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SMITHY: Inglis' form bodes well for Bunnies going back-to-back

When he fires, there's no one better than GI. (Digital Image by Robb Cox ©nrlphotos.com)
Expert
24th February, 2015
32

As the preseason frenzy reaches its peak, here are a few random thoughts in anticipation of a great new season.

1. Souths will go hard to win back-to-back comps
I loved the way South Sydney wanted to and did win the Charity Shield and Nines, then demolished their Super League opponents in grand style in the World Club Series.

Approaching everything with a winning attitude has sparked the club. No hangover.

The coach is on the ball.

Read more from Brian Smith at SmithySpeaks

Whatever the reason, making Greg Inglis captain is a great decision by Michael Maguire. Evidence? Already there for all to see. In his media interviews Inglis has displayed real focus and conveyed clear messages of what the club, coach and players are striving for.

This transferred into his own performance – the win over St Helens was easily the best defensive performance I have seen from any fullback for many a year. Inglis’ positional play and anticipation was spot on for 80 minutes, an ominous improvement in a part of his game not always matching his attacking powers in the past.

The captain is setting the standard for everyone in Rabbitland from the get-go!

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2. Paul McGregor is not going to follow Wayne Bennett’s model
The passive end of the line defence the Dragons have employed since Bennett’s arrival is dead and buried. The red and whites are now up and in whenever there is a threatening attack arriving.

Is that a good thing? Well the jury is out. Will Benji Marshall participate regularly? Will Jason Nightingale come forward on play four or five when opponents come to his side? He has made a living off being back with his fullback waiting for kicks, so old habits will die hard.

And I can’t wait to see the new attack Dragons players have hinted at. Understandably we saw nothing of it versus Warrington in the wet conditions. Looking forward to that in Round 1.

3. The Broncos will be hard to beat in 2015
The ground conditions versus Wigan restricted any real ball movement, until Wigan showed it was possible from their own goal-line, shifting it on play two in the final minutes, then going 100 metres for a game-equalling try!

Apart from Anthony Milford’s individual brilliance, Brisbane’s speed looks pretty limiting. There will be low-score wins for this squad rather than the rampaging, free-scoring Brisbane demolitions of decades past.

Adam Blair and James Gavet will add more starch and offloads, and quick play-the-balls to a vigorous pack.

4. Some clubs will be engaging in vital trades as we speak
As clubs assess preseason form of their team and specific individuals, as well as hear the good and bad news from their CEOs, big calls will be made.

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The first bundle of pressure will be on head coaches and recruitment heads to improve any weaknesses in the roster. Taking educated gambles on young players or other inexperienced outliers on the edge of the full-time squad who have trained well and performed in preseason games can save cap money. Moving a player no longer required could save two-thirds of his cap cost if it happens this week.

The number of calls to and from the Titans and Raiders in the next few days will be huge. Some other tactical manoeuvres for the adventurous clubs could surprise.

5. The World Club Series has a future
The wonderful support at all matches and the atmosphere created by devoted ‘roogby’ fans suggest the WCS was a real winner for our game’s potential growth.

The tight and very physical contests between Warrington and St George Illawarra, and between Wigan and Brisbane had everyone on their feet at the ground and on the edge for the lounge here, spurred on by Channel Nine’s Joey and Freddy telling us what fantastic footy we were watching.

Standard, low-competitiveness high was how I saw it.

Where to from here for WCS?

No way José in Australia next year, or until the Super League clubs seriously challenge by winning and playing a better brand of footy. It should continue on the international calendar and be played in the UK until Super League fans vote ‘no’ with their feet, or they beat us.

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