Quote: Gotcha "I have no problem with a rebuild and time. I don't really think Sinfield needed to come out with it, it should have been clear for all it would take time, from the mess McDermott left.
However, where I do have a problem is the way they are going about it. We are still persisting with players who will never make a difference to our long term fortunes in a million years. Why do this? Why not lose with a bit of planning at least, knowing that you are working with players with a future to make that difference?
I also can not accept the defensive effort thus far. That is inexcusable and not something to hide behind long term rebuild. Effort and desire, should be must have requirements at any time.'"
It’s fair to level some criticism at McD, but he got more out of his squad then Sinfield, Lowes and Furner have IMO. How much culpability remains with him for years of poor signings, rather than GH, who knows. I expect he’ll do very well with Toronto.
I agree re defence - I can handle losing much better if at least we make the opposition earn it. I do think some of the reason for this is again losing the plot in our academy for a number of years previously - honestly Stevie Ward is the most recent product still with us that can tackle. Maybe Oledzski too, he’s pretty solid given his age.
To not have produced technically complete players for the first team in all that time is a huge part of why we are where we are. Rob Burrow had more defensive tiger than most recent products put together.
There clearly has been some issue around talent identification and recruitment in the face of stiffer competition, but with all the coaches and facilities, and years of time, I just can’t believe how many lads have been coming out and grabbing at shoulders etc, getting caught out of position...
In my view, technique can be learned but defence is an attitude, and we’ve not got that right at all for whatever reasons. Maybe it’s too easy for talented lads to shine among a shrinking player pool at youth levels, maybe people get too wowed by flashy tries and fast/big lads - who often get found out at open age.