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HALVES
The commander in chief, the general and the playmaker. Just a few of the synonyms and phrases one could use to describe the modern day rugby league half.
They’re pivotal to a team’s ability to create point scoring opportunities, they’re required to control an attacking set and their kicking game must be able to make up any differences in the field position war that takes place between opposition forward packs.
Yes, the modern day half has to be able to do it all. At the end of the day it’s why they command the big bucks, but just what role does a half play in 2017? Well before we do so, let us fire up the DeLorean and take a trip back in time to see just how these positions have evolved over time.
Traditionally in rugby league your halves were your Halfback and your Five-Eighth or at times, Scrum-Half and Stand-Off. Their names were derived from the positions they assumed at the scrum base. The Halfback would feed the scrum and the first-receiver of his pass was the Five-Eighth, who was stood about 5/8s of the way across the field. Makes enough sense, right?
They were both generally considered the most skillful players in the team. The Halfback was usually the smallest and assumed most of the playmaking and kicking duties, while the Five-Eighth was a slightly bigger body who assisted with the playmaking and kicking duties, but also doubled up as an extra runner. A hybrid of the traditional Halfback and Centre, if you will. It was a very rugby union looking backline in those days.
Traditional Halves: The Eels enjoyed 4 premierships under Halfback Peter Sterling & Five-Eighth Brett Kenny
However, as league evolved as a sport with the introduction of limited tackles and the 10m rule, the halves started to assume slightly different roles. What were traditional responsibilities of the Halfback and Five-Eighth started being assumed by the Hooker and Fullback. Similarly, Halves were now expected to have the defensive capabilities of the men in the middle of the field. It was no longer enough just to have an attacking presence on the field, they could no longer be the weak-link in the defensive line. And so we lend ourselves to what is now the modern day halves roles.
I’ll let you in on a little secret Eels fans, one that I’m sure some of you already know. The Halfback and Five-Eighth positions don’t exist anymore. We still call them as such because it’s one of the few things our game chooses not to tinker with (thank goodness, there’s enough of that already, right?). No, what we have now is one of the following two set ups. The first being a ‘Primary Half’ and a ‘Secondary Half’. The second being halves that are split onto edges who only operate within their left or right corridor.
In the edge formation you actually have “three halves”. Either one of the Halfback or the Five-Eighth are posted on the left or right edge and they operate exclusively out of that side of the field. The theory is that it helps their combinations with the second-rower, centre and winger on that side of the field, both with the ball in hand and communication for when they have to defend together. The third half, the Hooker, controls the middle third, with the Fullback being the only player to roam all three thirds of the field. The play-making duties are usually split across both halves, while the Hooker purely worries about his forwards coming onto the ball and making metres. The Manly-Warringah Sea-Eagles used this to effect in their 2011 premiership winning campaign. Kieran Foran controlled the left edge, Daly Cherry-Evans the right and Matt Ballin the middle third.
Primary Half: Johnathan Thurston is the best primary half going around
The other set up, being the ‘Primary Half’ and the ‘Secondary Half’. This is where one player assumes the bulk of the playmaking duties and will often lead the try-assists statistics and assume a bulk of the kicking duties, while the other half chimes in to support the primary half when he is otherwise incapable of fulfilling those duties. E.g. The primary half is tackled on the fifth, so the secondary half assumes the kicking duties of that set. This set up works particularly well if you have a Fullback who has the ability to chime into the line and get on the outside of his man with either his passing and/or running game. It’s something that the North Queensland Cowboys have used to particular effect since they recruited Johnathan Thurston to the club and likewise the Melbourne Storm over the last decade.
Both these set ups have proven to work, with premiership-winning examples for each, but what really determines whether it’s successful or not comes down to the balance of the rest of the team. Manly’s set up worked brilliantly because they had great forwards coming onto the ball from their Hooker Matt Ballin who was defensively brilliant in that campaign. Both edges were lethal and well controlled by their respective halves and Fullback Brett Stewart was a damaging ball runner who could get on the outside of his man on either edge to create opportunities for the men outside him.The Cowboys set up works brilliantly as well. Thurston is the go-to man and everything works off of him. He is well supported by Michael Morgan who is a great runner and defender and can support the playmaking duties when Thurston is otherwise unavailable to do them. So too Fullback Lachlan Coote.
So how does this relate to our Eels halves? Well, we’re moving in the direction of one of these set ups and I’m sure you can already see which one it is that we lean towards, but before I reveal just what that is, let’s have a look at our halves options for 2017.
