The new Laurie Daley

[BJ]

The key for Strange will be how he evolves once opposition coaches pick a chink in his armour. They’ll coach all his usual attacking and defensive moves and decisions into their players and it will get harder for him.

But he’s working off a good base and has the core skills to further develop his game and respond to what the opposition throws at him.

[reptar]

The key for Strange will be how he evolves once opposition coaches pick a chink in his armour. They’ll coach all his usual attacking and defensive moves and decisions into their players and it will get harder for him.

But he’s working off a good base and has the core skills to further develop his game and respond to what the opposition throws at him.

I think he’s smart enough to know he’ll have to evolve over time. Last night, his decision making was great and opposition will know they’ll have to cover both run and pass. It’s a great base.

[BJ]

The key for Strange will be how he evolves once opposition coaches pick a chink in his armour. They’ll coach all his usual attacking and defensive moves and decisions into their players and it will get harder for him.

But he’s working off a good base and has the core skills to further develop his game and respond to what the opposition throws at him.

I think he’s smart enough to know he’ll have to evolve over time. Last night, his decision making was great and opposition will know they’ll have to cover both run and pass. It’s a great base.

Yep I’m confident too Reptar. He doesn’t seem like someone who’ll get carried away by non football distractions or getting too full of himself and not working as hard on his game.

[-PJ-]

We’ve got ourselves a good-un..

[Botman]

Just watching the game winning try again, it was such a good play for a young play maker... he knew the space was there and a try was on offer, and his first instinct was to get the ball out wide but he looked up noticed the dogs still standing flat on their line and adjusted knowing he could take it right to the line and as long as he committed one defender, he could get Young an easy one on one right on the try line.

but to have a plan, look up, understand what is happening, process it and change plans on the fly like that... lot of young halves dont do that. What he did looks easy but was a very advanced play for a bloke his age

[Brew]

Ive seen enough young halves thrown to the wolves in origin by NSW and spat out to their deteriment
Strange has no business playing SOO football at this point of his career. It would be a desperate play and irresponsible to the lad IMO.

We can talk origin in a year or two pending development. For now let him establish himself at this level

Cool, I’ll put in my diary.

2 years. Done. Ricky will be our Coach then too


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Great. 10 x 0 = 0

12 x 0 = 0

Let's put it in the diary.

Wow, did you do advance Maths at School?

That’s Hectic


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When all's said and done, we both want to get to the same place, though we disagree on how to get there so I'm just going to leave this noise here. All the best to you.

Same to you Brother


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[President Clinton]

Cool, I’ll put in my diary.

2 years. Done. Ricky will be our Coach then too


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Great. 10 x 0 = 0

12 x 0 = 0

Let's put it in the diary.

Wow, did you do advance Maths at School?

That’s Hectic


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When all's said and done, we both want to get to the same place, though we disagree on how to get there so I'm just going to leave this noise here. All the best to you.

Same to you Brother


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This is really romantic guys. Proud of you both.

[Seiffert82]

The key for Strange will be how he evolves once opposition coaches pick a chink in his armour. They’ll coach all his usual attacking and defensive moves and decisions into their players and it will get harder for him.

But he’s working off a good base and has the core skills to further develop his game and respond to what the opposition throws at him.

I think he’s smart enough to know he’ll have to evolve over time. Last night, his decision making was great and opposition will know they’ll have to cover both run and pass. It’s a great base.

Run, pass and kick!

The big thing for me is he has the tools and ability to play what's in front of him. He's not a half that plays to a set formula, which is impressive at 18.

What he has also done is gradually allowed Hudson Young to revert back to the strongest version of himself, in both attack and defence. He's gradually attempting less 'big play' moments and is now just running good lines and being less reckless with his ball playing.

It's starting to really transform that left edge.

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[BJ]

Great point Seif about Hudson reverting to try and run lines instead of like a headless chook.

[LimeGreenMachine]

Good point about Hudson. He's back in SOO form.

Strange , Young , Kris and Savage. Exciting left side

[Robert the Bruce]

He reminds me of Jimmy Wins Maloney. Just kinda of all over the ball, agile and has some classy touches. Maloney couldn’t defend though. Am I right? Or do they just kinda look similar and play the same position


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[Beejay]

I’m very impressed and I have high hopes for his career.

