Re: Learning to play league : Wed Nov 29, 2017 7:30 am
Hi DCI played both codes.
There is lots of cross over when you look for it. As a number 8 you'll be used to running with the ball which is good. Depends on your level.
I played prop as a kid but as I got older I started to play hooker partly through skills and partly through enjoyment but mainly we had bigger guys than me for prop.
I played Union as an adult and went the same way. I was a tight head at 5 9 and 16 - 17 stone but when I played at a higher level I had to be better as I as just out gunned for size.
You'll find the same in League the other way. You are big enough to play prop which is more akin to a number 8 but you'll be out gunned if you were playing semi pro.
Second row uses your ball skills and work rate slightly more. If you'd said you sometimes cover inside centre rather than wing of have said second row.
In the technicalities of the game you are going the easier way but there are 2 skills that you need to understand.
1 When you have the ball you are trying to break the line. In Union good runners set up play very early by going to ground. League has come closer to Union in the quick play the ball being much more like a quick ruck than it used to be but hitting the line with the intention of breaking through is a mindset change. You can always tell a league player going the other way because of that. Scrummaging and number 8 role will help you with leg drive after contact. Your team will like that anout you.
2 Structure of defence. These days it isn't enough to be able to tackle. You need to know where to stand and who to tackle. Whether to help the guy next to you or keep your line is important. Much more structured than Union and far more tackles too.
I'd also say League welcomed different sizes.
Wakefield have a massive pack at the moment and enjoy the benefits but if you look at Wigan they've been successful with very light running second rowers who are fast and skilful.
I'd start by watching the World Cup Final but after that watch Wakefield for fun and keep an eye on Ashurst and Horo and get some videos of Wigan with Bateman and Farrell and watch how they play. (It pains me to say that)
You'll enjoy it I'm sure.
Best way to learn is to play. Just go for it.