7th Tackle: Panthers cubs not afraid to run

One of the biggest criticisms of structure-reliant halves in the modern game is that they are too afraid to run the ball.

But that definitely doesn’t apply to young Panthers pair Te Maire Martin and Nathan Cleary.

Playing in just his 20th NRL game against the Storm last weekend, Cleary ran the footy a remarkable 22 times – the second-most carries of any player on the field.

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Martin took it to the line 16 times.

Their combined total was almost double that of rival halves Cooper Cronk and Ryley Jacks.

Cleary only managed to make 31 metres, which is testament to Melbourne’s rushing goal-line defence.

But the fact he and Martin are prepared to consistently put their bodies on the line is a very encouraging indicator of what lies ahead.

Smart coaches always say any halves can be taught to pass, but it’s much more difficult to instill the instinct to run first.