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Message: [QUOTE="GCBRONCO, post: 2661793, member: 1808"] [B]Adam Blair warned to pick up his game after going missing in battling Sharks win[/B] [URL]http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/adam-blair-warned-to-pick-up-his-game-after-going-missing-in-battling-sharks-win/story-fniabm4i-1227268521345[/URL] As Blair prepares to face Cowboys prime mover Matt Scott in Friday night’s blockbuster, the Kiwi Test star is under fire for producing the worst effort by an NRL prop in almost two decades. Broncos front-row legend Shane Webcke expressed dismay when he learned Blair made one run for a paltry eight metres in Brisbane’s 10-2 defeat of Cronulla last Friday night. It is the lowest hit-up count by a starting prop since official NRL statistics were recorded in 2002. Broncos coach Wayne Bennett bought Blair to inject some mongrel to his pack, but the 28-year-old was barely sighted in attack on a night where Sharks rival Andrew Fifita charged for 174m. Brisbane hierarchy noted Blair’s below-par contribution against Cronulla and have challenged him to increase his involvement to spearhead the downfall of a Scott-inspired Cowboys pack. “Defensively Adam has been good for us, but we are looking for a bit more out of him with his attack,” Broncos assistant coach Kevin Walters said. “We have raised it with Adam and he is aware of our thoughts. “Adam is an experienced player, he’s played Test football, but like any player who comes to a new club, it can be hard to find your feet. “Adam is still trying to fit in at the club. He has been a huge asset for us with his defensive work, but he has a good ‘spin’ on him in attack, so hopefully he can get his hands on the ball a bit more.” While he made 31 tackles against the Sharks, Blair failed to capitalise on opportunities to impose himself on the Sharks’ defensive line. During his 41-minute stint, the Broncos had 19 sets in possession. Of Brisbane’s 62 hit-up opportunities, Blair ran the ball just once — the lowest hit-up count since Todd Payten made one hit-up in 38 minutes for Wests Tigers in 2010. Maroons icon Webcke played 254 games in Brisbane’s engine-room between 1995 and 2006 and believes Blair risks being axed if he fails to perform against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium. “I had some ordinary games, but I always managed to get past one hit-up,” Webcke said. “Adam Blair is a good enough player to know that’s an unacceptable stat. I’d suggest to you if he repeats that, he won’t be in the Broncos first-grade side. “I’m not having a go at Adam, it’s a simple fact. Go-forward is a crucial part of any team and he’s in the Broncos team for that reason. “Matt Scott is a tough opponent so Adam can’t afford a replication of that effort because it’s not good enough from a Test prop who has been bought to get the Broncos forward.” Cowboys front-row rival James Tamou warned Blair is ready to hit back to inflict North Queensland’s third consecutive loss. “Blair will be their main intimidator,” he said. “He’s their front-rower and loves to get into the niggly stuff. I’m expecting him to get stuck into ‘Johnno’, he’s one guy we will be looking out for.” [COLOR=#000000][FONT=Guardian Sans] [/FONT][/COLOR] [/QUOTE]

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