News My Dogs no longer sleeping

[red-dog]

This is true, a lot of the recent adaptations to the Lock position though have come from rule changes (Ie. 6 again) which brings Cam Murray in to the game a lot more. Cowboys locked Taumalolo up for 10 years before these rule changes, so while he is still a freak, they don't suit him as much.

The rule changes don't suit Taumololo as a lock, but realistically he's a front rower wearing the 13. He's still the best forward in the game. I actually think it's part of the reason why Cowboys/Paul Green went stale in the last few years. They'd put 3 front rowers on the field at a time (McLean, McGuire and Taumololo) which really limited their creativity & dynacism in the middle of the park. I'm surprised they let go of Asiata to be honest, I think they should have moved him to 13, Tamulolo to 10 and flicked off one of their more conventional front rowers.

 

[JayBee]

In regards to the last part I think the days of smoke and mirrors by coaches died along with coaching styles of people like Des Hasler and Brian Smith. If you fool a team in round 1 they know what you're doing by round 2.

I'd be pretty comfortable in Allen starting at fullback and Averillo being the front runner for the 5/8 from what he said (and I hope that's what happens).

For the most part, probably yes I would agree with you. I think it has got to do with this generation as well needing an "atta boy". Motivation for this lot doesn't come from tough love.

Buncha softies if you ask me.

 

[Bulldogsteve]

The rule changes don't suit Taumololo as a lock, but realistically he's a front rower wearing the 13. He's still the best forward in the game. I actually think it's part of the reason why Cowboys/Paul Green went stale in the last few years. They'd put 3 front rowers on the field at a time (McLean, McGuire and Taumololo) which really limited their creativity & dynacism in the middle of the park. I'm surprised they let go of Asiata to be honest, I think they should have moved him to 13, Tamulolo to 10 and flicked off one of their more conventional front rowers.

you dont want JT doing the shit carries in the first 2 plays as a prop, he needs to be coming off the back of that.

 

[Benno Bulldog]

Yea he's our captain and signed until 2023 so i can't see them dropping him. I don't think he's particularly bad, just his age really showed last year and he's still only 30 so whats it gonna be like for the next 3 years. He's been a loyal servant so I'll never outright bag him


Potentially, but the downside to that idea is 1) He'd probably want his captain out there on the field for the full 80 and 2) that origin game was 4 years ago, since then there's been kms added on his body and it shows. Plus even in that game he made 64 metres from 9 runs , 24 tackles in a 49 minute stint. Decent numbers for origin but nothing special really. The only top level 'workman' type lock left in the game is Dale Finucane, and he's got the benefit of being in the Melbourne Storm.

It's interesting watching the lock position continuously evolve and go through cycles in rugby league. The late 1990s to early 2000s, the top level lock was the ball playing locks/ second five eight such as Dymock, Timmins, Croker before the late 2000s moved towards the tackling workhorses like Johnson, Stagg, Parker etc. Early 2010s moved towards having another front rower in lock like Gallen, Taumololo, Burgess. With the rule changes, I believe the lock position now is as versatile as ever, with different types of locks being effective depending on the team's style. All in all though I think Cameron Murray defines the ideal lock for the modern game: light footed, pacey, great support play and extremely quick play the balls. Plus he has the fitness and durability to play the full 80.

Baz might introduce new leadership style might not need a catalyst like bad behaviour aka MP at Newcastle. Just establish new direction representing the new style and flavour.

 

[albatross]

Potentially, but the downside to that idea is 1) He'd probably want his captain out there on the field for the full 80 and 2) that origin game was 4 years ago, since then there's been kms added on his body and it shows. Plus even in that game he made 64 metres from 9 runs , 24 tackles in a 49 minute stint. Decent numbers for origin but nothing special really. The only top level 'workman' type lock left in the game is Dale Finucane, and he's got the benefit of being in the Melbourne Storm.

It's interesting watching the lock position continuously evolve and go through cycles in rugby league. The late 1990s to early 2000s, the top level lock was the ball playing locks/ second five eight such as Dymock, Timmins, Croker before the late 2000s moved towards the tackling workhorses like Johnson, Stagg, Parker etc. Early 2010s moved towards having another front rower in lock like Gallen, Taumololo, Burgess. With the rule changes, I believe the lock position now is as versatile as ever, with different types of locks being effective depending on the team's style. All in all though I think Cameron Murray defines the ideal lock for the modern game: light footed, pacey, great support play and extremely quick play the balls. Plus he has the fitness and durability to play the full 80.

Agree the SOO was 4 years ago but it was the quality of his work, not the numbers, that was important. I still see plenty of quality in his defensive work. I don't think it matters if the captain is subbed for a while in games. Other experienced blokes can easily step into the role for 20 mins.

 

[red-dog]

you dont want JT doing the shit carries in the first 2 plays as a prop, he needs to be coming off the back of that.

These days the first two runs are from the wingers/outside backs, then one prop then the other. JT would be the second prop running the ball.

Agree the SOO was 4 years ago but it was the quality of his work, not the numbers, that was important. I still see plenty of quality in his defensive work. I don't think it matters if the captain is subbed for a while in games. Other experienced blokes can easily step into the role for 20 mins.

