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Time To Step Up!
by
Tuesday July 29, 2003
It was a frustrating night for the Broncos who were beaten by Manly 26-20 last Saturday night. We couldn't do much right, could we? Dropped balls, stupid penalties, and we opened up in the middle on numerous occasions. We nearly had it won in the second half, but the game got away from us. I could just be brave and say that we simply didn't play well, and that it was just a bad day for the Broncos. But there's more to it unfortunately.
Our attack was flat. Most of the time, we had nothing. When we were in the oppositions 20, we didn't look sharp at all like we usually do with Lockyer around. We didn't look dangerous at all. Then it got to the point where we would get frustrated and we simply did stupid things. No patience whatsoever.
I could sit here and say that the Ikin and Berrigan combination is fine, and they work well together. But then that would be a total, blatant lie. Ikin and Berrigan are our halves, yet they don't do a halves job. Poor kicking game, poor attacking options, and poor decisions. Don't get me wrong, they're good players (when they want to be) but it's not a halves combination that we can rely on to create opportunities or to get a good kick down field on the 5th. And well basically, I've been saying it for weeks now.
We're the worst attacking team in the top 8! It's a worry. Really, it is. I don't like to point fingers, but I think it's fair to say that our poor attack at times is a result of a halves combination that is non-existent.
We've become too reliant on Lockyer, and last Saturday night proved that theory. Most of the time we looked lost in attack. I think everyone was waiting for Lockyer to jump the fence and put a jersey on, because that what it looked like. It's a worry, and we can't wait for Lockyer to come back. Something must be done now.
I've said this many times, and I'll say it again. Prince needs to go to halfback, with Ikin at 5/8. We need a creative halfback who can create opportunities and a halfback that has a good kicking game. When Minto came off the field on Saturday night, Prince was moved into the centres and De Vere to fullback. But why? Shouldn't Prince be moved to halfback and Berrigan into the centres? Berrigan is a utility player, he can fit in just about anywhere. With Prince at halfback, and Berrigan into the centres, we would have looked much sharper. But that decision amazed me.
I don't see how our attack can improve if our halves don't want to develop any skills. Maybe we just weren't used to Lockyer out, and maybe we had trouble adjusting to him not being there. Well, we'll see how we go this week against the Sharks. Going on last weeks performance, Broncos by 10. The Sharks have the worse defence in the comp I think. It's a shame we can't take advantage of this. Then again, maybe we can if our halves step up to the mark, and play like a halves combination. But we'll see what happens.
Last Friday night proved that Shane Webcke still is the worlds best prop. People tagged Luke Bailey as the worlds best after origin 1 and 2. I thought it was a ridiculous thing to do considering Webcke has dominated for so long. But in origin 3, and in the past weeks, including Friday night's test match, Shane Webcke proved that he's still the worlds best prop. He's a complete professional, hard working prop. No one even challenges Webcke. Congratulations to Webcke for his man of the match performance, and backing up just 24 hours after the test match to play another good game was just a magnificent effort. What a player.
Here are Rocky's tips for round 21!
Roosters Vs Raiders - Roosters by 12
Warriors Vs Storm - Warriors by 20
Eels Vs Tigers - Eels by 14
Sharks Vs Broncos - Broncos by 10
Souths Vs Bulldogs - Bulldogs by 24
Knights Vs Eagles - Knights by 14
Dragons Vs Panthers - Panthers by 16
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