Quote: Biff Tannen "And how many half backs have been ruined or had to go down the leagues and rebuild their career because they were entrusted too early on, quite a few over the last few years i reckon. '"
Can you name one? just one. Because I would say none. Infact I would say the complete oppossite. If they are "ruined" it is entirely because they were not trusted and developed, and even then I can only name Moore, Brambani, and Briggs (although I don't think he ever did get a shot anyway).
By contrast, the likes of Tomkins, Williams, Fages, Myler (before big money move), all flourished. And that is not just in super league, over the pond too.
I agree with your other point though, that generally you find people moving into those positions now rather than starting off there. For me though, that is down to the level of coaching, and just do not know how to coach half backs.