As we head into Christmas, we here at 1Eyed Eel would like to wish all Eels fans a very Merry Christmas.
And we thought we'd bring you what we've asked Santa for on behalf of the Parramatta Eels coming into the 2019 season.
1. MITCHELL MOSES UPGRADE
For a time there, it looked like Mitchell Moses was going to miss Parramatta's turkey dinner, but he managed to sneak his way down the chimney and now it's probably fair to say, our 2019 season is really riding on his shoulders. So please, please, Mr Clause, bring us an upgraded Mitchell Moses. The upgraded Mitchell Moses should look a lot like the one that annihilated St George at the back-end of the last season. He should be consistent. He should be bigger. And most importantly, he needs to step up as a leader, who puts the team first and is a harmonious force rather than a disruptive one.
2. TOUGHER BEVAN FRENCH
You know that Bevan French was my favourite toy of 2017, Santa, but unfortunately Santa, I think the manufacturing was a little faulty. After a year or so of getting a little beat up, the Bevan you gave me hasn't exactly aged well. If you could take him back and make him a little bit bigger and give him his courage back, I'd be most appreciative.
3. SEMI RADRADRA
Ok, even you probably can't bring back our talisman from France, Santa, but I'll be satisfied with you just making Maiko Sivo half as good.
4. ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FOR BROWN
We haven't had a Rookie of the Year for quite some time, Santa. I think it's time we had one again.
5. A NEW LEAGUES CLUB CONSTITUTION
Seriously, how long are you going to make me wait for this Santa. Just get it done,already.
What do you want, Santa to bring the Eels for Christmas?
Comments
1. Reed Mahoney to really show that he can be an 80 minute hooker and lead us around with the ball and be a tough, smart and most importantly durable defender in the middle third. Basically Cameron Smith 2.0.
2. Junior Paulo to become a 60 minute powerhouse and the cornerstone & leader or our middle rotation.
3. No more concussions for Tepai Moeroa and for him to finally stamp himself as an elite edge forward and push for Origin selection.
4. A healthy Nathan Brown & Clint Gutherson.
5. No more co-captains. Name Gutho the sole captain, make him the face of the club and be done with it.
6. Mitch Moses circa 2017.
Yes to Tep's good season!
I would love a good, hard, consistent performance. Plenty of stiff up the middle stuff and a never say die attitude. Just pound away and get the job done. I want a performance with determination, finesse and committment. Soft hands need to be used when appropriate.
I would also like to see The mighty Eels do well this year :)
1. Moses to drop his Dan Mortimer persona and become an elite half
2. Mahoney to grow into a elite 9
3. Gutho to find his 2017 form (this requires a dominant pack)
4. A pack to facilitate 3.
1. Sign another big bopper like Tapau or Packer to help junior.
2. Kaysa to have a injury free year
3. Moses to have a consistent year.
4. French to find his form again.
5. Finally Arthur to take us to the finals and continue to be the coach for years to come.
Brown to be the next "up and comer".
Moses to come into his own and show the talent so many people can see in him.
Gutho to really take the on field captain role to the next level - I want to see Smith levels of ef manipulation.
Mahoney to keep improving and showing himself as our next long term 80 min hooker.
Finals footy where we at least get through the first round of finals.
And finally - A SCANDAL FREE YEAR! Just be good on and off the field boys, please. Time for us to be a disciplined and professional club.
1. A pack that finally leads from the front - only possible with Mannah playing from the bench
2. More signs of working for each other in defence, caring about having a dig to help the guy next to them
3. A spine (9, 7, 6, 1) that actually help each other, shows some innovation and occasional creates something unexpected in attack
4. Smart kicking game, and a proper enthusiastic kick chase across the park to maximise territory
5. More people caring to fix their mistakes - if you miss a tackle, get angry and lift your game.. if you fumble a ball, get angry and try and make up for it the next set.
Sex with two sexy ladies one red head and a blonde
Our monster junior forwards to be given a run from game one. We don't need to sign another big prop if these guys step up. Bob O'Reilly was given a chance when very young so lets see if these guys have what it takes. If they have the balls to step up, we wil have a very good year.
Ask the team to put up your hands if you don't think we can win the comp. Sack everyone that puts their hands up. Ask this question every week.
No midfield bombs.
Kick to open space and never directly to an opposition player.
Drive them backwards in EVERY tackle.
Gutherson to fullback or if Hayne is able to return, Hayne to fullback and Gutherson to centre. There is a bit of Cronin about Gutherson.
Quick hands and cover defence every play.
Agree with Krams earlier points and would like to pay strong lip service to them.
High footy IQ for all the players and coaches