Illias

[jodragon40]

So as a ressies coach I started with U16, then U18 and worked my way up to Ressies. I heavily relied on my eye and my stat's man .

So looking at our defensive record this year and I'm pleased to say we have improved our tackling effectiveness and efficiency.

I picked our weakest defensive edge after game 2. That's not hard to do because the opposition always targets your play maker. Any coach worth their salt strategies look towards that edge.

Unfortunately for us things are not so rosey in that area. So in 4 games the team has missed 97 tackles, I can live with that. What I can't live with is that 24 of those missed tackles, so 25% of all our missed tackles have been missed by our weakest defensive edge which is the Illias/Su'a edge.

Now every Tom, Dick and Harry alleged supporter wants Illias sacked, in fact the storyline being run by 1 outlet states: "Illias survives sacking". Seriously?

Anyone that has played or coached at the highest levels knows that there is a myriad of other issues that affect your play maker ability to produce the goods. Not least being that your engine room is not consistently making the advantage line, quick play the balls allowing your play maker time and room to execute.

On other forum and social media I have defended the youngster because he is being unfairly targeted in my view.

I'm not sure what can be done about it but something needs to be done to address this glaring issue. Bennett moved Soward and had Scott as his enforcer after the season before poor Sowie was used as a speed hump by Inglis. The next season we won our last GF.

Perhaps we could look at moving our best defender JDB next to Illias ? It is an issue, any thoughts?

 

[Ryan]

So as a ressies coach I started with U16, then U18 and worked my way up to Ressies. I heavily relied on my eye and my stat's man .

So looking at our defensive record this year and I'm pleased to say we have improved our tackling effectiveness and efficiency.

I picked our weakest defensive edge after game 2. That's not hard to do because the opposition always targets your play maker. Any coach worth their salt strategies look towards that edge.

Unfortunately for us things are not so rosey in that area. So in 4 games the team has missed 97 tackles, I can live with that. What I can't live with is that 24 of those missed tackles, so 25% of all our missed tackles have been missed by our weakest defensive edge which is the Illias/Su'a edge.

Now every Tom, Dick and Harry alleged supporter wants Illias sacked, in fact the storyline being run by 1 outlet states: "Illias survives sacking". Seriously?

Anyone that has played or coached at the highest levels knows that there is a myriad of other issues that affect your play maker ability to produce the goods. Not least being that your engine room is not consistently making the advantage line, quick play the balls allowing your play maker time and room to execute.

On other forum and social media I have defended the youngster because he is being unfairly targeted in my view.

I'm not sure what can be done about it but something needs to be done to address this glaring issue. Bennett moved Soward and had Scott as his enforcer after the season before poor Sowie was used as a speed hump by Inglis. The next season we won our last GF.

Perhaps we could look at moving our best defender JDB next to Illias ? It is an issue, any thoughts?

He's made a few really good tackles. I noticed that. Haven't noticed him missing many. Ilias has so far failed at 1 club and well on his way to failing at a second. His halves partner in his mid 20s has failed at 4 clubs now. Who should be first to get the tap on the shoulder? Then if there is no improvement, drop Ilias, promote Kyle. What's the issue? Seems obvious to me.

 

[Dave03]

He's missed tackles that have directly led to tries but he's also had some good tackles that have saved tries. I would say Gutho has had more ineffective tackles that have led to tries but he's also making a lot more of those types of tackles too. Illias & Su'a defence need to improve but it's his lack of game management with the other spine players in the last 20mins which is a big concern. Illias isn't the only half missing tackles that lead to tries in the nrl but yes it needs to improve. It's exacerbated a lot more since we've had close losses.

 

[Ryan]

He's missed tackles that have directly led to tries but he's also had some good tackles that have saved tries. I would say Gutho has had more ineffective tackles that have led to tries but he's also making a lot more of those types of tackles too. Illias & Su'a defence need to improve but it's his lack of game management with the other spine players in the last 20mins which is a big concern. Illias isn't the only half missing tackles that lead to tries in the nrl but yes it needs to improve. It's exacerbated a lot more since we've had close losses.

I didn't realise Gutho has missed many tackles. But I don't doubt it. Wasn't the last 20min. Should've put that rabble to the sword much earlier.