Beale to five-eighth next year?

[ningnangnong]

If you haven't already, have a read of Jeb's article on the frontpage - http://broncoshq.com/content.php/151-Gerard-Beale-Could-he-be-the-bolter-for-the-6

Thought it would be worth discussing in its own thread.

I think Gerard Beale has proven this year that he's wasted on the wing. Although I still believe that Josh Hoffman is a better fullback, Beale isn't too far behind and could easily assume the mantle at another club.

The idea of moving him to five-eighth interests me. I was saying to Jeb last night, there seems to have been a shift in the game towards 'faster' halves. Benji Marshall, Jamie Soward, Jarrod Mullen, Cooper Cronk, etc. Of course they've got all the other attributes you need to make it in the halves, but their speed just makes them so much more threatening.

I've no idea if Beale has the passing or kicking game required to play five-eighth, but it would be a damn shame to keep him stuck out on the wing. He needs more involvement than that.

 

[Bucking Beads]

I think it could work but I am happy to live with whatever Griffin decides. He is an absolute gun who I hope we don't lose to another club.

 

[PETERN]

Didn't he use to play in the halves occasionally in the u20's and lower grades?

He's also played lock previously.

(someone correct me if I'm wrong)

 

[ningnangnong]

Didn't he use to play in the halves occasionally in the u20's and lower grades?

He's also played lock previously.

(someone correct me if I'm wrong)

You are right!

http://www.rleague.com//db/player/b/beale_gerard/index.php

 

[PETERN]

From memory he was more the running half then the playmaker. I'm all for giving him the opportunity to learn and develop over the off season, but he would need to add to his creativity and improve his kicking greatly.

 

[noisetheory]

i like the idea.

i agree hoffman is a better fullback but beale i really think is wasted on the wing. i actually made that very point to a mate after the warriors game. hadnt thought of 5/8 though!

 

[jarro65]

I'm not a fan of the idea.

His running game is his strong point so i'd actually prefer him to move to the centres rather than the halves.

 

[Meat77]

I remember watching the first ever game of Toyota Cup where he was playing 5/8 and thinking "man, this kid is a gun!" If I'm not mistaken he created a lot that day including a chip and chase try for himself.

He hasn't really shown that in first grade (or maybe he hasn't be able to show it given he's been on the wing or bench most of the time) but I certainly think he's worth a look in the trials next year at least.

 

[ethos]

Not sure about this one.. Beale is a great individual runner but I don't think he has enough playmaking ability at this point to be in the halves. I'd rather give a Hunt/Wallace pairing first crack.

He'll still see plenty of action in the top grade next season on the wing and he'd be first in line for the centre spot when Hodges gets injured.

With Hunt at halfback, an interesting position for Beale would be bench utility. He seems quite versatile considering he's played wing, centre and fullback in the top grade plus five-eighth and lock in NYC. Could come on and just roam the field haha

 

[user_nat]

I guess it would be similar to Widdop at Melbourne. Which I didn't think would work as well as it has.
However, they have Cronk/Smith so probably don't need a "proper" play making 5/8 as much as we do. I'm yet to see anything from Beale to show that he would be more than a running 5/8. Not that he gets many chances to do so.

 

[Browny]

Good dilemma to have tho with Norman, hunt and Beale all vying for spots

 

[Coxy]

I'd say it's down to Norman, Hunt and Capewell to be honest. I think Beale will only be considered if none of those 3 particularly impresses during the offseason/trials.

 

[Porthoz]

Never seen Beale at 5/8, never seen any real "ball skills" from him or a kicking game. So I can't really comment unless I've seen him do it. I'd be sticking with what Coxy said until Beale can prove that he has those skills.

^^^^This

I have seen many U20's games where Beale was basically used where ever necessary except prop, but he never showed much of a passing/kicking game, and I don't think that's something he could master in a pre-season either, unless he has some skills unknown to me...

I like the idea of using him as the utility, which is what I always saw him as until he seriously surprised me with his displays at FB, as he is clearly less comfortable when stuck to a fringe.

He's so unlucky to be in the same team as Hoffman, who is just that bit better than him, and will probably pip him to the NZ FB position too. Reminds me of Prince stuck behind Locky and Thurston for rep halves, while being a great playmaker himself...

 

[Coxy]

Speaking of the NZ team, given Hoffman is out, would you think Beale will play fullback or will they put Kevin Locke there? What wing options do they have? Obviously Manoops Vatudrops on one, but what about the other wing? Maybe Beale and Locke will both be picked with 1 on the wing, 1 at fullback.

Then when Hoffman comes back?

Amazing to have 3 quality fullbacks like that.

 

[Fozz]

I think Nightingale will partner Manuoops.

Beale could end up being the bench utility. He's got more size than Hohihohia.

 

[Coxy]

I think Nightingale will partner Manuoops.

Beale could end up being the bench utility. He's got more size than Hohihohia.

Of course, Nightingale.

Beale on the bench would be a good option.

The Locke vs Hoffman battle for the number 1 will be good to watch the next few years. Gee NZ could be strong in the next few years.

 

[Bucking Beads]

I am pretty sure Beale played some QLD cup in the 6. I doubt it is in the plans of the club to have him in the 6 next year but I think it is worth a look in the trials.

 

[john1420]

Would Beale at fullback with Hoffman in the halves be considered?

I don't know if the Hoff has the skills there - just a question!