Corey Norman
2016 started so brightly for Corey Norman. He lead the Eels to victory at the 9s and was a strong contender to win the Daly M Medal for player of the year, right until personal scandal ended his season prematurely. He comes back to the field this year with a renewed hunger and vigour, knowing what could have been last year.
Norman brings so much to the table as a playmaker and in my mind isn’t too far away from being considered one of the most elite in the competition.
With light feet and the ability to break tackles easily, many mistake Norman for simply being a runner. In fact many rugby league fans who only see glimpses of Eels games label him as a traditional Five-Eighth. While that may be the case in some regards, he is also a Primary Half.
With a fantastic passing game and a kicking game that continuous to improve every match of First Grade he plays, Norman has become quite used to being the chief playmaker and controller of the Eels attacking sets. His combination with his fringe runners either side of the ruck have made him a truly attacking threat whatever side of the field he graces.
Additionally, he is a very sound defender who holds his own in the line. Using his bigger body to great effect in the tackle.
A lot of pressure will be on Corey this year to be the Eels orchestrator, but that is what he is being paid to do and a role that he revels in, mostly in the kicking department as he is the only recognised long range kicker in the Eels squad. That being said, I believe he can take his game to new heights this season and leap frog a few other opponents in the successor line to a Queensland Origin half position in the years to come.
Corey Norman is critical to the Eels 2017 campaign and if he can stay on the field the whole season, we will be playing finals football.
Strengths: Creative ability, controls the game, plays the numbers well, pass selection, evasive runner, kicking game.
Areas of Development: Previous off-field indiscretions, combinations with halves partner.
Highlights: View here
This is an all round 2016 Norman highlights package. Check out the breath-taking soft hands at 2:07 for Jennings to score off a great line and overall, just how well he creates the overlap and his pass selection. Such brilliant and slick rugby league.
Going to the next level: Corey Norman grew his game in 2016 & will be the man to lead the Eels in 2017
Clint Gutherson
If there was a silver lining to emerge from Corey Norman finishing 2016 on the sidelines, it was Clint Gutherson. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one to raise an eyebrow when he was thrust into the number 6 jersey at the backend of last year. However what came to light to the Eels supporter base was a naturally gifted footballer, who may at times might look somewhat unorthodox, but is tremendously effective. Gutherson played a key role in our end of season form when many experts had already put the red line through us and expected us to fold.
An incredible competitor with a great ability to break a tackle, Gutherson may not be a conventional half, but his development over the course of 2016 and the off-season has given plenty of Eels supporters reason to be optimistic about his full-time shift into the role.
A subtle passing game and an ever improving short kicking game showed that Gutherson has a neat bag of tricks to bring to the table. While it will be seen by many as a gamble by Brad Arthur not to go to market for another half following the departure of Kieran Foran, the decision to stick with Gutherson shows great faith from the man in charge of the Blue & Gold and is reward for a player that continuously does all the little things right.
The strongest performer over the course of off-season testing, Gutherson’s aerobic capacity means he will always be in the game and as the Club’s top one-on-one tackler in 2016, proved himself to be an ultra reliable defender.
The biggest question mark of the Gutherson move will come down to his ability to manage the kicking duties when Corey Norman isn’t available on a kicking play, as well as the goal kicking duties. If he can grow this fact of this game and can improve on the platform that he laid in 2016, there’s no doubt the Eels will fly up the table with considerable ease. It’s a big if in the eyes of many league experts, but for those of us in the golden west who have seen Gutherson evolve over pre-season, we have the upmost faith.
Strengths: Links well with outside men, subtle passing game, strong defender
Areas of Development: Long range kicking game, combinations with halves partner.
Highlights: View here
Those of you who forgot what Gutherson can do in the halves need only look at the following video and highlights from our narrow loss to the Panthers, and victories over the Dragons and Warriors last year, the kid has some tricks in his bag.
Secondary Half: Clint Gutherson will start the year as Corey Norman’s support act
Jeff Robson
If you’re managing the salary cap of any NRL team, is there a player you get better value from as a backup half than Jeff Robson?
With 175 NRL games to his name Robson comes with a wealth of experience and plays the secondary half role perfectly. Add to that his brilliant defence on the fringes and there’s no wonder why coaches love to have Jeff on their roster. He brings a genuine First Grade half option, without the half price tag. You always get more back than what you pay for with Jeff.
Consider that this is a man who wore the number 7 jersey for the Eels in the electrifying 2009 Grand Final campaign, and did the same across many Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks finals series as well, and you see that you have a very experienced head that knows how to play his role.
