Woolf Q&A: Jammer, Fages' role, line breaks and work ethic

MC: For a second week running we saw a lot of line breaks, is this going to be a feature now under these rules?
KW: There is genuinely more fatigue in the game and everything in our data and from what the players say is telling us that.
The ball is in play more often which means you are making more tackles and more fatigue on the back of that.
When you get to certain times of the game you can see tired efforts and that can result in that kind of line break.

MC: There was a very strong work ethic out there - even when the match was won?
KW: I don’t think the scoreline was reflective of the game. There were patches were Leeds had a a genuine attempt to muscle up on us and they started with some good energy. 
They had more field position earlier on and had periods before and after half time where they had opportunities and were playing with energy and genuine desire as well.
What our blokes have done is absorb that and wait for the opportunities to come back on top and create of the back of that.

MC: There seemed a real determination to keep Leeds on zero.
KW: That defence has made me the happiest. There is no doubting our ability to put points on, that has always been there. 
But the way we are defending our line and the desire we are showing to do that even when we make or a mistake and clean up for each other is what has impressed me the most.
MC: So that is another week to judge the impact of the changes - particularly on the forwards.
KW: It is definitely harder on the big men, but it depends on what sort of condition they are in and how the game flows at different times as well. 
A team can get momentum and have it for long periods. If a team gets caught having to defend with their big men for long periods early that can absorb a lot of their energy.
I still think there is a place for big men in the game – and if you look at the NRL it has not hurt the big men who are athletic. 
There are certain forwards who have struggled to adjust to the new rules and I am sure it will be the same here.

MC: How do assess your bench’s impact?
KW: I have been really happy with what our bench has done two weeks in a row. Louie, Kyle and Joe Batch in week one and then Leesy coming in this week. All have brought what you want your bench to do – bring lots of energy and enthusiasm.

MC: With no crowd you can hear James Graham’s big influence on the team.
KW: I have said all along, Jammer has been great for our group. He has always got that enthusiasm and his energy for the game.
That is how he prepares and trains throughout the week.
And then he shows that same enthusiasm in every contest in the game as well.
He is nice and vocal – his biggest strength is how he helps the players around him become better players. That talk that you hear on match day is what you hear constantly in training.
He is a really good player for a young forward to sit back and learn from. Just the finer details of what makes him a really good player are on display all the time.
That is what I enjoy about having him in the group.

MC: There appeared to be a lot more responsibility on Theo Fages again at 7?
KW: Theo has got a very good kicking game. It is certainly what we want him to do as it is one of the best attributes of his game. He has plenty of those.
We want him to kick – he is a right-footed kicker, Cootey on the left and then Jonny can kick as well so we have three really good options there.
As our half back we want Theo to take some of the load there for sure.
MC:You must be pleased with your second row pairing of Zeb Taia and James Bentley?
KW: I am really happy with what they are both doing. Zeb is playing some of his best footy and he started the year pretty well – and has picked up where he left off. 
I am extremely happy with James Bentley and he only going to get better as well.

MC: How are you managing older players in a shorter but more gruelling season?
KW: It will be a case by case, but it is a good point as we need to make sure that those players are playing their best footy at the end of the year. 
At the same time we need to make sure we are getting wins out of games too. It is a bit of a juggling act but most players are going to need a week off here or there but it will be week-by-week. 
If someone is showing signs of fatigue we could keep them out of some training to keep them fresh for the game or if they need a week out entirely.
MC: You say this is a squad game this year – but with no reserves or 19s how do you keep non-players’ hands in?
KW: There’s plenty you can do in training to make sure they are ready to go. You go through a full pre-season and then a trial and know they are ready to go. I don’t see this as being too different.
The key for us is making sure we rotate some guys in and get them some times in at different times.

MC: How are the players finding it without fans?
KW: The lack of crowds has not affected how the players, not just ours, compete in the games. 
Nor has it affected their approach and the desire to win.
Our players can’t wait to get the fans back at the games and they love the support and the way they engage with the game and buy into it. 
I certainly hope they are enjoying watching on TV what the players are doing at the moment. 
It will be great when the fans are back but in the meantime, we will keep working hard.