Hunt would have a quite word in Moeroa ear “ They say that Toumua going get up in your face and run rings around you”. Moeroa – “come on K your starting your starting to like sound like the bench”. K – “benches are there to put your arses on, get of your arse and prove them wrong”

The match up that appeals to me – Kata V Walton.

Coming onto the ball at pace, Kata’s low center of gravity and nuggety frame with an early look will aim his shoulders at Walton core or ask questions Joey right shoulder on a quick step. For Walton I’m looking at his shoulders, defensive stance, spacing, pace evaluation and communications. Walton offensive capabilities doesn’t interest me rather the evaluation across his defensive mindset does.

Best of luck to both players.

Confirmed. Blinkers.

I deliberately noted ‘Inside’ which technically isn’t correct however it gives me chance to see who’s has their blinkers on. Who of the current Tahs team made their first grade debut shortly after turning 17? Hopper?…..well research Nick!!!!

Hi Nick,

Influence or Coincidence? How much of the idea would you entertain the bloke who plays inside of Harrison has considerable input in terms the mindset required to be defensively capable? Keep in mind the bloke isn’t loss on being overpowered by pressure and intimidation, same bloke made his debut only after turning 17. (don’t say his name to loudly, this place becomes ultra-sensitive and emotional when mentioned in post like this)

Appreciate the clarity.

Pitches thrown go un-check some for good reason others require challenging especially if there masquerading as fact. Not sure if your referencing passion to my challenge or Hunt’s on field appetite, 100% agree with you if it’s the latter. He’s an all rounder, got all the tools that a lot of people don’t want to admit. Hunt can ball play.

Perception is reality when you’re looking for someone to blame. McIntyre/Hunt won and NRC title together. Hunt played the same way during his campaign with the Reds and now the Tahs, he’s sticks to a game plan. Fact. Why is that a fact? Because you don’t play 15 seasons across 3 codes not be discipline furthermore careless of stunning / sabotaging someone growth. You just don’t, you’d get bounce within 5 yrs of your career.

Advice, try to get to a game, even better have a chat to the players you find perception is not reality.

Cheers mate, good chatting with you.

While McIntyre struggled to adjust, Hunt completely over played his hand and made things even worse – Rubbish!! provide evidence and time stamps of games to back up this ridiculous claim!!

Evidence and research points to Karmichael encouraging his younger troops to grow and make decisions. If Hunt’s hammering Harrison growth why do we always see him grinding with forwards and trying to do their dirty work? Try watching him live without the unsubstantiated rhetoric that links to him like bad rash.

Remember Hunt had just turn 17 when he debut for the Broncos, he was surrounded by a harden playing roster furthermore opposition. Spat out and left wondering if you were soft, not Hunt, not by county mile.

He was 17yrs old – let that sink in – now apply that to these rookies. They don’t need grandstand managers to mollycoddle them, self confidence is what they need improve on, to blame Hunt for their failures is absolutely ridiculous.

Hi Nick, your previous piece on Hunt provided me the push to analyse his on field capabilities. Verdict. Outstanding both on and off the ball.

Unlike the majority of posters here you are accustomed to playing the ball not the man, it’s the latter why Hunt doesn’t get popular credence.

The issue? Plenty. Nothing to do with his football skills everything to do with him being a mungo, AFL lover, NBA fan, natural footballer, vice puppy, anything, but, in their eyes a rugby traditionalist free from imperfections.

My northern mail is Hunt will never get near the green and gold again. Jim Tucker and his Qld cohorts from Ballymore want him out hence why he’s been frozen out of the training camps.

Sad really, Hunt to me is like any other punter, a flawed sports tragic. Real shame posters don’t see themselves that way rather than expect the genes of their peers to be perfect human. being.

Nicholas Bishop then daylight.

I could be wrong but that flick pass was from someone who had their knee strap

Appears to be typical kiwi reply. Mate,
there are thousands of supporters that enjoy all the 3 contact codes however the expectations are demanding more than ever for Rugby to deliver as a TV product.