Biggest thing for me is his defence, and his willingness to go after the game. He’s made sure the ball is in his hands when the game is on the line a few times already. And he executes well with that pressure.
Running game and passing game can be improved over time with coaching, but that attitude can’t be.
Huge indicator of the player he will become.

[Ruben Daley]

He reminds me of Jimmy Wins Maloney. Just kinda of all over the ball, agile and has some classy touches. Maloney couldn’t defend though. Am I right? Or do they just kinda look similar and play the same position


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Maloney had a kind of unbreakable confidence that made him really good in big moments and Strange has shown he might have a similar mindset, as evidenced by the composure he showed for the second Hudson try.

I remember Maloney throwing an intercept try in Game 2 of Origin one year and NSW losing the game. Then he threw the exact same pass in the third game for a try. No hesitation. I heard him say later that he just puts errors out of his head and moves on. Sounds simple but most can't do it.

However, that's where the similarity ends for me. Strange is an athlete. He's a fast, powerful runner with great footwork and he can lay big hits in defence. Maloney achieved in spite of being physically limited.

That combination of attributes is why Strange is being compared to Loz (and Jack).

[julian87]

Strange is better than Luai is he?

I'd say he is.

If you could sign either, who would you sign?

Strange is going to be an exceptional first grader by the looks of things. But if I’m picking a NSW team on Sunday night, I’m going with the 5/8 that has played in the last FOUR grand finals. Not the teenager that has played ten games.

Just a reminder that Penrith won last year’s grand final because Cogger replaced Luai in the second half.

Luai wasn’t just the 5/8 for that one game. He was 5/8 for Penrith for all four of the season.

And I know you rate Cogger, but he has been languishing in NSW Cup this season, stuck behind Tyson Gamble.

Throw hate on Jerome all you want. He has an insanely good winning record with and without Clearly. Arguing Strange should he picked for NSW this series before him is absurd.

Every available first grade standard 6/7 should be picked ahead of Luai because they’re not proven to be substandard at Origin level.

[President Clinton]

I'd say he is.

If you could sign either, who would you sign?

Strange is going to be an exceptional first grader by the looks of things. But if I’m picking a NSW team on Sunday night, I’m going with the 5/8 that has played in the last FOUR grand finals. Not the teenager that has played ten games.

Just a reminder that Penrith won last year’s grand final because Cogger replaced Luai in the second half.

Luai wasn’t just the 5/8 for that one game. He was 5/8 for Penrith for all four of the season.

And I know you rate Cogger, but he has been languishing in NSW Cup this season, stuck behind Tyson Gamble.

Throw hate on Jerome all you want. He has an insanely good winning record with and without Clearly. Arguing Strange should he picked for NSW this series before him is absurd.

Every available first grade standard 6/7 should be picked ahead of Luai because they’re not proven to be substandard at Origin level.

Who would your 6 and 7 be?

[MJY]

There is perspective. Read comments.
Not sure you know what noob means.
Nothing wrong with positivity and hopeful comparisons.
No reason to knock a teenager. He's a super player.

[zim]

I'd say he is.

If you could sign either, who would you sign?

Strange is going to be an exceptional first grader by the looks of things. But if I’m picking a NSW team on Sunday night, I’m going with the 5/8 that has played in the last FOUR grand finals. Not the teenager that has played ten games.

Just a reminder that Penrith won last year’s grand final because Cogger replaced Luai in the second half.

Luai wasn’t just the 5/8 for that one game. He was 5/8 for Penrith for all four of the season.

And I know you rate Cogger, but he has been languishing in NSW Cup this season, stuck behind Tyson Gamble.

Throw hate on Jerome all you want. He has an insanely good winning record with and without Clearly. Arguing Strange should he picked for NSW this series before him is absurd.

Every available first grade standard 6/7 should be picked ahead of Luai because they’re not proven to be substandard at Origin level.

Luke Brooks is going to do great.

[Regs Revolution]

Did anyone else have their heart in their mouth after he got up clutching at his leg right before the first try? I was hoping nothing happened and then saw him in the huddle and was extremely relieved. Then proceeded to have a blinder. Have to say, our halves had a great game!

