Phuzzy wrote:At the risk of starting another argument with you he ran for 144 metres against Penrith. It's nuts to write him off against Aussie opposition when he consistently does it against the best in Superleague and has done it against the best the Aussies have to offer too when given the chance. At what point do facts rather than perception come into play? He's equally, or even more, effective as any of the incumbents at club level and has consistently out performed Tommy Makinson in recent years who has had a pretty good international career, wouldn't you say?
Top finisher, consistent try scorer with pace to burn and among the best when bringing the ball out of yardage. Sounds like the ideal formula for a winger if you ask me!
Unlucky to not get picked.
It’s not an argument it’s a debate, surely that’s what this is all about.
I would expect Marshys stats to be high against Penrith as we were pretty much on the pack foot for the entire match with them applying lots of pressure with the long kicking game pinning us in our half.
I know they don’t publish stats like this but the coaches will have them in regard post contact metres and play the ball time. Was listening to a podcast possibly Bloke in a Bar and the PTB speed on the night was nearly 4 seconds compared to just over 2 in the NRL meaning there was plenty of laying on from both sides to be fair and I’m not sure we get that luxury at international level.
Dom Young is nailed on for one wing and I’d say it’s a 3 horse race for the other between Johnston, Handley and Ashton as I think we will go for athleticism and compared to others I think Marshy is less naturally athletic than those lads.
Looking at the opposition generally the outside backs are also natural athletes, Coates, Tuilagi, Turbo, Mitchell, Addo Carr etc and all quite a bit taller than Marshy too which will make him a target.
There were comments on social media about Robinson and indeed To’o in regards height but I’d say these guys had outstanding traits too particularly around athleticism that Marshy doesn’t.
I’m his biggest fan in SL I think both him and Miski are a big part of our success as whilst yes they do finish well their main strength is their carries out of our 30 and getting a quick PTB to get us on the front foot. Against the tier 1 sides I don’t think they will be nearly as effective at doing that because they are bigger, stronger, faster and more athletic than SL players.
There have been plenty of good SL players who don’t make an impact on the international stage I’d say Sinfield was one too who was a great SL player, one of the best but his lack of athleticism saw him not be able to make anywhere near the same impact for the national team.
If it were the choice of 1 coach you could maybe understand it however various coaches have overlooked him now including 1 regarded as a coaching legend and indeed now a man that has coached him at club level.
