Both the half-back and five-eighth are ball players as you know, they direct the ball around, try to create gaps, control the tempo of the game and do most of the kicking. Basically the main tacticians of the side. Usually a halfback will direct play on one side of the field and the five eighth will control the other. 5/8s tend to do more running though, they take the line on more than a half back. If I was you I wouldn't worry too much about trying to play like a traditional 5/8. Play it as you see it, use your instincts to create opportunities for yourself and your teammates. Know what kind of kicks to put in depending on the state of the defense and tempo of the game. Talk to your coach and see what he wants from you, then you can add your own unique style of play to what he wants. Communicate with the half back and get use to playing with him because you two are the playmakers. My favourite 5/8 when I was growing up was Laurie Daley. Watch some of the 5/8s in today's game, pick up things from each of them and add your own style.
