Now before you all get put off by the title, this is not a stripped-back version of Shannon Noll’s all time classic ‘Shine’, or the late, great Tiny Tim’s version of ‘Tiptoe through the tulips’ – as performed at Bear Park in 1992.
This is a stripped-back version of the chopping block to hear more from you fans on what was your lowlight or highlight of the previous NRL round.
With my chronic pointer finger arthritis kicking in and Ray having surgery for carpet tunnel syndrome – pretty sure that’s what he says when I ask him to type my rhetoric – we have decided less is more in our weekly rants on the week in league.
I know we made mass changes with our last few ramblings by adding positives of the week, upgrading our IT systems and so on, but if we are to go the long haul in this short-lived career change, we need to replace quantity with pure quality.
Gareth Widdop
Self-doubt and strange decision-making have snowballed for the poor Pommy international, and he looks a shadow of the player we sighted last season.
Benji Marshall has copped most of the criticism for the Saints’ inept attack, but at least he’s trying things and challenging the defence, although the pace and strength is not what it used to be. Maybe a shift to fullback for Widdop could re-energise his confidence.
Moses Mbye/Josh Reynolds
Ray and I could not split the Dogs’ halves, who showed again they lack the polish in the big, crunch games to challenge the heavyweights of the competition. The kicking game has been an issue throughout the season and could hurt when the bigger games roll on.
Both have been guilty of not picking their moments in the big games, and at time lacking patience. I’m sure Des Hasler just put it down to one of those nights, but the removal of Trent Hodkinson may prove to be an error in judgement.
Mbye looked a lot better last season when combining with the more calming influence of Hodkinson. Ray and I could be wrong on that call, and we’re sure The Barry will call us out if we are. While Will Hopoate’s form has gone up a notch or 12 from his Eels stint, they lack that game breaker or class half that other sides possess.
They did beat the Storm earlier in the season, but it’s beating them toward this period, along with the Cowboys and Sharks, that really counts. Led by the blood nut Scouser, James Graham, who still applies SPF 50 before night games, the forwards will always hold their own, but the doubt in their halves still lingers.
They do have a 130 kilogram monster living in a halves body on the bench, who sometimes shows the current No.6 and 7 how it’s done, which is a bonus for any coach.
The Broncos
Again, hard to single out one poor performer from last week’s clash against the Panthers.
Is it a fallout from the ‘rat in the ranks’, or the player alleged to have been recorded doing something illegal which has caused off-field dramas out of Red Hill? Or is it the usual Bronco dip as the players are flogged in training prior to September?
More twists than a Summer Bay finale up in Brisbane, and hopefully some clarity will surface in the next few weeks.
Jarrod Croker
The head-geared leader at the Raiders single-handedly got his side over the line against the improving Warriors last Saturday in the nation’s capital. Ray and I have been critical of his defensive positioning, but his pace and vision in attack, along with leadership skills, have developed rapidly in 2016.
The way he pinned the ears back and backed himself to score the match-winner showed he is in career-best form. Spotting a tiring Bunty Afoa in front of him he got to the corner in the nick of time from a fresh Tui Lolohea.
Mitch ‘Benji 2005’ Moses
The confidence he displays minus the guy we won’t mention is simply astounding. It really begs the question and debate Ray, myself and Matty ‘Zen’ Elliott continually have: is he the main protagonist in sending his old No.9 off to fixtures played at Henson Park and not Shark Park for the rest of 2016?
Judging by his displays so far this season, you’d have to think Moses – unlike Aaron Woods and company, who ventured out to Leichhardt Oval last Saturday – is relishing the chance to take the reins in attack and call the shots.
Luke Brooks hasn’t looked different in the absence of that guy, but correct me if I am wrong Roarers and Tigers tragics, if the No.6 doesn’t look a totally different player with plodders like Dene Halatau, Elijah Taylor and Jordan Rankin offering service out of dummy half?
So who made the chop or who did you toast with a nip of Kentucky Gold this round fellow Roarers?