[Travis]

The relationship between a half and their edge is a really interesting and often under-noticed combination on the field in attack. A good half will boss their edge, centre and wing around so that the shape they hold keeps the defensive line spread and provides options for set plays. They will then communicate with the hooker, other half and fullback to work to the best position to execute these set plays.

The edge's role in this is vital, as if they push in too early or go rogue looking for plays that bypass the half, the shape all falls apart. One of Brisbane's successes last year was the role their two edges played in allowing Mam, Reynolds and Walsh the space to play. Alternatively, Young has been pretty poor with this (and became more inconsistent the worse Wighton became).

I suspect that Strange's growing confidence and ability has led to Young being directed to do his job better or Young reverting to his proper job the more he realises that Strange is doing his part.

Either way, it's very exciting to have Strange in the side and I really look forward to seeing what unfolds for him and the team.

[dubby]

I've seen some impressive young players come through with heaps of talent, Jack, Dugan, Carney.... I'm not about to hype the kid up too much because of the precedent of the aforementioned players, however I agree he is very talented and it's very exciting for us.

[Dr Zaius]

I've seen some impressive young players come through with heaps of talent, Jack, Dugan, Carney.... I'm not about to hype the kid up too much because of the precedent of the aforementioned players, however I agree he is very talented and it's very exciting for us.

None of those guys had what it takes between the ears to consistently excel.

[dubby]

I've seen some impressive young players come through with heaps of talent, Jack, Dugan, Carney.... I'm not about to hype the kid up too much because of the precedent of the aforementioned players, however I agree he is very talented and it's very exciting for us.

None of those guys had what it takes between the ears to consistently excel.

My point. Not saying Strange is like them.

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[Finchy]

I've seen some impressive young players come through with heaps of talent, Jack, Dugan, Carney.... I'm not about to hype the kid up too much because of the precedent of the aforementioned players, however I agree he is very talented and it's very exciting for us.

None of those guys had what it takes between the ears to consistently excel.

My point. Not saying Strange is like them.

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I’m confused dubs. You said you don’t want to hype Strange too much because of how Wighton/Dugan/Carney turned out after early accolades. The good Doctor then points out essentially how those 3 had some intelligence issues to excel on a consistent basis. Then you say that was your point and that Strange isn’t like them.

Well if that’s the case why are you concerned about talking him up? Not having a go, just confused

[RedRaider]

He reminds me of Jimmy Wins Maloney. Just kinda of all over the ball, agile and has some classy touches. Maloney couldn’t defend though. Am I right? Or do they just kinda look similar and play the same position


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Maloney had a kind of unbreakable confidence that made him really good in big moments and Strange has shown he might have a similar mindset, as evidenced by the composure he showed for the second Hudson try.

I remember Maloney throwing an intercept try in Game 2 of Origin one year and NSW losing the game. Then he threw the exact same pass in the third game for a try. No hesitation. I heard him say later that he just puts errors out of his head and moves on. Sounds simple but most can't do it.

However, that's where the similarity ends for me. Strange is an athlete. He's a fast, powerful runner with great footwork and he can lay big hits in defence. Maloney achieved in spite of being physically limited.

That combination of attributes is why Strange is being compared to Loz (and Jack).

I remember this being raised with Maloney in an interview one time and Maloney said he had the memory of a goldfish. Great line.

I watched Jack in the Souths game. They made a break down the left and he had his winger outside him with an unimpeded run to the line .. but .. Jack passed the ball about a meter behind him and the play broke down. Some things never change.

Even Brandy is saying Strange 'looks a first grader at 19'. For once I agree with him.

[Finchy]

Just watching the game winning try again, it was such a good play for a young play maker... he knew the space was there and a try was on offer, and his first instinct was to get the ball out wide but he looked up noticed the dogs still standing flat on their line and adjusted knowing he could take it right to the line and as long as he committed one defender, he could get Young an easy one on one right on the try line.

but to have a plan, look up, understand what is happening, process it and change plans on the fly like that... lot of young halves dont do that. What he did looks easy but was a very advanced play for a bloke his age

Watching a replay of that try myself I think it was the wrong option, or at least lower percentage play. He had Kris and Savage unmarked outside of Crichton, but he threw the short ball for Huddo to run between Crichton and Preston and risk getting tackled or the ball dislodged. As the defender's were flat the intercept wasn't really in play either. In that case I think he should have passed to Kris or Savage.

