i was disappointed too it didnt come off.

i suppose if brough or robbo get injured then grix will fill in.

if we kept robbo on the bench then lunt or faiumu would have to miss out and this is no good, we need all our best players on the pitch, this scenario allows us to do so.

like the thought of chan/ferres/taai and odonnell doing some damage on the outside manu is top class player, nathan brown nabbed him!

I think this switch around in the halves is a gamble myself,I hope it comes off but need to be convinced very early on in the campaign.

It's hardly a gamble, they have played in those positions before.

I don't recall Brough playing as second receiver (pivot) before for us,charged with putting players into gaps in the style of a Finch or a Briers.IMO his best attributes at 7 were his kicking game,and also his quick feet,that could see him step around players rushing up at him.Often thought his picking of the correct runner out wide, if the halves were split,was an aspect of his game that needed some work.

Robinson not so much of a gamble admittedly,the kicking game obviously not as strong though.

does anyone else think as i do that a new half back isnt dead just yet and 4 or 5 matches into the new season they might sign one agents here and in aus know we are on the lookout so when teams get settled just maybe a quality one may come available

will have to wait and see...

I've been saying for ages i reckon we're going to make a signing after the season starts ala Stanley Gene/Liam Fulton...i dont think we will just 'give up' looking for a half back and accept what we have if we have cap space !

They've stated who are going to be the halves,so let's go with that.They have all this pre-season to practice their combinations.Plus halves are only as good as the lines and options coming off them.So plenty of work for the coaching staff there.

Gaskell has been given the number 20 shirt at saints- so it doesn't look as if NB sees him in the starting lineup. Shame as he could have been playing every week for us!

He'll soon be propping for Saints, don't worry

Robbo has not got the best kicking game but he is very capable of kicking a ball. He might not be as good as brough but I know robbo is working very hard on his kicking game and with brough and thorman there to help I am sure he will be ok.

Brough played stand off a few games last season and if he goes to 2nd receiver then it means he has that extra 2 seconds and we all know what he can do with time and ball in hand.

seems brown didnt want us to have him

nevermind, robbo and brough is still very good combo

Brearley it appears saints don't want to allow decent players to go and improve their opposition-perhaps a case of once bitten NB?