General 2024/2025 Halves Discussion

[WahsaurusRex]

Seems they really are running with Martin at 6 come Round 1 based on Metcalfs quote at the end there.. I kind guessed it would Metcalf 6, Boyd 7 after the team naming last week

Pessimistic given we're only one trial in, but I just can't really see going well. I feel like even the biggest Te Maire advocates (I'd include myself in that) could tell you that him at six just wont work

 

[Inruin]

If it works it makes us harder to defend against but yeah agree on the to many chefs.

Last season it appeared to me that with SJ out of the team we simplified everyone's roles and played more direct. That was basically the comments from AW. And in simplifying it we somehow ended up looking less predictable and robotic - that may be down to TMM and his touch background playing to a structure but being able to play what's in front of him as well.

In the pre season game it very much look like a return to the kick, chase, build pressure type arrangement. Back to kick it down in to the right side somewhere as near the ten as we can get it. How the team and coach find the balance between robotic and mixing & matching will be interesting. The other thing I find interesting is that TMM looked good at 7 on the right and not so much at 6 on the left, and Metcalf has been exclusively a 6 on the left so far (no games at halfback in first grade in his limited career) We seem to be making a lot of changes where perhaps they aren't necessarily needed?

 

[Inruin]

Seems they really are running with Martin at 6 come Round 1 based on Metcalfs quote at the end there.. I kind guessed it would Metcalf 6, Boyd 7 after the team naming last week

That's not how i read it. Talks about playing on the right as his more natural side. I think Boyd/Metcalf is a poor combo and unlikely to get us many wins at all.

Pessimistic given we're only one trial in, but I just can't really see going well. I feel like even the biggest Te Maire advocates (I'd include myself in that) could tell you that him at six just wont work

TMM at 6 underutilizes his skills. If Metcalf or Boyd are 7 then you are better going with CHT or Metcalf at 6.

I'm strongly of the belief that AW is too conservative and trying to stick as much as possible to a Panthers style game plan. The game has switched to a more attacking style and we aren't making the most of our attack without having TMM 7, LM 6, TT 1, and throw in Ali at centre. I'd also say that Healey is going be a game changer off the bench for us and might also give Egan a new lease of life not having to play long minutes.

 

[Christchurch_Warrior]

Last season it appeared to me that with SJ out of the team we simplified everyone's roles and played more direct. That was basically the comments from AW. And in simplifying it we somehow ended up looking less predictable and robotic - that may be down to TMM and his touch background playing to a structure but being able to play what's in front of him as well.

In the pre season game it very much look like a return to the kick, chase, build pressure type arrangement. Back to kick it down in to the right side somewhere as near the ten as we can get it. How the team and coach find the balance between robotic and mixing & matching will be interesting. The other thing I find interesting is that TMM looked good at 7 on the right and not so much at 6 on the left, and Metcalf has been exclusively a 6 on the left so far (no games at halfback in first grade in his limited career) We seem to be making a lot of changes where perhaps they aren't necessarily needed?

TMM did look good but how long before before other coaches work out how to shut him down? The advantages we had was that the other side did not have time to work him out. The dual role would solve that as it could go to either player but just could not see that working.

I do not mind LM on the right as that is where he naturally likes to play and his kicking game was not that bad although we need to see a larger sample size. I just find if TMM plays at 7 and LM at 6 it seems we are trying to play 2 stand-offs. If we had more X factor on the edges and backline (excluding Ali) then perhaps this would work. You also need to factor in that TMM does not have a contract for next year you have to wonder if we have targeted someone else for the 6 role in 2026.

 

[Canonball]

Last season it appeared to me that with SJ out of the team we simplified everyone's roles and played more direct. That was basically the comments from AW. And in simplifying it we somehow ended up looking less predictable and robotic - that may be down to TMM and his touch background playing to a structure but being able to play what's in front of him as well.

In the pre season game it very much look like a return to the kick, chase, build pressure type arrangement. Back to kick it down in to the right side somewhere as near the ten as we can get it. How the team and coach find the balance between robotic and mixing & matching will be interesting. The other thing I find interesting is that TMM looked good at 7 on the right and not so much at 6 on the left, and Metcalf has been exclusively a 6 on the left so far (no games at halfback in first grade in his limited career) We seem to be making a lot of changes where perhaps they aren't necessarily needed?

Yeah, the only thing I can add to that is I don't think we've seen anything like what the full structure is supposed to be yet - it is confusing, and I've spent far too much time already trying to intuit exactly what they're trying to achieve - it's fascinating as it's so crucial to the success of the year. The world in which LM to the right and TMM to the left gets way more interesting when you're beyond the opposition's 40 line: LM switches and turns up outside TMM ? - I can see that as being part of a more attacking plan for the left in the same way that we already know the fullback is going to be to the outside of LM on the right

 

[John Nick]

That's not how i read it. Talks about playing on the right as his more natural side. I think Boyd/Metcalf is a poor combo and unlikely to get us many wins at all.

