The Halfback Conundrum

Which potential halfback, available from November 1, should the club make the #1 priority?

  • Ben Hunt

    Votes: 7 13.0%

  • Braydon Trindall

    Votes: 6 11.1%

  • Jonah Pezet

    Votes: 27 50.0%

  • Sam Walker

    Votes: 3 5.6%

  • Daniel Atkinson

    Votes: 3 5.6%

  • Lachlan Ilias

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • None of the above - Stick by Jack Cogger and continue to nurture kids currently in the system

    Votes: 5 9.3%

  • Other (comment with their name)

    Votes: 1 1.9%

  • Ronald Volkman

    Votes: 1 1.9%

  • Toby Sexton

    Votes: 1 1.9%
  • Total voters
    54
We need a 7, we have plenty of options that can make do at 6, but a 7 that can steer the team around, get us to where we need to be on the field at the right times, and is a good finisher of sets with the foot. Someone with those qualities, that can put on a play every now and then and build off that.

A running threat at 5/8, and KP doing what he does.
 
Kurriboy said:
We need a 7, we have plenty of options that can make do at 6, but a 7 that can steer the team around, get us to where we need to be on the field at the right times, and is a good finisher of sets with the foot. Someone with those qualities, that can put on a play every now and then and build off that.

A running threat at 5/8, and KP doing what he does.
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Sounds simples! Haha
 
Foxsports is saying Brown is on 900K. It’s seems like his manager is auctioning him off to the highest bidder.

The more that other clubs spend big money on players like Brown will reduce the competition for quality halves that come on to the market, which will help us.
 
I think Dylan Brown's a good player but he isn't a 7. He struggled there in the past when filling in at halfback.

Hate the Roosters but hopes he ends up there if he leaves Parra so we try and sign Toby Rodwell as a long term option because his path to first grade will be blocked if Brown goes there.
 
OnTilt said:
It says the majority of our training session have featured that spine.. I would wager its not totally made up, but may not be the whole truth. I.e. he went to one training session or could have been the reserve halves, but I do like the possibility of him in the halves and it's encouraging that they are at least trying it.

Things just happen around this kid.
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Sharpe has magic but does he have the mind of a half? I wasn't too impressed with his ball playing when he was at fullback. There was a couple times he received the ball in a backline play and took the wrong basic option. One of those was a glaring 3 v 2 with the winger over almost untouched.

One can improve that stuff with practice but it did leave me questioning if he even had the vision to an effective ball playing fullback let alone a 6.

Not betting against him, and I love the idea of moving him to 6 to trial it. But I'm yet to see a 6 in Sharpe.
 
I have to agree. Sharpe doesn’t look like a natural passer. It would be like watching Paps trying to play 6. Personally I would give Pryce first crack at 6 with Gamble halfback.
 
I'm all in for Gamble at 7 tbh. He'd have the biggest boot out of our options and I think would be the most reliable. Also his effort is needed in the side.

I've been critical of Hastings having a weak kicking game and fact he played lock for NSW Cup gives me a indication he won't be our 7 Round 1.

Also Cogger while he improved at the back end of the year didn't show enough to be a guarantee starter.

Sharpe I don't think is ready yet to play 6 at first grade. I agree with Oliver, I'm going with Pryce also.

My pick for 1st game spine
1 Ponga
6 Pryce (need a ball runner at 6 and he's right now the best option until Sharpe develops a passing game)
7 Gamble
9 Brailey (His form towards the end of last year deserves a start)

14 Crossland
 
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I've seen Sharpe beat a player BEFORE he received a pass in the front line and cut two players out to put Davey Armstrong over in the corner untouched. His ball playing will in no way be the finished product for a few years, but the boy has skills.
 
In terms of Sharpe in the halves: I don’t mind it. I like the idea of having him around the ball. For this to happen, I’d have to assume he’s training there a lot and everyone likes what they see - players and coaches.
If after 3 months of training, we decide he’s the best fit, then let’s go - but we need to give him 6-8 weeks at least. The downside, with our draw, 8 weeks and poor results could be season over.



In terms of Brown. No thanks. We need a 7. In my opinion, you can get by with a decent 7 and an average 6. But rarely do you see success with an average 7 and a good 6. We have plenty of halves that could play that 6 role with a decent 7.

Our situation is compounded with Ponga. He’s a generational talent. We know that with a decent 7, we pretty much become title contenders. It’s just a race to see if we can lock somebody in or manufacture one, before he leaves/retires. I think we all feel this pressure, AOB included which is why we are throwing up all kinds of options and combinations and seeing what sticks.

If we don’t have Ponga, I think we are a bit more realistic on the halfback situation.
 
Sharpe spending the off season learning playmaking skills and defence is a no lose situation.
If he has to fill in at fullback, those are useful skills he needs to work on still.
If he goes great and forces his way into the halves - even better.
If he is back on the wing - no loss there - he is good enough to play there.
 
bremsstrahlung said:
We know that with a decent 7, we pretty much become title contenders
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Yeah nah. Having two good players doesn't suddenly produce the consistency in effort and execution that the panthers and storm have.
Miles and miles away from that, and the only team that has gone close was the 2023 Broncos who had about 11 rep players in their 13.

Grandpa Joe - Prev Lord said:
More I think about it, more it makes sense and I'll get flamed, Ponga at 6 and Sharp at 1.
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Maybe if AOB is sick of coaching and wants to get sacked.
 
Grandpa Joe - Prev Lord said:
Ponga virtually plays 5/8th in attack anyway.
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Yeah that's it. Just leave him at 1 in defence, 6 in attack. Have the guy who's defending at 6 play closer to a traditional 1 role in attack. There's no rule against this and at times it looks more like Walsh is the 6 and Ezra is the 1 in attack at Brisbane too, with Walsh doing more of the kicking etc.
 
Not a serious post, just a laugh.

But you read players saying yeah the coach really simplified my game, made it easy for me.

Meanwhile OB:

"Ok, so our 1 is going to play 1 in defence, but switch to 6 in attack, our 6, you play 6 in defence and play like a 1 in attack. Now that 6 could be our winger from last year. Yes I know it's a big move from catching and scoring.

Now that winger might be our 7 yet I haven't decided. So Gamble you could play 6 still, or on the bench as our utility. Actually you may work at 7 I'm still figuring this out.

Where's Pricey, good good, just keep plugging away mate you could end up at 6 yet."

Ok fellas if you can train for all the positions I might play you in and be ready for anything that would be great.

Now get out there and win some games."
 
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