Super sub

[The better Robbo]

Have we seen the return of the super sub? I believe most teams will carry a utility player on the bench to come on late and take advantage of tired defenders. Looking in our own backyard I'd nearly be tempted to start Croker and bring on Levi as our own super sub. Croker is fit, has a good kicking game to help Chez and a strong defender but as far as impact off the bench I think the roles would be better off reversed.
Schuster and Cust are other obvious choices and could offer significant impact off the bench but thinking outside the box I reckon Metcalfe could be a sneaky impact player after seeing what he did in the 9s. Outside that Eddie PNG could really benefit from the new rules... Not sure he is still with us tough.
Thoughts?

 

[Woodsie]

Have we seen the return of the super sub? I believe most teams will carry a utility player on the bench to come on late and take advantage of tired defenders. Looking in our own backyard I'd nearly be tempted to start Croker and bring on Levi as our own super sub. Croker is fit, has a good kicking game to help Chez and a strong defender but as far as impact off the bench I think the roles would be better off reversed.
Schuster and Cust are other obvious choices and could offer significant impact off the bench but thinking outside the box I reckon Metcalfe could be a sneaky impact player after seeing what he did in the 9s. Outside that Eddie PNG could really benefit from the new rules... Not sure he is still with us tough.
Thoughts?

Agree ... I think the bench make-up has taken on even greater importance ....all the options you mention have strengths and weaknesses ... but the 2 that could be "super are Metcalf's pace and acceleration could be lethal ... and the unkown Schuster working a tired middle with Siro, Tommy and AFB ...

I am also looking to see 2 things happen that could also make a huge difference ... 1) DCE getting back to a more running game ... and 2) .. Tommy being more selective with his runs in the middle .. could be astronomical !!!

 

[Chip and Chase]

I'd be giving it a couple of rounds for this whole 6 again hysteria to settle down. Let's wait and see where this new rule settles and how it is applied. It's a novelty for the refs at the moment, they are trying to get their head around being by themselves out there AND applying this new rule.

How many seasons have we seen a "crackdown" on a certain rule early in the season only for it to be forgotten about by mid year ?? happens all the time

I don't know that having someone specifically on the bench for that rule is such a good idea. Clubs that already run a two hooker 17 will still do that, those with 80 minute hookers will probably remain that way too. Maybe the make up of your forward rotation will be more important aspect. You want middle forwards with a bit more mobility and good aerobic capacity so they can go 12-18 tackles without a breather.

 

[Will on the hill]

If the pace in the middle stays as fast as it has been so far I think a lot of teams will run with a replacement hooker and 3 middle forwards while coming up with outside the box strategies to cover edge forwards and backs.
I really like the idea of starting Croker and saving Levi for once the sting has been taken out of the starting sides.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Hoppa Jnr as soon as he passes fitness.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Marty Ballin and Stranger Danger were masters of this back in the day , I think it’s something that has to be considered ( maybe we already have with Froggy on board).