Halves

[The Skeez]

I can imagine that Walker would be killing it in attack at training, possibly better than Lamington. It’s just the defence that Sam would need to adjust to in grade that gives Lachlan the edge.

[Yak]

From what I can see the style that we play doesn’t require a dominant directing half. It’s about playing on the front foot and the whole team creating points with their energy. Radley will make an enormous difference for Lam and Keary. Keary in particular likes to get out in the eye line of defenders and play square which he is afforded because of the ability of Radley to play tempo and deliver an accurate pass, giving time to Keary. Lam is a little different and likes playing at the ad line and using his skip to get to a defender and isolate them. He won’t rely as much on Radley to create space but he’ll need him there to be the voice in the middle. As long as Lam defends well (which he’s proven he can in first grade) and gives us a good accurate long kicking game, with the odd selective grubber in good ball and limits his errors, he’ll be much better than Flanagan was ever going to be. He naturally has great support play and takes on the line more with a better short passing game. Personally I’m excited to see him and Tupouniua combine after a full pre season working together. I’m with JFC, there will be a lot of surprised fans.

[NorfolkStreetKid]

From what I can see the style that we play doesn’t require a dominant directing half. It’s about playing on the front foot and the whole team creating points with their energy. Radley will make an enormous difference for Lam and Keary. Keary in particular likes to get out in the eye line of defenders and play square which he is afforded because of the ability of Radley to play tempo and deliver an accurate pass, giving time to Keary. Lam is a little different and likes playing at the ad line and using his skip to get to a defender and isolate them. He won’t rely as much on Radley to create space but he’ll need him there to be the voice in the middle. As long as Lam defends well (which he’s proven he can in first grade) and gives us a good accurate long kicking game, with the odd selective grubber in good ball and limits his errors, he’ll be much better than Flanagan was ever going to be. He naturally has great support play and takes on the line more with a better short passing game. Personally I’m excited to see him and Tupouniua combine after a full pre season working together. I’m with JFC, there will be a lot of surprised fans.

Sorry mate, but you have to be kidding. That first sentence gave it away. Why did we buy Cronk?

[ism22]

From what I can see the style that we play doesn’t require a dominant directing half. It’s about playing on the front foot and the whole team creating points with their energy. Radley will make an enormous difference for Lam and Keary. Keary in particular likes to get out in the eye line of defenders and play square which he is afforded because of the ability of Radley to play tempo and deliver an accurate pass, giving time to Keary. Lam is a little different and likes playing at the ad line and using his skip to get to a defender and isolate them. He won’t rely as much on Radley to create space but he’ll need him there to be the voice in the middle. As long as Lam defends well (which he’s proven he can in first grade) and gives us a good accurate long kicking game, with the odd selective grubber in good ball and limits his errors, he’ll be much better than Flanagan was ever going to be. He naturally has great support play and takes on the line more with a better short passing game. Personally I’m excited to see him and Tupouniua combine after a full pre season working together. I’m with JFC, there will be a lot of surprised fans.

Agreed. IMO teams that need a Todd Carney, JT or vintage Benji style half to constantly pull something outta nowhere are generally gonna be poorly disciplined.

IMO our tactic is more like:
- Forwards dominate so that we get some field position and aren't leaking lotsa gratuitous tries.
- Halves steady the ship and direct the play but it's all highly planned/structured so they're doing what the team's trained to do rather than constantly going for edgy/risky plays.
- Every single one of our outside backs is a top-shelf finisher. They don't need risky balls to score, they simply need a bit of space and the tries will come easily.
- Most players can put on a good step, not just the halves.

[Chookies74]

"Sorry mate, but you have to be kidding. That first sentence gave it away. Why did we buy Cronk?"
I think Yak was talking about 2020 and 2021 and the style that is required to win with the recent rule changes, not what was required in 18-19.

"It’s about playing on the front foot and the whole team creating points with their energy."
We saw this style of play when we got back from the Covid break, and we say how it was near impossible to defend as they had multiple points of attack. The nuance the coaches will need to finesse this year is how hard to go, whether that is in-game, multiple games in a row etc to ensure they don't burn out. Again, injuries will be the key.

[The Lip]

Sorry mate, but you have to be kidding. That first sentence gave it away. Why did we buy Cronk?

Fair call

[Jacks Fur Coat]

"Sorry mate, but you have to be kidding. That first sentence gave it away. Why did we buy Cronk?"
I think Yak was talking about 2020 and 2021 and the style that is required to win with the recent rule changes, not what was required in 18-19.

"It’s about playing on the front foot and the whole team creating points with their energy."
We saw this style of play when we got back from the Covid break, and we say how it was near impossible to defend as they had multiple points of attack. The nuance the coaches will need to finesse this year is how hard to go, whether that is in-game, multiple games in a row etc to ensure they don't burn out. Again, injuries will be the key.

Smart post Chookies.

