I've been watching an interview with Jurgen Klopp. Yes, he's a soccer manager but I found the description of the style of football he likes to see his teams play also suits the modern game of league here in the NRL. It's about what he calls "heavy metal football", an intense, fast and energetic kind of football. Klopp likes his players, including the strikers to pressure opponents into making mistakes high up the pitch and then take advantage of the situation as quickly as possible as the opponents are at their most vulnerable. It means all the players must be extremely fit and able to maintain the intensity for long periods of the game.
When I watched the interview and heard the description I thought that this sounds like the Panthers of the last 6 years and what the Dogs are trying to do now. I also thought of the most intense games played in the NRL, finals and Origin, and how the description basically fits those games especially when the ball is in play for long periods. It's become a faster game, forwards are not just being asked to battle it out in the middle they're also being asked to increase their line-speed and work harder in transition. The halves have to be ready to attack in those moments of transition (when the opponents make a mistake) because the defence is at it's most vulnerable. And and the backs and edges need to know their roles so well they are ready for the play that ensues. Obviously the fitter and more mobile you are the better your ability to do this. Stability in the team and the greater your understanding of your role and those around you also increases your chances to take advantage of theses situations.
If teams are now playing "heavy metal football" as opposed to a 90s style of rock 'n' roll (not quite as fast and in your face) then how are the Tigers stacking up? Do they have the players capable of playing the intense style of football needed to not just play finals but to win them?
