6 man Bench Utilisation

[Lestronge]

I feel like this is a slept on new innovation this year , and I’m curious as to the makeup of people’s preferred bench .
For me I think I’d go with Specialist Back , spine player/utliity , specialist 9 , edge backrower, and 2 middles .
If we do eventually transition AD to lock or even Andrew’s pushes through to 13 , you could probably run 2 middles 1 Seyfarth type edge/ middle hybrid , an edge and specialist 9 and a utility .
Curious as to people’s thoughts ….

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

I feel like this is a slept on new innovation this year , and I’m curious as to the makeup of people’s preferred bench .
For me I think I’d go with Specialist Back , spine player/utliity , specialist 9 , edge backrower, and 2 middles .
If we do eventually transition AD to lock or even Andrew’s pushes through to 13 , you could probably run 2 middles 1 Seyfarth type edge/ middle hybrid , an edge and specialist 9 and a utility .
Curious as to people’s thoughts ….

Like it L, only change for me would be a backrower who can handle the middle as well before you consider eventuality.

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

I think teams will pick 4 forwards, 1 back and a utility (prime hooker/lock coverage) as the 6.

They will then hold out for the last interchange player until the 60-65min mark in most games.

It’s basically means the extended bench players don’t get reduced now and some players are going to get less development game time if not managed well,

For us I think Bunty/Hunt/Twal/Fainu/Seyfarth pending who gets the 13 spot makes sense for forwards (assuming Pole/May start).

Utility will probably be Bird or Latu for us.

Biggest risk will be Api coverage as I just don’t see how he can play 80mins every week or that we have anyone ready to cover impact wise for 20-30mins a game at hooker.

 

[weststigers]

I don't think it will make a difference to the bottom teams and will probably strengthen the better teams.

 

[gregjm87]

Is this officially happening, or still a suggested change?
I hate it.

 

[innsaneink]

Is this officially happening, or still a suggested change?
I hate it.

Think its still pending
NRL want it but have to run it by RLPA and clubs

The change was initially proposed at a meeting with senior coaches including Wayne Bennett, Ivan Cleary, Craig Bellamy, Ricky Stuart, Michael Maguire and Craig Fitzgibbon so they seem to favour it

 

[upthetigers]

I think teams will pick 4 forwards, 1 back and a utility (prime hooker/lock coverage) as the 6.

They will then hold out for the last interchange player until the 60-65min mark in most games.

It’s basically means the extended bench players don’t get reduced now and some players are going to get less development game time if not managed well,

For us I think Bunty/Hunt/Twal/Fainu/Seyfarth pending who gets the 13 spot makes sense for forwards (assuming Pole/May start).

Utility will probably be Bird or Latu for us.

Biggest risk will be Api coverage as I just don’t see how he can play 80mins every week or that we have anyone ready to cover impact wise for 20-30mins a game at hooker.

If Bird sees first grade this year I will not be happy. Such a wasted spot.

 

[jrtiger]

I feel like this is a slept on new innovation this year , and I’m curious as to the makeup of people’s preferred bench .
For me I think I’d go with Specialist Back , spine player/utliity , specialist 9 , edge backrower, and 2 middles .
If we do eventually transition AD to lock or even Andrew’s pushes through to 13 , you could probably run 2 middles 1 Seyfarth type edge/ middle hybrid , an edge and specialist 9 and a utility .
Curious as to people’s thoughts ….

I absolutely love that they're doing it. so often in European Football managers are often judged by how their substitutes affect a game. while it's been done mainly to prevent injuries killing off a team, you could really see the great coaches utilise it to their team's benefit.

me personally I'd be running with similar to yourself:

14. Hooker / Lock (Murray)
15. Impact Middle (Sione)
16. Workhorse Middle (Afoa)
17. Backrower (Seyfarth)
18. Outside Back (Makasini)
19. Fullback / Half (Attard / Mason)

 

[Airport05]

I might be in the minority here, but I actually liked what I saw from Charlie Murray last year when he stepped up to first grade. I think he has the makings of a decent hybrid 9/13. Could spell Api for 15-20 and also join the forward rotation if required. He'd be my smokey for the 14 jersey if Douehi goes to 13 once Latu comes back.

 

[clontarfkid]

Is this officially happening, or still a suggested change?
I hate it.

Me too.
I actually want less interchanges,and more focus and opportunity for the fitter little guys against tiring forwards
Its gonna crush them and remove them from the game
Was talking about it yesterday at lunch with a fringe ex Balmain 1st grader and former Wallaby,both with significant knee and back issues btw,
and the long term increased threat of dementia from the increasing size and speed of the game /current class action of rugby in UK and USA was discussed
NRL product is fantastic entertainment, but these current players are gonna be totally busted at 50..and someone needs to take ownership and responsibility
We all agreed Viands is doing a great job...but may come back and bite the game long term
Needs to be a leader in every area, not just todays tv audiences and game attendance

 

[kiwitiger]

I absolutely love that they're doing it. so often in European Football managers are often judged by how their substitutes affect a game. while it's been done mainly to prevent injuries killing off a team, you could really see the great coaches utilise it to their team's benefit.

me personally I'd be running with similar to yourself:

14. Hooker / Lock (Murray)
15. Impact Middle (Sione)
16. Workhorse Middle (Afoa)
17. Backrower (Seyfarth)
18. Outside Back (Makasini)
19. Fullback / Half (Attard / Mason)

God that bench is depressing.
No injuries and that is what we could be looking at.
This new idea will only help the better teams.
Charlie Murray and Mason even been thought of being named really shows our lack of depth

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

I might be in the minority here, but I actually liked what I saw from Charlie Murray last year when he stepped up to first grade. I think he has the makings of a decent hybrid 9/13. Could spell Api for 15-20 and also join the forward rotation if required. He'd be my smokey for the 14 jersey if Douehi goes to 13 once Latu comes back.

