Last tackle plays : Mon Mar 23, 2009 1:25 pm  

This is a major problem for us imo. Our kicking game is aweful, no one takes control on the last, a poor kick is put in almost every time and the chase isnt the best either.

When watching the NRL games it is clear that there is a huge emphasis on a good kick on the last in order to build the pressure. Teams in Aus often force drop-outs; don't know the stats but i reckon were one of the worst in the league for forcing GLDO's. Against the better teams a good play on the last is essential and can be the main difference between winning and losing.

What are peoples thoughts?? Who should be taking control for us on the last tackle plays?? Tommy, Sam, Lockers and Pat all have average standard kicking games, not sure if any have an exeptional kicking game though...

rl : Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:06 pm  

The last play and what is done depends where you are on the field.

On their try line either go for a score or a kick to get a drop out and a repeat set.
If you're in your own half then give it to Pat to belt it one!
Doesn't matter of it goes dead or almost their players will be turned around and a good chase can put them only a few yards from their try line.

Often the best kicks are not left until the last play, a kick on the 3rd or 4th can produce real benefit. The odd 40/40 too.

The whole problem is not helped by changing our 9 and halves all the time. With Piggy here long term so should be Tommy and Sam T in the halves.

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:06 pm  

Yeah I've stated this consistently on the site this year - it's not been good.

rl : Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:07 pm  

As you know, I meant 40/20.

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 3:31 pm  

Two other problems:

When the full back is left with the responsibility of kicking, most players will be offside. His use should be limited to testing the opposition full back under the bomb.

Secondally TL has a tremendous goal line kicking game, Joel Tomkins is also brilliant at chasing them up, yet we continue to underuse this tactic.

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 3:41 pm  

no last plays rubbish, im ringing up

moan moan moan moan moan

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 3:44 pm  

Last season we were moaning that all our tries came from kicks. Now we're moaning that we won't kick enough. FWIW we have underused TL's goal line kicking game this season.

I blame Mathers.

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 3:52 pm  

I blame Lockers.

Everything is his fault. The lack of discipline, poor results, credit crunch, global warming etc etc

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 3:58 pm  

In those circumstances we should do what Kimmorley used to do a few years ago Steinlager. He'd kick the ball and run straight - if it were a cross field kick it did not matter - just run in front of his teamates so as to play them all onside

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:16 pm  

Deano G wrote:

I blame Lockers.
Everything is his fault. The lack of discipline, poor results, credit crunch, global warming etc etc

Deffo, take the captaincy of him I say, then beat him with a stick........