Maybe. I'd probably say Inglis has been better. We probably expect a bit too much of him, or rather, we expect more than what he's hitherto shown. There are two main things that I think have occurred in the first two games which explain this so called under-performance, neither of which I think are his fault. The first is the "roving commission" (forgive the cliche) that has been, I wouldn't say imposed upon him because I think he probably endorses it, but which nonetheless decreases his ability to cause the sort of havoc to which we've become accustom. Seeing him drift further in-field usually into heavy traffic very much depresses me. The principle which underlies it, namely getting him more ball, is not a bad idea generally speaking but where and when he receives the ball are, I think, much more crucial and important questions. Which leads to the second and corollary point: I'd take half as many touches from him if they were predominantly in man-on-man situations with time before the line, such as the one which saw him set up Boyd in the second half of Game I. It's quite clear that NSW's tactic to mitigate Inglis's influence has been to get in his face, even if it means leaving their right flank a man short. Unlike in years previous, GI has had an inordinate number of touches in which he's been immediately set upon by NSW defenders. I think it's a credit to the QLD staff and to Thurston and Cronk that they've managed to use his "presence" or "aura" as a way to suck in defenders and keep the points flowing down the left; our predominant scoring side. We saw case after case of this in Game II in which Inglis was effectively used as a decoy for our left side shifts. And whilst it isn't as spectacular as his 40m breaks, it is quite remarkable that a centre should demand so much respect. When you think of player's who command that sort of preoccupation in the mind's of defenders, you usually think of halves such as Johns, Lewis, Thurston, or hookers such as Smith. So I think he deserves credit for several of our tries, even in past years, but particularly in 2013 where it's been more apparent. All that said, I don't think Thurston and certainly not McQueen or Harrison have done the greatest job in getting him good, early ball. Looking forward to Game III though, this doesn't really worry me too much because I think the Blues are in a bit of a no-win situation regardless of who they choose replace Merritt with. If they continue rushing him, we'll rely on JT's vision and class to get it to Boyd in the right position. And if they discontinue it, it'll see Inglis get more ball with time. Either is undesirable for them. As for his actual touches, whilst lesser than in previous years, I think he's been quite good. (It's funny to say that out loud because if this were Josh Morris or Michael Jennings who'd done what Inglis has this year we'd be using much grander words to describe it.) He made a 40m break despite catching under pressure. It came to nought unfortunately because of a poor choice by Boyd to pass in traffic, but still. He also scored a good try from Cronk's boot. And made a superb try-saver on Luke Lewis in the second half of Game II as well. And of course, the try assist in Game I, which I've already mentioned. That said, I've been pleasantly surprised by Hodges this year, as I thought I might. It seems to me to be a portent of perhaps resolving in his mind that this will be his last year. And though I wish it had come sooner, I can't deny (nor do I wish to) that he has been much, much better than usual. I'd still take Inglis though.
Admitting when a player I hate plays well is hardly a trial. Imagining the complacent grin on the face of his supporters does tend to make my gorge rise though. It's all good. I can give credit when it's due. And unlike some who will remain nameless, I actually don't hesitate in criticising my favourites when they play badly. Be it in one game, or over the course of a decade
Hodges moves to fullback>>>>Broncos win a premiership Hodges moves to centre for QLD>>>3 years of dominance broken Inglis moves to fullback for souffs>>>>souffs win one finals game, then meh Inglis moves into the centres for QLD>>>nothing changes, qld still win Proof is in the pudding.
Premierships @ Fullback Hodges: 1 Inglis : 0 Premierships @ Centre Hodges: 1 Inglis: 0 Game, set and match.
Premierships @ Halfback Hornby: 1 Thurston: 0 All MF's long-held arguments are getting blown to pieces at once here.
Hardly a tantrum. A perfectly justified critique of what a knob Stuart was for replacing the best halfback in the world. He got his just reward though - First loss to Great Britain on home soil in 30 years.
