: Fri May 15, 2009 1:15 am  

SaintsFan wrote:

A simple example is how this season our ruck has slowed in response to the wrestling used by the Aussies in the world cup. Instead of ignoring the Aussies, the RFL have slowed down the ruck presumably in an attempt to compete with the Aussies. Kapow! What's happened with the Aussies? Their executive decision to have two refs has speeded up the ruck. So now we are all out of step with the Aussies again. Had we just ignored the Aussies we would have still had an exciting game to watch and we would now be playing on a more level playing field so far as the ruck is concerned.

Got to agree with this too, and have said as much since i saw the first NRL game this year. Even though the test last week was played 'to international rules' i.e. one ref, the play of the ball was a hell of a lot faster than during the world cup.

: Fri May 15, 2009 1:22 am  

Carlos Alberto wrote: Jammer vs. Bryn: The Comparison. Only thing that doesn't indicate is minutes on the pitch. I'd like to see the difference, but it does clearly show how much work Graham gets through!

Carlos Alberto wrote: Jammer vs. Bryn: The Comparison. Only thing that doesn't indicate is minutes on the pitch. I'd like to see the difference, but it does clearly show how much work Graham gets through!

: Fri May 15, 2009 5:20 pm  

St Ty wrote:

I agree. Watching the Aus vs NZ test from the week past the one thing that stood out is the sheer athleticism and intensity of their players. Bar Lockyer, every one of their squad looked massive but extremely quick with it, and even Lockyer at what... 32? looked as fit as a fiddle and threw himself into everything.

The intensity and determination shown by the aussies (and kiwis too) for 80 minutes was a joy to watch and for me is where we are so behind on the international stage. That and the fact that the majority of their attacking/creative players would probably cope well in each others positions.

But what is the reason? Why cant we produce the same calibre of atheletes? Was watching that four corners docu on the scandals in the NRL and it had the newcastle under 20 squad on it and they looked far older and bigger than their english counterparts. Obviously there are exceptions like Sam Burgess but in the main, we are just light years behind.

: Sat May 16, 2009 2:29 pm  

Mugwump wrote:

I don't think you can tar all Aussies with the same brush. Whilst I'm sure there are many who are solely interested in their own competition, there are others - such as Wayne Bennett - who can see the benefits of a vibrant international game.

They are few and far between in the key positions that matter though.