The definition of the much-used term ‘x-factor’ is: 1. An erratic and unknown variable that could have a significant impact on an outcome; 2. A special talent or quality. It’s also a show with Brian McFadden as a judge, but we’ll leave that story for another website.
Rugby league has its own use for ‘x-factor’, in the manner of the definitions provided above. Specifically, a league x-factor is a player who may or may not be a superstar, but for whatever reason, provides something special for their team.
Interestingly, there are various categories of NRL x-factors. I’ve listed these below, and named some players who best exemplify that particular type.
The Yoda
This nickname is dedicated to the wily old veteran who still has a few tricks up his sleeve. While he may not have the speed, strength and athleticism of his youth, he more than makes up for it with a cool head born out of experience and knowledge.
He may not dominate for 80 minutes, but he conserves his energy, and picks his moments to take over the game. The epitome of the Yoda was Jason Smith in his twilight years with Canberra and North Queensland. To a lesser extent, Cliffy Lyons would qualify.
Of the current crop, no one fits the bill better than Darren Lockyer.
The Shower
The player that runs hot and cold. He wins you games when he’s on song; and loses them when he’s not. The Bulldogs’ Ben Roberts certainly qualifies, as does Souths’ Chris Sandow, along with the Warriors’ Feleti Mateo.
The Ticking Time Bomb
This emotional firebrand is capable of pulling off a big hit that totally changes the game. Conversely, he can also concede a silly penalty. Either way, he can be a massive x-factor. Paul Gallen, Michael Crocker, Timana Tahu, Neville Costigan, Greg Bird and Steve Matai are the best modern day hot-heads.
The Usain Bolt
The player whose speed is an x-factor all by itself. Or I could just write, ‘Billy Slater’.
The Frustrated Five-Eighth
The x-factor whose jersey number doesn’t totally reflect how he plays the game. While his body shape is telling you that he’s forward, his silky hands are worthy of a spot in the backline.
Glenn Stewart has the vision, skills and temperament of a five-eighth, but in a burly second rower’s body. Honourable mention also goes to Todd Peyton.
Mr Fix-It
The versatile player who can line up almost anywhere on the park. Whatever the team needs, he does. Canberra’s Jason Croker and the Roosters’ Chris Flannery were the best exponents of said versatility, while Luke Lewis is probably the best Mr Fix-It in today’s game.
The Niggler
An x-factor who can influence a match via sledging or pestering alone. These players have the ability to get under the skin of opponents and put them off their game, and can thus be valuable contributors even if they’re not playing particularly well.
Michael Ennis goading Nathan Hindmarsh on Friday night is the perfect example of The Niggler at work. Justin Hodges is another one with talent in this area.
The Super Sub
This x-factor is the one who comes off the bench to spark his team. At representative level, Craig Wing and Kurt Gidley are among the best there’s ever been, substituting on and having an immediate impact against weary players.
The Magician
The type of player that fools defenders with sleight of hand, and has complete mastery of the football. These x-factors are masters of guile and use tricks like the no-look pass, a left-foot step, or a chip-and-chase. An utter joy to watch, and my favourite x-factor. Look no further than Benji Marshall when thinking about rugby league’s chief magician.
The Artie Beetson
Every league fan should know this one. Named after the master, it’s the forward who draws in multiple tacklers, then gets away an offload to supporting players. The Bulldogs’ Corey Payne has been brilliant at it this year.
The Sniffer
The guys who just know how to sniff out a try; they just always seem to know how to get across the line. There quality Sniffers in the league include Billy Slater, Jason Nightingale, Brett and Josh Morris, Nathan Merritt, Akuila Uate, and Shaun Kenny-Dowall. Michael Jennings used to be one!
The Edward Norton
This x-factor is the quiet achiever who doesn’t get much publicity, doesn’t do anything flash, never wins the Academy Award (or Dally M), but is quietly great at being very good.
Every team needs a star whose chief ability is simply being a workaholic. Dallas Johnson, Andrew Ryan, Ashley Harrison, David Stagg, Alan Tongue and Nathan Hindmarsh are all proud members of the Edward Norton club.
The Trick-Or-Treat
This x-factor is usually the brash, young player who doesn’t care much for percentage plays, or even smart plays. He merely plays on instinct, and has you on the edge of your seat, because you don’t know if he’s going to do something amazingly dumb, or something amazingly brilliant.
Examples include Josh Dugan and Ben Barba. Todd Carney is a ‘treat’ on the field, and a ‘trick’ off it.
The Meat Axe
Needs little explanation – these are the players who could snap you like a twig. David Taylor, Greg Inglis, Jamaal Idris, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs and Frank Pritchard are all guys you don’t want running at you.
The Super Boot
Lastly, perhaps the most important x-factor of them all. When Hazem El Masri was playing for the Bulldogs, a try was almost automatically 6 points. Likewise, any penalty inside 30 metres was an automatic 2 points.
As long as the objective of rugby league remains to outscore your opponents, goal kickers will always remain one of the most valuable x-factors.
Ryano’s Rant and Rave on The Roar
After each round I’m going to get up on my soapbox and have one rant and one rave about something that happened on the weekend. Here’s my Rant and Rave for Round 6.
Rant
I sincerely hope, for the sake of Parramatta fans, that new coach Stephen Kearney read the riot act to the Eels after Friday night’s loss to the Bulldogs. It was some of the poorest discipline I’ve seen from a first grade side in a long time.
Head-butting, retaliating, silly infringements, etc. You just can’t give away penalties like that, not to mention a lead. If ever a team deserved a spray from their coach, it was the Eels on Friday night.
Rave
Identifying the next ‘big thing’ in rugby league is a favourite hobby for fans. It’s a great feeling when you think you are witnessing greatness being born right in front of your eyes.
That’s the feeling I get when I watch William Hopoate. The 18 year old has a real touch of class about him. I think he’s a representative player of the future – maybe even sooner rather than later.
He has tremendous skills, lots of ‘time’ with the ball, and despite his youth, seems to have a good head on his shoulders. I think he has superstar written all over him.
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