As we saw last week when Parramatta was only able to give 20 minutes to Frank Pritchard, it's debatable as to whether we need four forwards on the bench. Without injuries, we've got players who can easily handle the required number of minutes.
Paul McGregor made note last week in his press conference that he wanted his quality player, playing as many minutes as they could, and because they were doing those minutes, it meant he had the luxury of including Jai Field as an utility off the bench.
So my question is, would Parramatta be better served by a utility player who can cover positions across the backline than carrying an extra forward. I think you saw last night that the Bulldogs essentially lost all hope against the Roosers when Hopoate got injured. They ended up with two forwards in the outside backs and it really cruelled the momentum they had, which otherwise I felt could have got them home.
On the flipside you could argue that because you tend to get most injuries in your forwards, and we have some forwards who can drop into the backs like Manu Mau as well as a couple of versatile backs like Gutherson and Taka who can be shifted around, that an extra forward is the most sensible cover anyway.
However, I'm wondering if carrying a player like Jamal Fogarty, who can give a dummy half a breather but is mainly there as cover for fullback and halves (which actually gives you cover for centre as Gutho could move out), Will Smith could also be another contender for the role, as could Cam King.
I say this on the basis that I think Kaysa if he keeps doing the job will be able to play a game out and I don't know if we are going to need the second specialist hooker this year. If BA comes round to that way of thinking, would a particular type of utility make more sense than a fourth forward?
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The other thing I love about what the Dragons are doing, is they know Field is a talented player, and the utility role gives him a really comfortable transition into the NRL. If one of their halves goes down, they'll have a fair bit of confidence that Field will be able to just step in because he's being doing it off the bench. In my ideal roster, I'm carrying three halves of first grade quality, and I kind of think if one of those guys can fill that utlity role, you're more likely to get an NRL-quality player, who is happy to come to you as third-string because they are getting NRL minutes and not just biding their time playing for Wenty.
Should say of mentioned, I'm thinking a little bit down the track. I think BA can probably afford to think about what he wants his team to look like coming running into September.
IF and itz a big IF Fogarty does develop then he could provide a very versatile utility owing to his playing at Fullback, 5/8 half and Hooker, very versatile player but, its a big if and not this year.
Another young player is Marata Niukore who can play 2nd row and centre, so a fair offering there, as with Will Smith and George Jennings, they need to show their wares though.
I like the way the squad is ATM, and much will depend on how Kaysa continues to go as to how the bench will be. Not sure I like to see a player like Frank sit out the game except for the last 20 minutes though a big waste to me.
Was Brad simply allowing Frankie to get used to the team?
And yes - you can't beat a yew bewt ute.
Brown is noted as Prop, 2nd row, Lock - possible utility with a bit of coaching.
Either way a utility player must have something to contribute to whatever position he plays - a la Mitch Aubusson.
I like a utility to have attacking spark. Brett referenced soccer above, but I think one thing that I do take from how soccer teams use their subs, is they carry players that can CHANGE A GAME.
This was always my rationale behind carrying Chris Sandow on the bench. If you're in front, Chrissy doesn't get on, but man, if you're chasing points, I can't think of a player I'd rather throw on (and I'm talking when he was fit enough to play here) because he had the potential to do something extraordinary and change the game.
That's where I see a player like Will Smith could play a part in our team. When people talk about Smith, they remark that he's an incredible attacking player but doubt his ability to cope defensively. Well same thing. Put him on the bench and if all is going well, leave him there. However, if you're 12 points down, pull Gutho off and throw Smith on and give him license to try stuff.
Fathead i recon you might be on the money.
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