Charge downs

[ROC181]

I really would like to see us charging down kicks rather than do a flimsy attempt to tackle a kicker which normally the kicker is supposed to be protected by the refs. Why is it that we are happy to stick out a foot if a an opposition player puts a grubber and possibly give away 6 again, but if that player decides to put up a bomb, we give them all the time in the world for them to place it exactly where their best jumpers will be at and they usually have the momentum to out jump one of our players? In the last few games against Penrith, we have allowed Cleary to place the ball with precision which I am sure its lead to a few tries.

The same thing mid field when the other teams kicker gets the ball on the last, they rarely get any pressure from our players but if we do pressure them, it's usually going for the man not the ball. I have seen Tariq Simms and Kikau successfully charging down kickers midfield and they get the ball back in a very good attacking position. Being that this is normally a rugby union tactic, I think Gus would be a good exponent of charging down which I'm sure he might have done this before, and considering we have this French RU coach, why haven't we learned anything from that game?

So my question is, why aren't we doing this? Is it because no one wants to get a mouthful of Steeden? Anyone have a good reason? I really hate it when other teams kicker is allowed to place the ball where he likes it cause it often puts us under a lot of pressure..

[Nicola Tesla]

I imagine the coach has done some stats on these and likelihood of giving away a 6 again v getting the ball? Wonder if they have and what the odds are.
Also would love to know stats on the trapped grubber (foot out) also?

[Headless Chook]

Such a low percentage play in midfield, all you normally do is give the other team another full set. Near the try line is different. If the ball gets into the in goal it becomes a try scoring chance or a repeat set so it makes it a much more attractive play to stick the foot out. I think the key is constant kick pressure, but that's hard to do if your forwards aren't winning the middle and you're on the back foot

[King Salvo]

You have to get to the kicker first - maybe look at the AFL smother and see if can be adapted or tweaked for use in League

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i82Y9vaMhGI

I remember a second round game vs Wests at the Sports Ground in 1979 when I think Don Mosely for Wests was doing a 5th tackle down field kick. John Harvey raced through with his arms in the air and somehow the ball stuck in his hands and he raced away and scored a try.

The only try of the game in the 9 -4 win over Wests who I recall were running second at that stage

[ConGa]

our charge down haven't been successful, eg Ben Maschke, Victor...

[ROC181]

Such a low percentage play in midfield, all you normally do is give the other team another full set. Near the try line is different. If the ball gets into the in goal it becomes a try scoring chance or a repeat set so it makes it a much more attractive play to stick the foot out. I think the key is constant kick pressure, but that's hard to do if your forwards aren't winning the middle and you're on the back foot

But near the try line, all our players are closer to the kicker on the 5th tackle and allowing someone like Cleary who doesn’t rush his bombs, we just let him put it on a dime which then the attacking team has an advantage over a player that’s just stationary waiting for the ball come down. A charge down is as good as sticking the foot out as it’s not considered a knock on but if the other team gets it back they get 6 again like sticking out the foot.

My whole point is that we don’t do enough to stop those bombs from someone as good as Cleary. The other thing that kind of pressure might make Cleary more likely to rush his kicks and not be as accurate as usual.

[ROC181]

our charge down haven't been successful, eg Ben Maschke, Victor...

The Ball The Ball not the player Victa!

[King Salvo]

But near the try line, all our players are closer to the kicker on the 5th tackle and allowing someone like Cleary who doesn’t rush his bombs, we just let him put it on a dime which then the attacking team has an advantage over a player that’s just stationary waiting for the ball come down. A charge down is as good as sticking the foot out as it’s not considered a knock on but if the other team gets it back they get 6 again like sticking out the foot.

My whole point is that we don’t do enough to stop those bombs from someone as good as Cleary. The other thing that kind of pressure might make Cleary more likely to rush his kicks and not be as accurate as usual.

Maybe defend better so the other teams kicks are from further out and more defendable - not sure why you would want a team to do charge downs close the the line though

[Headless Chook]

But near the try line, all our players are closer to the kicker on the 5th tackle and allowing someone like Cleary who doesn’t rush his bombs, we just let him put it on a dime which then the attacking team has an advantage over a player that’s just stationary waiting for the ball come down. A charge down is as good as sticking the foot out as it’s not considered a knock on but if the other team gets it back they get 6 again like sticking out the foot.

My whole point is that we don’t do enough to stop those bombs from someone as good as Cleary. The other thing that kind of pressure might make Cleary more likely to rush his kicks and not be as accurate as usual.

Read my last sentence as to why Cleary wasn't put under any pressure in our previous loss to Penrith

[zac]

we've certainly pulled back from pressuring the kickers. it's an art form and if you do it well it makes a big diff but if you muck it up you give away penalties and get suspended