I think people are overselling the long kicking game. Its not so much a long kicking game its probably a high bomb and clinical 5th tackle kicking thats more important. We average the most metres per game in the comp and usually kick over half way on a yardage set. You probs want more hang time and placement of the kick is what you're probably implying which is a fair point.
I think the more important skill is processing information in really short amount of time. I feel SJ 2023 was processing info at a high clip and executing based off that info at probably a 80-85% completion rate per attempt. With probably close to 200 decisions a game (could be more or less just making up a number) he was making on average probably 150-175 correct decisions and executions per game.
My concern with these halves moving forward, are they good processors of information and can they make the right decisions in the short amount of time between tackle and play the ball? I feel TMM for as much as I've enjoyed him does struggle to make those decisions close to the end of a set (tackle 3-6) which usually you find alot of his options unorthodox, improvised and straight out awkward lol. Metcalfe probably if he had full reigns is a better processor of information but is an eyes up type player and likes to use his physical gifts to create something for himself (not all the time but does have a tendency to go on some solo runs). CHT i dont think could handle a 7 role but does manage well with limited decision making and a clear outlined plan.
What i think i am suggesting is that 200 decisions let say that SJ made a game as the main director and architect maybe that number is more evenly balanced amongst say TMM and Metcalfe next year and maybe that is the right balance we need as I don't think either fit the mold of a SJ as the brains behind the teams attack 2023. If this is the case we could see some really well balanced attack more than what TMM and CHT has been and could work, or it could backfire. Key thing is for Webby to adjust the gameplan accordingly,
I find this post interesting with some valid points. It is entirely dependent on game plan. The bulldogs & the raiders game plan relies on their long kickers in burton/fogarty. The leagues longest kickers are katoa, sj, burton, Fogarty when looking at averages, so clearly our current game plan involves relying on a big boot to kick to corners, defend well & hope for errors.
Capewell mentioned it on a SEN podcast this week, that their plan in the first 20 mins is to attack with defence, redline and hope for errors from the opposition. This works, when the second 20 is error free and execution from the warriors happens. This hasn’t been happening with multiple errors on early tackles, or failure to execute on the 5th with repeat sets or try scoring opportunities.
However, observing the current game plan I would argue a long kicker is essential, as we have significant drop off after 25 mins, which is causing irreparable damage later in the game.
We dominate in the stats, field territory, completions etc, but we lack correct decision making on the final, that I totally agree with.
However when the tide turns, and our starting pack begin to falter after redlining the first 25mins, we need a plan B for exiting our territory, and under
Metcalf/
tmm/
cht, we don’t have that.
If we are not going to rely on a long kicker, we need a total revamp of our game plan imo. Sj was actually leading kick metres prior to his injury, which reflects the game plan that webby has deployed. Dominate territory, attack with defence early & hope for errors and create opportunities.
Without
SJ, this will not work any longer. Not saying we need a long kicker, but a change in game plan will be required if we opt for that route.
Liked your show