Agree. It’s absolutely bamboozel me every time when our teams are in excellent field position to close out they come up empty, drop ball, overthrow from a lineout, fumble in a ruck, offside or whatever. Frustrating.

Your right in terms of the junior program across pressure situation and development it appears RA falls well behind NRL& AFL

You mention the massive difference in the overall skills of the origin under 16 teams, I feel the Kiwis would argue their rugby model is superior however IMO NRL fundamentals are base on defence, and that’s the difference.

NRL’s Collisions, intense contact, wrestling and grappling are energy sapping activities take nothing away from what union forwards do however every junior NRL player is expected to repetitively get dirty. The results are less mistakes greater concentration during congested contact which creates confidence on both sides of the ball.

Defence wins games.

I hinted last week in a reply to Brett McKay Waratahs midfield claims will turn to custard if Hunt comes off the bench from what appeared to be a medical precautionary week off.

If I’m right the suggested Wallaby midfield selection will not feature Hunt nor will it for a starting spot in the Tahs backline.

Hunt’s role of Saturday night has nothing to do with impact rather everything to do with rank and file. Quite simply last on first off.

Thanks Nick, always look forward to your insights. Agree with the premise, enjoyed the basketball parallels.

Re: BB

From the showtime Lakers, blue collar Celtics, bad boys of Detroit and the ever pestering Pat Reilly’s New York Knick’s evolved a Chicago Bulls side lead by the GOAT duplicated and mastered his peers toughness both on and off the ball. Kobe and Bron caught the bug and future looks bright for Zion Williams.

Beale appears to be wanting to maintain selection consistency.

Drew Mitchell on the last night wrap mention the same thing. It appears from Kurtley claims the number 12 requires more time in the saddle which could be seen as a plea for patience.

If Hunt comes off the bench with only having a precautionary week off that alone would tell me your midfield case at the Tahs just turned to custard.

Some good points there Blues Fan.
 
From my research there was another person involve the night Hunt was arrested to which was more of police focus. Hunt was at the wrong place wrong time however if you put yourself in those positions you can only blame yourself if something goes south.
 
In terms of Thorn and Reds decision to cut Hunt was a complete shambles. It was clear his cards were marked the moment Hunt got arrested. Jim Tucker relentlessly went after him (the campaign continues) with ensuring public pressure mounting on the Reds to make a stand. The public were told his personality is toxic for young impressible men (not boys as Thorn was his troops believe) to add wouldn’t find a club – he ended up playing with Souths, Brisbane city and four weeks after prompting Brad (after a year without conversation) to sit at the table Gibson has him at the Tahs.
 
Both Brad and Daryll played for the All Blacks and Crusaders both understand the importance of culture. What did Daryll find in the due diligence report of Hunt that Brad nor Jim Tucker couldn’t see? Did Daryll pick up a defect that was simply manageable by telling Hunt his was problem alcohol?
 
Considering Hunts article from ‘Players Voice’ carries value and If anything he can contribute through programmes to assist young players deal with mental issues and refrain by abusing alcohol.
 
There were plenty of young kids and their families waiting for autographs from Hunt after the game does that make things right for Hunt? No. What is says is families are willing break the line and judge for themselves if the person they read about is true.
 
Finally, Hunt has himself to blame, he’s not perfect neither is everyone else.
  

Hunt needs time at 12 because he requires instincts. Hunt needs time at 15 because he needs guidance. Please. Stop. Enough.
I’ve already refuted you on these claims before. Try using in-depth analysis and time stamps from actual games to prove your arguments rather than claiming 50yrs of refereeing/player experience that no one gets to peer review. Stick to being the Kiwi Rugby Lover.

There were other noticeable defensive plays from the same game that support your claims of Hunt – against Keveri – Hunt line speed to jam keveri in 63rd minute influences a turnover, again Michael Hooper was on the ball. Further in the match Hunt’s pressing line speed,
matching up on keveri causes Heaghty to pause and put him in two minds causes the cover defence to test his ribs and create a fumble.

