It's a good question. Usually now I see split halves, with the better halfback pairings you can see one half given more of a free role to link up with the opposite side of the pitch, this allows better players to 'play what's in front of them' rather than sticking to structures.

When Lockyer played for Aus with JT, Aus often lined up with the 6 as the second receiver, Lockyer often at times 'sat out' plays, the communication would be between the 9, Smith and JT a 7 to get the 'roll on' with the forwards etc. Lockyer then would be in a position to watch the defensive line and move either side of the ruck, always communicating with his 7 and importantly his FB (Slater) when to chime into the line to form an attack, he operated like an on-field coach.

This is now become another difference between our game RL and RU, who will shift their backs in order to attack different flanks, nearly always lining up 9 (SH) to 10 (FH) to a 12 (IC) to the 13(OS) with then options to bring in the 15 (FB) and winger. (I've even noticed at times a RU winger on the opposite flank working in the play as another option, almost like a RL FB (this is were Ashton found try scoring success with his great support play in RU.

Even if you look at some RL graphics when they line up teams (news.bbc.co.uk/sol/shared/bsp/hi ... /image.gif) They use the old structure.

As we, as most teams employ a split halves attack both halves pretty much need to be an 'old school' 7, a ball player, skilful with hands controlling their half of the attack, this is why the FB in the modern game is so important, they are the 'new stand off' they link up as a second receiver in the line linking to the centres/wingers etc.

For me Williams doesn't control his half, at times runs around like a headless chicken, and in truth as very little to do with Tommy who is on the other side of the pitch.

I feel both 6 and 7 or shall we say 7 and 7 should be great ball players, can open up defences, can control and read a game and have a great kicking game. Game management is the key with a 13 linking between the two halves.

It's a good question. Usually now I see split halves, with the better halfback pairings you can see one half given more of a free role to link up with the opposite side of the pitch, this allows better players to 'play what's in front of them' rather than sticking to structures.

When Lockyer played for Aus with JT, Aus often lined up with the 6 as the second receiver, Lockyer often at times 'sat out' plays, the communication would be between the 9, Smith and JT a 7 to get the 'roll on' with the forwards etc. Lockyer then would be in a position to watch the defensive line and move either side of the ruck, always communicating with his 7 and importantly his FB (Slater) when to chime into the line to form an attack, he operated like an on-field coach.

This is now become another difference between our game RL and RU, who will shift their backs in order to attack different flanks, nearly always lining up 9 (SH) to 10 (FH) to a 12 (IC) to the 13(OS) with then options to bring in the 15 (FB) and winger. (I've even noticed at times a RU winger on the opposite flank working in the play as another option, almost like a RL FB (this is were Ashton found try scoring success with his great support play in RU.

Even if you look at some RL graphics when they line up teams (news.bbc.co.uk/sol/shared/bsp/hi ... /image.gif) They use the old structure.

As we, as most teams employ a split halves attack both halves pretty much need to be an 'old school' 7, a ball player, skilful with hands controlling their half of the attack, this is why the FB in the modern game is so important, they are the 'new stand off' they link up as a second receiver in the line linking to the centres/wingers etc.

For me Williams doesn't control his half, at times runs around like a headless chicken, and in truth as very little to do with Tommy who is on the other side of the pitch.

I feel both 6 and 7 or shall we say 7 and 7 should be great ball players, can open up defences, can control and read a game and have a great kicking game. Game management is the key with a 13 linking between the two halves.