I’ve never been a fan of players being moved from their strongest position on the field to fill the void left by another player.
So when Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy decided for the second game running that Cameron Smith was the best option at halfback, I saw the decision manifesting itself as a three-try deficit come full-time. The end result was more than that.
One could argue that the final score would have been similar if Smith was playing his usual rake role in a side missing Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk, but the experts had the Roosters winning 13 points at most, not the eventual 20-point margin that will be staring Bellamy in the face come this week’s team video session.
Smith was also thrust into the side as starting halfback against the Cowboys a week ago but that decision seemed a bit more forgivable just four days after State of Origin, with the appearance of Bellamy giving his captain a bit of a rest in defence.
But Smith is a competitor of the highest order and he spared no effort, racking up about 60 tackles in his side’s 22-0 loss.
Without Slater and Cronk in his line-up, perhaps Bellamy had already conceded defeat and decided to toss up a curve ball against the Cowboys?
Smith is the best number 9 in rugby league across the globe and he earned that tag by playing almost 300 NRL games, 30 State of Origin games and 38 games for Australia as a hooker. It was in this position he earned his numerous Dally M awards and a Golden Boot.
To put Smith at halfback means the number 9 position will be filled by a lesser player, and I say that with the greatest respect to Ryan Hinchcliffe who covered the role with gusto against the Roosters.
Suddenly you have a weakened 9 and a weakened 7 in your side and two wrongs don’t make a right.
Bellamy needs to get Smith back to hooker and have his captain run the side the way he knows best – as a number 9.
Muzz
Guest
Bro,he's big and very mobile.He would look good in red white and blue.Steve Mavin use to push us off just like that when we were young.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
For the Storm supporters watch your next big thing> http://tvnz.co.nz/seven-sharp/meet-nelson-next-sbw-video-5662169
River Lad
Guest
Maybe the best electrician would do a better job of it than the worst plumber.
MikeTV
Guest
Dale Shearer never played a good game at five eighth and Danny Buderus never played a good game at half back.
Shane
Roar Pro
When I want my plumbing fixed I don't call the best electrician in town to do the job.
John Locke
Guest
Rest in peace Rik Mayall.
Anakin
Guest
I didn't see last weeks game, but the weekend before against the Cowboys - Smith may have been named at half, but he clearly played hooker for much of the game!! Similar to when GI was named as a 5/8 for Storm .. he wore the 6, but clearly didn't play that role. It'll sort itself out :-)
Redneck
Guest
As the coaches coach Harry Bath used to say you never weaken one position to strengthen another and he was so right.
peeeko
Roar Guru
Halfback is so vital a position and smith is certainly a better half than any other option.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Mike, It is only a short term stop gap thing and besides Smith played hooker for most of the game. If he could he would like to play both at the same time, passing to himself, he just loves to be involved in everything. When you have over 40% of your cap in 3 guys it will always be a problem with injuries. They have some outstanding kids next yr and expect some surprises in the short term. Their effort to only go down by 20 pts I thought was outstanding given the available list.
Chui
Guest
Timely given that Lord Flashheart passed away.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
When Smith went back to rake at about the 50th minute, the Storm actually looked decent too.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Smith is a creative forward,end of story.Putting him in the halves was weakening their strong point in the forward and weakening the strong point in the backs. I have no idea who to put in at halfback,that is the problem.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
That sounds like Blackadder.
Jordan Wykes
Roar Rookie
He doesn't have the speed to be a halfback. He is a natural hooker. With that being said, Hinchcliffe is a fair replacement. -Jordan Wykes www.sportsmindz.com.au
Meesta Cool
Guest
Best reply Jamesb - these kids are our future and look what the kids are doing for the tigers. If they don't get a game we will lose them!.
jamesb
Guest
I was impressed with the Storms two youngsters, Ben Hampton and Kurt Mann. Both players can play in the halves.
Mike Wilson
Guest
They still have Ben Roberts!
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I think it probably is the best option when Melbourne have no others. Smith at 7 and hinchcliff 9
Pomoz
Roar Rookie
Surely the question to be asked is whether the team is better with the replacement half and Smith still at hooker versus Smith at half and a replacement hooker? Maybe the replacement half is not as good as the replacement hooker? Besides, Bellamy is smarter than a Professor of Smartness from Smart University, if he puts Smith at half I think he knows what combination is best.