It’s the 1%ers that Hunt effectively does well. His work and energy off the ball – hitting and cleaning rucks, organising and tightening space – is second to none. His defensive assignment against Keveri was first class.

“Longer term however, he would have the most joy cementing a position in the centre, probably at 13. His defence is sufficient, but he needs the consistency – through game time – to develop the understanding and skills to truly excel in the position.”

Throughout the years I keep seeing and reading the narrative above. If one is looking for true substance then the premise above should not be use as a criteria.

Jordan Petaia has only been in the 13 saddle for 80min. He made a decent tackle that stood out however was he tested and evaluated let alone scrutinised by the narrative above? No.

Semi Radradra another who shifted from flanks to the midfield, again the benchmark was never applied to him.

One of many, 2 players both angling from non/traditional pathways/backgrounds opposite in terms of global competitions however narrative never applies to them. Why?

Because by perception their offensive capabilities overshadow their defensive abilities.

A true defensive mindset is built in from a young age. The difference becomes known when your challenge with size.

Super Rugby is all about physical size – see Reds Centre pairing- the antidote to that pairing is not size but attitude. For the punters is all about seeing the run rather than resisting.

Defence and discipline wins games.

Hi AJ,

I was extremely fortunate to meet Wayne several times. I learnt from those earlier meetings he doesn’t like people talking shit. Wayne is more interested in finding out you who you genuinely are.

Part of his philosophy is human psychology which is first and foremost understanding and managing his players personalities. Athletic and mental coaching runs parallel from that Wayne’s primary aim is to simply prime his unit to minimise mistakes.

One of the most glaring aspects I found with Wayne, he is protective of his past and present players. Admittedly my questions to him were intrusive in terms of gaining player insights. I then knew my place. What I did learn is Wayne is a student of life and continues to be to which the mainstream narrative always gets wrong.

Nope, your way off.

Unfortunately your qualifications count for nothing unless you can provide substantial evidence subject to peer review otherwise you’re a hack like the rest of us.

Your claims are completely bias and it falls in line with my comment regarding ‘Rugby traditionalists’ here’s why.

Hunt smashes your claim regarding on field instincts are subjective to experience. He played 13 and 12 for Biarritz after leaving NRL it got him to a final. By your logic he should have failed. He should be failing when he plays NRC let alone club to which again, by your logic, surrounded by players who grew up playing the game have superior instincts. Please. Enough.

Actually Riddle me this – where was the on field instincts and energy from your so call logic that needed experience players to pressure the kicker it the final minutes of yesterday game?

I have my doubts you ever play league again the onus would be on you to prove it.

I’ve seen that narrative of Hunt before, from research he’s anything but your description.

What gets loss in your assessment is you failed (or lack of film and study) to understand Hunts plays first and foremost to structures, that not because he wants to rather he’s discipline and forthright to a game plan.

I would have to agree with those who are calling out the Rugby traditionalist on Hunt due to his background they’re simply playing the man not the ball. I understand their passion.

Hunts instincts – research Hunts debut year when he was 17yrs then his following at 18yrs you will find flamboyant instincts turn structure instincts to this day. Why? Wayne Bennett. All Wayne’s successful pedigrees are the same.

Thorn coaching philosophy is about size and intimidation – it’s a reflection on his dimensions and impositions according to Thorn’s game day experiences.
With the above in mind look no further than his starting backline, the intentions is to expose weaknesses in the highlanders defence not by skill but simply size.

Prediction:
Thorn will be grunting Peter Ryan will snarling the team unit intimated – Reds to win by 40.

Hardly a rant, you don’t last 15 seasons as a professional because your selfish and not a team player. Try again.

I’ll tell you what selfish is – “if you have issues sort them or go away until you can sort them” – notice you didn’t mention who to turn to for help, oh wait providing no guidance is being personally responsible. Real tough.

Behaviour code only applies when you get caught. Angels, every player is an ethical angels, yea right.