Origin 2026

[Josh]

I have a theory based on someone else's theory around halves in origin and developing them.

A better league brain than myself once postulated that the last great era of the best of the best halves was early 90's to the start of the 2000's. Think John's, Daley, langer, Stuart, and even Lyons. All of those guys to differing degrees played in the unlimited interchange era. Johns specifically being exposed to it at a relatively young age. His theory was that these guys who were going to be good no matter what got better because they played when opposition players, specifically forwards, could come on and off the field over and over to stay fresh. These great halves has to adapt to looking up at a defensive line and seeing no tired defenders and a lineup that might change every set. In the modern game where structure breaks down defense because people wear out, but these guys back in the day did not have the same luxury, and so had to go a step further to still do their job as a playmaker. It meant reading what you saw not what you were told would happen, and you get an Andrew Johns as a result, who especially in origin was elite.

Cleary plays exceptionally well in structured club games because it is what he was developed for, but cannot compete when he looks up and sees a fired up team of maroons who don't break down when he tries to wear them out.

I get the point but unlimited interchange only lasted for 1 round. It believe it was 12 for a year then 10 for a couple of years and 8 since.

 

[midlands hobo]

I have a theory based on someone else's theory around halves in origin and developing them.

A better league brain than myself once postulated that the last great era of the best of the best halves was early 90's to the start of the 2000's. Think John's, Daley, langer, Stuart, and even Lyons. All of those guys to differing degrees played in the unlimited interchange era. Johns specifically being exposed to it at a relatively young age. His theory was that these guys who were going to be good no matter what got better because they played when opposition players, specifically forwards, could come on and off the field over and over to stay fresh. These great halves has to adapt to looking up at a defensive line and seeing no tired defenders and a lineup that might change every set. In the modern game where structure breaks down defense because people wear out, but these guys back in the day did not have the same luxury, and so had to go a step further to still do their job as a playmaker. It meant reading what you saw not what you were told would happen, and you get an Andrew Johns as a result, who especially in origin was elite.

Cleary plays exceptionally well in structured club games because it is what he was developed for, but cannot compete when he looks up and sees a fired up team of maroons who don't break down when he tries to wear them out.

Agree somewhat, Cleary needs the structure and plan. In Origin the guys are not together long enough to develop systems and so its basically heads up play what you see and react to what happens and i don't think he has the shall we say imagination.