By PETER ROWE
While most League fans would consider set completions, ball handling and game management key at this time of year, with three regular season weeks left before the playoffs, coaches in 2024 have a different mindset and a different priority – and the buzzword as the NRLWA’s Fuel to Go and Play Round 15 gets under way is ‘spreadsheet’.
20 years ago many coaches would have had their strategy scribbled down on a piece of paper – some on the back of a cigarette packet, but today, as North Beach Sea Eagles coach Phil Douche admitted this week, it’s all on a spreadsheet.
“There’s so much to consider today that wasn’t around back then,” Douche said. “We have injuries, how long out and when expected to return, but we also have work commitments with the FIFO rosters and even players getting picked for mid season rep tournaments.
“The we have to manage games played, especially if we are bringing players up from reserves, or they won’t play enough to qualify for finals. It’s an art in itself.”
Douche, as an engineer, is a spreadsheet convert and has been busily pouring over his numbers this week, plotting who can play and when as the Sea Eagles aim to cement second spot on the ladder with a win at northern suburbs rival Joondalup.
He knows he will be without Keiren Tarrant with a calf injury while Bowman Stein and Shane Gillham are FIFO workers.
But he will welcome back halfback Darius Rogers and back rower Tyler Moeau for the game at Admiral Park, as well as centre Stirling McDonald who has been out with a head injury sustained in the game against Fremantle three weeks ago.
“I think we will bring a couple of guys up from reserves if we can as we look towards finals,” Douche said.
“Joondalup have some pace and hurt you if you let them, so we have to be smart with our game management and we need to transition well from attack to defence to make them start from deep in their half.
“They kick well and will apply pressure on us early, so it will need some good management on the field.”
Giants stalwart and halfback Taurean Sheehan said they get their spreadsheet out on a Monday morning before the weekend game.
“Looking at injuries, then who is and who is not available,” he said. “It’s become a science these days.”
The Giants will welcome back hooker River Coleman for the game, along with a four others. “We have a strong squad to choose from this week,” he added.
“I think we’re quite spoilt for forwards, but we know this could be a tough game, so we expect a grind and then we hopefully we can match them.
“Our first half performances have been good lately but we have fallen away in the second half, so that needs to improve.
“Beach are a good side and we need to be able to go the full 80 minutes with them.”
Spreadsheets are also being poured over south of the river as the Rockingham Sharks host leaders Fremantle under lights at Franklin Offshore Stadium (KO 5.30pm).
“Yes, I think coach Delane (Edwards) has one of those,” captain Duane Butler said. “Especially at this time of year when you are juggling all sorts of team selection challenges.”
Butler is struggling to get over a knee injury sustained against South Perth last week and is rated at 50-50. Others out include Bjorn Crotty, who underwent minor surgery on a knee injury on Tuesday, centre Joe Po’uhila away working and Taipa Graham with a hamstring problem.
Forward Jules Wilson Wyllie will also miss a return to his old club because of work commitments.
“We have a few out and I think there will be a couple stepping up from reserves,” Butler said.
“But we are confident and a win will cement a top two finish, which is important. We’ve been working on those little one percenters that make the difference at this time of the year. Talking in defence, sticking to sets, pushing up and transitioning well into defence. All important areas. We need to know when to grind and when to attack.
“There are three big games ahead and we have to be prepared for everything.”
Sharks player-coach Tom Murphy has similar selection issues with players still sidelined through injury, but does welcome back halfback John McLaughlin after eight weeks out.
“Johnny’s a big in for us and I know he has been frustrated by his injury and desperate to show what he can do,” Murphy said.
Centre Logan Barclay is still recovering from a hamstring injury and might miss out, as will Brayden Burdett (HIA), but Brandon White returns in the second row.
“Fremantle are a very good side who can score from anywhere so we have to be at our best for a full 80 minutes, “ Murphy said.
“If we turn up, then it will be a battle.”
And spreadsheets?
“On paper always interesting, but it’s what happens on the field that counts.”
