NRL- Manly lack creativity, miss Monaghan
April 12th 2008 00:50
The Sea Eagles loss to the Melbourne Storm last night raised two major problems in Manly's bid to go one better in September.
The first and most problematic is the lack of arsenal and creativity in the hooker position, currently occupied by Matt Ballin.
Although a solid player in defence, Ballin needs to demonstrate a willingness to take control around the ruck and generate a strong kicking game that can assist Matt Orford in terms of pressure applied in kick pressure situations.
All in all he needs to take more authority and be able to dictate play in attack where Orford has been the sole instigator In Manly's season so far.
The loss of Michael Monaghan has clearly dented Manly's penetration in attack.
For most of last season Monaghan was at the forefront of Manly's revival as a genuine premiership force demonstrating strong characteristics as a leader and as a major weapon in all facets of the game, whether it be kicking out of dummy half or passing close to the line.
His ability to turn the tide of a game greatly assisted Orford in providing solid form last year to demonstrate the offensive prowess that makes him one of the most dangerous halfbacks in the game.
SInce Monaghan's departure, Orford and Manly's attack for that matter have struggled to score points especially in tight affairs against genuine premiership contenders.
This raises the second problem.
Orford has now been put in the sole position of guiding Manly's attack throughout the rest of the season. Something that will either make or break Orford's game.
Last night Orford was found wanting close to the line with his inaccurate kicking and passing close to the line not up to scratch.
He failed to put Melbourne to the sword when the Sea Eagles needed it the most and this only enhanced his reputation as being a "choker" in big games.
However if you have a second rower (luke Williamson) at five-eighth there really is not that much option for Manly in attack at the moment.
So what's the solution to the Sea Eagles attacking woes?
One player that in my opinion can help Manly at dummy half is Heath Le'strange.
he showcased enough last night to suggest that he should start matches for the Sea Eagles. From the time that he was on the field Manly looked a far more threatning unit with his intelligent passing game and his scoots out of dummy half.
He is a very creative player and coach Des Hasler should opt to start him in more matches this season. While he is no Michael Monaghan yet, Le'strange just could be the offensive spark that the Sea Eagles need this season.
The Sea Eagles will still probably make the eight this year due to their defensive capabilities and their strong record at Brookvale.
But no team has won the premiership on defence alone. Manly have attitude in defence.
But have they got game in attack?
Their going to have to if they are any chance of winning this competition.
The first and most problematic is the lack of arsenal and creativity in the hooker position, currently occupied by Matt Ballin.
Although a solid player in defence, Ballin needs to demonstrate a willingness to take control around the ruck and generate a strong kicking game that can assist Matt Orford in terms of pressure applied in kick pressure situations.
All in all he needs to take more authority and be able to dictate play in attack where Orford has been the sole instigator In Manly's season so far.
The loss of Michael Monaghan has clearly dented Manly's penetration in attack.
For most of last season Monaghan was at the forefront of Manly's revival as a genuine premiership force demonstrating strong characteristics as a leader and as a major weapon in all facets of the game, whether it be kicking out of dummy half or passing close to the line.
His ability to turn the tide of a game greatly assisted Orford in providing solid form last year to demonstrate the offensive prowess that makes him one of the most dangerous halfbacks in the game.
SInce Monaghan's departure, Orford and Manly's attack for that matter have struggled to score points especially in tight affairs against genuine premiership contenders.
This raises the second problem.
Orford has now been put in the sole position of guiding Manly's attack throughout the rest of the season. Something that will either make or break Orford's game.
Last night Orford was found wanting close to the line with his inaccurate kicking and passing close to the line not up to scratch.
He failed to put Melbourne to the sword when the Sea Eagles needed it the most and this only enhanced his reputation as being a "choker" in big games.
However if you have a second rower (luke Williamson) at five-eighth there really is not that much option for Manly in attack at the moment.
So what's the solution to the Sea Eagles attacking woes?
One player that in my opinion can help Manly at dummy half is Heath Le'strange.
he showcased enough last night to suggest that he should start matches for the Sea Eagles. From the time that he was on the field Manly looked a far more threatning unit with his intelligent passing game and his scoots out of dummy half.
He is a very creative player and coach Des Hasler should opt to start him in more matches this season. While he is no Michael Monaghan yet, Le'strange just could be the offensive spark that the Sea Eagles need this season.
The Sea Eagles will still probably make the eight this year due to their defensive capabilities and their strong record at Brookvale.
But no team has won the premiership on defence alone. Manly have attitude in defence.
But have they got game in attack?
Their going to have to if they are any chance of winning this competition.
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