Bennett’s coaching left NRL All Stars rudderless
Roar Guru
By ScottWoodward.me, 16 Feb 2010 ScottWoodward.me is a Roar Guru
I went on record to defend Wayne Bennett’s greatness as a Rugby League coach, but his contribution with the NRL All Stars was not his best performance.
The “fun” game against the Indigenous All Stars was a beauty and both teams played at 100 percent and in the right spirit, but the All Stars did not have much help from their mentor.
Bennett elected to play two of his guns on the wrong side of the field.
Jennings was amazing every time he touched the ball, but he prefers to play on the left side, and Folau is much more potent on the right side, where he can out jump anyone.
Also, the All Stars chose not to convert any try and waste a possible six points preferring to look rudderless by going for another try when they had no idea what to do, and on one occasion, Nat Myles kicked when the rules say you cannot.
The preparation was embarrassing.
The NRL All Stars were good enough to take a two point lead with under 10 minutes on the clock, but with skipper Lockyer injured and unable to take part, Bennett decided to take Cameron Smith from the field, leaving the team with no direction.
Benjy Marshall was lost and had a shocker.
Champion Indigenous playmaker Jonathan Thurston decided to put the foot down and it was all over. He was his team’s best contributor, that is, if we exclude the NRL All Stars coach.
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Stormin Red said | February 16th 2010 @ 8:56am | Report comment
I can’t agree with you on singling out Benny’s coaching being the problem. I think the All Stars team suffered from a bit to much star power where as the Indigenous side was more of a well balanced team. The Indies had a clear play making heirarchy where Thurston was the leader and a supporting cast of Prince and Preston when Thurston was out of the play. The All Stars seemed to be getting in each others way with Lockyer, Benji, Hayne, Smith, Farah and Finch all trying to be numero uno at one stage or another and ultimately just getting in each others way.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 16th 2010 @ 1:02pm | Report comment
With no Lockyer on the field for most of the game, the no brainer was Cam Smith. I was flabergasted when he took him off with a few mins to go and only leading by 2 points.
bigman said | February 16th 2010 @ 11:32pm | Report comment
Scott…you can forgive Bennet for taking Cam off as he does have a wcc coming up soon. The NRL IAS’s didnt have at least two of their big guns GI & JH.Considering the NRL IAS’s had some toyota cup kids & a majority of non rep players running around out there did they really need Cam.Im “flabbergasted” at the excuses for the loss.Scott, is it possible that the NRL IAS’s team played better footy & outplayed the NRL AS’s on the night or was it a fluke lol.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:18am | Report comment
Bigman
Put it this way…if the exact teams played again on the weekend the NRL AStars wud be 1.50 and offered -6 points start.
bigman said | February 17th 2010 @ 9:27am | Report comment
lol….now that would be easy money Scott. I wouldnt back the NRL Astars at any price. Scott….What will it take for you to admit that the NRL Allstars were out played by a better team.If GI was in that team the score would have been 16+ more to the IAS’s.30+ years of watching & playing footy & i am absolutely astounded at the denial & lack of respect Scott.
Mick from Giralang said | February 16th 2010 @ 1:19pm | Report comment
Good analysis Scott but I’d also blame Benji as much for the rudderless nature of the NRL’s game. Frankly, he was disappointing on the big stage. In fairness it didn’t help him when Lockyer went off so early.
I kinda liked the All Stars attitude to the extra try strategy. It was in the spirit of the night to give new things ago. Doesn’t look the idea has met with much enthusiasm though.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:20am | Report comment
You saw why Benjy cannot be the leader and why he cannot never play 7 for Wests Tigers. They need Moltzen to confirm the halfback spot.
Andrew Watson said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:46am | Report comment
Theve picked Robert Lui again for this weekends trial.
I guess we will have to wait until Lote comes to see if Moltz gets the 7?
Mick said | February 16th 2010 @ 3:05pm | Report comment
Comes back to building a ‘Champion Team’ instead of a ‘Team of Champions’. Maybe the Indigenous side gelled better than the All Stars, but Scott, lecturing how the game should have been played is not good analysis either. Wayne Bennet knew what he was doing. So did Neil Henry.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:24am | Report comment
Mick
It was my opinion not a lecture, there is a difference. There is no doubt that the turning point was Lockyer going off for the night as everything would have been based around him, but that is when the team looks to their coach to for plan B.
katzilla said | February 16th 2010 @ 3:06pm | Report comment
Scrape together teams just don’t ever seem to gel that well, it happens at NBA all star weekend, during Barbarian games in RU.
