ploinerrhino wrote:
And there lies the problem with Long .
Two other main problems are lack of meter making props as we are all aware of and speed merchants . Look at Wigan they have added two quick players and it has altered the whole dynamics of the team .
Wigan had both those players last year - I admit that they were absent as well for a large part - but when Jai Field did play he had zero impact. The main problem at Wigan was the lack of go forward and the effect this had on the ability to create opportunities for the backs. Harry Smith was ineffective at scrum half - this season he is a totally different player. So we changed the coaching set up (including bringing in Lee Briers as attacking coach) and brought in two front rowers from the NRL. The difference is plain to see. As an outsider looking in I am surprised at the way Leeds have started the season; in my mind (and lots of others too) they were amongst the pre-season favourites for silverware. But a lot has been said about the toxic internal culture of the club and, whilst no-one has pinpointed exactly what that means, it manifests itself in some pretty poor on field performances. And it is easy to blame the players or the coaches but, I guess, they are all working hard. I do think however that the main problem was leadership and, maybe, one or two players who aren’t putting in a full shift. As a Wigan fan I don’t like Sean Long but do admire what he has achieved and - given the impact that Lee Briers has had at Wigan - I don’t think you have seen the best of him yet. But I do believe that a good coach who can root out the bad culture, build a team spirit that is highly motivational and correct the basic flaws with the current game plan has at his disposal a squad that can give even St Helens a run for their money. And after that a few subtle changes of personnel may be justified. Whether that man is Rohan Smith is yet to be discovered. And finally, it seems bad now, but as other teams have found out when in a similar position it will get better.