Jake the Peg wrote:The half back at hooker, the winger at full back, the full back in the centres
I just don’t get it though, since when in rugby league have you had to register one position and then stick to it? There’s no rule, It’s just daft to suggest players can’t swap and change positions at different points or evolve to new roles over time. How many grand finals and cups did Leeds win with Sinfield playing at 6? Arguably better at 13 but had long successful spells at 6.
Hardaker is a decent centre. He might have played more at fullback but he’s simply better than what we have at centre. Richie Barnett played almost all his a career as a fullback and was one of our best centres of the modern era. Gary Connolly is another, Greg Inglis, Latrell Mitchell, Joey Manu are off the top of my head and probably hundreds over the years have played both positions well.
Rapana can play fullback. He’s played there this season at NRL level. He has loads of experience and has a strong kick return, it’s a natural progression. If say Moy has an absolute beast of an off season I’m sure we’ll see Rapana on the wing again at some point but he’ll likely start the season as our best fullback.
Cust I’m not going to argue as a great signing, but he can play hooker at decent level. He did for Wigan, I just don’t think that can be argued. Just because you say ‘he’s a halfback’ doesn’t change that, but like I say Cust is an odd one on every level, I think the coach wants him here for whatever reason.