Over the years we have seen a number of positions evolve as the game of rugby league has changed.
Centres, second rowers and halves now all seem to have their one side of the field that they play on, or even their own narrow ‘channels’ that they run down.
Fullbacks are no longer just the player who can catch bombs, but are expected to be a damaging runner and extra ball player.
But one role that I notice the most change is the lock forward.
I grew up in the 80s and 90s where the lock forwards I remembered were seen as an extra five-eight. Tough enough to tackle all day, but expected to have plenty of ball playing skills.
Names like Brad Clyde, Ellery Hanley, Jim Dymock and Brad McKay Spring to mind. I remember Brad Fittler being named in the 13 for NSW in State of Origin. You wouldn’t see that now. It’s a different story these days, with these kinds of players in the minority.
At present the only ball playing lock regularly named is Greg Bird at the Titans. This is not to downplay the offloading skills of other regular locks like Corey Parker or Sam Burgess, but let’s be honest – you wouldn’t play either of them in the halves. Glenn Stewart was the other name that played what I see as the ‘classic’ lock forward role.
The majority of clubs are now playing a lock forward that is in essence a third prop. Look at the players wearing 13 this weekend.
Sam Moa played at lock last night for the Roosters. Burgess, Parker, David Klemmer, Trent Merrin, Jake Trbojevic, Jason Taumalolo and the quintessential lock/third prop, Paul Gallen are big units whose job it is to tuck the ball under the wing and go forward in a straight line. Sure, they offer more than your standard bookends, but not much.
The other option for clubs seems to be the Dallas Johnson/Alan Tongue style of player, where the lock is expected to tackle all day. Dale Finucane is this kind of player, as is Elijah Taylor or Shaun Fensom.
Jeremy Smith and Beau Scott play a similar role, but more as enforcers than workhorses.
But these kinds of players are increasingly on the outer, as both Taylor and Fensom can attest. Taylor needed a mid-year move to get a start, and Fensom currently running around with Mounties and the hard-running Sia Soliola preferred in Ricky Stuart’s starting line-up.
And when you look at these names, there isn’t that much youth there. Is the time of the tackling machine also limited?
Is the future of the lock forward role being narrowed to just that third prop style? In a game where coaches talk about ‘centre thirds’ and ‘middle units’, where completions are king and structure rules all is there a place for a ball-playing lock?
It feels like the game has moved on.
Dutski
Roar Guru
I don't know Puzzle. He has a handy off load and he has some skills- he was picked in the halves once, but only once as it was a shambles. Handy player though, wherever you play him.
Dutski
Roar Guru
That's what struck me TB, just how much the role has changed. Will it take a standout player to come and redefine the role again, or will it be a coach that devises a new way to use that position?
Puzzle
Guest
Jack De Belin would be closest to a traditional lock outside of Greg Bird
The Barry
Roar Guru
Lock is a really interesting position. When I was younger you had all rounders like Price, Pearce, Clyde, Langmack who could do a bit of everything. But most of the time the position was played as a third second rower. Then in the late 90s it was more like a second 5/8 with guys like Scott Hill, Jim Dymock and even Fittler playing 13. Now it's evolved to being a third prop. It will be interesting to see who breaks the mould first.
Adam
Guest
Sean O'loughlin is the best ball playing loose forward going around when hes fit. I'd love to see bryce cartwright have a go at 13 and a license to roam
Rellum
Roar Guru
I would love to see a forward thinking creative coach give licence to a lock forward(Jason Smith sort of player) to wander to either side of the field and play as a second play maker, a pseudo half back. Terry Matterson did this with massive effect on those great Broncos sides. He was a key player and a very under rated one.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Didn't Graham start as a half in Penrith? He certainly has the skills of a lock, but the modern structures have him confined to a narrow channel on one side. What a waste! Surely you'd want a guy like that having free rein, not stuck on an edge. Meanwhile as you say Squidward, the 13 is playing like an 8.
Harry
Guest
No... Jake Trbojevic and Elijah Taylor still play this role, and well
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Spot on. He basically is lock. Where the no13 Cronulla plays as 8 Funny this article is above. Return of the ball playing forward
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Elijah Taylor is actually a pretty good ball player -- you notice it when he's off the pitch or playing hooker that the Tigers attack gets a bit wobbly. Glenn Stewart may have worn 13 at Manly, but he never really played lock a such, Watmough did the actual lock role while Stewart played on the edge. I suspect at some point we'll see a bit of a flip in the current fullback, lock, and hooker roles with the hooker moving to fullback defensively (players keep getting bigger, but hookers can only really get so big), and an extra forward defending in the line but also attacking as an extra man like the fullback does currently.
Matt
Guest
Wade Graham wears 12, buf plays like a 90's lock. Can create a hole just as well as he can hit one, has a decent kicking game, will play first receiver on long shifts starting on his side, etc.
peeeko
Guest
its a shame and i definitely agree that the lock is now a "middle forward" and another prop. Elijah and Fensom are old style but both have had trouble recently with Fensom being left out by the Raiders and Taylor vut by the Panthers and maybe without a home next year Fantasy football leagues should change whee the term back rower is redundant , a lock and a second rower are very different
Stuart McLennan
Expert
Elijah Taylor has a high work rate and is a tackling machine as you say but he can ball play when called for. The whole split field in to thirds I believe has stifled the impulse play which in turn has made the game more predictable.