Jeff has never really been given the love he deserves over the course of his career, and personally at one point had he been converted to a hooker, I think he would have been one of the most in demand number 9s on the market. That being said, he has always been a fantastic support act to teams that operate with a primary half setup.
Should the Gutherson plan not unfold as desired, Eels fans can be rest assured that Robson can fill in at a pinch and the Eels will lose nothing for it. He plays direct and cops the knocks other halves aren’t willing to endure, knows how to find his outside men and chimes in with a neat short kicking game, while providing the occasional long kicking relief for a primary half. He really is the perfect contingency plan for Brad Arthur.
For the time being however, he has signed on with the knowledge that he will be playing a role with our lower grades to help develop the players coming up the ranks and it’s great that Jeff can be involved with the Club in this capacity. Should he be called upon for First Grade duties again, we all know he can get the job done.
It’s a pleasure to have you back with us Jeff.
Strengths: Plays direct, can contribute to all secondary half duties, brilliant defender.
Areas of Development: Assuming Primary Half responsibilities when the Primary Half isn’t available.
Highlights: View here
We all know what Jeff can do, so I thought I’d re-live this great try he scored in the epic Eels-Tigers clash of 2009 on our run to the Grand Final. Enjoy the passage of play and try scored by Jeff at 13:56.
Experienced: Seasoned campaigner Jeff Robson provides great half depth for the Eels in 2017
Troy Dargan
If you’re familiar with our U/20s side than you know who Troy Dargan is. Similarly, if you went to the Eels-Panthers trial last week, you’ll have gained a glimpse into what he is about.
A very naturally gifted half with a bag of silky skills likened to former Eels number 7, Tim Smith, Dargan has the potential to grow into a long-term half option for the Blue and Gold.
Finesse is the word that comes to mind with some of the plays he’s produced, with passes and kicks that would make any highlight reel, but it’s his temperament and defence that will determine whether he makes the transition into NRL over time.
Having trained with the First Grade squad over the pre-season, being named in the Auckland 9s squad and subsequently playing in the halves across both NRL trials, Dargan has proven that he may be a genuine option in the NRL at some point in 2017.
If he can continue to develop at the rapid pace he has over the course of the pre-season and build on the excellent form he displayed across the 2016 U20s Halfback of the year could find himself the latest Eels star.
Strengths: Great passing game, sound kicking game, wants the ball in his hand with game on the line.
Areas of Development: One-on-one defence, occasional erratic decision making.
Highlights: View here
Check out the match highlights from the Eels-Titans trial from a couple of weeks ago, Dargan played a pivotal role in our point-scoring plays. The best, a great cut out pass at 1:02.
Young Gun: Troy Dargan was the U/20s Halfback of the Year in 2016
Jamal Fogarty
After amassing an incredible 222 points in the Queensland Cup last year, former Burleigh Bears Captain Jamal Fogarty arrives at the Eels a QRL premiership winner and keen to establish himself as an NRL player.
Gifted with great pace and a very sleek set of hands, Jamal caught the attention of many NRL clubs before agreeing to terms with the Eels. Pre-season testing has shown proven to be very fit and earned him a spot in the Auckland 9s squad where he performed strongly on day one of the competition.
A great goal kicker, Fogarty established himself as one of the premier halves in the second-tier competition last year with his running game regularly tearing opposition teams apart, but it’s the development of his defence that will determine whether he becomes an NRL player or not.
Standing at 177cm and 76kg means Fogarty is one of the smaller players in the competition and this could stand in the way of his progression into the top grade. That being said however, his relative strength is incredible and when you stand next to him, you certainly wouldn’t think he measures to this weight. Pound for pound he is very strong.
Fogarty looks likely to start the year with Wentworthville, however if he can produce some strong form, there’ll be no reason he won’t come under consideration for NRL selection, be it starting or from the bench.
Strengths: Electric running game, strong passing game, goal kicking.
Areas of Development: Size, defence.
Highlights: View here
This highlights package mainly has Fogarty playing from Fullback, but there’s plenty of half play woven in there. Check out the pass he delivers at 0:30, beautiful!
The ‘Fog’: Jamal Fogarty was the Halfback in the 2016 Queensland Cup Team of the Year
So there you have it Eels fans, a number of options available across the halves positions for 2017. With a borderline Origin half, a developing half that showed great form over the back end of 2016, a seasoned campaigner, the U/20s Halfback of the year and the Queensland Cup Halfback of the year, we’re not as short on options as the experts may have you believe. Who makes your team and why?
