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.
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Good blog
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