Quote: BartonFlyer "Optimist - you've got it spot on
We deliver field position to the opposition game after game - we get walked up the field penalty after penalty - who's fault is that?
Coach - does he not tell them what to expect?
Players - don't they know the rules?'"
The blame in my opinion should be laid at the players door, yes we all have our beef with Mcrae for serveral different reasons but last time i watched i didnt see Mcrae holding down a opposition player for too long so the rest of the team get back into position because we are knackered and need that extra 2 seconds, if you win "the contact" you can hold the attacker down as long as you want because your in control of the tackle you can wheel them around clamp the ball and get the line set as long as there is movement the referee should not call held, so many times at salford the players fail to win the contact and are left scambling around on the floor while the attacking player usually "buys" the penality by swan diving as he tries to play the ball.
My other bug bear is hiding on the blind side of the play after a play of the ball, if you knackered call for a sub and go off or stay down and roll away preferablly in the direction your supose to defending, you roll that way the attacker will have to run around you on the floor and adjust their line of attack
I do feel the players dont study the rules too much, if you know the rules you can bend them.
I saw mcrae on saturday and he seemed to shrug his shoulders about the whole thing, he can set the team up but if cerain players are getting stung everyweek with certain penalities and not adapting their style so it doesnt happen then there is nothing he can do about it imo.
