As the race for the finals comes to its climax, clubs with depth in key positions seem more likely to make an impact when it counts in September.
Sydney Roosters had the luxury of Sam Verrills filling in for Jake Friend in 2019, and he scored the opening try in their grand final win over Canberra. Andrew Ryan successfully filled in as captain of Canterbury in 2004; Kevin Ward returned to Manly for a cameo appearance in 1987; unheralded winger Matthew Callinan won a premiership with Canterbury in 1985; and older readers would remember George Piggins filling in for Elwyn Walters as South Sydney defeated St George in the decider of 1971.
So how could depth play its role this year? We’re already seeing it. With Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai missing for Penrith until the finals, Sean O’Sullivan and Jaiman Salmon have been tasked with stepping up to keep the Panthers ticking over. They are lucky enough to have Kurt Falls killing it in reserve grade.
Cronulla have Kade Dykes filling it at fullback for the injured Will Kennedy. Dykes has been in top form for Newtown in the NSW Cup, as has barnstorming forward Franklin Pele, who may be called upon in the coming weeks.
Parramatta has to rely on Jake Arthur to fill in for Mitchell Moses for the next few weeks. Arthur played probably his best game for the Eels as they ended Manly’s finals chances last Friday.
South Sydney have Izaac Thompson coming in on the wing, and he already looks like a genuine first grader. They may lack some depth in the forwards and would be hoping George Burgess can come back at a crucial time during the finals.
Melbourne? No Jarome Hughes. No Ryan Papenhuyzen. No Christian Welch since round one. No side has been more ravaged with injuries, yet the Storm are still likely to finish in the top four. Craig Bellamy’s ‘next man up’ programme has worked well for years now, but the fact that they are borrowing players from other clubs must mean they are seriously stretched.
Sydney Roosters know all about being stretched. Last year they lost club captains Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner, as well as veterans Josh Morris and Brett Morris. This year they have also struggled with injuries in key positions, but the players who filled in last year are now genuine first graders. The Roosters may be more resilient than any other club at this time of the year.
Legendary coaches from Bob Fulton to Wayne Bennett have stated that you need everything to go right to win a premiership. Injuries will always play their part, and it may come down to depth in key positions that determines which clubs progress to the grand final.