Re: Tonight’s game v Catalan : Sat Aug 05, 2023 4:54 pm  

Boss Hog wrote:

Considering he arrived in the UK on Wednesday, only had the Thursday training session, and would still have been severely jet lagged, Mikaele looked the ideal foil to Vaughan.

He inspired the team when he came on as substitute.

Brett Hodgson used to play in Super League with his family staying in Aus. long term.

Maybe we could work a similar arrangement with Mikael, his current contract expires at the end of this season.

Like at beginning of the season I would have him and Vaughan starting. As for him staying I’d be surprised if that was not an option put to him to see out the season in the first place but clearly his family just want to stay close.

Re: Tonight’s game v Catalan : Sat Aug 05, 2023 5:09 pm  

Be surprised if Mikaele was an option for 2024, but was very impressed with him under the circumstances. He is a great option running outside Vaughan and particularly Kasiano.

Be great if he could stay, but think we’ll have to plan without him.

Re: Tonight’s game v Catalan : Sat Aug 05, 2023 5:30 pm  

Not sure how relevant this is, but the old army adage is that no plan survives the first bullet, so you need leaders among the troops who can think on their feet and adjust to developing situations.....I posted last year after sitting in the West that there was no talking behind the posts after an opposition try, and it was exactly the same last night (I was in the West again, right down pitch side): NOBODY going round the team and saying "try this" or "can you close x down faster". Just deer-in-the-headlights silence from the supposed leaders on the field who could/should have been getting a grip and giving guidance/orders/tips. Result: coach's plan goes out of the window after the first set and then it's every man for himself. Ratchford (in particular), Clark, Williams, and the other seniors are simply not doing their on-field battle management job....just my tuppence

Re: Tonight’s game v Catalan : Sat Aug 05, 2023 5:34 pm  

No coincidence that the best Wire side I’ve seen in 40 odd years included Monaghan, Briers, Hodgson and Morley. On top of being great players they were excellent leaders and thinkers. We have looked rudderless on the field for quite some time.

Re: Tonight’s game v Catalan : Sat Aug 05, 2023 6:04 pm  

ratticusfinch wrote:

No coincidence that the best Wire side I’ve seen in 40 odd years included Monaghan, Briers, Hodgson and Morley. On top of being great players they were excellent leaders and thinkers. We have looked rudderless on the field for quite some time.

I’d say since the day Briers retired.

Re: Tonight’s game v Catalan : Sat Aug 05, 2023 8:32 pm  

I’d like to see Walker as captain personally, a local lad, seems to care and could be captain for years to come, I think he’d thrive with the responsibility. Sure I read somewhere part of Williams signing his new contract was that he’d be captain from next season, not sure how that plays out when a new coach comes in, but didn’t he captain England at the World Cup?

Re: Tonight’s game v Catalan : Sun Aug 06, 2023 9:50 pm  

BBTB wrote:

I’d like to see Walker as captain personally, a local lad, seems to care and could be captain for years to come, I think he’d thrive with the responsibility. Sure I read somewhere part of Williams signing his new contract was that he’d be captain from next season, not sure how that plays out when a new coach comes in, but didn’t he captain England at the World Cup?

He is vocal in the dressing room but you don’t see it on the pitch, who were actually picked as the leaders. Ratchford Mata’utia was another don’t know who else. Was McGuire one.

Re: Tonight’s game v Catalan : Mon Aug 07, 2023 8:36 am  

karetaker wrote: He is vocal in the dressing room but you don’t see it on the pitch, who were actually picked as the leaders. Ratchford Mata’utia was another don’t know who else. Was McGuire one. The four-strong group will consist of half-back George Williams, new recruit Josh McGuire and centres Stefan Ratchford and Peter Mata'utia. https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/ne ... roup-2023/

karetaker wrote: He is vocal in the dressing room but you don’t see it on the pitch, who were actually picked as the leaders. Ratchford Mata’utia was another don’t know who else. Was McGuire one. The four-strong group will consist of half-back George Williams, new recruit Josh McGuire and centres Stefan Ratchford and Peter Mata'utia. https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/ne ... roup-2023/

Re: Tonight’s game v Catalan : Mon Aug 07, 2023 8:41 am  

Saxy wrote:

Not sure how relevant this is, but the old army adage is that no plan survives the first bullet, so you need leaders among the troops who can think on their feet and adjust to developing situations.....I posted last year after sitting in the West that there was no talking behind the posts after an opposition try, and it was exactly the same last night (I was in the West again, right down pitch side): NOBODY going round the team and saying "try this" or "can you close x down faster". Just deer-in-the-headlights silence from the supposed leaders on the field who could/should have been getting a grip and giving guidance/orders/tips. Result: coach's plan goes out of the window after the first set and then it's every man for himself. Ratchford (in particular), Clark, Williams, and the other seniors are simply not doing their on-field battle management job....just my tuppence

Indeed. Compare and contrast with the likes of Andy Farrell, Sean O’Loughlin, Kevin Sinfield, James Roby, etc