Re: Team Formation : Mon Jun 11, 2012 8:54 pm  

Richie wrote:

If Hardaker can't pass, why does everyone want to move him to what's the prime pivot position in the modern game?

Because if he did go to FB he would not play as a pivot he would a runner ala Slater.

Re: Team Formation : Mon Jun 11, 2012 11:20 pm  

Maybe, but his effectiveness wherever he plays would be far greater if opponents thought there was a chance he might pass the ball. If he doesn't get that - very basic skill - sorted out, he'll never be a great player wherever he plays.

Re: Team Formation : Tue Jun 12, 2012 6:02 am  

BrisbaneRhino wrote:

Maybe, but his effectiveness wherever he plays would be far greater if opponents thought there was a chance he might pass the ball. If he doesn't get that - very basic skill - sorted out, he'll never be a great player wherever he plays.

Agreed but if he went to FB then he would not play the same type of role i.e. an extra half back, that Webb plays, he would be more of a Wellens type running into the line to create the extra man

Re: Team Formation : Tue Jun 12, 2012 9:16 am  

Wellens is an ex scrum half with great passing ability. Slater's got a good passing game too.

All fullbacks need to be able to pass like a halfback these days.

Re: Team Formation : Tue Jun 12, 2012 9:23 am  

Not sure it's quite that simplistic Richie. I think that either of your Loose Forward or Fullback need to be able to play an extra pivot role. Usually its the Fullback because this means you can go with an extra prop in the 13 jersey, but for me that's probably down to a lack of really good props in SL (Peacock is still considered good enough to Captain England as an example) and also the structure of attack.

Just because Wigan do it with Tomkins, doesn't mean it's compulsary. It's about getting the best out of the players you have on the roster, and giving them a structure that they understand and can implement.

Re: Team Formation : Tue Jun 12, 2012 9:26 am  

Can you think of many top level fullbacks that aren't good ball players? I thought Radlinski was the last of the "support player" breed of FBs.

Re: Team Formation : Tue Jun 12, 2012 9:49 am  

Richie wrote:

Can you think of many top level fullbacks that aren't good ball players? I thought Radlinski was the last of the "support player" breed of FBs.

In Australia - most are line runners, Ben Barba jumps to mind, Molzten at Wests is another in the SL Greg Eden at the Giants.

Hardaker can pass he just doesn't have an instinct to use the pass as a means of creating an opportunity.

Re: Team Formation : Tue Jun 12, 2012 9:52 am  

I was about to say Greg Eden too. He looks a great prospect yet he doesn't play the playmaker sort of role. Ideally a FB should be able to do both very well, that's what makes Slater and Tomkins so good.