nikorima and Hastings. He remarked that Hastings would steer the team around and Nikorima has a lot of strike "from the back". Maybe I'm reading too much into it but I thought that phrasing gives good insight into how Robbo plans to use both Niko and Fergo.

If you recall back to 2013 when Mini was our fullback and Maloney was at 6 we had a very unique attacking structure for that period. Has let's split halves of 2012 were all the rage with a fullback that played the link between the half on each side of the field and the three quarter line. We however didn't have the luxury of a ball playing number 1 so Robbo was forced to think outside the square slightly. He opted for the classic halfback that plays both sides of the ruck, but instead of playing his 6 as second receiver on both sides he had Maloney play a fullback role on the left and used the now famous double lead play to keep edge defenders in tight.

Last year we went away from that. RTS was freakish both sides of the ruck and Maloney was left to play flat off quick play the balls hitting Cordner short or shifting the ball wide immediately. He barely played the fullback role at all last year. He was more of an opportunist first or second receiver relying on his instinctive support game.

But it sounds to me like this year Nikorima will play the role that Maloney played so well in 2013. I see him playing two main roles. Second receiver off Hastings on the left for sweeping blocks. And supporting up the middle for his forwards and hooker or on the edge getting early ball off a quick play the ball using his elusive running game.

So where does that leave Fergo? I think in the main it keeps him fresh to fulfil his defensive role properly and to Robbo's standards. And it probably means his attacking role may not change a lot from last year. I'm thinking early shifts to the right and any blocks out that side. And maybe as he warms into it a bit of a roving commission that gets his on the left side.

What's everyone's thoughts??

Mate you make me laugh! Fergo will be playing through our middle and edges totally different to Mini and sheck, He will provide room for our outside men like no other #1 in recent times. Lets hope friend learns how to pass behind our halves so they can dump and play out the back!

[2026]

Niko should be encouraged to just play what's in front of him. Hone the ability to pick the right moment and shred the opposition D.

I thought our attack last season was quite predictable. It was still very hard to contain though. However, the better teams, and more so the smarter coaches (Bennett, Bellamy) worked out how to limit our time and space.

We played too flat last season.This became quite frustrating at times especially when Guerra was running sideways.

We could also do with a specialist ball playing edge forward.

[Vasco]

We could also do with a specialist ball playing edge forward.

Greg Bird?

[2026]

Greg Bird?

Sonny?