Comments on: Hayne versus Slater for NRL Grand Final glory

By: mushi

mushi — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:37:15 +0000

The bash the fullback strategy was actually used pretty well by Bellamy against slater in the first origin of 2008. Will be interesting to see how it is employed.

Another interesting thing to watch for as a legacy from Haynes effective Pause. Shuffle. Attack will be which side of the fence teams focus on next year.

Will teams adopt the tactic in attack with their handy ball players who lack the natural ball playing ability to cause havoc in the traditional manner but have the pace and agility to exploit a static line of defence.

Or will defences be drilled more to react to this by being more aggressive as a group by coming forward as in a more coordinated line and shutting down the ball player and his options simulataneously.

By: Tom Alexander.

Tom Alexander. — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:25:23 +0000

Just have a feeling the Storm have one too many playmakers. Smith, Cronk and Finch have the Big Game/Grand Final experience which should prove the difference. I expect they will try to use the grubber kick (kicking game in general) ala Hazem El-Masri, near the Parramatta try-line, to force hayne back in goal or to keep turning him around. Melbourne in a close one.

By: Pippinu

Pippinu — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:07:42 +0000

It’s the game within the game isn’t it? It adds an extra dimension when two stars are facing each other on opposite sides, especially when they play the identical position and are so pivotal to their team’s hopes.

Did anyone see NRL Tactics tonight. I caught the top three tries, the top two being tries by the Eels, each one giving us a different look as to why Parra has been able to zoom into the grand final from 8th spot:

1. individual brilliance from Hayne, where he effectively eluded the whole of the Dragons on his own for just about the most amazing solo effort you are ever likely to see (deemed 2nd best); and
2. what the old commentators often describe as “razzle dazzle” – keeping the ball alive, continuously, under seemingly impossible odds, players backing up, being there on the spot, and as usual, Hayne involved once, maybe even twice (the no. 1 try).

As I said on another thread – high risk, high reward – it explains why Parra leaked a stack of tries in falling in at 8th, but then were able to climb into the grand final.

It’s the sort of footy that is very, very difficult to defend against – do you rely on your discipline, structure and ability to make them pay for their mistakes? Or do you have to match them in throwing it around? Might be too late before you decide on the right course of action!!

Storm should win, to emulate Geelong’s effort of a win, loss, win. Very solid team, solid defence, plenty of indivdual brilliance of their own – and they have the hunger and grand final experience.

But if Parra hold their nerve, and really go for it, I mean really go for it, throw all caution out the window – it could be one of the very best grand finals we have ever seen.

By: Warren Vargas

Warren Vargas — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 07:59:20 +0000

It should be a great game to watch, just for Hayne and Slater, but I think the Storm have a bit too much class over the Eels. Expect Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis to have a huge say in who wins.

By: macavity

macavity — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:44:18 +0000

ch9 don’t deserve the next TV rights.

it is shameful how they treat the greatest game.

By: Westy

Westy — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:04:29 +0000

The fullbacks for both teams are sublime the key for me is Smith. He has the potential to outthink his opposition. Dean Young is a very good player for St george but Smith would never had sent his forwards into the lions den against Broncos . he would have kicked or run early rather than see his props bashed from pillar to post.
Rugby league or rugby union or football or AFL i respect good man management and Bellamy is second to none. Bomber thompson is no slouch either.
I like Spiro i think , see merit in discussing the upcoming NRL grand final. I watch NRL as do many rugby supporters .
I had a thoroughly enjoyable time on friday night watching parramatta and canterbury and Uni v Randwick on Sunday.
I go out of my way to talk about the rugby league I actually” watch “not in terms of propaganda but of the reality of where I live and what I do. there is something quite joyous being in parramatta at the moment.
I saw Inu at cabramatta last night at the SG Ball trials talking to the younger players and spectators. Over 4000 at a parramatta training session the town in blue and gold. Hindmarsh kissing babies as well as any politician. hayne adored by the young girls and boys and birt with his knowing permanent smile.
I like the game and its tribalism. To ignore it does not quite reflect the real world in NSW at any rate.
This tribalism started long before News LTD and Poker machines. This team unapolegetically represent Parramatta and its environs.They make no apologies for doing so. it is their part of the universe in which they exist for the moment
these parra fans true may only come out in large numbers when they win but it is wonderful to watch.
good luck to parramatta but i fear melbourne one of the best coached and structured teams in the competition with a touch of class to boot in Inglis and Slater
By the way young Chambers heads to the Reds next year. His defence has improved and he does read lines.

By: Bill

Bill — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:54:40 +0000

Hitting the ball at pace and making a line break- no one better in the game than Slater.
Taking the ball from a standing start and making a line break – Hayne all the way.

By: Campbell Watts

Campbell Watts — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:38:07 +0000

Should be a cracker of a match-up Spiro – can’t wait!

Shame Channel 9 are making me, by not showing the game live in Perth

Not happy Jan!

By: The Link

The Link — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:37:02 +0000

Spiro, thats a pretty interesting stat that only one fullback has taken out the Clive Churchill. Surely in years to come with the plethora of talented No.1′s in the NRL more and more will take it out.

Although in big games is it more the halfbacks and props that really decide whether the game is won or lost and the fullbacks exploit the momentum and direction that these players provide?

I think Hayne, Slater and Inglis are the most exciting players in the NRL, what a great GF it promises to be to have them all on show.

Thanks again for the RL piece. Parra by a wisker for me.