LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Calls are being made for South Sydney to consider moving Latrell Mitchell out of fullback following his latest injury setback, with suggestions that the star could benefit from a change in position to manage his workload.
Similarly, Manly's Tom Trbojevic has been drawn into the conversation due to his own history of hamstring issues that have kept him off the field in the past.
Mitchell's absence from the Charity Shield game against the Dragons this weekend, along with forward Cameron Murray's injury, has left the Rabbitohs reeling.
The loss of Murray to a suspected achilles tendon rupture could see him sidelined for up to eight months, a significant blow for the team as they prepare to face the Dolphins in their season opener.
Former rugby league player Joel Caine has suggested that both Mitchell and Trbojevic could benefit from a shift in position, moving them from fullback to centre in defense to help preserve their bodies throughout the season.
By reducing the number of carries they are required to make from the back of the field, Caine believes that they can still have a significant impact on attack in a hybrid role.
Caine is advocating for a new approach, suggesting that putting Mitchell and Trbojevic in the centres could allow them to play a more versatile role on the field, without being limited to one side.
By utilizing their skills in a different position, Caine believes that they could continue to have a positive impact on the game without the added physical strain of playing fullback.
In the world of Rugby League, adaptation and strategy are key, and these potential position changes for Mitchell and Trbojevic could be a game-changer for both players and their respective teams.
It remains to be seen whether these calls for change will be heeded, but the debate continues to simmer as the season approaches.