I also put the blame at Benjis feet, hes a tough player to play with if your not used to it. Notice when he makes his crazy sideways runs the Tigers always seem to fill in the gaps nicely as if they know where hes going. The All Star outsides were probably just thinking ‘Give me the ball already so i can have a go’
I like Stormins idea of a natural heirachy also, but i guess the Chiefs and not Indians problem is always going to rear its head in a public voted team.
The NBA always gets around this by having 1-2 players who are head and shoulders above the rest, like LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, or Dwanye Wade.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:25am | Report comment
Good call K
whiteline said | February 16th 2010 @ 6:17pm | Report comment
Pardon my ingnorance Scott but unless you are actually part of the team or close to the team in some capacity (which you may well be – and in that case ignore this) how can you possibly assess Bennetts greatness or otherwise as a coach?
All we are seeing is the players in action. How they carry out instructions or modify them once on the field is not controlled 100% by a coach.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:34am | Report comment
Excellent question Whiteline
Firstly I have admired Bennett for most of my adult life mostly for the many little things he has done but very few players go better away from him and most improve with him. He surprises many times by playing players in most unusual positions just for one game it it always works. Moving Lockyer to 5/8 was genius.
I guess for someone who does an exhaustive analysis of the players he picks each week year in year out, he rarely gets it wrong, always has an excellent defensive strategy and players love to play for him, evidenced by he is unbeaten in 6 Grand finals.
I talk to John Ribot who hired him for Brisbane, i talk to players who play for him and I just observe. he is the best IMO, but not last sat.
Andrew Watson said | February 16th 2010 @ 6:47pm | Report comment
Interesting assessment Scott. I didnt see it this way as I thought the game was lost at the time Smith was replaced. The indigenous boys displayed the passion many Qld teams have over the years and they always looked like they would be last to score. The All Stars just didnt have the commitment or structure in defence in the last 10 minutes.
My assessment of the game was completely different. I thought it was nothing more than a circus act. Yes it was great to see the boys put in for their heritage, but it didnt have anywhere near the intencity of an origin or rep game. Too much dropped ball by both teams, and everytime the indigenous boys fired up, the NRL boys just stood there and laughed. The NRL team simply didnt have the same desire or passion as the Indigenous boys.
If the NRL boys were serious and held the ball, they would of won this game by 30 points!!! Thankfully, after seeing the celebration and passion of the Indigenous boys, Im glad they won….
bigman said | February 16th 2010 @ 11:23pm | Report comment
“The NRL boys would have won by 30 points” lol. Did you watch the same game I watched. If Greg Inglis, Tamana Tahu & Justin Hodges would have played this game it would have been 30 points plus to the indigenous team.
Based upon what ive witnessed I will predict that the indigenous team will dominate this game well into the future. And I will predict that next year when Greg Inglis plays it will be a lager winning margin 16 or 20 +.
If the NRL Allstars are thinking they are in a game that has no meaning & they are not motivated then they better start getting with the program because they will embarrass themselves as they will become the Indigenous Allstars “whipping boys”. Very similar to the arrogant attitude of the NSWRL in the first state of origin. And Bennet was smart enough to notice this similarity.
Queenslanders have a record 4 soo series wins due to the failure of NSWRL to recognise indigenous players.Unlike QRL.Looks like the QRL will keep dominating the soo as well.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:37am | Report comment
Andrew
I thought some of the hit ups where as big as I have seen from both sides. There was no more committed forward than Sam Burgess.
Andrew Watson said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:47am | Report comment
how big is he gonna be in the NRL this year?
Looks like he doesnt mind putting his hands up also!!!
MyGeneration said | February 16th 2010 @ 6:58pm | Report comment
I’m getting a feeling of deja vu all over again! The game was an exhibition, a celebration. I don’t think it’s going to go down on Benny’s coaching resume, or Neil Henry’s for that matter, except as something they were proud to be part of. I hope we’re not about to go down the “Is this a new SOO?” path again.
