Charlie Hodgson : Fri Nov 24, 2017 7:06 pm  

We announced Charlie Hodgson as kicking consultant which I think is a great move by the club. It’s only for the off season though which although a welcome move, I’d say we needed a longer term appointment. Still, it should lead to a bigger goal kicking success rate.

Re: Charlie Hodgson : Fri Nov 24, 2017 7:39 pm  

About time

Re: Charlie Hodgson : Fri Nov 24, 2017 9:37 pm  

It baffles me that we didn't already have a kicking coach. I know that is a very glass-half-empty response, but in the last few seasons I've seen them turning to hot yoga, ballet and wrestling, yet they have only just decided to look at the only facet of the game which leads directly to points. Are other top sides in the same boat as far as we know?

Re: Charlie Hodgson : Fri Nov 24, 2017 9:59 pm  

Grimmy wrote:

It baffles me that we didn't already have a kicking coach. I know that is a very glass-half-empty response, but in the last few seasons I've seen them turning to hot yoga, ballet and wrestling, yet they have only just decided to look at the only facet of the game which leads directly to points. Are other top sides in the same boat as far as we know?

It’s crazy when you put it like that!

Kicking is mainly practice imo and a small amount natural talent/kick strength. I have said many times on here that Williams seems to have an okay technique and good kick strength and with training could be a good place kicker. Appointing Hodgson should only help with his improvement.

Re: Charlie Hodgson : Fri Nov 24, 2017 10:31 pm  

I doubt many league clubs over here will have full time kicking coaches. That's not to say they shouldn't but I don't think the finances allow it because it's simply not as important as kicking in Union is.

Hopefully he can unearth a gem. I always feel kicking is more in the head then even in the technique and hopefully he can work on both sides of that.

Re: Charlie Hodgson : Sat Nov 25, 2017 5:02 am  

So that means we aren't signing a kicker so all the Luke Gale rumours etc are put to bed. Not sure what a kicking coach can do in an un-competitive 2 months but it is a step in the right direction and a positive move my the club.

Re: Charlie Hodgson : Sat Nov 25, 2017 8:17 am  

If he is only here for 2 months, then realistically he’s only going to get about a month to work with Williams once he’s returned to training after his post-World Cup break. Presumably he’ll be working with Escare and Tomkins in the meantime.

Re: Charlie Hodgson : Sat Nov 25, 2017 10:27 am  

We need another Richards & Botica now, because we don't score that many tries. Accruing points in 6's means we have a better chance of winning the closer games.

Re: Charlie Hodgson : Sat Nov 25, 2017 11:00 am  

muttywhitedog wrote:

We need another Richards & Botica now, because we don't score that many tries. Accruing points in 6's means we have a better chance of winning the closer games.

Put the fishing rod away You know we were the second highest try scorers in Superleague last year.

Re: Charlie Hodgson : Sat Nov 25, 2017 11:16 am  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

Put the fishing rod away You know we were the second highest try scorers in Superleague last year.

Unfortunately though Rouges we leaked a load too which is why we finished where we did. By rights 2nd highest scorers should put us in the top 2 if you consider it. Kicking as we all know was a massive issue last season and the one before that. Imagine if Widdop wasn't as assured this morning It isn't just about kicking for the extra 2 points it's about attacking kicks too. Not sure what a Union mon can teach a League mon about attacking kicks though to be honest. I watched a game of Union last week and a fella in the crowd got Man Of The Match.