The fullback revolution

[Wolfie]

‘F*** this’: Inside brutal reality of NRL’s toughest task... and man who changed it ‘forever’

‘F*** this’: Inside brutal reality of NRL’s toughest task... and man who changed it ‘forever’

www.foxsports.com.au

Its not that this is a bad article as such, but how can you seriously talk about how the fullback role has evolved and not mention Darren Lockyer once?

 

[theshed]

I swear Lockyer’s legacy is being eroded, hey. I haven’t noted the actual examples but the amount of times I’ve heard NRL media types/ex-players rattle off best players, best fullbacks or best five eights and not mentioned his name at all seems to really be increasing.

There was period toward the end of his career and the few years after that he was the first name to come to mind, along with one or two others.

 

[BroncsFan]

‘F*** this’: Inside brutal reality of NRL’s toughest task... and man who changed it ‘forever’

‘F*** this’: Inside brutal reality of NRL’s toughest task... and man who changed it ‘forever’

www.foxsports.com.au

Its not that this is a bad article as such, but how can you seriously talk about how the fullback role has evolved and not mention Darren Lockyer once?

Sydney gaslighting... their MO has been to downgrade Lockyer ever since he retired.

Barely gets mentioned whenever they're talking about the origin dynasty... it's always JT, Billy, Cam and then Cooper... even though Lockyer started it and played more games in the dynasty than Cronk.

Billy wasn't even able to beat out Khunt when he first started in origin.

They talk up Cronk like he's an immortal in waiting so they can downgrade Lockyer.

It doesn't help that Lockyer is a shit commentator and barely explains what's happening on the field... but it's not like JT is any better.

 

[Dash]

Sydney gaslighting... their MO has been to downgrade Lockyer ever since he retired.

Barely gets mentioned whenever they're talking about the origin dynasty... it's always JT, Billy, Cam and then Cooper... even though Lockyer started it and played more games in the dynasty than Cronk.

Billy wasn't even able to beat out Khunt when he first started in origin.

They talk up Cronk like he's an immortal in waiting so they can downgrade Lockyer.

It doesn't help that Lockyer is a shit commentator and barely explains what's happening on the field... but it's not like JT is any better.

He's also inconvenient for their Andrew Johns love-fest.

 

[BroncsFan]

He's also inconvenient for their Andrew Johns love-fest.

Yeah Sydney won't be able to outright claim Joey as better if Darren is rightfully made an immortal... would also mean they can't claim Freddy like he should be somewhere in the conversation.

Sydney is too busy trying to get Brett Kenny as an immortal at this stage... he's been well and truly assessed and passed over at this point, but I can see it happening

 

[Mr Fourex]

‘F*** this’: Inside brutal reality of NRL’s toughest task... and man who changed it ‘forever’

‘F*** this’: Inside brutal reality of NRL’s toughest task... and man who changed it ‘forever’

www.foxsports.com.au

Its not that this is a bad article as such, but how can you seriously talk about how the fullback role has evolved and not mention Darren Lockyer once?

Without reading any follow up or the article you linked .....its obviously pure ignorance.

Could be forgiven for equating Locky only to the no.6....
but again, if your gonna be a professional journo.......be fucken professional.

 

[Wolfie]

I swear Lockyer’s legacy is being eroded, hey. I haven’t noted the actual examples but the amount of times I’ve heard NRL media types/ex-players rattle off best players, best fullbacks or best five eights and not mentioned his name at all seems to really be increasing.

There was period toward the end of his career and the few years after that he was the first name to come to mind, along with one or two others.

Thats a fair point about his legacy being eroded. You could arguably put him up for best fullback or 6 tbh. He proved himself to be one of the very best in both positions, and also as a captain as well. He pretty much did it all as a 1 and a 6.

 

[Mr Fourex]

I swear Lockyer’s legacy is being eroded, hey. I haven’t noted the actual examples but the amount of times I’ve heard NRL media types/ex-players rattle off best players, best fullbacks or best five eights and not mentioned his name at all seems to really be increasing.

No doubt who you're listening to are ex-NSW players/media,
who went through the 8 in a row QLD dynasty ....... and still haven't recovered

and are forever bitter.

 

[1910]

It's not a best fullback ever piece it's a how has fullback defence changed from Potter in the 80's to Edwards, Drinkwater, Mitchell, Walsh and Gutherson.

98% of the write up is modern players and what they do now.

 

[Big Pete]

I'm more upset for Clive and Changa.

I would love to know when the second man-play came into vogue. It really felt like after the 2004 Tri-Series with Lockyer and Minichiello, Bennett made it a key feature of his attack and everyone eventually followed suit.

I think Darbs perfected the timing of the pass, but I don't think he offered the versatility of Hunt.

 

[1910]

I'm more upset for Clive and Changa.

I would love to know when the second man-play came into vogue. It really felt like after the 2004 Tri-Series with Lockyer and Minichiello, Bennett made it a key feature of his attack and everyone eventually followed suit.

I think Darbs perfected the timing of the pass, but I don't think he offered the versatility of Hunt.

They say Johns did it in the 60's, limited footage though.

I can't believe they picked Potter to represent the 1980's and not Belcher or Jack.

Potter was at the Bulldogs, the most boring conservative team in the world so gives a good contrast to 2025.