I don't want this to be another should Hayne play five-eighth debate. For the purpose of this blog, Hayne is playing five-eighth.
So running with that assumption, I believe by the end of next year Hayne/Sandow would be the best halves combination in the comp and will one day be the Kangaroos halves pairing.
It is certainly now shaping up like Sandow's recruitment is the best signing from any club for many years. Right now, he's the form halfback in the competition - he is worth every penny of the $400k if that's what we paid.
What I'm loving about Chris Sandow is he is a such a dominant half-back. He would take so much pressure off Hayne, and Hayne wouldn't have to do any of the organising. That would mean Jarryd's involvement can be limited to two basic roles:
1) Acting as the fulcrum to run your structured backline movements around. We know that Jarryd draws in defenders so that is going to give Kearney plenty to do work in terms of running sweeping backline plays. Sandow has a nice long pass to get the ball out wide to Hayne at second receiver and if we can get a damaging second rower you can set up some absolutely destructuve combinations. With a big off-season under his belt I think O'Hanlon running off Hayne's shoulder, with Tonga on their outside is going to be a BIG attacking weapon.
2) Turning nothing into something. There will be times when your just not set up to run a play and this is where you want a creative player who is just going to try something and if it comes off - awesome, if it doesn't well you haven't really lost anything. No-one better in that regard than Jarryd.
Sandow on the other hand will have full-authority to take ownership of this team and he's absolutely proven that he is capable of being the man who runs the show. He will give us that fierce competitor that we've been so desperately missing that makes sure you win the close ones.
On top of that, between the two of them, I believe you have the best kicking game in the competition as well.
The only down side is both can be hot and cold. I think Sandow has improved his consistently immensely and I think as Jarryd settles into five-eighth without the pressure of having to run the side, it will enable him to regain that consistency we saw in 2009. I don't expect them to gel immediately, but by the end of the competition I reckon they will be the best halves combination in the competition.
It's almost impossible to fathom that within the space of a season, you go from having the worst halves combination in the competition to the best. And again running with my assumption, you also have high quality backup in Roberts. You really could not ask for a better 6,7 and backup half.
The amazing thing is both players are young. At 22 and 23 both players came into grade very young, have been through their tough years and have so much great footy ahead of them. I realise this is extremely premature but we could have another Kenny/Sterling combination on our hands. The next decade looks incredibly positive.
Replies
i agree with ironmike here
Hayne running off sandow and roberts in the halves is looking deadly for next season
for the purpose of this blog it has a nice ring to it. hayne , sandow,
glad we have a good halfback for next year
Phil,
I was excited when I heard the rumour and I was further impressed that we paid top dollar to get him because if we didnt sign Sandow who knows how long we would be jumping on this site and getting annoyed.
I really cant see hayne playing 5/8 for the first 2 months of footy unless there are injuries or poor form from Roberts.
Dont forget roberts has a nice kick as well and can add value to our halves.
I think once 2012 season beckons you will know how our trial form is and what the team is capable.
But just on the signings I think we could be a top 4 team.
We will def make 8 had a good look at ESI and he looks good defensive type player big and strong an will be either 1 centre or winger for sure.
Ive got no doubt that Loko will be 1 winger and the other will either be Burt/Atkins/Morgan/Toutai/Sio
Thats plenty of depth compared to this pathetic year.
Go the EELS 2012
hayne-sandow.............two of the best ad lib players in the game, and can win games single handedly
too bad supercoach kearney will destroy these guys games with his master game plan of bore the opposition to death
I agree 100% with this Phil.
I think we are going to love Sandow. The passion and joy he brings to his footy is infectious, just like Hayne had when he had wings.I have often stated that with Sandow as another point of attack it will make Hayne all the more effective. With these two in the Halves as they will be we are going to have a good 2012, now if O'Hanlon can develop into a strong wide running back rower in the Ben Creagh style and Loko comes back to partner Tonga, we are just looking for some spark at 9, either Casey will play 14 with Keating @ 9 or visa versa. Oh how great would it be to have KK back at 9 /14 that would be the part of the puzzle that could make 2012 a great year.
Hayne / Sandow this young pair as well as Foran / Cherry-Evans will be the most exciting young pair of halves going around. This does look exciting, beam me up in the time machine and make it March 2012 I can't wait.
x2 Anthony
hayne should be playing fullback
If Hayne plays 6 I agree 100%.
I just hope Burt can capitalise at the back. He has had some wonderful games this year but in generall just too quiet.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 8 Next