The Halfback Conundrum

[Thieves Like Us]

Gamble can play halfback. He did it in the 2nd half of the semi vs Canberra. I would rather Gamble than Cogger and Hastings as he has a long kicking game

Definitely has a big boot on him but don’t think he has the game management skills to be our 7. I remember a few games when Hastings got injured midway through the game and he had to fill in at 7. We lost pretty much all shape when that happened.

 

[BTP]

reading through last few pages (say hello night shift) and looks like the general consensus is:

6. Pryce
7. Hastings

In full agreeance for 2 reasons.

Hastings ability is completely undeniable. Guy has so a great ability at reading footy games he's just had the mental health and lately the leg injury holding him back.
Kind of reminds me of Jamie Tart from Ted Lasso.

Pretty shocked from his last poddy that he mentioned he's this time on medication. Which is mind boggling he's gone this long and not been prescribed anything. Sure plenty of people object to meds as it can have adverse side effects. But that's a long time.

So if that is the case I am very hopeful this has given him the ability to operate clearly and been given the chance to smooth things over with senior players. He looks incredibly fit, been training basically the whole off season so that part of it wont be a situation.

Pryce i'm conflicted with, even as I write this and my reasons in short form are:
1. Being a half in this team is a simple game plan. Kick long, organise spreads, get good ball to Best, Gags, Lucas and KP. If you're good enough (like hastings and gamble were) than you'll pick the right moments. Is Pryce good enough to stick to a plan and give good early ball to these guys when needed and not go for a miracle play?
2. He seemingly has a great relationship with the players and Ponga especially. So establishing combinations hopefully wont be a problem
3. he likes to have fun, goof off, that's great, but without seeing hm train day in day out, how much does he actually know about the fundamentals of football? There is a reason Crossy got the 7 gig end of year and we made the finals. He get's footy, lived and breathed it since a kid as a country lad. There's a reason every one keep bringing up Sharpe, he just gets football, hnd him the ball, tell him the gameplan and he'll probably get you there.
4. His price tag. Not his fault, but for a guy who may still be learning a lot of the nitty gritty basics, its a bad contract.
5. Personal opinion, He's minding the spot for Linnane or Sharpe. Two country kids who understand football, country strong, country smart as in they are respectful and well educated. I actually could see a futue halves pairing of Sharpe and Linnane. I laughed at the mention of Sharpe as a 6 but i;ve spoken to a few people who have watched him as a young kid and they put the house on him locking down the 7 position within the year. Think Moses/Brown esque.

Either way, I'll back who's there and I'm beyond excited for pre season challenge.

 

[frankLauda]

Undoubtedly the best half back at the club is Hastings. Man of steal award. Took a bottom club in the ESL to a grand final.

I remember watching him at the Tigers and thought how much of a better side they were when he played. Allowed Brooks to play his running game. Was crucial piece in the 10 game run.

Cogger needed confidence, he can do a job. He was definitely improved and the back end of the year. But the two don’t work as a halves a pairing.

We have good options at six now and in the future. Right now it’s between Gamble an Pryce for that six spot. I think Pyrce has more upside and can be another running threat. I hope to see him get an opportunity.

So between Hastings and Cogger, see who impresses the most in training and trials. I’m leaning and hoping Hastings comes good.

Then AOB barring injury should stick with the same halves for at least 6-8 rounds. Having an “easier” start will hopefully benefit us.

 

[Seano]

I think Gamble should be our 14 to come on and do a job in any position except prop, I think would be the role that suits him best.

 

[Grandpa Joe - Prev Lord]

I said all along we should sign Volkman as a back-up option, now as of two weeks ago he's on a one year deal with the Eels behind Moses and Brown ... frustrating.

Why we have plenty of fringe halves as is bro.

 

[HarVeeGee13]

I think Volkman has potential, but I don't want to burn a spot on a guy as vulnerable as he appears to be to upper body contact injuries. Maybe uncharitable, but it gives me a vibe that his body isn't up to the rigours of the sport. The shoulder injury that scuppered his Dragons deal isn't his first.