Nail.... Head!

[Rooster_6]

MITCHELL PEARCE ($1.65)

Mitchell is the incumbent No.7 and earmarked to wear that jersey in the future. However, if the Blues side was selected three weeks ago, Ricky would have had to go for Wallace.

After a bumper 2010, Pearce has almost completely lost his upfield thrust in 12 months. I call it "ball player's cancer". I suffered from it regularly.

It is when a ball player becomes infatuated with cross-field running and turning runners on his inside. You end up spending most of a match facing the sideline rather than challenging defenders.

It can completely take over your game. I've witnessed Scott Prince become afflicted with it and I've seen the same thing from Mitchell.

But two weeks ago against the Warriors he suddenly adjusted back. He ran at the Warriors defence, pulling defenders out of shape for his runners to run into holes.

If Pearce maintains this more direct style he will wear the Blues' No.7 jersey. If not, Wallace will usurp him.

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1226325201665

In summing it up, Pearce is at his best when our forwards make good metres up the middle and he can play direct as a result. Nick if you're reading offer Johns whatever he wants, he can be a twat but he's a great halves coach and would do wonders for Pearce. Not half the player of his brother, but twice the coach.

[Guest]

wasn't Matty coaching our halves a couple of years ago, but left as they weren't listening?

[Guest]

In summing it up, Pearce is at his best when our forwards make good metres up the middle and he can play direct as a result. Nick if you're reading offer Johns whatever he wants, he can be a twat but he's a great halves coach and would do wonders for Pearce. Not half the player of his brother, but twice the coach.

I think you should re-read the article. It is saying Pearce is the one who hasn't been running straight, and as such hasn't been creating space space for his teammates. The article is not blaming our forwards.

[Rooster_6]

I think you should re-read the article. It is saying Pearce is the one who hasn't been running straight, and as such hasn't been creating space space for his teammates. The article is not blaming our forwards.

Pearce can't play direct if the forwards aren't going forward. Surely this concept doesn't need explaining any further...

The article doesn't lay blame on anyone and nor am I, it's a combination of player, circumstances and game plan. It's not coincidental though since Kennedy & JWH have paired up as the starting front row combo and started playing longer minutes Pearce has run into some 'form'.

[Guest]

I believe Wallace is a better player than Pearce but Wallace I think is a few years older & has been playing in the NRL longer.

I believe players are in their prime aroud 27 up to 30.
By this time they have played NRL for 8 or maybe 9 seasons & who ever were the top players when they started are no longer around so they then take over the mantle as the top player.

[redwhiteblue]

wasn't Matty coaching our halves a couple of years ago, but left as they weren't listening?

He was at the club on a casual basis during a pre-season, 2009 I think.