Overthinking can cause team stress
UNFORTUNATELY having a bad start to the season a number of areas in our game get questioned. Cooper Cronk gave his opinion this week and hit the nail on the head.
I didn’t catch it myself, but he mentioned we look like we’ve been focusing on the outcome instead of the process at hand, and there’s some merit to that.
I think a problem for myself this year has been trying to create something every time I get the footy.
One of my main strengths last year was not thinking that way and being patient, building pressure and executing smart percentage plays, as opposed to trying to put on a scoring play every time I touch the ball.
Obviously with JT back I’m not getting as many touches as last year, which can lead to overplaying your hand, and it’s exactly what I’ve spoken to Greeny about.
That can come from digging ourselves an early hole. That puts instant pressure on you as a playmaker and you try and chase points.
The opposition has only outscored us by a single try in the last three matches, but our ill- discipline early has given up big leads through penalty goals.
After losing five straight games, the news this week that Greeny has re- signed for another three years was a welcome positive.
I’m obviously rapt he’s sticking around after signing a five- year deal myself not long ago.
I was never concerned that he’d leave, I was always reasonably confident. I had a chat with him before I signed asking what his plans were, and his intent was always to stay.
It’s ideal for a few of the guys who are off contract to have clarity on where the club is heading, and they’ll now be able to resolve their futures.
There are a big number of Cowboys players off contract but I don’t think it has had an effect on our start to the year. The way the season is going, any distraction that may potentially be there goes out the window because we’re all solely focused on trying to win games.
It’s why when I get asked about State of Origin it’s a long way from the forefront of my mind, because the only concern is trying to win for the Cowboys. That’s what it has to be, because we’re starting to leave our run a bit late.
The re- signing of youngsters Shane Wright and Jake Clifford was another boost for the club. Jake is a halfback with real promise and was already contracted for next year, so for the Cowboys to extend him already is an indication of the high regard they hold him in.
I’m sure it won’t be far away until we seem him play a bit of first grade. He’s been playing very well in the Queensland Cup in his first year against men and more experienced players.