[TeddyGoat]

https://coupler.foxsports.com.au/api...mpression=true

Lam to partner keary in halves.

We’ve got four halves that are really pushing hard and training well. Luke Keary and Lachie Lam are our halves to start the season,” Robinson told Fox Sports’ Lara Pitt on Wednesday.

“Then we’ve got Drew Hutchison and Sam Walker sort of saying ‘I’m here and I’m ready’ as well. You always need a group of them. It’s like any sport, there has to be a group of players that are pushing hard, but we know where we’re going.”
“Yep, definitely,” Robinson said when asked if Keary will shift to halfback.

Despite a change on the team sheet, Robinson says there won’t be much changing in Keary’s game. The 29-year-old was the chief playmaker last season — even in the No.6 jersey — and he’ll play that same role again.

“It’s not as simple as changing the number on the jersey,” he said.

[Mickie Lane]

Good call Bronterooster.

[Yak]

Interesting that in the trial we had Lam and Crichton on the left and Tupouniua teamed up with the other half (Hutch and Walker at different stages). It’s clear that Tupouniua is going to be starting in the second row. But it appears that Lam will play left edge surprisingly with Keary to switch to the right. Surely they would want to trial Lam on the side he’s going to play. I would’ve normally assumed that if Lam was to play left he’d have Tupouniua outside him (I think he’s slightly more natural on the left) with Keary and Angus on the right (the side Angus is more accustomed to and no doubt the side he’ll go back to once Cordner comes back). But I suppose Robbo doesn’t want two inexperienced defenders in Lam and Tupouniua standing next to each other in defence.

While I’m on Lam, I thought his kicking was outstanding yesterday. Light years ahead of what Flanagan offered last year. His bombs had good height and depth, one which lead to a knock on. His grubbers were effective, one leading to a line drop out which lead to the Walker try and the other directly creating a try. And his long kicking was strong and he often found grass, one that he hooked back across field causing a Raiders knock on. Paired with Keary I think it’ll be a great combo with Walker waiting in the wings.

[Rooster_6]

Interesting that in the trial we had Lam and Crichton on the left and Tupouniua teamed up with the other half (Hutch and Walker at different stages). It’s clear that Tupouniua is going to be starting in the second row. But it appears that Lam will play left edge surprisingly with Keary to switch to the right. Surely they would want to trial Lam on the side he’s going to play. I would’ve normally assumed that if Lam was to play left he’d have Tupouniua outside him (I think he’s slightly more natural on the left) with Keary and Angus on the right (the side Angus is more accustomed to and no doubt the side he’ll go back to once Cordner comes back). But I suppose Robbo doesn’t want two inexperienced defenders in Lam and Tupouniua standing next to each other in defence.

While I’m on Lam, I thought his kicking was outstanding yesterday. Light years ahead of what Flanagan offered last year. His bombs had good height and depth, one which lead to a knock on. His grubbers were effective, one leading to a line drop out which lead to the Walker try and the other directly creating a try. And his long kicking was strong and he often found grass, one that he hooked back across field causing a Raiders knock on. Paired with Keary I think it’ll be a great combo with Walker waiting in the wings.

I don’t think Keary will be locked into an edge like Lam will be but I do think if you’re going to go with Lam & Keary they needed to swap edges purely because Lam is a left foot kicker and Keary a right.

[RoosterChick]

Interesting that in the trial we had Lam and Crichton on the left and Tupouniua teamed up with the other half (Hutch and Walker at different stages). It’s clear that Tupouniua is going to be starting in the second row. But it appears that Lam will play left edge surprisingly with Keary to switch to the right. Surely they would want to trial Lam on the side he’s going to play. I would’ve normally assumed that if Lam was to play left he’d have Tupouniua outside him (I think he’s slightly more natural on the left) with Keary and Angus on the right (the side Angus is more accustomed to and no doubt the side he’ll go back to once Cordner comes back). But I suppose Robbo doesn’t want two inexperienced defenders in Lam and Tupouniua standing next to each other in defence.

While I’m on Lam, I thought his kicking was outstanding yesterday. Light years ahead of what Flanagan offered last year. His bombs had good height and depth, one which lead to a knock on. His grubbers were effective, one leading to a line drop out which lead to the Walker try and the other directly creating a try. And his long kicking was strong and he often found grass, one that he hooked back across field causing a Raiders knock on. Paired with Keary I think it’ll be a great combo with Walker waiting in the wings.

I get where you are coming from but I believe that Angus is better suited to the left edge. Every time he’s played there he’s been outstanding. Probably having Keary inside him hasn’t done him any harm. I would like him to stay on the left because I just feel he’s better suited there. No matter who’s inside him.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

Always loved a good Lam Keary (with rice).

[melon....]

Does this mean Melon's matchups also returns?

If you like mate

[Arties Pie]

I miss Melons matchups..They were a good fun read.