Wow
Guest
Moses at 6 and Cleary at 7 looks to be a great halves combo for the blues in the future. A lot of similarity to Qld's current halves pairing. I don't think Farrah is a bully but he probably doesn't realise that he can be overbearing and too dominant for the halves to play their natural game. Imo Taylor has done the right thing and time will prove this true. With Reynolds and Mbye I'd say they can't play together in the halves cause they are both traditional 5/8's. Your going to hate me but Reynolds has to be the one bumped out because when their both at the top of their game Mbye is far more threatening. If Foran does arrive he and Mbye will compliment each other a lot more than Foran/Reynolds. Reynolds is a real terrier on the field and defensively would thrive at hooker. If he could keep his cool and not overplay his hand he would be a gun hooker. Wallace has done well there and time in the halves has helped his decision making. I've heard Des wants Mbye to hooker that seems to be an utter waste of talent at such a young age. No doubt this is just Des being Des and keeping his cards at his chest. I can't understand Des sometimes. He has almost had the best team in the comp since he arrived yet his roster management has seen a few major mistakes. Trex has been a salary cap vacuum. Out of the 3 halves he unloaded the one who had a point of difference to compliment the other. I don't think Hodkinson was a long term option but releasing him made no sense. Lichaa and Cook was another one. Hopoate is a bit one dimensional and not a game breaker, he may find his best football lies in the centres. At fullback he doesn't compliment the halves and hooker. Out of their current spine I think they can only win the comp with Mbye and possibly Reynolds at hooker. Farrah is a possibility on a one year deal. Maybe he would be revitalised with a fresh start like Ennis got at the Sharks.
The Barry
Roar Guru
There was a classic piece of Graeme Hughes commentary for a Raiders game in the early 90s... MENINGA....MENINGA....inside or out, who wants it? Woods says I'll have my second. I don't know why I've remembered it, but it's always stuck in my mind.
The Barry
Roar Guru
nothing wrong with Reynolds kicking game. Half time against the drags, he's been 50cm from a 40/20, an inch perfect cross field kick for Perrett and banged over a 40 metre field goal in the last second...
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
We need to swap keyboards for beverages. Happy with the get square too, not a day passes without thoughts of Helen dousing candles.
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
I hope for retro round whoever calls the Raiders clash call's out CEEEER-ROOWWW-KER when he gets into space or scores. Can't recall who used to yell it like that when Jason "Toots" Croker was playing for the green machine.
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
Geez Albo all bases covered there but I can't see Josh Reynolds kicking game improving anytime soon, Mbye possibly. Name me a half that isn't a little suspect in D, not many around. The ones that are solid on D have less tricks in their bag in attack. Pearce, Adam Reynolds to name a few. Croker's defensive reads is his biggest issue, very solid one on one defender just had issues with his decision making. Young Cleary will be some player. Still we were saying the same about Brooks when he first burst onto the scene, Jarrod Mullen etc. Time will be the judge for that duo.
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
Not sure how Perrett has stayed in the line up for as long as he has. Too small and not as quick as any of the other Dogs outside backs. What's happening with Brad Abbey? He looked a decent prospect over the ditch.
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
Big fan of the recently departed Mr Kilmister, preferred Sabbath (not Ronny DIY) over Motorhead, but neither have anything on Nollsy stripped back with Diesel and the drummer from Wa Wa Nee providing the rhythm. Still shocked how Lemmy lived as long as he did after watching that doco on him. Got Bon Jovi's song in my head now Hosko so you will be happy about that. Not a fan of their music either, bit of commercial free radio man usually unless Nollsy has a gig up the Hunter at Fanny's or Club Panthers.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don't wanna live forever!!!!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good call again. Rona is great ball in hand and is one of those wingers that can score amazing tries - certainly more so than Perrett. It's his decision making in defence that causes me concern.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Swannie, Swanny, Swandog! Mate, Lemmy never went acoustic and i've always assumed you're at your steak ripping best clad in faded moth eaten Motorhead threads. I read Benji Moses as a reference to Bon Jovi's Bed of Roses. You need a weekend back on the carcass. Good read all the same ol'son.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Following on from that though, I'd love to see Rona used less position locked -- occasionally popping up like a fullback, he has too much class to sit out on the wing except for the occasional hit up.
