Quote: BrisbaneRhino "Morgan can pass and kick. He is mainly a runner but he knows how to suck in defenders and get the ball away, and doesn't kill moves every time he gets the ball. He also plays alongside the world's best which helps a lot.
Hardaker plays head down rugby for Leeds, and in our current structure we need him to be much more of a link. You are right to say he'd be involved in more set plays in the NRL, but so was Hoffman who also dies with the ball far too often. As a result he's no longer considered a first choice full back. Hardaker may do better, but the point is he'd have to fundamentally change how he plays.
My issue is, why aren't these players continually trying to improve the obvious flaws in their game? There's no real reason why Hardaker couldn't pass more. There's also no reason why Burrow can't think about setting up plays rather than darting around aimlessly and changing direction all the time. In SL they are stars. I really don't think its too harsh to say they wouldn't be in the NRL without considerable improvement in core skills for their positions.
I picked on Leeds players because I support Leeds. I could give a critique of every British player and point out problems across the board, but that would be dull. A big difference between SL and NRL is down to the fact that the flaws across the NRL are generally smaller, and players with flaws get found out and punted. Recent examples being Barba as a fullback/playmaker, Hoffman as a fullback and the likes of Tim Smith at halfback. That's why I worry about Widdopp for England as I think he got shown up a lot last year and needs to improve immensely if he is to lead England against Australia.'"
Micheal morgan doesnt pass that much and if he does its pretty basic just catch and pass to the centre, never really does any decision making or cut out balls, he basically plays at fullback without the defensive work, much like a young Burrow he is there purely to make breaks and score tries, but thats all NQC need him to do.
As fo Hardaker linking, I dont think the problem lies solely on him, going back to 06-12 seasons we had sinfield Mcguire and Webb all throwing big cutout passes to wingers from about 15-20 yards in field, in recent seasons no-one is throwing them so it must be down to our playing style, what is Hardakers flaw is not getting himself through gaps enough and hitting lines.
Barba got a Dally M one year so I dont think you can say he didnt succeed, his lack of form was mainly down to 2 years of being injured wasnt it? Also regaurding Widdop I wouldnt be too worried, hes in the top 5 6s in the world easily after Milford Foran and maybe a couple of others.
There arent many players who have an all round game and can do everything, even in the NRL, theres only Thurston, Hunt, Pearce and Johnson who dont have any glaring flaws (in attack at least) or dont need to be assigned particular roles by their clubs
Adam Reynolds for example has the best kicking game in the world imo, but hasnt got much of a running game so the coach puts Keary next to him, most halves arent allrounders
If our players do have a weakness in their game, it is their job to improve, but our coaches job give them roles that play to their stregnths
