LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has made the bold decision to move Latrell Mitchell into the halves to address his team's injury crisis.
On the contrary, the Sydney Roosters have dropped veteran playmaker Chad Townsend after a disappointing start to the season.
Despite the Roosters making more line-breaks than their opponents in recent games, they have been unable to convert those opportunities into points, resulting in three consecutive losses.
Teammate Connor Watson acknowledged the pressure on the halves, stating, "Being a half, when you win the games, you get the credit.
But when you lose the game or the side is going bad, it's your fault." He emphasized the need for the team to provide better support for the halves by improving discipline and avoiding errors in their own end.
The Roosters have made a significant change by replacing Townsend with youngster Hugo Savala, and there are rumors that Dom Young may also lose his spot to the returning Mark Nawaqanitawase.
Despite the challenges faced by the Roosters, Coach Trent Robinson is determined to make necessary changes to improve the team's performance.
The decision to drop Townsend highlights the high expectations and accountability placed on the halves in a rugby league team.
As Watson noted, the team must work together to create a solid platform for the halves to succeed.
By addressing issues such as discipline and errors, the Roosters aim to make the halves' job easier and turn their season around.
The reshuffling of key players reflects the competitive nature of the NRL and the pressure on teams to deliver results.
Both the Rabbitohs and the Roosters are determined to overcome their respective challenges and get back on track in the competition.
The changes made by Bennett and Robinson highlight the strategic thinking and adaptability required in the fast-paced world of professional rugby league.