TMM at 6 underutilizes his skills. If Metcalf or Boyd are 7 then you are better going with CHT or Metcalf at 6.

I'm strongly of the belief that AW is too conservative and trying to stick as much as possible to a Panthers style game plan. The game has switched to a more attacking style and we aren't making the most of our attack without having TMM 7, LM 6, TT 1, and throw in Ali at centre. I'd also say that Healey is going be a game changer off the bench for us and might also give Egan a new lease of life not having to play long minutes.

I would definitely have LM at 6 and TMM or Boyd at 7 for the next trial.
Also would consider strongly playing Healey as our starting hooker for the first 20 or so minutes until defences are a little blunted

 

[Wrighty]

I would definitely have LM at 6 and TMM or Boyd at 7 for the next trial.
Also would consider strongly playing Healey as our starting hooker for the first 20 or so minutes until defences are a little blunted

Healey looks like a major discovery.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

That's not how i read it. Talks about playing on the right as his more natural side. I think Boyd/Metcalf is a poor combo and unlikely to get us many wins at all.

TMM at 6 underutilizes his skills. If Metcalf or Boyd are 7 then you are better going with CHT or Metcalf at 6.

I'm strongly of the belief that AW is too conservative and trying to stick as much as possible to a Panthers style game plan. The game has switched to a more attacking style and we aren't making the most of our attack without having TMM 7, LM 6, TT 1, and throw in Ali at centre. I'd also say that Healey is going be a game changer off the bench for us and might also give Egan a new lease of life not having to play long minutes.

Again I think you keep underestimating that TMM isnt going to be here next year and his 2-3 extra wins are arent going to move the needle, and probably harm the teams future.

We should release TMM and sign Brown asap. Its the only way AW's plan is going to work out.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

The only 1st grade half with any continuity that AW has is Metcalf. Which considering his half stocks, is probably the wisest decision.

 

[WA Warrior]

The only 1st grade half with any continuity that AW has is Metcalf. Which considering his half stocks, is probably the wisest decision.

I do want to see Big Balls Boyd this week though just to see how he gels with LM/TMM.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

I do want to see Big Balls Boyd this week though just to see how he gels with LM/TMM.

Same. but you'd be mad to alienate Metcalf just to accommodate Boyd who was on his way to super league. I personally think that if this clicks, its our best chance for 26/27

6. Metcalf
7. Boyd

 

[Inruin]

Same. but you'd be mad to alienate Metcalf just to accommodate Boyd who was on his way to super league. I personally think that if this clicks, its our best chance for 26/27

6. Metcalf
7. Boyd

Best chance for what?

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Best chance for what?

a winning season

 

[Inruin]

Again I think you keep underestimating that TMM isnt going to be here next year and his 2-3 extra wins are arent going to move the needle, and probably harm the teams future.

We should release TMM and sign Brown asap. Its the only way AW's plan is going to work out.

Not underestimating that. You might be underestimating his extra wins though.... And the effect on the club, coach and culture having another losing season. Whether he is here or not next season is irrelevant to the here and now. He is in the squad and you put your best team out each week with that goal in mind. I think he is a part of our best chance of winning and you even said he will get extra wins.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Not underestimating that. You might be underestimating his extra wind though.... And the effect on the club, coach and culture having another losing season. Whether he is here or not next season is irrelevant to the here and now.

I back most of your ideas, but that is ludicrous.

 

[Inruin]

a winning season

You have seen their combined attacking stats haven't you? We are unlikely to restrict enough teams to low enough scores to beat them.

 

[Inruin]

I back most of your ideas, but that is ludicrous.

What's ludicrous is your previous comments being it's all about winning. Whether a player is here next year is irrelevant to winning this year.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

You have seen their combined attacking stats haven't you? We are unlikely to restrict enough teams to low enough scores to beat them.

The idea the TMM is some how going to get us deep enough into the playoffs that is going to make up for us not having a 7 next year is complete insanity. All while pissing the only genuine half we have. Taine is looking a better choice for the halves than TMM.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

What's ludicrous is your previous comments being it's all about winning. Whether a player is here next year is irrelevant to winning this year.

so we win 9 instead of 7 games and then pick up the spoon back to back?

 

[Inruin]

The idea the TMM is some how going to get us deep enough into the playoffs that is going to make up for us not having a 7 next year is complete insanity. All while pissing the only genuine half we have. Taine is looking a better choice for the halves than TMM.

I usually find your posts logical and rational but this is ludicrous