Stereotypes exist for a reason. While lumping a whole lot of people together as being exactly the same is pretty dumb, some have been a bit of weight behind them. It’s long been a rugby league stereotype that the teams from the Pacific islands are aggressive, tough and physical while lacking that classy half play that is so important. It’s pretty true.

We've been given a good glimpse at Samoa in the Four Nations and they provide an interesting test case. I’ve my opinions about having Kyle Stanley at half back too many times and it’s not unrealistic to suggest that had he and Ben Roberts didn’t add the touches of class that their team needed. But it’s not all them, they both, well Roberts has definitely thrived in his role alongside Cooper Cronk in Melbourne. He was pretty good this season and offers a decent running game, bullet passes and a honed left boot, but put him in the position where he’s the main man and he’s not so efficient.

To be honest, I’d rather see Kyle Stanley at full back and I want to see Tim Simona get more ball up in the front line. But then you’ve got Joey Leilua playing well and the likes of Tim Lafai and Tautau Moga also there sniffing for a centre spot so I don’t know. I say all that because I want to see Penani Manumealii get a run in the 7 jersey.

I don’t know if he’s injured or just out of favour but having him at 7 would offer the more classic barking out orders, leading the team around, a bit of nippy speed and footwork along with the kicking game you would expect of a reserve grade half (which is much better than yours, or mine). That would allow Roberts to solely focus on his left side which is where he looks dangerous. While he sets up already on the left, Stanley doesn’t own the game enough to let Roberts do what simply needs to be done.

However, Stanley hasn’t been terrible. He’s just not a half, nor is he a hooker ... he’s, well no one knows what he is, that’s the problem. For me he’s either a fullback or a centre, fullback would allow him to chime in to the line when needed and show off his half like skill without the constant pressure. While Simona is an absolute livewire, he doesn’t have the all round game of Stanley. Plus he needs his mits on the ball way more, he’s a weapon.

The problem is that there’s a lot of guys floating around and no one who screams specialist half and demands selection. It’s not detrimental to the performance of the Samoans but in international rugby league you’ve got to have absolutely top shelf forwards and backs to not rely on your halves. It’s not solely the Samoans, name me the halves for Tonga and Fiji right now off the top of your dome. You can’t. It’s ok, but you get the point.

The other problem is that it’s not like it’s the responsibility for Samoa and the other islands to produce halves. The majority of the players are born in New Zealand and Australia, which makes it hard to grow the right systems to produce halves. Ah, not to mention the silly rules that will allow players representing Samoa to play State of Origin next year. Any young great Samoan half will be guided down a path to Origin or the black and white jersey, not ideal.

It’s a tricky situation, would I rather see the island nations buck the trend and bring their own dominating half-less style or follow the proven formula of some classy halves controlling things. I kind of enjoy watching their unique style, or is it just that I’m scared they could consistently beat the Kiwis and Kangaroos if they have a pair of top shelf halves.