Otago 2023
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I do wonder whether Hurley could be converted to a halfback? A spot where plenty of blokes his size have thrived.
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@SouthernMann said in Otago 2023:
I do wonder whether Hurley could be converted to a halfback? A spot where plenty of blokes his size have thrived.
Have thought the same thing myself…but there is no shortage of halfbacks around Dunedin it seems so he’d have to be the absolute goods and leapfrog others that have history
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@SouthernMann said in Otago 2023:
I do wonder whether Hurley could be converted to a halfback? A spot where plenty of blokes his size have thrived.
Totally different skill-set though. You looking for totally different strengths, so I don't think so.
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@frugby said in Otago 2023:
@SouthernMann said in Otago 2023:
I do wonder whether Hurley could be converted to a halfback? A spot where plenty of blokes his size have thrived.
Totally different skill-set though. You looking for totally different strengths, so I don't think so.
Players change potion all the time. He's run backlines from 10. He is bloody strong for his size. He can kick. Probably needs to work on his pass from the base. Is bloody fast. He doesn't fit in top grade rugby in roles where he can get isolated. He has a lot of talent. Find a way to utilise it. Think outside the box with with kid. It would probably only take a season of development. Hastie top halfback. Arscott very overrated. No reason he can't be turned into one.
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@SouthernMann said in Otago 2023:
@frugby said in Otago 2023:
@SouthernMann said in Otago 2023:
I do wonder whether Hurley could be converted to a halfback? A spot where plenty of blokes his size have thrived.
Totally different skill-set though. You looking for totally different strengths, so I don't think so.
Players change potion all the time. He's run backlines from 10. He is bloody strong for his size. He can kick. Probably needs to work on his pass from the base. Is bloody fast. He doesn't fit in top grade rugby in roles where he can get isolated. He has a lot of talent. Find a way to utilise it. Think outside the box with with kid. It would probably only take a season of development. Hastie top halfback. Arscott very overrated. No reason he can't be turned into one.
You could be right, but struggling to think of a player who has converted at the professional level to halfback.
On Arscott, I'm not sure he really is overrated as such, merely has developed a reputation for being overrated, because people have decided he should be better than he is based off selections here or there.
Feel like it is a widely held view that he is a tidy halfback who does the basics well. Slick pass for definite, and quick to the ruck. If we didn't have Hastie, I'd be fine with him as my starting NPC halfback, and think he is perfect for a number three halfback for the Highlanders.
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I can't think of players who have either. Ben SMith went the other way, from a halfback at school to an outside back. I just believe there is some thinking outside of the box required with Hurley. The talent ceiling is high, the height ceiling is very low. You're right with Arscott, he is serviceable. Will do an adequate job.
The next guy who it will be interesting to watch is Dylan Pledger out of Kings. Also an absolute midget, but is a proper halfback.
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@SouthernMann said in Otago 2023:
I can't think of players who have either. Ben SMith went the other way, from a halfback at school to an outside back. I just believe there is some thinking outside of the box required with Hurley. The talent ceiling is high, the height ceiling is very low. You're right with Arscott, he is serviceable. Will do an adequate job.
The next guy who it will be interesting to watch is Dylan Pledger out of Kings. Also an absolute midget, but is a proper halfback.
It is good that they told him early he is a halfback, and not a 10. My understanding is that he has signed as part of the Highlanders High Performance Programme, so they obviously see a future for him. May take him a couple of extra years to develop.
You don't really see them, but you can get away with midgets at halfback, that Viljoen who played for the U20s this year is very small.
On the topic of halfbacks, being positive, I can now see why the Highlanders/Otago went with Hastie over Hotham. I'm not necessarily saying Hastie is better, but can see the clear quality he possesses, add in the fact he is a local guy, and I get it.
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I got a new cap and jacket in the online sale but looks like they’re clearing everything out, makes me wonder if we’re moving on from Gilbert?