This discussion on the qualities of different races came up on the English forum the other day. Disappointingly, it also ended in most people having a cry about racism (against darker coloured peoples of course). The strange thing was, as with this discussion, that most of the talk was reasoned examples of how and why players of West Indian, Polynesian etc heritage were physically superior to "white" players.
How that is racist, I'll never understand. If people can't have a reasoned discussion about the qualities of different races as football players, particularly position specific - they need to go have a good look at where they're coming from. It's undeniable that different races have different genetic qualities, both advantageous and not, with reference to Rugby League. It's also undeniable that different cultures have different mindsets and attitudes.
Recognising this isn't a bad thing, and is in no way derogatory. It should be celebrated and bringing all these different abilities and weaknesses together should be encouraged.
Shall we look at examples?
Souths have a larger proportion of darker skinned players. Polynesian and Aboriginal. Common sense, derived from years of watching footy (or even a few matches) would tell anyone on here that that teams with a proliferation of polynesians are more likely to play flair footy. When it goes right, it goes really right. The SCG match against Wests for example. Over a season? The Warriors in 2002. Great footy to watch.
But when it goes wrong, it goes really wrong. Take the Dragons match in the last round, or previous and subsequent Warriors' seasons.
The same can be said for said of teams stacked heavily with "white" players. (Just for the picky amongst you, i'm most certainly generalising specific races here, due to a lack of in-depth knowledge on an important matter). Take the Dragons. Both this year and last year, they played very consistent footy... but it was boring as sh*t. When it came to the crunch, they were embarrassed by Parramatta - specifically guys like Mateo, Hayne etc. Dark skinned blokes playing exciting, high-risk footy. Once they got going, the Dragons couldn't go with them.
It's been discussed that, to generalise, Polynesians, Indigenous Australians and West Indians (the dark skinned athletes most commonly associated with RL) mostly play flair football, based on a high skill level and dominant, explosive physical characteristics. This often has a high error rate, but is impossible to stop when it's working.
"White" players are often more structured, have more physical stamina and seem more pre-disposed to racking up high work rates.
There are obviously exceptions to the rule - Jeremy Smith plays simple football and works hard. While Gasnier often flits around waiting for a single moment to exploit his supreme physical ability.
I believe one of the next innovations in Rugby League will be structuring football teams to have the correct mixture of all these qualities. In fact, I'm sure the Warriors are already doing it.
In my opinion, and disagree with me if you will, but this sort of thing would be a successful formula.
At fullback - a white athlete with very strong physical capabilities. Pick your 10 best fullbacks and have a look at them. Hayne is obviously a great talent, but has been roundly criticised by every one for a lack of consistency and commitment in a crucial position.
Wing - Black athlete. Pick your favourite dominant wingers. I'd wager names like Uate, Vatuvei, Tuiaki, Folau, Hayne etc would all be near the top of every one's list as players to bring to their club.
Centre - Seems a 50/50. Gasnier, Lyon, Hodges, Inglis etc are all near the top. This is a position that varies, and so it seems, does the abilities and qualities of the top players.
Five-Eighth/Half - I suppose we first have to take into account that these two positions are becoming increasingly ambiguous. So lets just split them and not argue about numbers on backs. I like to think that successful sides will have one controlling influence. A settled player who organises and is probably first receiver. Thinking of these players, it's mostly white players who come to mind. Kimmorley, Cronk, Campese, Walsh. Discrepancies might be Prince, but there's many who argue he's played more like a 5/8th for most of his career.
The flair player in the halves is often Black. So that's Benji, Barba, Soward, (possibly Prince), Sandow, Sutton (see what's wrong there?) etc. All superlative players on their day. Any mixture of the first list and second list would probably have a side in or around the top 4. 2 from each list is looking at structural problems.
2nd Row/Lock - Again, a varied position. A mixture here is probably best. The Warriors have undeniably gone down this route. Again, generalising, white guys often seem to head the list of hard working guys who do the dirty work. I think Hindmarsh, Tongue, Luck, Mannering, Johnson, Stagg. Quality flair players are dark. Mateo, SBW, Pritchard etc. Too many workers, and you'll struggle for points and intimidation. Too much flair, and you're on the back foot.
Props - same thing. Once Souths lost their white front rowers to injury, their season went to sh*t. The Roosters seem to have the best combination. Big tough hombres of all races taking beatings against the Tigers for an hour, with white guys like Ryles really getting in there. Once the tide turned some of their darker guys just wound up and dealt out the punishment.
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Every one is different, even within races and cultures. Ours is a multi-cultural/racial sport, due to it's working class roots wherever it is played. We should be celebrating that, not calling racism. There's not a Rugby League fan out there who doesn't love to see Big Manu rampaging down the wing, the SBW of old dealing out the hits, Mateo running with the ball in one hand, Benji stepping, Barba scoring, Merrit running, Folau jumping, Inglis and Hayne flying. Recent superstars of British football have included Offiah, Robinson and Hanley. The French have Fakir and Bosc. Gene and Aizue for PNG provided some spectacular entertainment and emotion at RLWC08.
And that's not to forget all kinds of white blokes who do a great job. Ellis, Burgess and Morley have all come out from England and wowed us with their aggressive, skilful forward play. Hindy, Stagg and Tongue continue to amaze with their commitment to the cause. Gasnier and J Morris are a pleasure to watch on their feet. Joey, Freddy, Locky were all legends.
We all have different qualities - the football teams who bring everyone together properly will be successful over one or the other. If that's racism, then I've missed the point all these years.
