Stop tackling, start running

NEW Parramatta coach Michael Hagan fears his star forward Nathan Hindmarsh is facing burnout if he does not reduce his phenomenal workload in defence.

Hindmarsh has made a staggering 3405 tackles in the past five years.

But Hagan wants him to turn back the clock and become the destructive wide-running forward that once terrorised opposing defensive lines.

Hagan revealed yesterday he has asked Hindmarsh to reduce his defensive workload this season and focus more on attack.

"Nathan was a damaging ball-runner early in his career,'' Hagan said.

"In the brief couple of chats I've had with him, Nathan has said he'd like to do less in defence.

"His workrate is phenomenal - that's why he is among the top five players in the game.

"But we need to get a balance. There is an opportunity for him in attack outside (halves) Tim Smith and Brett Finch rather than be stuck in the middle carting it forward as he's done the last few years.

"There are other players there to do that.''

The other players Hagan refers to are props Nathan Cayless, Fuifui Moimoi, Justin Tsoulos, Josh Corboda and Aaron Cannings.

"Nathan's workrate won't completely disappear but he can combine with (centres) Ben Smith and Timana Tahu on the edge of the ruck - it's not just an opportunity for Nathan but also for the team,'' Hagan said.

Hindmarsh struggled in attack last year mainly due to Parramatta's horror injury toll in the forwards.

Toward the end of last season, the Eels were missing five front-rowers through injury, with Hindmarsh forced to play occasionally at prop.

"We were a bit light-on last year,'' Hagan said.

Hindmarsh says he's keen to again start lurking wide in attack.

"It's not that I don't enjoy the workload,'' Hindmarsh said.

"I now understand how hard it is being a front-rower. The quality of your attack is hampered by the defence you do in the middle.

"I want to improve my attack and if that means standing out wide in attack then I'll do that.''
Hindmarsh admitted his attack had decreased in recent years.

"It has tended to fall away,'' Hindmarsh said.

"Maybe I've lost a bit of speed but I do want some of the spark to come back.'' Hindmarsh is enjoying life under Hagan.

"He has a few different ideas to (last year's coach Brian Smith),'' Hindmarsh said. "Everything is going well