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Find your frequency hereDebate: Which team can win the premiership without No. 7
Nicholas Quinlan • July 25th, 2025 4:34 pm
The halfback position is easily one of the most important ones on the Rugby League field.
As part of the spine, they serve an important role in the team’s ability to succeed, often being the first receiver from when the ball is played.
And in the majority of cases within the NRL, they also bear the bulk of the kicking responsibility.
With so much importance on the position, an injury to a team’s starting halfback could prove the fatal blow to any premiership hopes.
After Thursday night’s match between the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters which saw Dally M Medallist and Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes dislocate his left shoulder, Corey Parker asked:
“Which side can win without their No. 7?” he said on SENQ Breakfast.
“I’ve only got two teams that can win without their No. 7.”
Later in the show, Parker would then reveal his answer, believing that it would be the Broncos and the Storm that have this capacity.
“I think the Broncos and the Melbourne Storm can still win without their starting No. 7,” Parker said.
“Given the fact that Benny Hunt is playing at nine (for the Broncos).
“And I think Tyrone Wishart can fulfil a role there (for the Storm).
Kevie Walters was asked the same question by Parker and while he agreed that both Storm and the Broncos could win it without their starting No. 7, the new Kangaroos coach added another team to the mix.
“Most good clubs have got good depth in the halves,” Walters noted.
“I think Jonah Pezet down there at the Storm, they’ve got Wishart there as well, who can slot into that No. 7 jumper.
“And the Broncos, as we know, have got good depth in all those key positions.
“Penrith, I think, would be a team that, with their depth, would be a good team.”
Ian Healy backed the Raiders to still win the premiership without Jamal Fogarty at No. 7.
“I think (Ethan) Sanders could slot in there as well with a bit of excitement,” he added.
