While the idea of Greg Inglis playing in the halves might have had merit, it’s time for the future immortal to go back to where he belongs.
So far this year the South Sydney Rabbitohs have been struggling to gain some real form. With the return of Sam Burgess came a player cleanout, which left their forward stocks thin, with their replacements fairly inexperienced and erratic.
State of Origin Game 2 teams
» QLD: Myles out, Lillyman in
» Roar’s Reaction: Maroons
» NSW: Graham in, but faces ban
» Roar’s Reaction: Blues
Now while injuries have played a great deal in their campaign, which should be acknowledged more by the league world, I can’t help but think that if the Bunnies really want to have a shot at making the eight they need Greg Inglis back at fullback.
His short-lived tenure at pivot hasn’t been a failure, but it hasn’t necessarily been a success either. While the move has helped get a lot of work off his back, particularly running and defensive workload, but it’s far from the Queensland and Australian veterans’ best.
One of the greatest parts of Inglis’ game is his kick returns. Running the ball back at full pelt always gets the crowd roaring and excited to see what he can do, and his ability to pick out weaker players in the defence allows him to get his body over the advantage line.
Although it might not sound that important, it’s such a great weapon for the Rabbitohs to have, as it brings momentum to the team’s attack.
By getting over the advantage line and getting a quick play the ball, the forwards can roll downfield faster and catch the opponents offside, leading to good field position and possibly even gifting them penalties. With Cody Walker at the back, this isn’t possible because of his smaller frame, as he gets dragged backwards more often than not, particularly within the Rabbitohs’ 20.
Similarly, in defence, Inglis’ presence at the back is phenomenal. At the beginning of the season he led the competition with the most tackle saves in the first few rounds. Again, his big frame allows him to barrel down his opponents, and prevent tries that would otherwise have been scored with a smaller man at the back.
Again, Inglis’ performance under the high ball is much better than Walker’s, and his pure presence 20 metres out from the line makes opposition defences have to think on their feet. Knowing that he can either barge over, sweep around the back or throw a cutout is such a great weapon for the Bunnies and at five-eighth he isn’t able to do this. In the No.6 jersey he has to feed players, where he should be the one being fed.
A lack of kicking game also puts more pressure on halfback Adam Reynolds to get the ball out of their own half, while having a natural five-eighth like Luke Keary or Cody Walker would help out the Blues rookie immensely.
The best thing for Souths is that should they move Inglis back to his familiar custodian role, Cody Walker would be able to return back to five-eighth, which I believe is his best position. Walker and Inglis on the left side could turn out to be a great combination for the Rabbits, and I really think Michael Maguire is actually doing his team harm by not putting players in their best positions.
What do you think of Inglis at five-eighth? Should he stay there or should he go back to fullback? Let me know in the comments section below.
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