Issues
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2019 7:47 pm
Hello all, first timer poster here compelled to voice my opinions after the performances we have been putting out so far this year under Lam.
Disclaimer: I'm not bashing the Wane era. He was extremely successful, however from a fans perspective, the style wasn't particularly easy on the eye.
Firstly, there seems to be a complete lack of direction in attack, from 6, 7 and 9. In my opinion, this has been apparent since the departure of Brett Finch/Blake Green. However successful, Wanes style of rugby league didn't require much creativity in the halves, since emphasis was put on an iron defence and grinding opponents out of the game. Since the departure of Tomkins, there is a clear lack of leadership in attack, even more so than before, with no player able to direct traffic and organise players.
After watching George Williams for years, I have come to the conclusion that he is an average half back with a good short kicking game, who has the ability to occasionally produce flashes of brilliance from the boot. However, all other aspects of his game are that of an average player. With a non-existent running game, poor long kicking game and as previously mentioned, he isn't an authoritative figure within the squad able to lead a competent attack. Unfortunately, if George were to take a trip to the NRL at the end of the year, I fear he would be back with us for the 2022 Super League campaign.
Leuluai and Powell provide an excellent work rate in defence. However, they are occupying positions which should be filled by competent play makers, and sadly they are both completely inept with ball in hand. I am struggling to understand how Powell has made so many first grade appearances or what coaches see in him, as on analysis, his performances are consistently average.
Lam has repeatedly mentioned he wanted to bring an attacking style of rugby league to Wigan, which is absolutely preferable from a spectators perspective, especially after watching years of a defensive minded, grinding rugby style. My concern is the quality of players in key positions and their ability to play expansive attacking rugby, especially since many of them have just spent around 8 years doing exactly the opposite under Wane.
Secondly, poor recruitment from KR/IL in the off-season is a contributing factor. The signings that have been made haven't rectified long term issues that have been facing the club such as leadership in attack, despite quality players being brought in. If we want to play attacking, creative rugby league, we need players in key positions who have the know how. Sammut was an underwhelming buy to say the least, and despite the fact I shouldn't judge him before I have seen how he will fit into the side, from the performances I have seen in past clubs, he isn't the remedy.
Lastly, the Wane era is all many of these players know and transitioning to Lams coaching style may be challenging, and one of the main reasons for the poor performances. Conversely, Lams coaching style itself may be a large part of the problem as he is relatively untested in a head coaching role.
I can see quite a few other issues within the squad, but i'll leave it there as this post has been extremely negative. Despite that, Hamlin and Bullock are terrific signings and have been performing week in week out.
Please comment with your thoughts.
Thanks, Charlie.
Disclaimer: I'm not bashing the Wane era. He was extremely successful, however from a fans perspective, the style wasn't particularly easy on the eye.
Firstly, there seems to be a complete lack of direction in attack, from 6, 7 and 9. In my opinion, this has been apparent since the departure of Brett Finch/Blake Green. However successful, Wanes style of rugby league didn't require much creativity in the halves, since emphasis was put on an iron defence and grinding opponents out of the game. Since the departure of Tomkins, there is a clear lack of leadership in attack, even more so than before, with no player able to direct traffic and organise players.
After watching George Williams for years, I have come to the conclusion that he is an average half back with a good short kicking game, who has the ability to occasionally produce flashes of brilliance from the boot. However, all other aspects of his game are that of an average player. With a non-existent running game, poor long kicking game and as previously mentioned, he isn't an authoritative figure within the squad able to lead a competent attack. Unfortunately, if George were to take a trip to the NRL at the end of the year, I fear he would be back with us for the 2022 Super League campaign.
Leuluai and Powell provide an excellent work rate in defence. However, they are occupying positions which should be filled by competent play makers, and sadly they are both completely inept with ball in hand. I am struggling to understand how Powell has made so many first grade appearances or what coaches see in him, as on analysis, his performances are consistently average.
Lam has repeatedly mentioned he wanted to bring an attacking style of rugby league to Wigan, which is absolutely preferable from a spectators perspective, especially after watching years of a defensive minded, grinding rugby style. My concern is the quality of players in key positions and their ability to play expansive attacking rugby, especially since many of them have just spent around 8 years doing exactly the opposite under Wane.
Secondly, poor recruitment from KR/IL in the off-season is a contributing factor. The signings that have been made haven't rectified long term issues that have been facing the club such as leadership in attack, despite quality players being brought in. If we want to play attacking, creative rugby league, we need players in key positions who have the know how. Sammut was an underwhelming buy to say the least, and despite the fact I shouldn't judge him before I have seen how he will fit into the side, from the performances I have seen in past clubs, he isn't the remedy.
Lastly, the Wane era is all many of these players know and transitioning to Lams coaching style may be challenging, and one of the main reasons for the poor performances. Conversely, Lams coaching style itself may be a large part of the problem as he is relatively untested in a head coaching role.
I can see quite a few other issues within the squad, but i'll leave it there as this post has been extremely negative. Despite that, Hamlin and Bullock are terrific signings and have been performing week in week out.
Please comment with your thoughts.
Thanks, Charlie.