[Seiffert82]

The relationship between a half and their edge is a really interesting and often under-noticed combination on the field in attack. A good half will boss their edge, centre and wing around so that the shape they hold keeps the defensive line spread and provides options for set plays. They will then communicate with the hooker, other half and fullback to work to the best position to execute these set plays.

The edge's role in this is vital, as if they push in too early or go rogue looking for plays that bypass the half, the shape all falls apart. One of Brisbane's successes last year was the role their two edges played in allowing Mam, Reynolds and Walsh the space to play. Alternatively, Young has been pretty poor with this (and became more inconsistent the worse Wighton became).

I suspect that Strange's growing confidence and ability has led to Young being directed to do his job better or Young reverting to his proper job the more he realises that Strange is doing his part.

Either way, it's very exciting to have Strange in the side and I really look forward to seeing what unfolds for him and the team.

Yeah, I'm loving the rapid evolution of the Savage, Kris, Young, Strange combination on that edge.

It's still a bit clunky as Young re-adjusts his approach and gets trust in Strange. Kris is also still looking a bit unsettled in his role at centre and the way he and Savage position themselves, but every single game they play together looks a bit more cohesive and potent.

It's one of the most exciting things for me to watch this season. Every single one of those players is a threat and they can all be outstanding defenders once they settle in to a pattern.

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[afgtnk]

Don't think we should get ahead of ourselves here too much. A definite talent, looks like he has a lot of the ingredients required for rep football, but he's still well off it at the moment.

Keen to see how he develops the more he gets onto the ball. At this stage if he does make rep, I can see it being in the centres like Jack.

[Botman]

Just watching the game winning try again, it was such a good play for a young play maker... he knew the space was there and a try was on offer, and his first instinct was to get the ball out wide but he looked up noticed the dogs still standing flat on their line and adjusted knowing he could take it right to the line and as long as he committed one defender, he could get Young an easy one on one right on the try line.

but to have a plan, look up, understand what is happening, process it and change plans on the fly like that... lot of young halves dont do that. What he did looks easy but was a very advanced play for a bloke his age

Watching a replay of that try myself I think it was the wrong option, or at least lower percentage play. He had Kris and Savage unmarked outside of Crichton, but he threw the short ball for Huddo to run between Crichton and Preston and risk getting tackled or the ball dislodged. As the defender's were flat the intercept wasn't really in play either. In that case I think he should have passed to Kris or Savage.

Couldnt disagree more
When Strange gets the ball it's 4 on 3 and he's on the outside of his man already. Strange gets to the line but as he comes to it Crighton i think it is on the wing is actually set to play the ball, he knows hes out numbered, he's sweeting on the cut out ball hoping to get hands on it. You can see it in his stance, hips turned ready to break on that ball. Throwing the cut out ball when you're digging that deep into the line would have been the worst option he could have taken.

Strange could have gone wide early, given it early to Young, as was his first instinct (imo based on footage), but that would have afforded the opportunity for the dogs plays to slide, rally and number up 3 on 3. We probably still score, but Strange take up the space, committing the defender and putting his edge on the outside of his man and needing only to abosrb contact from an outside back 2 metres off the line is absolutely the right option imo.

[BJ]

Yep he took the right option. It was the threat out wide that opened up the short ball.

Going wide would have given the defence a chance to scramble.

[Finchy]

Just watching the game winning try again, it was such a good play for a young play maker... he knew the space was there and a try was on offer, and his first instinct was to get the ball out wide but he looked up noticed the dogs still standing flat on their line and adjusted knowing he could take it right to the line and as long as he committed one defender, he could get Young an easy one on one right on the try line.

but to have a plan, look up, understand what is happening, process it and change plans on the fly like that... lot of young halves dont do that. What he did looks easy but was a very advanced play for a bloke his age

Watching a replay of that try myself I think it was the wrong option, or at least lower percentage play. He had Kris and Savage unmarked outside of Crichton, but he threw the short ball for Huddo to run between Crichton and Preston and risk getting tackled or the ball dislodged. As the defender's were flat the intercept wasn't really in play either. In that case I think he should have passed to Kris or Savage.

