Earlier this week the Penrith Panthers signed Josh Hall from the Gold Coast Suns. I’m not saying that AFL players have less athletic ability than those in the NRL, but is the change too much?
AFL players can kick and catch with great ease, however I would assume that Hall will be used as an outside back where his kicking is taken out of his game.
Halfback and Five-eighth wouldn’t be suitable as he wouldn’t have the passing skills and game-reading ability.
The tackling is also a huge change, coming from a sport where tackling below the knees and around the shoulders is illegal and pushes in the back outlawed. In the NRL contact is allowed all over the body except the head, obviously.
Hall wouldn’t be used to blokes diving at his legs, making huge contact around the shoulders and giving him a push in the back here and there.
Then there are the massive advantages. With Hall’s towering height of 197 centimetres it would be a huge task for anyone to match it with him when a cross-field attacking kick is implemented. The only other player with AFL-like jumping ability is Daniel Tupou.
For this transfer to be worth it he will need to learn to read gameplay, build his passing skills, change tackling tactics and alter the way he runs with the ball in hand.
I don’t think he will be a star NRL player but I am happy for him to prove me wrong.
Happy Jack
Guest
Hes 25, trimmed down to play AFL, hasn't played RL for years maybe they are going to change the rules so it is compulsory to kick for the corner in the air on 6th tackle instead of only 60% of the time....
Hosea
Roar Pro
He was signed for a reason, you would have to assume that he would have the potential to do well in the NRL. Phil Gould isn't one to buy into stunts like the Israel Folau saga.
Az
Guest
The only other player with AFL-like jumping ability is Daniel Tupou. Interesting comment, Edrick Lee just to name one other, and there are more. Nabuli perhaps Sidenote: you might not of watched a Raiders game recently, them rarely being on FTA and being bashed so regularly by the Media, so understandable.
Mike
Guest
I agree Edward, he'll have to put a few kilos on. AFL players train like Kenyan long distance runners. He'll need more explosive power and speed in the NRL. Personally I don't think he'll play a first grade game but am happy for him to prove me wrong.
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
I see afl players and I think they need a good feed!
Ken
Guest
Who knows? Let's see what he's got. You would assume at that height, with an AFL and high jump background he's got to be a weapon in the air that could potentially make Tupou look ordinary. The true test will probably be defence. Let's remember though that this isn't a ridiculous Folau, Hunt style switch, where established players are paid millions to switch solely for the publicity. He grew up playing Rugby League, was superb in junior athletics, and only played AFL later (and even then just as a fringe first grader). He's not a marketing stunt, if he's not good enough we'll probably never hear his name again.
Pomski
Guest
Well he'd be good in the air that's for sure
Jackso
Guest
The games are completely different but he has played before so he has a chance - why wouldn't he have tried with the Titans or Cowboys - is Gould signing him to set him up to fail.
Jimmmy
Guest
It is not a question whether AFL players can cope with RL but whether this one can. I wish him good luck. He has played the game before so that helps .
Griffo
Guest
The kicking could be useful in limited situations. Sometimes you see the winger break the line on the last tackle but due to it being the last tackle the opposing winger is back to cover. Sometimes in a situation like this you see the winger kick it, usually down the touchline and sometimes this can be very effective. The other option for him is of course fullback after he gains some more experience. He should be good under the high ball and the position allows for more kicks in play. Add some kilos to his frame and he'll be a handful when running the ball back too.
Niall
Guest
Apparently he grew up playing the game. He'll probably be a fringe first grade winger.