FULLBACK
Rating: 10
I dare to say it's impossible for Parramatta to be any better served for fullback than we are in 2010.
For starters, we have the most dynamic fullback in the competition. Whether Hayne or Slater is the best fullback is a topic for another discussion, but I wouldn't be swapping Hayne for any body.
It's my belief, that fullback is now the most important position on the park. More so than any other position in the park, the fullback can be used in almost any fashion. Whether it be the coaches ability to set up almost any play to bring the fullback into action, or the fullback's luxury of being able to float around the park sniffing out opportunities; it's almost impossible to snuff a fullback out of the game. The fact that you can't send a heap of traffic at them, like you can against a half, also means that always stay fresh. It's not a coincidence that the teams with the best fullbacks in the game; Slate, Hayne and Stewart have been there in all the recent grand finals.
I can only see Hayne being just as destructive this year. Obviously teams will be looking for him, but I think we'll have even better go forward and will look even more dangerous in the halves and that will open up even more opportunities for our brilliant custodian.
I would like to see Jarryd take more seriously his responsibility of cleaning up kicks. There is a time to saunter and then there's a time for desperation. For all his attacking brilliance, fullbacks must earn a slab of their pay packets stopping tries, especially from kicks.
Outside of Hayne, we have unbelievable depth for the fullback position. Luke Burt has served the club well in the past there and important he complements the style of play we must deliver when Hayne isn't there. Without Hayne's attacking brilliance, we must look more to our second phase play for points and having Burt, one of the best support players in the game, to call in as Hayne's deputy is a fantastic luxury to have.
However, let's assume both Hayne and Burt are missing. Our trial games have already shown we have the option of calling in Krisnan Inu to fill in at a position he has played at international level. Or we can call up the talented young Tom Humble. That said, my feel based on what Humble has delivered so far is that he isn't quite ready to step up to NRL level at fullback - I'd be blooding him on the wing before throwing him into the pressure of playing one. Especially given we also have the luxury of playing Joel Reddy back there as well - as we all know there is no more dependable player in the competition.
We even have Tim Mortimer as an option. There weren't too many better fullbacks in the NSW Cup competition last year, but again I'd see him as more likely to make his debut on the wing if our depth was called on to that degree. And Etu Uaisele has played there as well!
In short, it's pretty much impossible to have any position better covered.
Replies
As for replacements, we are well covered which is a blessing. Kinda like props and hookers, we are well served.
I think we will see the emergence of Tim Mortimer and Tom Humble this season.
Is that right 1 Eyed?
If not then your are certainly living up to your name ha ha!
sure he makes a rare mistake as he is only human however 90% of the time he is superhuman haha!!
he carried our eels through that run
slaters got nothin on him i remember watchin a package at the grand final of hayne and slater highlights haha haynes trys were wayyyyyy better
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