Clint
All images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels, NRL.com and Getty Images.
V informative Clint, and clearly articulated. I have a little concern over Gutho at 5/8 but have huge faith in the team and BA. So what system are we using? Manly…. type…?
Thanks Mitchy, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I don’t think you’re alone with those concerns. Many Eels supporters are questioning how Gutherson measures up in the 6 compared to other in the competition, but as you so well said following that, we must trust the coaches that are around these boys day-in, day-out.
The thing we’re trying to do with Gutherson is re-create Foran in the aggregate, without the $1.2 million price tag. What Foran brought to this side in his limited time with us was he played very direct, new how to use his outside runners, utilized his own running game, produced repeat sets with his short kicks in behind the line and provided support for Norman who ran the show. In the time Gutherson has played in the halves to date, he’s done all of those things bar play with Norman in that position. I think supporters will be pleasantly surprised once they’ve had a few weeks to combine on the field together.
As for the system we’re using, we definitely lean more towards the Primary-Secondary half structure. Neither Norman or Gutherson will be limited to one edge, they’ll move from one-side of the field to the other as Norman & Foran did last year.
Our strength will come from being able to play as direct as possible with multiple runners as passing options before using our edges. Norman is one of the best in the competition at doing this and Gutherson proved he can provide support to this. We may not look like we have out-and-out superstars, but we are very much a team that is the sum of its parts.
Cheers Clint, and I liken some of this play to Morgan in Nth Qld, as he has some silky skills and his defence is quite good. That’s where Guth has me confident and that’s his defence. It’s his kicking that I hope will come on. I always thought and this is getting off track, that L Burt could have been a decent half…albeit his size was v slight.
I also think French can be a second phase link very well.
No worries Mitchy.
Absolutely, his defence is top notch. We’re very fortunate to have two big bodied halves that can defend. It’s world’s away from what we had in the cellar-dweller years.
As for his kicking game, I have every bit of confidence in Guthersons short kicking game. I was fortunate enough to see plenty of Manly U/20s games where he played at fullback and very much combined as a half with his outside men. He racked up plenty of try assists from short grubbers in behind the line, as well as forcing repeat sets, much how he did in the Rd 26 game against the Warriors last year. I think where he remains largely unknown to the wider Eels supporter base is his long kicking game and his goal kicking. We’ll find out in a week’s time, how exciting!
Having Gutherson play outside Norman has some parallels to Kenny outside of Sterling. Kenny had plenty of x-factor, brilliant running game, lovely soft hands and an excellent defensive game but wasn’t noted for his kicking game. He left Stirling to be the primary half. If Gutherson can mould himself on Kenny, he already has the defence and is developing his running game and passing game – there may well be a wonderful balance between Norman/Gutherson.
There’s definitely some similarities there 1Day. You hit the nail on the head with balance, it’s the thing all coaches strive to achieve across their roster. Too much of any one style of player means that you leave yourself short changed and it’s very important to have a point of difference across the attacking structure.
I wonder if French and Gutherson will split left and right, as Coote/Morgan do in Townsville. The highlights I saw of French against Penrith all his work was on the left side of the field, though that may have just been due to targeting Martin and Blake.
Very good point Pou. I think we’ll approach it on a game-by-game basis. I was at the trial at Penrith and French got involved in some backline movements that were set up on the right edge as well.
I think French and Gutherson will definitely be that second pass option that Norman will look to hit out the back before going to the fringes, whether they’re stationed to one side of the field or not is yet to be seen.
I haven’t personally seen anything to suggest that any one of Gutherson, French or Norman will be operating down any one edge. What I do think we’ll see if that Norman will hold the master key and he’ll use any one of French, Gutherson or the backrowers & centres to either run lines or create the extra man overlap. We have so many options on the fringes.
Clint, a really nice round summary indeed of the two positions in question. I am not one of those that have any real doubts in regard to Gutho’s handling of th six spot, his baptism of fire last year in that position especially two glaring factors actually showed out.
Firstly was the thrown in aspect the role. I remember somewhere where he said just after the selection that he had played in the position in his early career, certainly not in grade though. Even though it had been a while since he played there, he seemed to take to the role very well, learned quick and each game was a natural progression in the role. If one measured his last game in the 6 to his last game in the 5 shirt, it was not just a small increment in the playing ability either, as a winger he was a dud, at least on the right wing anyway even with a good centre inside him.
