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Joined March 2023
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Josh Flook is officially listed as 1.86cm tall and 89kg, I wouldn’t call that on the small side? He also has quite a stocky build and low centre of gravity that seems to help him punch a bit above his weight class in contact areas. As long as he stays fit and un-injured I think he’ll be world class in 2-3 years
Why Schmidt isn't sweating about Wallabies star's cross-code temptation
You raise a very good point regard bench composition and rotation philosophy between NSW and QLD. NSW have for some years now been obsessed with the idea of a bench consisting of edge backrowers and enigmatic utilities, whereas QLD prefer genuine middle forwards primarily. In the attritional middle battleground seen in origin games surely you want genuine middle forwards, not edge backrowers or part-time middles expected to do a job. Sure, you do have to cover for injuries, but hopefully Madge will go back to this sort of philosophy when deciding the composition of his bench.
Blues Origin predicted team: Cleary's massive injury blow confirmed to hand Maguire yet another headache
Also remember to completely forget and disregard all the proper and correct tackle technique taught in union – none of this low centre of gravity and correct shoulder BS. Instead, just go in upright and unbraced and try to flimsilly man-hug the bloke running at you full tilt, couldn’t be simpler! If you’re feeling particularly fond of the tackled player, don’t forget to give him a loving eye-gouge or scrotum grope to show how much you appreciate him
Welcome to the NRL, Mark - here's everything you need to know about The Greatest Game of All
Impressed by the way the Saffas found a way to hang in there and work themselves into the game after being shellshocked by the poms in the first half, early introduction of bench players played a massive part. If the wheel didn’t come off the poms set piece in the second half they may well have pulled off one of the greatest world cup upsets. Thought England had good pay with the strategy of putting high balls up in midfield targeting the Saffa’s relatively small back three. Owen Farrell may be one of the most least likeable players in world rugby but he stood up and nearly took his team through to another final. Handre Pollard showed his worth in a massive way in an attritional style game that suited him – I doubt Libbok could’ve slotted that final penalty. A few comments on the refereeing, some marginal calls but I actually though BOK let a fair bit go, especially at the breakdown. I thought the boks were being deliberately cynical at the breakdown, perhaps because they felt they could get away with it. Lots of hands in after the ruck had formed, lots of “falling over” the ruck towards the attacking side, jackals not supporting their weight. Not saying England were squeaky clean either, but the Saffa breakdown shenanigans seemed to increase as the game progressed.
'Concede points there, they're done': Moment England missed to bury Springboks as ghosts of 2019 return
Agreed, I’ll add that while he undoubtedly passionate and competitive I think Whites on-field personality is now a negative influence, and his ponderous speed of clearance is really hurting us. You could argue he’s the best kicking nine but what’s the point in playing a kicking oriented game plan if there’s no chasers and kick-pressure
Wallabies player ratings: Wright's rocks and diamonds nature leave 15 jersey open for RWC, winger's perfect night
Great article Mike. The comment that Teddy is the best fullback across both rugby codes is an interesting one. Tedesco is a truly world class attacking/running style player, no question. To say he is the best in both codes is a long bow to draw… how would Teddy go with the increased emphasis on tactical awareness, control and kicking that a Union fullback must combine with said attacking attributes? I see many similarities in the running/attacking style of Tedesco with the Ireland fullback Hugo Kennan, however with the aforementioned tactical awareness, game management responsibilities and skillset. I reckon Keenan would be the current standout fullback across both codes worldwide, and could easily make it as a league fullback. Will Jordan of the All Blacks is another that comes to mind that may even be a superior running/attacking style player to Teddy. Horses for courses, I guess, anyway it will be interesting (and hopefully entertaining to us!) to see how Sualii lives up to his potential, irrespective of what code he ends up in longer term.
ANALYSIS: Suaalii shows why Rugby Australia paid the big bucks - but is Sam Walker the real star?
I can only assume this must be a very well disguised piece of satire because to even entertain the notion that Tedesco could/should play centre at origin level is comical. He is a specialist fullback, and if he is going to be in the blues side then that is the only position he should be (even though my personal preference would be for Edwards). I’m hoping to god that Madge wipes the slate clean of the hair-brained selection policies of his predecessor and selects specialist players for positions (in the forwards as well for that matter).
Centre nervous system: Specialists better suited to crucial spot with Turbo out - but could Tedesco make Blues switch?