in origin I would play Lewis at left centre in attack with 15/10 to go in the first half and switch Jennings to lock as a second dummy half and support player.
Left and right fullbacks in attack is something I've discussed on here previously. A balance I'd seriously consider on a week to week basis for many NRL teams; possibly Queensland also. Requirements: - Two fullbacks (obviously), one of whom is a capable defensive winger or centre - A good set of props capable of taking on slightly more attacking workload - A back rower who can play lock in defence and second row in attack
Yeah and that side's centre must be able to play wing in attack. I think most second rowers and centres would handle that though.
Instead of picking a hooker, pick a specialist defender to defend in the middle third. Defend your hooker at 5/8 and just pick one half. Keys to success would be having a dominant half who can play both sides of the ruck, an elite hooker & a fullback who can ball play. Would allow the dummy half to play as the organiser in attack, benefits of not having to defend in the middle third is keeping the player fresh which leads to better decision making and spark around the ruck. Comes off the back of an argument I had with a mate at work when I said Melbourne don't really need to replace Widdop they could just defend Smith in the halves to prolong his career and keep him fresh in attack. Advantage I see for Melbourne with this idea is it allows them to pick another metre eating forward given this is probably where they fall down atm imo. Obviously Smith is such a gun defender so it is a bit of a loss in this case but I reckon it could work with other hookers in the comp.
Probably the ideal way to use someone like Isaac Luke. I'm not really a fan though. The reason teams have gone towards left/right halves and centres is to prevent the direction of their plays being predictable when they're centrefield. If Melbourne play the ball near the sticks and Cronk is on the right, the defence can all shift that way because they're clearly not likely to spin out a sweep play to the left starting with Hinchcliffe.
Probably better to do what Brisbane did, and have the specialist defender in the centres rather than in the halves.
Peats and Clark play first grade to do half of Issaxes tackles at the end of each half already Cribb. My coaching ploy that I love is the downtown kick and chase from a scrum in your own half. Obviously requires the fullback to be at least slightly out of position/not paying enough attention but I've seen it used to great effect especially when u have the wind behind you because you will at very least get strong field position and have turned round the opposition pack.
