Re: Random observations : Wed Mar 30, 2022 2:19 am  

upthecats wrote:

I agree with most of that but think there's a startling omission from your list!

Arguably the signing we needed to work out most after having so much trouble there last year with injuries and constantly trying different players there...but think Liam Hood has made a real difference at 9. Really strong player all round...gets the forwards moving with quality distribution and a real strong tackler...don't think it's any coincidence that since he's come in and got match fit we're seeing much more from Lino and Miller as they're getting the ball that bit quicker.

On paper a spine of Jowitt, Miller, Lino and Hood may not look as special as many teams but they aint half functioning well at the minute and moving the team around the field really well !

The other real important thing for me with this squad and something I've said for years is, success is built on a solid backbone of local lads who've come through the academy and I think on that score we're in a better position now than we've ever been in since i've been watching us. There's the older brigade in Jowitt, Johnstone, Batchelor and Crowther who all seem to have gone up a level this season...wonder if that's down to new faces in the backroom as WP mentioned in the Trinity Heritage podcast? And then there's the new kids on the block of last season and this...Bowes, Aydin, Hall, Murphy, Kershaw, Shaw, Croft etc...I actually think at this present time we could field a 17 man squad with about 12 who've come through our academy and be really competitive and I can't remember us being able to do that for a very long time!

Looks like we've got a real gem in Willie too...just love the way he's started...his decision making...the way he speaks in interviews...always striving for the best...making the players and fans believe we can go and beat any team anywhere...think it was very clever what he did pre season getting the squad to engage with past players to give them the feel of what it means to represent our club. Those 16 years as a number two might just have helped form one of the brightest coaches out there at the minute...he was a tremendous player for us and when he left...he comes across as a great bloke and so far, and fingers crossed for the future, he looks to be a real top drawer coach!

you are absolutely right, Hood's solidity at acting half is really important, the choice of pass the sense of where his playmakers are... I had him in mind when I started writing but somehow he got left off.

Re: Random observations : Wed Mar 30, 2022 6:31 am  

I’d also add one.

The back room staff, most notably conditioning.

I always thought we were fit, never bought it as an excuse and still don’t.

However we now seem to be super fit, most notably in endurance.

Our ability to maintain momentum to the last minute was a huge factor in all three wins.

I think what’s happened is a new team with new ideas have come in and crucially got the players to buy in.

I doubt it’s that much different to the maligned Glogger but it seems to be enough. Most notable beneficiary for me has been Ashurst, the clock has been wound back five years in his case but they all look better.

If we can avoid serious injuries we will only get better. Minor niggles and general fatigue always cure quicker when the mind set is right.

Re: Random observations : Wed Mar 30, 2022 7:08 am  

vastman wrote:

I’d also add one.

The back room staff, most notably conditioning.

I always thought we were fit, never bought it as an excuse and still don’t.

However we now seem to be super fit, most notably in endurance.

Our ability to maintain momentum to the last minute was a huge factor in all three wins.

I think what’s happened is a new team with new ideas have come in and crucially got the players to buy in.

I doubt it’s that much different to the maligned Glogger but it seems to be enough. Most notable beneficiary for me has been Ashurst, the clock has been wound back five years in his case but they all look better.

If we can avoid serious injuries we will only get better. Minor niggles and general fatigue always cure quicker when the mind set is right.

I would say 'fitness' and 'conditioning' are different things. A marathon runner and sprinter are both fit, but conditioning for a specific activity is key. RL must be one of the most difficult sports to condition athletes for.
It was interesting in Tini Arona's podcast to hear of the preparation routine in the week before a game and in particular that they get a rest day on Saturday before the game on Sunday.
I think in all games this year we've finished stronger than the opposition. This is a huge advantage, especially in defence.

Re: Random observations : Wed Mar 30, 2022 7:51 am  

I remember reading the article on TJ a month or so ago about him changing his diet after seeing a nutritionist. Saying because of his junk food eating and bad habits he was feeling knackered 20 minutes into games. I just wonder if a few others have done the same because as said...our fitness levels across the whole team have certainly gone up a level this season it seems and we're reaping the benefits...

It's the age old saying of you are what you eat! These young lads, like TJ said in his interview think they're invincible and can get away with it but as professional athletes every small thing matters and if a good diet improves your game then it's a sacrifice you need to make in a short career. Really surprised me though as I thought they would all have been good that way? Remember a few years back when I was going down to the fitness things they were doing down there and speaking with Jon Molloy and he was massively into that side of things and gave me some really good advice which made a big difference to me personally. Wonder what happened to him by the way....heard his name mentioned in the podcast the other day with Arona and wondered what had happened to him...

[PopTart]

Re: Random observations : Wed Mar 30, 2022 8:19 am  

upthecats wrote:

I remember reading the article on TJ a month or so ago about him changing his diet after seeing a nutritionist. Saying because of his junk food eating and bad habits he was feeling knackered 20 minutes into games. I just wonder if a few others have done the same because as said...our fitness levels across the whole team have certainly gone up a level this season it seems and we're reaping the benefits...

It's the age old saying of you are what you eat! These young lads, like TJ said in his interview think they're invincible and can get away with it but as professional athletes every small thing matters and if a good diet improves your game then it's a sacrifice you need to make in a short career. Really surprised me though as I thought they would all have been good that way? Remember a few years back when I was going down to the fitness things they were doing down there and speaking with Jon Molloy and he was massively into that side of things and gave me some really good advice which made a big difference to me personally. Wonder what happened to him by the way....heard his name mentioned in the podcast the other day with Arona and wondered what had happened to him...

Arona said they all eat together after training so it seems its part of the whole thing. From nutrition to bonding.

[PopTart]

Re: Random observations : Wed Mar 30, 2022 8:21 am  

coco the fullback wrote:

I would say 'fitness' and 'conditioning' are different things. A marathon runner and sprinter are both fit, but conditioning for a specific activity is key. RL must be one of the most difficult sports to condition athletes for.
It was interesting in Tini Arona's podcast to hear of the preparation routine in the week before a game and in particular that they get a rest day on Saturday before the game on Sunday.
I think in all games this year we've finished stronger than the opposition. This is a huge advantage, especially in defence.

I agree.

Part if the fitness thing is about ball retention which is much better than it used to be but it's clear that the change in backroom team is having an impact.

Re: Random observations : Wed Mar 30, 2022 9:42 am  

Does anyone know what length of contract Willie signed, it all appears to be coming together nicely & bearing in mind the predicament some of our neighbours are in, it might already be prudent to start talking of an extension?

Re: Random observations : Wed Mar 30, 2022 4:01 pm  

Spookisback wrote:

I’ve studied psychology and sociology, human behaviour, emotional intelligence… I’ve worked across the world in significant change programs, put together some massive safety and assurance arguments…..



But….





Despite the sum of my experience i am unable to explain…






Why my little positive, observational post …






Resulted in a fragmented ‘cat fight’ …






In less than two pages?!?!

The EI Quotient is low

Re: Random observations : Wed Mar 30, 2022 6:31 pm  

Don't think that I've read as many well thought out, interesting, well written and complementary posts as on this thread for a long long time. It certainly has brought about a real resurgence in interest for the Club, which can only be a good thing. No hints of pessimism just genuine enthusiasm and praise for the full squad.. Well done to all

Re: Random observations : Wed Mar 30, 2022 6:36 pm  

Lockers700 wrote:

Does anyone know what length of contract Willie signed, it all appears to be coming together nicely & bearing in mind the predicament some of our neighbours are in, it might already be prudent to start talking of an extension?

One year, I believe.