After many seasons of two leaky edges, I wouldn't dare tamper with Ayshford and Lolohea.
That pairing in their respective positions have been the only consistent combination between two players....
both sides of the ball this club has seen in years.
They have found the secret.....communication and decision making.
So if I were coach I would be tapping into that....and selling it to the rest of the squad....they are modelling the way to play within a team...it's gold...don't change it.
Also it means the focus can shift to other areas....those two should be left to keep building the threat they are...most of us believe in Loloheas running ability...and his grit in defence....he just needed a good mentor / advisor...where ever he ends up long term...he is serving the same kind of apprenticeship
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck did under Mini....the next level will see Lolohea set up Ayshford for some try's (Wing center interplay) that final development will give the Warriors a weapon of great power and accuracy.
Ayshford is that rare thing at the Warriors, a player that puts a gifted runner into space every week.
What to do about the Left edge ? Fix that and we are moving up the ladder rapidly.
Three problems to choose from:
Winger
Backrower
Half Back All are having defensive issues. It could be worse....the left center could be a no hoper too....but right now Kata needs to be left alone....for the Same reasons our right edge should be left as is....Kata is learning....improving....showing some real potential to change his game both sides of the ball.
It's been going on too long now to not change one of those personnel.
My first thought is put Manu on the bench in the same role Hurrell is occupying. I look forward to hearing from anyone who doesn't think Manu could do as much....if not more...in that role that Hurrell has.
Manu will give you more minutes for starters.
Why Manu over Robson ?
Well since we have looked after one defensively fragile winger forever.....to keep their positives in attack.....couldn't the same argument be applied to building a defensive edge around protecting Robson ?
Which position offers more in attack ? Winger ? or Halfback ? Who's more valuable to this spine when we have the ball ? Manu or Robson ?
Kick return meters are the responsibility of which dept in most other NRL teams ? One Winger or ...the conventional way...the load is shared.
Who do you bring in for Manu ? I thinks it is time to try young Wells if fit....or Allwood....defensive players....lots of Wing experience in their formative years.
If you have to move Thompson to the left and swap him for Hoffman so be it.....If you have to Move Mannering there....so be it....build a defensive unit that can cover for the Halfback...not the Winger and half back...plus back row forward needing protection.
The right edge has shown it can function without Thompsons big contribution in defence there.
Lots of NRL sides protect a weak defensive half in their line up.....few build a defensive line around protecting a Winger.
