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Dave Craven: Hard-working wingers getting their just rewards
EVERYONE has their own distinct memories of a winger in full flight.
Mine include Leeds's incomparable Australian Andrew Ettinghausen gracefully gliding around a bemused opponent without seemingly breaking sweat nor stride, and the vastly under-rated Wigan flier Mark Preston scorching opponents with his sheer uncomplicated pace before the famous club even thought about shelling out a world record fee for Martin Offiah.
I also admired the more rugged approach of the late St John Ellis as he persistently bullied opponents with great zeal at Wheldon Road but each era has its own legends; whether it be Billy Boston, Brian Bevan or Tom Van Vollenhoven, Eric Harris or Clive Sullivan, exciting wingers have captured the imagination throughout the sport's history.
There is an argument that the modern-day version is, like so many positions, suffering from the evolution of the standardised prototype rugby league player – possibly sacrificing some of the traditional pace for the strength and power which sees them just as likely to play centre or maybe do a stint at second-row.
Indeed, no longer can a winger loiter on his flank simply awaiting an opportunity; he must come infield and relieve the pressure on his forwards by taking the ball up early in the tackle count, often darting from dummy half and then being involved later in the set out wide.
Some get through so much work they actually resemble the battered warplane made famous by Harold Adamson and Jimmie McHugh's 1943 song Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer, making it all the more remarkable when they do have the energy to finish try-scoring chances and do not just splutter home like a stricken Spitfire.
However, for all the changing demands placed upon them – defending the now ubiquitous crossfield kick is another equally as bruising and crucial skill – wingers are enjoying a vintage year when it comes to fulfilling their traditional role.
A quick glance at the Super League try-scoring list sees the leading eight are all widemen.
Wigan's Pat Richards is out in front with 25 touchdowns, followed by team-mate Darrell Goulding, who is level with Huddersfield's David Hodgson on 23, before Warrington pair Chris Riley (22) and Chris Hicks (21), Huddersfield's England hopeful Leroy Cudjoe, who ties with St Helens' Francis Meli on 19, and Leeds's Ryan Hall – last season's victor – one behind.
It has been their most productive campaign for many years, certainly since the advent of the summer era, and, although it seems unlikely anyone will ever trouble feats like Offiah's 58 touchdowns for Widnes in 1988-89, let alone Huddersfield's Albert Rosenfeld, who scored 80 in 1913-14, it is an encouraging sign.
Undoubtedly, more tries are emanating from last-play kicks to the flanks, where the height of Richards causes havoc for opposition defences, with Hall similarly strong. It is something which all sides practise religiously before kick-off but there is certainly more adventure as well with the Huddersfield duo benefitting greatly from the crisp handling of Brett Hodgson and Kevin Brown.
Granted, many of those mentioned have switched positions at various points throughout the year, Richards featuring at full-back, Cudjoe operating there and in the centre, while Goulding has also played some games inside as has Meli in recent weeks.
But, in years to come, people will look back on 2010 as a time when wingers returned to their former glories and reminded all of the force they can be.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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