Andrew Watson said | February 16th 2010 @ 7:28pm | Report comment
I agree… A good Exhibition, but simply that.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:38am | Report comment
Agreed
Hansie said | February 16th 2010 @ 8:34pm | Report comment
How much of a role does a coach really have in an exhibition match? The players are only together for a couple of days before the match. I’m prepared to bag Bennett when his teams fade out around mid-August, but his team losing an exhibition game doesn’t trouble me too much.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:40am | Report comment
Hansie
Cam Smith was critical to the result and he took him off. Go figure!
bigman said | February 16th 2010 @ 11:05pm | Report comment
LOL – talk about disrespectful to the indigenous allstars team & coach. Ive bloody played & been involved in footy for over 30 years & I can tell you that it didnt come down to Bennets coaching.Everyone is trying to find an excuse for what happened or trying to play the match down.It is simple….the NRL Allstars got out played by a better team….simple as that.
There is no conspracy or shocking coaching decisions, its not Benji’s fault either.The NRL Allstars were only allowed to play as good as the Indigenous team allowed them to play.
The Indigenous teams defence was first class.They had some problems with Jennings but scrambled as a good committed defence should.And they also had some problems with Burgers but any off loads were snuffed out.How about a bit of respect for the Indigenous Allstar team peoples.
Also…GI never played.Says everything really.
Good work NRL Indigenous Allstars.You were the better team & totally outplayed the opposition.Well done lads, a champion team for sure.And you have won my respect.
Andrew Watson said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:13am | Report comment
Bigman, after reading all your feedback to comments on this page, it clearly shows you are passionate about the victory. I dont think anyone on this page wants to take away from this victory, but they might interpret the game of Rugby League a little different to you.
A few points I will make is this. If the indigenous boys ‘tottaly outplayed the opposition’, they WOULD of won by 20-30, but they didnt? ‘If Greg Inglis had of played’ – whats that? Inglis COULD of played but he put his club before this game! And finally, the NRL boys being ‘Whipping boys’ is and even bigger laugh. The NRL made more meters through the ruck. The NRL boys had more dominant tackles. I think you will find the turnovers of possession was the key to keeping the IAS in the game.
The only stat which points in favour of the IAS is the scoreboard. The other big factor was intensity and desire. They played all over the NRL boys in this area, which after looking at the scoreboard, would prove the clear winning factor. Something which makes them all proud to of worn the jumper, and we ALL applaud them for their victory…
ScottWoodward.me said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:45am | Report comment
well said, he he
bigman said | February 17th 2010 @ 10:04am | Report comment
Firstly Greg Inglis didnt play due to to a niggling injury.Unless you have any information no one else has then please provide it.
The NRL Allstars team was made up of seasoned professionals who are competitive to the end.Of what I can remember all players are either current or former SOO or international representative players. The Indigenous Allstars were made up of mostly NRL players with no rep experience,bench players & Toyota Cup kids.(only Wendell,JT,Webb,Prince with any significant rep history)
And the IAS made as many mistakes when in good position.The NRL Astars scored off a dud kick by JT (Benji’s try).I think ther is alot of playing down the strong performance of the IAS’s team & looking for excuses when there are none.On paper the AS’s should have won easily.On replay of the game I seen alot of desire from the AS’s but they were snuffed out by last ditch efforts which consisted of powerful grapples to trun players or lift them to deny tries.You must have been watching a different game than me my friend.Yes…OUTPLAYED…only marginally but yes still….OUTPLAYED.
It was 10 nil at halftime & all signs looked like that would be increased.But the IAS’s seemed to switch off.And Thurstons mistakes assisted the AS’s when he should have controlled the game better.My man of the match went to Sammy Thaiday who tackled everything that moved (with strength).
NSWRL had the same arrogance untill they realised Qld came to win.When will the NRL Allstars realise that the IAS’s are challenging them to a real duel.The charity & other stuff is just a bonus….the indigenous players & fans are putting forward that they will take all before them.
Laugh all you want but it is hollow as the score sits at NRL Indigenous Allstars 1 NRL Allstars 0. I know who’s having the last laugh at the moment.The NRL Allstars must confirm that they are turning up to play next year as there will be no excuses.Give the IAS’s a pasting & you are justified in your comments.Get beatin again next year & the IAS’s have every right to claim “best in the world” status. That’s all im saying.
LT80 said | February 17th 2010 @ 1:39pm | Report comment
“The only stat which points in favour of the IAS is the scoreboard.”
That’s the only stat that matters!
bigman said | February 17th 2010 @ 4:40pm | Report comment
Well said LT80.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:43am | Report comment
bigman,
If what you say is correct, the Indigenous team would be favourite in the betting if they played this weekend and I can tell you that the NRL AS would be 1.5 (1/2). That is a fact.
bigman said | February 17th 2010 @ 10:17am | Report comment
Yes Scott then you give me your odds for the IAS’s for next year & ill gladly take every penny from you my friend. The IAS’s won without their big gun GI.Scott please give me your odds for the IAS @FEB 2011. Will you give me $5 (no start required). If your so sure the NRL AS’s will win.
