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I'd certainly agree that is something that is required, and especially one that understands hitting gaps and weak arms. Just as long as they also understand support, both not running away from it and providing it when necessary, even at the breakdown. If he has got a kick, hopefully they'll also understand how to use it to best effect. The Force kicking was a bit ineffectual in most respects this year, and surely someone at some point is going to take the time to figure out kicking for the 50-22 that isn't just dunting it down the park and hoping for a lucky bounce?
If Blake Ferguson is going to be recruited by the Western Force. There is one thing that really needs to be discussed. There is an old saying that goes "Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it"
What am I getting at?
A Rugby team recruited a Rugby League player before. And had him play Fullback. And as far as I can tell - they never taught him how to Defend at Fullback.
Im talking about Israel Folau.
If we do recruit Blake Ferguson we need to have someone like Matt Burke or Dane Haylett-Petty spend some serious time with Ferguson teaching him everything they know about the Fullback position defensively. The Western Force doesn't score enough tries to be able to give away freebies at the other end of the paddock.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
I also assumed it would be wing, but X's point would stand. We've had League wingers cross before, and they get exposed on defense and positioning. For all they were thrown straight into the Wallabies, it took both Dell and Tuqiri several years to really figure it out. My recollection of Sailor was that his best year was his last, where he suddenly became a defensive machine. So I would agree, I hope they really focus on any and all deficiencies rather than fudging over then and just taking a 'more good than bad' approach.
(TBH, a bit like Anstee's comment about passing 15m...if that is seriously how players come into a full time professional contract, no wonder Australian rugby is so far behind!)
I don't think you bare seeing the whole picture. Reading between the lines, playing is going to be minor part of the role, I believe his main role will be more of a player liaison/recruitment/mentor role.
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
Talking of recruiting outside backs from RL; it would be good to have DHP around, should his cards fall that way, to mentor the likes of Reece Tapine. Also the other "Blake" who played inside Fergo is off contract next year. A good line break/tackle buster who has transitioned from the wing to right center and become an able defender. It would be great to see Waqa Blake back in WA and playing Rugby again.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Western Force Twitter account saying there will be a player announcement tomorrow. I note that the billboards in the back ground are prominently displayed at a certain South Island ground.
https://twitter.com/westernforce/sta...634914307?s=21
Generally speaking you aren’t learning much if your lips are moving!!!
We need a 10. A good quality 10. Ferguson is not that player.
Agree I like the way they are doing it. Keeping the interest and anticipation up.
Generally speaking you aren’t learning much if your lips are moving!!!
Well looks like the Backline is finalised. That's 16, leaving 19 or 20 positions for the Forwards in the main roster:
Prior
McDonald
Fines-Leleiwasa
McIntyre
Kuenzle
Pasitoa
Godwin
Kahui
Pulu
Makara
McGregor
Strachan
Mataele
Ralston
Lacy
Tapine
Great to see Mateale is two years, gives time to grow and build and possibly attract more players of a similar standing going forward
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”