So first up this is a blog about next year. However, I'm starting to wonder with our roster whether we might not be suited by a lock-style five-eighth.
Next year, I'm sure we'll seek to use Sandow as a dominant half back and given the role that Jarryd Hayne plays in our team, the five-eighth role almost becomes redundant. We certainly don't particularly need a skillful ballplayer, we don't really need anyone who kicks, so what we'll be looking for is a running game.
So would a player like Reni Maitua make a perfect five-eighth in those circumstances? Our new signing Joseph Paulo has also played a bit of five-eighth. And I note we had previously targeted Tom Symonds, who is another of those lock/five-eighth style players.
I remain of the opinion that Jarryd Hayne playing in his current role, and agree with the thread that was started after our last game, that Hayne's dominance as a playmaker stifles the halves. They're left without their traditional role so they struggle to get into the game. If you essentially take a second-lock in, you don't have that problem - Reni's running game closer to the ruck is going to be more difficult to handle than any light-weight six and he'll draw more defenders in, to leave more space for Hayne looping around the back. And if would certainly result in a much more solid defence line as opposition defences don't have a light-weight five-eighth to target.
Just throwing it out there...
Replies
Ben Roberts ain't small??? Same or slightly heavier then Reni Maitua i reckon.
I am still in belief that Hayne is a 6, and should be there from next year.
I see his combo with Sandow better then Sandow/Roberts
i think he wont play that style of footy next season well nowhere near as often he will have 2 halves who can put him through a hole and 1 on 1 with defenders which will bring out more of hes running game and make hes effective passing game that much more enticing.
hes playing like a 5/8 now because he has to
ben roberts also isn't good
We signed Joseph Paulo?
Oh dear....
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