I`m getting the feeling that many Eels fans have very high expectations for the 2012 season. There are many questions that need to be answered. Will the new signings fit in and be good enough to take us from near last in 2011 to the heights expected? Will the younger players step up to the next level? Will the older guys still be able to play at the top level?
Some people say, even though we didn`t win many games last year, we got close in many of them. If we only had a halfback that could turn those close losses into wins, we would have finished alot higher up the ladder. This is true, but were the Eels close in those games because they played well, or was it because the opposition was taking them lightly? If the Eels were takin lightly last year, they won`t be this year.
Everybody thinks Chris Sandow will be the answer. My main concern is will he be the player the Eels rely on to direct them around. He is not that kind of player. Sandow has come from, arguably, a stronger roster at Souths, yet they failed.
Willie Tonga will add strike out wide, but is he past his best? He seems to have lost pace over the years and he is no stranger to being out with injuries. With Loko out long term the will be relying on Willie to play plenty of football.
I thought the Eels pack lacked punch last year and it has remained much the same for this year. The strike power of the backrow is limited and could be a major problem. Other than Reni, I can`t see the backrow making many line breaks at all.
I don`t think my expectations are too high, are yours?
Replies
With the recruitment that has taken place at the Eels over the past 12 months we can effectively say that Kearney has the team that he wanted from the cattle that was available to him at the time, if he is unable to guide us into the 2012 final series then he would failed us as a coach, the players would have faiked as a team, and then yes the expectations were too high!
The only concern I have is with Kearney. He is the weak link.
You're not concerned about our lack of strike power in the second row, the lack of depth at centre, the potential of being without Hayne, Sandow, Mannah and Tonga through Origin?
Exactly. Can't believe they want to extend his contract when he has achieved nothing. Another huge payout that we can't afford.
I think most people on here would be happy to scrape the eighth spot, and aren't expecting too much more.
I'll be content to be competitive in every game, have the self-belief and strike power to win a game from a losing position, and the mental fortitude to retain a lead through the last 20 minutes.
Word for word Mus...X2
Agree with this statement. I think Top 8 should be a reality. 2013 pending any further signings should be our year to get really fired up
"competitive" well we were so called competitive last season........ we won the last game of the season to avoid the spoon ...losing in a tight game is competitive i dont wanna be competitive i wanna WIN WIN WIN
i hate how alot of people will just accept atleast we were / aslong as we are competitve thats LOSER talk ill take competitive over getting smashed give me WIN WIN WIN not competitive competitive competitive
If we dont win it this year imma kill myself
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