The Prism - Round 8 2015

Hot topic

Rule changes are often implemented to try to bring attack and defence into balance. Sometimes these have the desired effect, and other times it creates unintended consequences. Often they are reactionary and follow an incident or match where it is felt that a rule is exploited.

Some examples include, banning the shoulder charge after Dean Young was poleaxed by Greg Inglis in 2012, banning the punch after Paul Gallen turned the first State of Origin of 2013 into a boxing match, and making the catching of a kick on the full in goal a 20m tap following the 1985 Grand Final where the Bulldogs continually bombed the Dragons fullback Glenn Burgess to great effect.

There are a number of rules which are grey and will continue to be the centre of discussion, eg stripping, wrestling and the ruck. However, there is one new rule which needs to be rethought; the changes to the 20m restart.

The 20m tap can arise from three main actions in goal; a kick going dead, a kick being caught on the full by the defending team or a knock on from the attacking team. The result is an optional 20m restart of either a kick or 7 tackles for the defending team.

This 7 tackle rule came about when the likes of Jamie Soward would intentionally kick the ball dead from a long way out to nullify the counterattacking sills of the league's best fullbacks. A 20m tap was seen as a way of setting your defence instead of trying to get into a line on the fly.

However, caught up in this new rule change are the occasions where legitimate attacking raids come up just short. These are unfairly and severely punished. For example, a knock-on 1m from the try line results in a 10m scrum, whereas a knock-on in goal results in a 20m tap with seven tackles. That is an extra 10m and 1 tackle for only a 2m difference in attack. Not only that, but the tap can be taken immediately if all of your team is on side creating further imbalance.

This needs to be revisited as the defence is now much more rewarded than attack. A suggestion would be to only award the seventh tackle in the event that the indiscretion relates to a kick going out in goal. This is why the rule was initiated in the first place and should be the only indiscretion administered as such.

Predictions

Last week I only picked 2/8. Here are my picks for this week.

Bulldogs vs. Tigers @ ANZ Stadium
Both playing at their shared home ground. Bulldogs by 4

Warriors vs. Titans @ Mt Smart Stadium
Titans are starting to put their disrupted start behind them, but face a desperate team at home. Warriors by 6

Knights vs. Cowboys @ Hunter Stadium
The Knights have lost their mojo. Cowboys by 8

Roosters vs. Dragons @ Allianz Stadium
Always a good occasion with two strong teams. Roosters by 6

Storm vs. Sea Eagles @ AAMI Park
This will be very lopsided towards the home team. Storm by 12

Broncos vs. Eels @ Suncorp Stadium
The Broncos are a machine against the erratic Eels. Broncos by 6

Panthers vs. Sharks @ Pepper Stadium
The Sharks are gaining momentum and the Panthers are injury riddled. Sharks by 6

Rabbitohs vs. Raiders @ Cairns
A long road trip for both. Rabbitohs by 6

Form Guide

Dragons (+1) : five wins in a row and now meet the last two premiers
Storm (+1) : got the win against the Roosters with a last ditch field goal
Cowboys (+1) : starting to hit the form expected at the start of the year
Broncos (-3) : lost a close match at Kogarah
Sharks (+3) : three in a row and will meet the depleted Panthers next week
Titans (+4) : three wins in their last four starts
Bulldogs (+4) : won without some of their key players
Raiders (+6) : came back from a mile behind to get another win
Eels (+6) : erratic form with a win ever three weeks
Rabbitohs (-5) : starting to miss their half back
Warriors (-5) : have failed to harness their potential
Knights (-5) : have continued to lose after their streak was snapped
Panthers (-4) : injuries have taken their toll
Tigers (-2) : let their game slip against the Raiders and have only one win in their last 5 starts
Roosters (-2) : three close losses on the trot
Sea Eagles (-) : too much talent to be playing this poorly.

Composite Team

Last week's composite team was made up of dual internationals. Can you work out the theme for the squad below?

1. Robbie O'Davis
2. John Hopoate
3. Adam MacDougall
4. David French
5. Luke McDougall
6. Greg Bird
7. Steve Linnane
8. James Graham
9. Mark Bugden
10. Josh Stuart
11. Bob Cooper
12. Danny Williams
13.Les Boyd

14. Gary Freeman
15. Clint Newton
16. Luke O'Donnell
17. Tim Maddison

This is an erratic team with some good performers and a tough pack. Predicted placing in 2015 table: 14th

Flash Back

This week's Flash Back is an in your face centre who played with a lot of aggression. Michael Pobjie played in the 1980's for Newtown, South Sydney and Balmain.

Pobjie debuted in 1981 for Newtown and played with his brother Kevin. He played 16 matches that year but was unable to make it into the Grand Final team against Parramatta. After another year with the Bluebags he moved to Souths where he played for 5 seasons.

At Souths he scored 28 tries and asserted himself as an on field menace to the opposition. During this period he snuck over to the UK to play for Salford, but was not able to maintain his form there.

Pobjie's former coach, Warren Ryan, lured him to Balmain in 1988 to add some starch to the back line. He played the first 4 rounds but did not play again until round 19 where he cemented his position in the team. He helped the team reach the Grand Final, scoring a try in the mid-week playoff for 5th against Penrith. Balmain lost against Canterbury in the match where Terry Lamb infamously took out Ellery Hanley (his star centre partner from the UK).

In 1989 Pobjie started in the centres but was eventually forced to the bench by Tim Brasher and Andy Courier. The team again made it to the Grand Final against Canberra in a classic which had many twists and turns. Balmain led 12-2 at half time and seemed set to take the title.

Late in the game Pobjie was asked to replace Paul Sironen after Steve Roach was also replaced. Some fans believe that the loss of Balmain's two enforcers let the Raiders back into the game. They eventually levelled the scores, before defeating the Tigers in extra time.

Pobjie retired the next year after only playing 1 first grade match. He will be remembered as a tough centre renowned for his aggression on the field.