There have been a few mentions in other threads about whether AOB would consider Ponga in the halves again to keep Armstrong at fullback once Kalyn returns. I think I agree with those saying that Ponga won't defend in the front line, but does that necessarily rule out some sort of hybrid/manufactured structure where Ponga defends at fullback and attacks in the 6 position, with Armstrong defending on the wing and attacking as a traditional fullback?
There might be a few ways to put the idea into practice, but the one that seems the most obvious to me is Tuala defending inside Armstrong at centre, with Gagai defending inside Tuala where a Cogger/Gamble would otherwise be positioned.
We have certainly seen systems like this used in the NRL before, it wouldn't be a first. Not ideal obviously, but do the pros perhaps outweigh the cons?
The big advantage of course is that it keeps Armstrong in the side performing the role that has played a large part in us winning four on the trot without Ponga, then adding the incredible skill set of Ponga back into the mix. To be any sort of threat come finals time, I wonder if we need to take advantage of what both players bring to the table, and if that means forcing the issue then so be it. Armstrong's superb support play will be somewhat lost if he plays on the wing (definitely the case if he's left out completely, as I'm not convinced AOB would actually drop Tuala or Marzhew for him despite the form). But that speed and the way he uses it, can we afford to go without this? The best teams have multiple threats in different forms, not one completely dominant player trying to do it all himself.
At the moment you would have to say the biggest weakness in the team is Cogger at 6, who offers nothing and is approaching genuine liability status. Imagine replacing that weak link with one of the best players in the world. And holding on to everything else that is working. Of course there are other factors to consider, like the return of Gamble who is clearly a far better option than Cogger and does make a valuable contribution in his own right. It wouldn't be the worst call to go straight back to 1. Ponga 6. Gamble 7. Hastings 9. Brailey 14. Crossland if/when everyone is available. But to have a serious tilt at the back end of the season, do we need to be brave and roll the dice on something with huge upside?
If it were to happen, I think AOB would need to avoid giving Ponga the #6 at first to avoid the circus of attention that would follow. Once people have seen it in action on the field it won't be as controversial. Thoughts?
There might be a few ways to put the idea into practice, but the one that seems the most obvious to me is Tuala defending inside Armstrong at centre, with Gagai defending inside Tuala where a Cogger/Gamble would otherwise be positioned.
We have certainly seen systems like this used in the NRL before, it wouldn't be a first. Not ideal obviously, but do the pros perhaps outweigh the cons?
The big advantage of course is that it keeps Armstrong in the side performing the role that has played a large part in us winning four on the trot without Ponga, then adding the incredible skill set of Ponga back into the mix. To be any sort of threat come finals time, I wonder if we need to take advantage of what both players bring to the table, and if that means forcing the issue then so be it. Armstrong's superb support play will be somewhat lost if he plays on the wing (definitely the case if he's left out completely, as I'm not convinced AOB would actually drop Tuala or Marzhew for him despite the form). But that speed and the way he uses it, can we afford to go without this? The best teams have multiple threats in different forms, not one completely dominant player trying to do it all himself.
At the moment you would have to say the biggest weakness in the team is Cogger at 6, who offers nothing and is approaching genuine liability status. Imagine replacing that weak link with one of the best players in the world. And holding on to everything else that is working. Of course there are other factors to consider, like the return of Gamble who is clearly a far better option than Cogger and does make a valuable contribution in his own right. It wouldn't be the worst call to go straight back to 1. Ponga 6. Gamble 7. Hastings 9. Brailey 14. Crossland if/when everyone is available. But to have a serious tilt at the back end of the season, do we need to be brave and roll the dice on something with huge upside?
If it were to happen, I think AOB would need to avoid giving Ponga the #6 at first to avoid the circus of attention that would follow. Once people have seen it in action on the field it won't be as controversial. Thoughts?