Yeah his defense is great and I think will be even better in the middle; he won't have to worry about getting burnt for pace on the outside he can just use his great technique and ridiculous strength for his size to dominant defensively in the middle of the park. As I said, i think moving to lock is definately the best option for Jackson right now and he still has something to offer. But going forward for the long term, if we want to be a premiership force again we will need a lock who's more dynamic.

 

[CrittaMagic69]

waddell cant play prop

He spent some time playing there for Manly before moving to the edge....with the game likely getting faster and team rosters being backrow heavy then I don't think it will be uncommon to see more backrowers playing as props moving forward.

 

[Bulldogsteve]

These days the first two runs are from the wingers/outside backs, then one prop then the other. JT would be the second prop running the ball.

thats in bad ball, attacking wise usually the 2 props lay the platform unless it is a set play. While the props and lock are all "middles" in attack and defence these days you can give them different roles

Yeah his defense is great and I think will be even better in the middle; he won't have to worry about getting burnt for pace on the outside he can just use his great technique and ridiculous strength for his size to dominant defensively in the middle of the park. As I said, i think moving to lock is definately the best option for Jackson right now and he still has something to offer. But going forward for the long term, if we want to be a premiership force again we will need a lock who's more dynamic.

 

[ddt192]

Why doesn’t any interviewer ever ask Baz about the hooker position?

 

[Bulldogsteve]

He spent some time playing there for Manly before moving to the edge....with the game likely getting faster and team rosters being backrow heavy then I don't think it will be uncommon to see more backrowers playing as props moving forward.

i think you still some size in the middle beast, team needs to be balanced. Napa, thompson and Hetherington on rotation is a good front row. Atoni for smaller minutes. leaves a bench backrower and utility.

 

[CrittaMagic69]

i think you still some size in the middle beast, team needs to be balanced. Napa, thompson and Hetherington on rotation is a good front row. Atoni for smaller minutes. leaves a bench backrower and utility.

True, but Thompson isn't there for the first month and somebody has to fill in. I personally never would've bought Waddell but I just think Baz will go with him because he brought him over.

 

[Bulldogsteve]

True, but Thompson isn't there for the first month and somebody has to fill in. I personally never would've bought Waddell but I just think Baz will go with him because he brought him over.

i think waddell will be a find, he has come through the good penrith junior teams and he was good last year for manly. edge is definately his best spot tho but could fill in at a pinch in the middle

 

[Psycho Doggie]

He spent some time playing there for Manly before moving to the edge....with the game likely getting faster and team rosters being backrow heavy then I don't think it will be uncommon to see more backrowers playing as props moving forward.

Yeah I don't mind this, as a prop he adds variety to our front row options. If Baz can get Napa back to hard hitting defense, and get more of the hard hitups from blokes like Renouf and RFM, Waddell provides something different for the opposition to concern themselves with.

 

[CrittaMagic69]

i think waddell will be a find, he has come through the good penrith junior teams and he was good last year for manly. edge is definately his best spot tho but could fill in at a pinch in the middle

I remember him in NYC and he moved really well...doesn't move that well anymore though. I just don't understand the long-term deal for him.

 

[Bulldogsteve]

I remember him in NYC and he moved really well...doesn't move that well anymore though. I just don't understand the long-term deal for him.

TB has faith in him on a edge so maybe he is over any injuries, not sure

 

[CrittaMagic69]

TB has faith in him on a edge so maybe he is over any injuries, not sure

Well it sounds like Elliott and RFM are ahead of him ATM, potentially Doorey and Topine in a year or so time? Idk, I just think a 2 year deal would've been better for him.

 

[Ellie]

I feel like Baz will push him into the starting 13 because he brought him over...or Napa just starts.

Ogden ???

 

[bradyk]

Not sure if this has been posted (I don't think we need a thread) but DWZ's brother has retired so he won't be playing for us this year in any grade.

http://instagr.am/p/CKTED9YJWwU/

 

[KiwiDog7]

The DT just loves Baz! Rothfield must have a massive man-crush on him!
Happy with how he has come across positive and with plans already in place. Avo at 5/8 I think is great. With Burton coming he can push out to the centre’s or be as Barba was early on a bench ‘x-factor’ who can cover positions.
Jacko at 13 isn’t a bad idea he can ball play a little he can play that tight type.
I really think the 13 role is determined by the rest of the spine. If the fullback or dummy half is not so creative with ball playing and the half is not dominant then a ball player is needed. Think Allan is pretty good with the ball and will surprise chiming in on a short side or put the back. Think also if he sniffs around the ruck taking offloads will be a big weapon for us.
I want Flanagan to just be the ‘conducter’ good to hear he has put some bulk on to help his defence and when he takes on the line to be a threat. Lewis was just too slow and didn’t have that ‘dictator’ type game.

It will be a cold day in hell before Burton plays 14 in Dogs colours ....

 

[KiwiDog7]

100%.. the lack of support play the last few years was nothing short of disgusting.. it started towards the end of Haslers tenure and ended with Pay (hopefully).. for a team that struggled to score points, it was criminal how many half chances were wasted..
P.s I seen Flanno support well on a few occasions last year also..so fingers crossed that problem is eradicated .

It all comes back to lack of fitness ...the boys were so unfit they were blowing after 15 mins and nobody pushed up because too fatigue