Rugby Talk- Sam T. at FB?

[antobolto]

Not wishing to complain, but we're 1 day away from the Grand final against Stains (of all the teams we could be facing!!!!) and the majority of posts have been about ticket sales and other such subjects- I even saw one about Stuart Fielden's baby!

I know this particular forum is dedicated to discussion on "all things Wigan Warriors", but surely the day before the grand final it might be better to talk about things like what tactics should/ shouldn't be used tomorrow; the team selection etc and not parking spaces at Old Trafford. There are the “Information and FAQs”; “Away Days” & “The Rumour Mill” forums which seem to be better for this kind of post.

So, in the spirit of practicing what I preach, what are peoples’ thoughts on Sam playing FB? I thought McClennan had clearly targeted this in Leeds' attack: in the first half, they really weren't letting up on Sam, forcing him to offload and therefore loose the advantage of meters gained on the first tackle that we have been benefiting from since playing Sam in this position. In such a vital game, I can't see Potter overlooking this for tomorrow. In addition, with Eastmond out, wouldn't we be better off trying to capitalise on this and have Sam playing his IMO natural position of stand off?

[MrDave]

Just on your first point I think coming up to the Grand Final people are panicking a bit about getting their hence the 'ticket' and 'parking' threads and in some cases people want to talk about anything else but the game because they are nervous and excited etc.

Against Leeds I thought Sam did an excellent job at full back. Leeds where trying to catch him out with kicks along the ground which he dealt with well but Maguire had clearly come up with a tactic to protect Sam but also get the best out of him from kick returns. Most of the time if Sam caught the ball he would pass to Richards to drive it in, this prevented Leeds doing an 'Ablett' on Sam but also meant that Sam was able to scoot from dummy half from the play the ball gain Wigan quick metre early on in the set.

Sam should not play full back next season but for one more game it seems a bit pointless to break a system that is working so well.

[cpwigan]

Until recently I remained steadfastly convinced that Sam is a 6 BUT now I am torn given how good he has been at FB and how his play mirrors Billy Slater who likewise started at halfback. Less we forget Lockyer was a FB then a halfback so it works both ways I guess.

Fullback is the optimum attacking position in RL. In the modern game every other player plays in a fixed position to the point halfbacks are no longer IMO pairings but a left and a right halfback. Fullbacks have and must use it, freedom to move anywhere across the pitch. At Wigan, the FB and loose forward are the 2 players given licence to roam. In other team it may be the fullback and ANO BUT in every team it is the fullback.

For me that spell Amos had pre injury was the best spell of attack from a fullback I have ever seen whilst watching Wigan. Before that I thought Phil Blake was superb at FB for us and I had the rare joy to see Steve Ella play the odd game for Para at FB and he was sublime.

I happen to think Kyle Eastmond may be better at FB too. I have seen him play there for Saints U20/U18 and he was excellent. It may reduce the injuries he suffers too.

Perhaps we need to look how as a game we pidgeon hole players into positions from a very young age. Who receives the most kicks these days? The FB or Wingers. So height etyc is now less important at FB. With halfbacks split left and right then it is the FB that is the link player so he has to have halfback skills.

The only fault I see with Sam at FB is how he runs the ball back. He must find it strange running back with 20 / 30 yards room in front of him. I think often his best runs come from letting Pat and Daz take the first run up and then Sam going 2nd tackle.

A plus of Sam at FB is that IMO it opens door for Joe Mellor. IMO Sam and Joe were incompatible as halfbacks.

[AdamMac]

CP, In your opinion do you think we'll see Joe in the first team at some point next season? would be great if Finch could pass on his knowledge and organisational skills. I'm still pi**ed that nobby never gave sam the opp to play alongside Trent.

Hopefully we won't miss the boat this time.

[cpwigan]

Adam, I think Joe would have played some games this season but for his injury. He looks much stronger having probably had to work his upper body only during his lay off and he is far taller than I think fans realise. His running is not 100% yet but a pre season should see that sorted. IMO Sam and Joe are both leftys that is why I think Sam would have blocked Joe out but with Sam at FB, the door is open. So I think Joe will play some games in the first team next season.

If you think we have Mickey Mac / Tommy at 9; Tommy / Deacs / Finchy / Joe / Sam to cover halfbacks; Sam / Amos / Pat to cover FB; Amos / Daz and Pat to cover the wings, George / Gleeson / Daz and a Matsh/Charnley to cover centre so they only possible strengthening might be another 9 Lots of options and real presssure for places in 2011 IMO

Totally agree Adam re Sam / Trent

[No straw damn us]

Yes, Leeds did target Sam last week, but it failed miserably. No doubt it was part of Madges plan for Sam just to pass the ball to allow Richards and Goulding to drive the ball in. It worked so well that Leeds never got the opportunity to "put a big shot" on Sam.

Great coaching IMO.

[cpwigan]

If anything Sam had a far better game last week than in the 1st game v Leeds. His defence was top drawer.

[AdamMac]

Exactly the same 17 for me but with Deacon taking more responsibility with the long kicking game. This needs to be spot on against saints as IMO opinion we have suffecated teams this year when they've returned the ball from their own 10. If we can do this and limit the pens then we have a very, very good chance of beating the enemey and winning the GF.

[Sam Panapa ate me pie]

I think Sam needs to be back at 6 and have the WG/FB as one of Richards/Roberts with Goulding on the other spot.

Our movement was outstanding with this combination typified at the Cas game at the jungle early in the season where we were attacking from all over the park and Roberts was choosing exactly where he wanted to go like Offiah of old.

[MrDave]

I think Deacon's finals experience will be important for Wigan and hopefully he will be able to do more kicking because I don't think I could cope with Leuluai constantly kicking direct to Saints players.