In professional rugby league, the effectiveness of a halfback or five-eighth’s running game has traditionally been vital for a team’s success. However, in today’s fast-paced game, its significance is being questioned. This season has showcased a mix of performances among playmakers like Jamal Fogarty, an experienced halfback, and promising newcomer Isaiya Katoa. Conversely, the partnership of Kyle Flanagan and Lachlan Ilias has faced challenges, with Ilias recently dropped from the Dragons following a disappointing stint where he was expected to fill Ben Hunt’s shoes.
Lachlan Ilias has struggled with game management, earning only two try assists in seven games while primarily handling general-play kicking duties. According to premiership-winning player Greg Alexander, Ilias’s lack of a running game has been detrimental, stating, “Just run the ball, because it will solve a lot of problems.” The statistics support this, as Flanagan and Ilias rank near the bottom in terms of average run metres—a mere 103 per game for the duo, compared to other halves partnerships in the league, which average upwards of 130 run metres.
Teams like the Raiders, with a combination of Fogarty and young gun Ethan Strange, rank higher in average run metres, as do the more successful halves partnerships at clubs like the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs. Although the Penrith Panthers boast talented playmakers like Nathan Cleary, they sit at the bottom of the ladder, illustrating that a strong running game does not always correlate with victories.
In contrast, the Gold Coast Titans’ dynamic duo of AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell average 190 metres combined but still face inconsistencies in their game results. This suggests that while running skills are advantageous, relying solely on them is not a guaranteed formula for success.
To some extent, Alexander’s argument highlights a crucial aspect—halves that run more can alleviate pressure and improve performance. Yet, many successful players, including seasoned campaigners like Hunt and Reynolds, demonstrate that experience and strategic game management can be just as essential, if not more so, than simply running the ball. Hence, it’s crucial for struggling teams to delve into their play’s finer details for improvement, rather than just focussing on increasing run metres.