Michael Jennings & The Importance Of The Centre In Defence

One of the most underrated positions in the game of rugby league is the centre. The centre position doesn't just play an integral part in attack, but is also a major contributor to how well a team defends. Because of the larger spaces between defenders on the edges, teams usually attack and run there plays on the edges. And usually the centre has to make split second decisions and read the attack to stop the opposition getting to the try line. There are a few options that a centre can stop the attack, they can -

push in and put pressure usually on a half or fullback
stop the edge runner usually the second rower
slide and stop the centre or winger
run back and collect a grubber from the in goal usually from a half

To be able to read the attack is not an easy skill to consistently produce. Only a few centres in the NRL I believe have been able to master this skill and have been able to make the correct defensive decisions throughout there career. One of those players is Michael Jennings.

I believe that he was one of the major reasons why the Sydney Roosters from the 2013-2015 seasons were so successful and not because of his attack but because of his always reliable defence on his edge. This was also seen in State Of Origin, he was always a defensive rock for the blues, it would always be the opposite edge of Jennings that conceded most of the blues points and im sure many people never noticed.

And then we come back to his defence for the parramatta eels, there is no doubt that our strongest edge in defence is our left side where Jennings and Radradra take the field. And if you take a look back on the parramatta eels performances ever since Jennings arrived you might be surprised how little we concede on that edge. And this is a major advantage the Eels have over many other teams in the NRL, having such a great defensive left edge plays a major role in how competitive the Eels are in each and every game we play. And I feel as though Michael Jennings doesn't get enough recognition about his importance for this eels team and how his ability to read the attack and make the right defensive decisions plays a major role in the eels winning games.

"I would be looking to move him on now. He is contracted until the end of 2025 but we should be looking to move him by November 2024. We can pay the last year of his contract out. He can come over here to England and play for one of our teams."

Replies

Michael Ericson May 5, 2017 at 3:42pm

I think he's the best defensive centre currently playing excellent defender and I agree it's so important to have sound defenders at centre.
Wild_Eels May 5, 2017 at 3:54pm

Good blog, thumbs up
Rise of an empire May 5, 2017 at 3:54pm

Yeah Jennings & Chambers I reckon are the best defensive centres in the nrl
Wile E. Coyote May 5, 2017 at 3:58pm

How do you rate Guth's defence at centre?
- The King > Wile E. Coyote May 5, 2017 at 4:11pm
  
  Guth's defence has shown very promising signs in his limited time in the centre position, he's a big body, fast and is a very quick learner
Jack May 5, 2017 at 4:05pm

Good blog, I agree
BE STONE COLD May 5, 2017 at 4:39pm

I'm just waiting for the blog " Michael Jennings & the importance of passing to your winger when a definite try is on."
- JohnnyGunn > BE STONE COLD May 5, 2017 at 5:05pm
  
  Hahaha u beat me 2 it bud
Davo 'RIP feet for hands Toutai' May 5, 2017 at 4:47pm

Jennings defense this year has gone a long way to us winning the games we have. Imagine Hayne at centre on the right side in defense. We would be impenetrable. King look at the blog "Building Confidence" written by yours truly and agrees with the importance of a great defensive centre.
Poupou Escobar May 5, 2017 at 5:09pm

Good blog