Like all Rugby League fans, Rabbitohs Head Coach Michael Maguire got his first glimpse of life under the game’s revised interchange rules last night (Thursday) watching the Broncos and Eels do battle – and the changes were obvious.
The impact on the forwards was most evident to Maguire, with the Head Coach re-iterating the observation that forwards will need to stay on the field longer in 2016 while the backs are set to be the ultimate beneficiaries of the subsequent fatigue.
“I saw at times throughout the game there – especially in the interchange – you’ve got a lot of your forwards that have got to stay out there longer,” said Maguire.
“I think one of the teams there only made two interchanges in the first half, so that’s going to play its part for certain players and you could see that the outside backs of the Broncos sort of came into the game at times.
“I think those sorts of things are going to play a part as we go into the season.”
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The Rabbitohs will open their 2016 campaign this Sunday at Allianz Stadium against the Roosters, with Adam Reynolds set to be the most experienced playmaker playing in the halves on the pitch – Cody Walker set to partner the World All Stars half while a handful of other fresh faces will also be given an opportunity by Head Coach Maguire.
“We’ve obviously got a number of young kids coming in,” said Maguire.
“A lot has been said about Cody – I’m looking forward to seeing how he takes what he’s practiced throughout the pre-season out onto the field.
“He’s showing a lot of confidence about what he’s doing, a lot of control and I think that’s going to play a big part throughout the game.
“But another kid like Zane Musgrove – he’s another kid who sort of excelled over the pre-season and gets a really well-deserved opportunity on the weekend.”
