NRL. are we short of HALFBACKS ??? : Sun Mar 15, 2009 2:05 am  

where are they all . and 5/8s stand offs. are we running short .trying too convert centres and 2ndrows into 5/8s??

: Sun Mar 15, 2009 6:37 am  

stand offs?




you crawler.

a good kogarah boy would never use that silly term

langlands, raper, gaznier and provan would be hanging their heads in shame

: Sun Mar 15, 2009 8:41 am  

A good point though, look at Penrith, neither of those guys yesterday were natural halfbacks....

: Sun Mar 15, 2009 9:52 am  

I know the Raiders have sure gotten rid of a lot of 5/8s and halfbacks in recent years. Soward, Finch, M. Monaghan, Dobson, Zillman (though we turned him into a fullback before he left), Carney. Not a bad list. We also let McCrone go, but he's back again.

We're left with Campese, Herbert, McCrone, then Michael Picker and Matt Smith in the "juniors". At least we can say they're all halves.

: Sun Mar 15, 2009 10:39 pm  

This was something actually brought up when I did my Level 1 coaching, 5 years ago. The ARL dev. officer pointed out one example, in that with the way the mini and mods are done it doesn't encourage a half back to have a run. So even young kids aren't naturally doing it as they grow up. This has actually been a concern with the ARL then for a few years. And the fact it's now being mentioned on somewhere like this, just confirms it.

: Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:55 am  

its so vital too have a very involved organised halfback

: Sat Mar 21, 2009 1:42 pm  

Meanwhile, Parramatta utility Feleti Mateo has staked his claims for a New South Wales jersey after turning his back on the Blues last year to represent Tonga. Mateo is yet to notify the Australian Rugby League of his plans but made it clear he wanted to play State of Origin. Although he plays lock for the Eels, Mateo is among a group of contenders for the NSW No.6 jersey. "I've always wanted to play Origin and hopefully I can put my best foot forward this season to play it," Mateo said. "When the issue comes up again with changing my allegiance, I'll deal with it then. "I am not quite sure when I have to decide by ... it is something I will discuss with my manager and the club but at the moment I am just focused on playing well enough to even be considered." http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 14,00.html

Meanwhile, Parramatta utility Feleti Mateo has staked his claims for a New South Wales jersey after turning his back on the Blues last year to represent Tonga. Mateo is yet to notify the Australian Rugby League of his plans but made it clear he wanted to play State of Origin. Although he plays lock for the Eels, Mateo is among a group of contenders for the NSW No.6 jersey. "I've always wanted to play Origin and hopefully I can put my best foot forward this season to play it," Mateo said. "When the issue comes up again with changing my allegiance, I'll deal with it then. "I am not quite sure when I have to decide by ... it is something I will discuss with my manager and the club but at the moment I am just focused on playing well enough to even be considered." http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 14,00.html

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:22 am  

I'll have him on the bench, or possibly at lock, but not 5/8.

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:01 pm  

CGD wrote:

I'll have him on the bench, or possibly at lock, but not 5/8.

He was quality at 5/8 last year for the Eels.

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:06 pm  

Marshall, Lockyer and Barrett have been the only proper stand offs in the NRL since Fitler retired. And even Lockyer only moved from FB a few years ago.