doyen
Bench
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- 3,654
Its an interesting debate. The thing is though the 2012 and 2013 rabbitohs squads did not have alot of flare players in them. Michael Maguire has utilised the squad's strengths. Full credit to him though - sure it may be one dimensional but its easier said than done stopping it! Its only this season with the likes of Walker, Johnston, Keary etc that we have really started to get some flare players in our team. Greg Inglis is not really a flare player in terms of creativity - his game is about power, speed, strength and athleticism. Nathan Merritt has electric pace and can be an excellent support player but I wouldn't say he'd frighten opposition teams - besides he can only do those things at fullback, which I believe is his best position otherwise he is just a good finisher. The true flare players are Dylan Walker and Luke Keary, your 100% correct! I don't think Michael Maguire is trying to suppress them - look at the way Dylan Walker plays - he at times will drift in field and can pop up anywhere! Also you've got to remember that Maguire was going to start with Luke Keary this season but he was injured in the Auckland 9's and missed the first half of the season. Additionally, we'll have four halves in the squad with Cody Walker joining us. Each of them offers something different! I think Maguire has stockpiled halves in an attempt to deviate away from the power game! If I was a betting man, I would say there is a very very strong chance we'll see Adam Reynolds spend some time at hooker next season; his defense is good enough and if he kicks out of dummy half - that could pose a big problem for other teams! Stopping accurate kicks out of dummy half is an absolute pain the ass! Also don't forget we've got Chris McQueen who is a terrific attacking forward; we were right to keep him because his skill set is so unique. How many backrowers have his speed and can get under the highball like him? So I think Souths are slowly adding another dimension to there game and I think the future looks bright!
My biggest fear is that Maguire will reinstate JS straight back to 5/8.
I know Sths have achieved well with their fairly one dimensional play but I think this has biggish limitations against the better quality sides that are dogged in defence.JS at 5/8,IMO,is holding Sths back from going to the next level ie.the potential to win a p/ship.
This is where Keary comes in.But he must,MUST be allowed to create & take risks if required.
It's great to see the likes of Walker,Johnston,Keary & Reynolds in this team---players who have come through the lower grades/juniors & showing some class.
There were a couple of exciting episodes against the Raiders &, as I said earlier,a different intelligent outlook apparent.
I just hope that it is highly encouraged.
Maguire has brought a good degree of success to us but he must continue to evolve his style to get the most out of the classy players coming through!!