Second, was the aspect that he was thrown into the position with an aging half and one who he really had no understanding of Robbo’s ability and playing styles, yet they blended well and formed a very competent halves partnership. On those two areas, I have little doubt he will succeed and as he and Norms work on developing their pairing I would believe that the will very well be a very strong team together. Both ooze confidence and will certainly give the opposition a headache in both attack and especially defence.
Robbo, to me will be much more a type of captain coach at Wenty, especially as he will work with both Dargan and Fogarty, and no doubt his years of experience and pointers to the role of the 7 will be vital and mean another level for not just Dargan but also for Fogarty. The problem in some respects though may be how can he provide a halfs senior level of on field tutoring to someone who seeks to play in the same position as he does?
Dargan is not likely to take Robsons spot, nor the NRL spot for 2017, so somehow Dargan needs to be somewhat close to the eels for the training arena for the year. The hardest part I think in looking forward is the size and position of Fogarty. You make the valid points in regard to Jamal being small and light, but we also need to cast our minds back to how big one Sterlo was. Jamal, at least in photo’s that I have seen of him at training looks bigger than his stats show, I also suggest he would likely play at least at a weight near enough to 10Ks above his official stats.
What that means is that Jamal if being looked at in the halves area would have to be in the 6 spot with Robbo working with him at 7, at least until its likely that Dargan can take over in the 7 spot. Both of whom are likely to benefit from working and playing with Robbo, in that regard both Troy and Jamal may end up being a very exciting future pairing at the scrum base playing roles. – Hopefully with the eels.
One other aspect of this is that Gutho places an enormous amount of pressure on those who will play outside of him, namely the 2 centers, the simple reason is Gutho’s versatility and quick adaptability to the positions in the backline, but then again, many talk of putting some like Bevan French to half, also our problem spot being more the 9 spot, I actually wonder how Gutho would look and go with a 9 shirt??!!!
Well written Col. I like the mould of Fog, and he looks v strong and fit. Maybe he’s not up to NRL style fitness but he looks ok. I hope to get out and see him play and with Dargan too. They could both do well under Robbo and we hope they do for the future of our team. Fog seems to have a decent boot on him as well.
Fogarty has a very accurate boot on him Mitchy, hits the ball very sweetly in both general play and off the tee.
Hi Colin, thanks as always for stopping by to provide your two cents. Some very interesting points indeed!
Gutherson’s growth last year should provide any doubters the evidence they need to know it’s a role he can really make his own. I’ll have my hooker post out tomorrow that shows an U/20s origin game where Kaysa played dummy half and Gutherson was fullback. Gutherson had a hand in a couple of tries and very much played like a 5/8 in that game with many players who now wear an NRL jersey for their job.
Very much like a Captain/Coach role for Jeff this year, he’ll provide that level head that the likes of Dargan and Fogarty need and help provide the composure that allows them opportunities to take the risks with the ball that they desire.
I agree that Dargan isn’t quite there yet and probably another year off from NRL, but he’s impressing all the right people at the moment. If Corey were to go down, don’t be surprised to see him given a shot.
Nathan cleary, kane elgey , ash taylor all have the same thing in common ,they looked ready and when given thier chance they were ready , not ready to say to much about fogarty yet but dargan hasnt looked ready in 20s let alone his less than ordinary performance against penrith , he needs to do a lot of work on his defence,decision making and kicking game ,wow thats every aspect of a half backs game , good luck.
No doubt Dargs needs to work on his defence. After all it’s what determines which halves play first grade and which ones don’t. That being said, he is the U/20s halback of the year.
The other names you’ve listed there all achieved their own indiviudal honours in the 20s before progressing to NRL as well.
Almost all halves that have been named in the U/20s team of the year have progressed onto NRL, so he’s in good company there. It’s just up to him to work on those things you mentioned, as I’m sure the coaching staff have spoken to him about.
Brilliant post once again. The thing a lot of people are forgetting is Guth’s age. Barely older than Bev, & 2 seasons at Moanly ruined by injury early each season. Played every game for us last year & did nothing but improve each week. Has been far & away the best trainer in the orf season by all accounts. A committed & impressive player. Can’t wait to see how the two of them combine. (& yes, I’ve had sneaky on Guth for the DM)
Spot on assesment craig not sure about dm though.
Absolutely Craig, it’s very easy to forget how young Gutherson is. There are definitely exciting times ahead and personally, I think Gutherson will only continue to grow into the role. I look forward to seeing what he produces!
I’d suggest if a DM winner is going to come from our ranks, it’s likely to be Corey. He was every chance of taking it out last year until his suspension prematurely ended his season.