Quote: Pemps "Charnley is similar to Richards although Josh has a bit more 'strike'. A modern fullback is more of a traditional stand off in the mold of Tomkins, Slater, Hayne.... Phelps to some degree. neither Richards or Josh are capable of filling that role effectively enough for me.'"
Completely agree. A modern fullback is more of a 3rd pivot rather than just someone who is fast. To keep playing to these same structures we do now but without Tomkins it is vital we have a fullback with a good passing game. Sam has contributed 18 assists in the league as well as all his tries, you wouldn't get that with Pat or Josh. It's one of the reasons I have reservations when Hardaker is mentioned, he's got excellent speed and footwork but I don't think he'd be creative enough to play as a fullback in our system. I think within SL there is only really Ratchford or Lomax who I think could offer the same sort of attacking threat as Sam does (though not to the same standard).