Couldnt disagree more
When Strange gets the ball it's 4 on 3 and he's on the outside of his man already. Strange gets to the line but as he comes to it Crighton i think it is on the wing is actually set to play the ball, he knows hes out numbered, he's sweeting on the cut out ball hoping to get hands on it. You can see it in his stance, hips turned ready to break on that ball. Throwing the cut out ball when you're digging that deep into the line would have been the worst option he could have taken.

Strange could have gone wide early, given it early to Young, as was his first instinct (imo based on footage), but that would have afforded the opportunity for the dogs plays to slide, rally and number up 3 on 3. We probably still score, but Strange take up the space, committing the defender and putting his edge on the outside of his man and needing only to abosrb contact from an outside back 2 metres off the line is absolutely the right option imo.

The way I see it, Crichton has already turned in and is pushing backwards off his right leg toward the gap Huddo's headed into. I'll admit there's a possible risk of an intercept if he tries to go to Kris, although I don't think Crichton would get to it. Then again Crichton has scored some decent intercept tries in big games so I'll give him benefit of the doubt. But surely a deeper pass to unmarked Savage is the go, looking at the replay?

[Botman]

I’m tell you now Critta is BEGGING for that ball to go long to beyond Huddo
His entire body positioning to make a play at the ball, he knows if the ball goes beyond him it’s a try, he has to back Preston to make the tackle if it’s short, but he’s defending space.
He is 100% playing the ball
A cut out ball to Savage there is imo riskier than playing short, the ball has to be perfect with players moving in motion, slightly in front and Critta can play for an intercept, slightly behind and it’s over the sidelines
High or low can cause an error from savage

Maybe Critta gets there, maybe he doesn’t but the short ball is 100/100 times the play there

[Leebola]

Great. 10 x 0 = 0

12 x 0 = 0

Let's put it in the diary.

Wow, did you do advance Maths at School?

That’s Hectic


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When all's said and done, we both want to get to the same place, though we disagree on how to get there so I'm just going to leave this noise here. All the best to you.

Same to you Brother


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This is really romantic guys. Proud of you both.

I've got a heart of gold mate. Just a pity the head looks like a bucket of smashed crabs.

[julian87]

Just watching the game winning try again, it was such a good play for a young play maker... he knew the space was there and a try was on offer, and his first instinct was to get the ball out wide but he looked up noticed the dogs still standing flat on their line and adjusted knowing he could take it right to the line and as long as he committed one defender, he could get Young an easy one on one right on the try line.

but to have a plan, look up, understand what is happening, process it and change plans on the fly like that... lot of young halves dont do that. What he did looks easy but was a very advanced play for a bloke his age

Watching a replay of that try myself I think it was the wrong option, or at least lower percentage play. He had Kris and Savage unmarked outside of Crichton, but he threw the short ball for Huddo to run between Crichton and Preston and risk getting tackled or the ball dislodged. As the defender's were flat the intercept wasn't really in play either. In that case I think he should have passed to Kris or Savage.

This is a crazy take. It was 100% the right option. Ball playing 101. He drew the outside defender and put his outside player in space 1 metre from the line.

[Finchy]

This is a crazy take. It was 100% the right option. Ball playing 101. He drew the outside defender and put his outside player in space 1 metre from the line.

I really don't see how it's that crazy. Not saying I'm right and everyone else is wrong, but surely if there's a 3 on 1, it's at least a topic of discussion that he could have passed to the unmarked centre and winger rather than the short ball to the backrower who could get tackled or the ball dislodged?

[julian87]

This is a crazy take. It was 100% the right option. Ball playing 101. He drew the outside defender and put his outside player in space 1 metre from the line.

I really don't see how it's that crazy. Not saying I'm right and everyone else is wrong, but surely if there's a 3 on 1, it's at least a topic of discussion that he could have passed to the unmarked centre and winger rather than the short ball to the backrower who could get tackled or the ball dislodged?

Didn’t mean to be rude either btw, apologies.

The shorter the pass the quicker it beats the defender and less risk of a mistake. As soon as he drew the defender in your still (is it Xerri?) the short pass was the correct move because Young is then unmarked.