Andrew Watson said | February 17th 2010 @ 10:26am | Report comment
My mother always told me not to bet with my heart…but $5 bucks on a 2 horse race, I’ll take that also…
bigman said | February 17th 2010 @ 12:16pm | Report comment
I never bet with my heart my friend.I know a good thing when I see it,30+ years of fanatik footy has ensured that.If you think your horse is superior then why not back it up & put your money where your mouth is,or where your keypad is.Ill wager $1000+ on the IAS’s to win again next year.Im 1000% confident the IAS will win again next year.Its a pity no one will back the AS’s to do the same.I wonder why.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 17th 2010 @ 1:21pm | Report comment
lol…Bigman, I love your loyalty and I also love the IAS team but you cannot ever let that over take your head.
OK GI may be back into the team, but what about if JT is playing union? A guy called Slater will be back for the NRL who goes ok.
Andrew Watson said | February 17th 2010 @ 5:07pm | Report comment
Geez Scott. Bigman is passionate…
Its people like Bigman that make this concept so popular and why this game will be played for at least the next 5 years.
I cant wait for 2011. When the teams come out, I hope he is ready to get his wallet out?
Bigman, great rant and I look forward to your thoughts throughout the year. As Wayne would say “Dont Die With The Music In You”…
bigman said | February 17th 2010 @ 7:42pm | Report comment
Yep….AW ive been waiting for this for over 20 years mate & im not even indigenous & married in.(also got some some top indig mates).It dawned on me when I was in my mid twenties how good the indigenous players were.
I thought back to when I was a skinny teenage kid (ahhh the memories) playing with some amazingly talented indigenous kids.We had to go looking for them due to lack of numbers but on short notice & little training they still produced the goods.Only to find out that those young men were stricken with illness due to substance abuse only in their twenties.A tragedy & real waste of talent.
I have about 15 people already signed up for next years game (& counting -5 went this year).We’ve decided to make it a pilgrimage every year (make it a holiday).Ill admit AW this game brought a tear to my eye.Especially for my wife & children & grandchildren.YOu bet im passionate but the thing is everyone around me at the game was even more passionate.And that was unbelievable.Cheers mate….2011 NRL AS GC hear we come!!!! Thanks for this PRESTO.
bigman said | February 17th 2010 @ 2:51pm | Report comment
Scott…Slater is ok but he’s not in the same league as GI.And Slater found that out at the first training session GI attended as a scrawny kid.He blew Slater of the park in a game of touch.Billy couldnt get close & admitted it.He was the fastest in the NRL at the time.They new then they had a goodin.Plus Slater is prone to making mistakes not GI.The denial is truly astonishing Scott.The Indigenous players were banging on about this game long before Presto spoke with Searle (good job tho Presto).If you didnt know…they were banging on about it because they knew they would do very well.And the reason why it was a near capacity crowd (those pesky members-those seats would have filled) was that the fans also new the IAS’s would do well.The ones who seem surprised are the critics & those on this blog.I wonder why?
ScottWoodward.me said | February 17th 2010 @ 9:35pm | Report comment
bigman,
I would love to give you $5 next year as i hope they win again, but they will struggle without Thurston.
nb: I am happy to discuss footy with you and love your passion but saying Slater is not in the same league as GI just silly. Give yourself an upper cut.
bigman said | February 18th 2010 @ 8:45am | Report comment
Scott….all the years ive watched top flight footy ive seen some good ones (as you have) – Beetson, Lewis, Slater, Maninga,Renouf,Johns,Oconner to name a few……..but GI is something special. 114 kg agile speed machine (Burgess is 112 kg lol)….Check Inglis out on YouTube Scott….”nothing is impossible”. not many players in a even a career can put together a compliataion that good. No upper cut yet Scott.Not until we see how next years game goes.Im not expecting to have to do it.Oh & that was $5 x $1000 = $5000 lol. I can stay an extra week on the gc.
ScottWoodward.me said | February 18th 2010 @ 1:44pm | Report comment
bigman
I was with Peter O’Sullivan when he told me he had just signed a kid who will be a “world beater”. That kid turned out to be GI, and he has done everything and more that Peter expected him to.