I thought he was off pace, his ball distribution was ordinary and he at times turned his back when getting onside.

I don’t have him as a regular bench spot to cover for Api at this stage - but there is an opportunity for someone to step up.

 

[innsaneink]

I absolutely love that they're doing it. so often in European Football managers are often judged by how their substitutes affect a game. while it's been done mainly to prevent injuries killing off a team, you could really see the great coaches utilise it to their team's benefit.

me personally I'd be running with similar to yourself:

14. Hooker / Lock (Murray)
15. Impact Middle (Sione)
16. Workhorse Middle (Afoa)
17. Backrower (Seyfarth)
18. Outside Back (Makasini)
19. Fullback / Half (Attard / Mason)

But if things go smoothly injury wise etc....you have guys like Maka and Attard not getting games anywhere

The more i think about this the less i.like it

 

[gregjm87]

But if things go smoothly injury wise etc....you have guys like Maka and Attard not getting games anywhere

The more i think about this the less i.like it

That's one of my issues at first. 2 players every week missing games as unused bench options. But then this is already happening with at least 1 player currently and often teams send squads of 19 to away games to cover injuries so I'm a little less miffed then I was previously.
I still don't like the rule at all.

I understand it is supposed to help with injury cover but again some clubs have quality depth whilst others do not. And whilst they shouldn't be penalized for having that depth it is possibly driving a bigger wedge between the good and bad quality teams.

It also takes a little away from seeing differing tactics such as a 4 forward bench looking to punch through the ruck vs the smaller, high leg speed bench with the running hooker trying run the big guys off their feet. The question of do you/don't you carry a back to cover injury at the risk of gassing your forwards without that extra option no longer exists.

Finally it diminishes the value and role of a utility.

 

[king_sirro]

But if things go smoothly injury wise etc....you have guys like Maka and Attard not getting games anywhere

The more i think about this the less i.like it

Nothing will beat the old days where lower grades always played before the main game and guys would sit on the first grade bench in case of injuries. It was a great way to cover unlikey circumstances and to give youngsters a taste. It was also exciting to be a friend or family member in the crowd and your relo doesn't come out the sheads, then you see them sitting on the bench. I used to love it

 

[king_sirro]

I might be in the minority here, but I actually liked what I saw from Charlie Murray last year when he stepped up to first grade. I think he has the makings of a decent hybrid 9/13. Could spell Api for 15-20 and also join the forward rotation if required. He'd be my smokey for the 14 jersey if Douehi goes to 13 once Latu comes back.

I agree with you. No idea why he copped so much negativity. His ball playing was better than any forward we had produced all year and he ran hard. I dont have him in my top 17, but he is better than what many gave him credit for

 

[hank37w]

I absolutely love that they're doing it. so often in European Football managers are often judged by how their substitutes affect a game. while it's been done mainly to prevent injuries killing off a team, you could really see the great coaches utilise it to their team's benefit.

me personally I'd be running with similar to yourself:

14. Hooker / Lock (Murray)
15. Impact Middle (Sione)
16. Workhorse Middle (Afoa)
17. Backrower (Seyfarth)
18. Outside Back (Makasini)
19. Fullback / Half (Attard / Mason)

Where do you have Hunt?

Starting or L.R.O. (Left Right Out/Reggies)

Not being critical just curious, respect your opinion, think there are way more options available than we have had for quite a while.

 

[Leck]

This is the game changer PV should have introduced alongside the 6 again rule in 2020

By extending the bench, you're not only allowing coaches to play a smarter tactical game but you're also ensuring longevity and development across senior and junior players

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

But if things go smoothly injury wise etc....you have guys like Maka and Attard not getting games anywhere

The more i think about this the less i.like it

Or it allows Benji to rotate the kids to get the experience more frequently if he does that.

My biggest fear though is exactly what you called out.

 

[jadtiger]

Me too.
I actually want less interchanges,and more focus and opportunity for the fitter little guys against tiring forwards
Its gonna crush them and remove them from the game
Was talking about it yesterday at lunch with a fringe ex Balmain 1st grader and former Wallaby,both with significant knee and back issues btw,
and the long term increased threat of dementia from the increasing size and speed of the game /current class action of rugby in UK and USA was discussed
NRL product is fantastic entertainment, but these current players are gonna be totally busted at 50..and someone needs to take ownership and responsibility
We all agreed Viands is doing a great job...but may come back and bite the game long term
Needs to be a leader in every area, not just todays tv audiences and game attendance

Agreed,fatigue should always be a part of the game as it allows nippier skillful players more of an opportunity to break up defences.