Cast your mind back a couple of years when the nightmare scenario for a coach was the sight of another fresh forward being sent back into the fray to target his small men in the defensive line.
Most clubs benches were packed with behemoths who d punch out 25 minutes at the start of the game and then cool their jets on the bench before re-entering the game in the second half to go full tilt for another 25 minutes.
Targeting opposition halves who d been trying to fell giants the whole game was quite often the first, and second, option.
There was no respite for the little man playing the full 80 minutes in the defensive line and still trying to find the energy to attack when his team had the ball.
New beginnings: The NRL clubs looking for a fresh start in 2021 A Set the default text size A Set large text size
Replay A Set the default text size A Set large text size
With the 2021 NRL season almost upon us, it’s time to take a look at how each team is faring. In Part 1 of my season preview series, we’ll check in with four clubs looking for a fresh start.
Brisbane Broncos
Key additions: John Asiata (Cowboys)
Key subtractions: David Fifita (Titans), Darius Boyd (retired), Matt Gillett (retired), Jack Bird (Dragons), Joe Ofahengaue (Wests Tigers), Andrew McCullough (Dragons)
4
Tries scored by Panthers rookie Charlie Staines on NRL debut against Cronulla in round nine - a feat only six other players have achieved in the game s 112-year history.
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The Clive Churchill Medal was awarded to a Melbourne Storm player for the sixth time in club history after Ryan Papenhuyzen claimed the award.
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The number of days between each State of Origin game, played in a condensed series in the month of November.
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The number of club jerseys in Blake Green s wardrobe after the veteran’s mid-season switch to Newcastle. This includes stints at Hull KR and Wigan in the English Super League.