Re: Hughes or Jacks or Croft at half back
Posted: Tue Sep 04, 2018 11:16 am
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... 031459b1b8
Melbourne Storm staring 30 year hoodoo in the face as they aim to settle on a halfback for the finals
September 4, 2018
Source: AAP
MELBOURNE must become the first team to win a premiership without a settled halfback in three decades if they are to defend their NRL title this year.
The Storm’s halfback merry-go-round searching for Cooper Cronk’s replacement will continue into the finals, with Brodie Croft expected to return from a knee injury to face South Sydney in Friday’s qualifying final.
Scott Drinkwater was named at halfback for the first time last week but mostly played fullback, after Croft and Ryley Jacks had each played nine games at No.7 this year and Jahrome Hughes five.
With the latter three now fit, coach Craig Bellamy has regularly indicated he’ll select his halfback - usually considered the most important position on the final - on a horses-for-courses basis dependent on their opposition.
Regardless, it means the Storm will go through the season without one person playing half in more than 15 games, a disadvantage not overcome by any premiers since Steve Mortimer’s injury-riddled final year at Canterbury in 1988.
“It’s been difficult with the lack of stability in the halves ... it’s never really happened in my time at Melbourne,” captain Cameron Smith said.
“Obviously Cameron Munster has been in the No.6 jersey for the most part of the year barring Origin.
“It’s been a little bit different with coming up with game plans and trying to change tactics subtly every week with a different make up.”
Smith’s experience combined with Billy Slater’s ball-playing ability at the back has at least made life easier for Melbourne after Croft began the year in No.7 but was later dropped for Jacks and then Hughes.
Brisbane’s premiership-winning side of 2006 are the most recent team to win the grand final after dropping a halfback mid-season, before Shane Perry eventually partnered Darren Lockyer in the halves.
Andrew Johns only played nine games for Newcastle in 1997 due to a pre-season injury, with Leo Dynevor filling the role in 17 matches.
Greg Alexander only played 15 games at No.7 for Penrith in 1991, while Mortimer came off the bench for Canterbury in the 1988 decider against Balmain due to a wrist injury, having previously played 14 games at halfback that year.
“That’s why I’m so proud of our group to have the season we’ve had,” Smith said.
“To finish second and nearly get the minor premiership with the amount of injuries and having three different players playing the No.7 jersey through the season is a pretty special effort.
“It would be nice to try and lock one away for this finals series but if it doesn’t happen we’ll do our best like we’ve done every other game this season.”
Melbourne Storm staring 30 year hoodoo in the face as they aim to settle on a halfback for the finals
September 4, 2018
Source: AAP
MELBOURNE must become the first team to win a premiership without a settled halfback in three decades if they are to defend their NRL title this year.
The Storm’s halfback merry-go-round searching for Cooper Cronk’s replacement will continue into the finals, with Brodie Croft expected to return from a knee injury to face South Sydney in Friday’s qualifying final.
Scott Drinkwater was named at halfback for the first time last week but mostly played fullback, after Croft and Ryley Jacks had each played nine games at No.7 this year and Jahrome Hughes five.
With the latter three now fit, coach Craig Bellamy has regularly indicated he’ll select his halfback - usually considered the most important position on the final - on a horses-for-courses basis dependent on their opposition.
Regardless, it means the Storm will go through the season without one person playing half in more than 15 games, a disadvantage not overcome by any premiers since Steve Mortimer’s injury-riddled final year at Canterbury in 1988.
“It’s been difficult with the lack of stability in the halves ... it’s never really happened in my time at Melbourne,” captain Cameron Smith said.
“Obviously Cameron Munster has been in the No.6 jersey for the most part of the year barring Origin.
“It’s been a little bit different with coming up with game plans and trying to change tactics subtly every week with a different make up.”
Smith’s experience combined with Billy Slater’s ball-playing ability at the back has at least made life easier for Melbourne after Croft began the year in No.7 but was later dropped for Jacks and then Hughes.
Brisbane’s premiership-winning side of 2006 are the most recent team to win the grand final after dropping a halfback mid-season, before Shane Perry eventually partnered Darren Lockyer in the halves.
Andrew Johns only played nine games for Newcastle in 1997 due to a pre-season injury, with Leo Dynevor filling the role in 17 matches.
Greg Alexander only played 15 games at No.7 for Penrith in 1991, while Mortimer came off the bench for Canterbury in the 1988 decider against Balmain due to a wrist injury, having previously played 14 games at halfback that year.
“That’s why I’m so proud of our group to have the season we’ve had,” Smith said.
“To finish second and nearly get the minor premiership with the amount of injuries and having three different players playing the No.7 jersey through the season is a pretty special effort.
“It would be nice to try and lock one away for this finals series but if it doesn’t happen we’ll do our best like we’ve done every other game this season.”