The Barry
Roar Guru
That's a good call Alex. The normally super reliable Perrett has been struggling. Rona is not a centre and his defence is causing me massive concerns. It's one of those things. Perrett is probably a better player than Holland (current form excepted) but Holland certainly adds a lot more to the team at centre than Rona does while Rona is a better winger than Perrett.
Albo
Guest
Widdop - needs a change of scenery - move him to fullback. Bring Aitkin to 6 , he's a good one and needs more ball . Mbye / Reynolds - just need more kicking practice. No other option, as no-one else in the team can kick ( except the pommie kicking cans after a loss). Broncos - are gone for the year. Even the super coach is at a loss to turn the poor form around now. Croker - a very good player for a long time despite perceived defence limitations. Every club would love one of him ! Mitch Moses - just lacks a bit of confidence ! Not . He is the future of the Tigers and needs to be given the generals role officially. Whilst still with some defensive issues they can be ironed out with practice and added experience. I agree he can also be a future saviour for NSW at SOO , and I can see him lining up beside Nathan Cleary in 2018 starting out on a dominant period for NSW .
MAX
Guest
Hi Ron, Saints do not play the Storm again this season so Gareth may do well to have a yarn with his old coach. The Broncos are a soap opera and the script is stale. Wayne needs to get a bigger boat for imports pending. Theory into practice is on holidays at Belmore. Since Trent and Frank's departure my brain has gone arthritic. For your finger, try wrapping it in Sloan's liniment soaked bandage/cotton wool and eat more capsicum. We hunger for consistency in this game. Every team needs a Jarrod Croker. No Croker, No Canberra.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
On the Dogs and the Thursday demolition they suffered... why is Sam Perrett not on the chopping block? He was horrid on Thursday, and also horrid against the Roosters in round 17 with abysmal ball handling being a problem along with bad reads in defence, plus he's keeping Rona at centre where he's not able to make the most of his finishing ability and Holland out of the side putting the Bulldogs short a good goal kicker.
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
Fair call on both fronts. Moses for Blues no.6 looks a fair shout. He is not grabbing in D as much as seasons past. Like I said they miss a real solid good kicking game which neither possess. Mbye doesn't look as comfortable playing alongside Reynolds. Just my observation.
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
Gareth Gidley...I like. That day @Bear Park the look on kids faces was priceless as he played his famous tune on the back of a truck. Not sure if it was a look of fear or WTF? Good to see Copley stick it to the Bronx last night, a lock for next weeks positive highlight for Rnd 21.
The Barry
Roar Guru
To Taylor's credit he is spot on about Moses needing early ball. He looks a completely different player when he's taking the ball to the line and running at defenders putting them in two minds as opposed to getting the ball at the line and being rushed in his decision making. His defence is still suspect, but he works hard in D. Gets his body in the way and at least has a go. All the promise is finally being delivered and I think he could be the Blues 6 by 2018 on current trajectory. Brooks goes better when Moses is playing well because he can pick his moments and not overplay. I don't know whether it's down to he who shall not be named, the placebo effect or what but these two have looked better over the past 6 weeks than the past 2 years. Understand the criticism of the dogs halves but they can't shoulder too much blame for Thursday's loss. The dogs made too many unforced errors and ran into a red hot JT. The game was over before Reynolds or Mbye even touched the ball. I don't get why Mbye is the go to for the long kicking option. He struggles for distance. His drop outs barely go 40 metres on the fly.
JohnnoMcJohnno
Roar Rookie
Ah, tiptoe through the tulips, one of my all time faves. My 10 year old daughters best friend can do a fair imitation of the late great Tiny Tim on the uke. Makes me want to get out my dad's old piano accordion. Such music. Back on the footy, thought Marshall didn't play too badly last week. He had the opposition in doubt as to whether he would pass or run and that was enough to create some space for new boy Milne. Meanwhile back on Widdop's side of the park, nothing happened. Again. Surely he must be dropped. He can captain from the bench if necessary, been done before.