Souths fans must be mighty pleased to see that Craig Wing has indeed had time to fit some football training in amongst all his television commitments. It has been a long time coming but Wing’s return to Redfern looks like it’s finally getting going after a series of frustrating injuries.
While he didn’t turn the game from the moment he came on after 28 minutes against the Knights, he did show some classy touches before eventually turning the match well into the second half.
The manner in which Wing’s two tries came highlights the dilemma that Jason Taylor has in finding a way to accommodate the former Origin and Test star in his run on side.
He may be one of the best utilities of the modern game but at NRL level he has far more to offer than just spark from the bench.
The speed and change of angle that Wing displayed in scoring his first try showed why many observers feel his best position is five-eighth, he has the strength, footwork and vision needed for the role.
But his second try showed exactly why he’s played so much hooker throughout his career, he knows how to find and exploit space in and around the ruck which keeps the defence guessing.
So where does Taylor play him?
Issac Luke has come along in leaps and bounds at hooker and after playing a pivotal role in the Kiwi’s World Cup triumph looks like he could become a real star in the future. Besides which he is a specialist and has the energy to play a whole match at dummy half.
John Sutton and Chris Sandow look to be forming a fairly successful partnership in the halves although the latter is still very inexperienced. Given time and a decent forward pack they could become a real force for the Bunnies down the track.
In any case it was interesting to note that Souths looked most dangerous when all four playmakers were on the field at the same time, with Wing nominally playing lock.
But is lock really the best spot for a player such as Wing who is recovering from a run of serious injuries, is a ball player and is quick off the mark?
You’d also have to wonder if the extra tackling involved would be detrimental to his attacking game. Taylor has admitted that Souths need to improve their point scoring this season.
One solution might be to play Wing at fullback where he can chime in on any number of positions in attack and really take advantage of his utility value whilst playing the entire match.
Wing did briefly play fullback for the Bunnies during his first stint with the club and Taylor doesn’t seem to have settled on who will fill the number one jersey permanently.
Having an experienced campaigner such as him on the field would also be beneficial for the likes of young Sandow.
Taylor’s problem is a pleasant one for a coach to have but is a problem nonetheless – if he can find a way to use Wing effectively for 80 minutes it could make all the difference to the Rabbitohs season.
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