The NRL’s replacement rule also encourages versatility. With only four players allowed on the bench,most coaches include only one back. Ideally,he is a player who can fill a multitude of backline positions. Cronulla’s versatile Nicho Hynes,the 2022 Dally M winner,has played fullback,centre (where he made a critical error at Origin level),half,five-eighth and in the middle of the field.
Yet today’s players are coached from an early age to specialise. Dividing the field into left and right hemispheres is partly responsible,with some right-side centres incapable of playing on the left. Forwards are divided into middle and edge,where the edge,or wider running ones,are further subdivided into right or left. An NRL training session is Kabuki theatre,the same polished routines over and over.