yappy
Bench
- Messages
- 4,161
Yappy, I think you'll find that Lockyer was selected at five-eighth for Australia well before Bennett decided to slot him into the position this season.
When? Not saying you're wrong but he was in the 1 for the Ashes. Gower had the 6 in the First test then it was Wing wasn't it? Can't remember exactly but pretty sure it wasn't Darren even if he spent most of his time at second receiver in attack.
I know he came through as a pivot and his history and blind Freddy could see he played as a second 5/8 for the Bronc's in attack. Benno always said he was more concerned about having him in the line in defence as his reason why he was against the move. So no I don't think it was inevitable. When he had Walters Lockyer was the better player, but Wayne was delighted to have both. If he could get another top 5/8 he'd stick with Darren at 1. We don't have to agree on that point though, we'll just sit back and enjoy the magic whatever the number.This had nothing to do with club economics but more due to the man's exceptional skills as a footballer. Lockyer came up through the grades as a pivot and on his first appearances off the bench in first grade that was were he always slotted in. He was only moulded into a fullback due to the presence of Langer and Walters as the Brisbane halves and it was an inevitability that one day he would move back into the number 6. He's worn the number 1 for the last few years but has always played a five-eighth's game in attack over that period anyhow.
On this we agree pretty much. I think Liam is a far more complete footballer and if he had half the chances that Marshall has had would prove it. Tim clearly doesn't think so though.I scratch my head over Marshall and really can't see what there is to get so excited about. He looks defensively fragile, doesn't appear to have a thoughtful passing game, and his trademark sidestep seems to jolt the attack and slow down the play. I thought a sidestep worked when you were moving forward, not come to a halt as Marshall does. His injuries over the last 12 months would also have to raise concerns over his durability. I hope I'm wrong, but I'd hate to think that we regard this guy as the Messiah, especially if the money we may throw in his direction compromises our commitment to some other young (and I believe better) talent we have at the club.