Eels Blogs

OK - we have all had our raves, rants and constructive comments now lets see if we can step outside of our emotions and be objective.

On paper Parra Eels should be safely in the top 3 or 4 on the ladder but in reality we will be very lucky to make the 8.

We have several "up and coming" young players who are not living up to expectations and paying dearly for their form.

1 - Daniel Mortimer at 7 has been a contentious issue all year but the coach has refused to make a change.

WHY?

Mortimer as half back actively competes for the highest tackle count in too many games but is still expected to produce match winning guideance to the team in attack.

Where is the thinking in this move?

Why can't the coach see this kid needs 1 or 2 forwards to protect him and give him a chance to compete in attack?

If this treatment of Morts is to continue we stand a very good chance of destroying him as a player.

2 - Kris Keating at 6 is out of position but again the coach has perservered with him until recently and now we aren't really sure where he may play.

What is the purpose in this?

KK however got smart and will play next year in a team that has a reason to want him there.

3 - The absolute "ROCK" of the team is showing very bad cracks in his larrikin nature and his performance is now starting to show this.

Nathan Hindmarsh who can be trusted to put everything into his game - week in, week out - comes off the field so disgusted he is unable to give a coherent tv interview.

A few days later at training he is reported to have taken the piss out of the CEO in front of the whole team.

Not just a quick one liner but a sustained ongoing "joke" and no walking off the field with Ozzy laughing to end the story.

Then in his last game he did not turn up for the first 20 minutes and his facial and body expressions showed a man that was not overly concerned at the mistakes he was making.

What is it that somehow is finally breaking the spirit of this great champion?

4 - After Mortimer comes off the field having made 40 tackles the coach deflects attention away from this by commenting on Hayne's failings on the day.

This led to a media circus and crisis meeting that was eventually cancelled.

The whole issue blew way out of proportion with Hayne calling a special press conference from the SOO camp to "put the record straight"

Hayne has previously been labelled a sook for speaking out on other issues as well.

Why does any player find the need to speak out publicly if he is in fact getting the support from his coach and club that all players are entitled too?

Is this a cry for help without Hayne even understanding the real issues surrounding him?

5 - Nathan Cayless considers it important enough to call a "team only" meeting to get the boys to commit to each other and solidarity.

What is eroding that solidarity of the team to warrant such measures?

Why are our game plans out of context to the conditions and teams we are playing?

Why is our CEO the 2nd most quoted CEO in front of the media?

He runs 2nd only to Peter Parr from the NQ Cowboys who's season is already over.

Is he influencing the teams morale and cohesion with his constantly being there to talk to them?

Why have we not heard about the club's plans for the future with retentions and acquisitions?

Add your own questions and IMO they will all point to one conclusion.

The supporters and members are currently getting a very raw deal.

The players are getting a raw deal and several selected players are worse off than others.