Eels Blogs

I am writing this based on observations of a person many respect. I will not name him but many of you know him.

I feel that many on here deserve to read this, simply because there is only one other place you will and many go there anyway , but many do not so the information is interesting, good reading and just an opinion of someone that has watched most or all of our training. 

Simply put I cannot obtain this from any other published source in the same creditable way this has been written i.e. Zero tackle, Major Newspapers, Fox ect do not have these insights!

I thank my friends on TCT for allowing me to read this information and no one over there is aware I am making this available to our readers. I would also note that IEE is a very different type of forum and whilst my first choice of discussions on the eels, reading this information is no different (except for the superior quality) of any other information open to the public.

Best In Pre-Season

The King regularly features here, and there’s no reason to discount him this year. Gutherson looks primed for a massive season and is as focussed as I’ve ever seen him. The co-captain is the leader out there and never stops barking at his troops. When he misses a session, the energy levels drop noticeably.

However, this year Jake Arthur gets the nod.

The 19 year old half has led the conditioning challenge against Gutherson, and when the opposed sessions kicked up a notch, he was ready to be the dominant half.

This in no way detracted from the performances of Moses and Brown. Both look set for big seasons and indeed issued alerts to all rivals with their play on Saturday night.

But Jake’s claims for this award cannot be ignored. Anyone watching the trials couldn’t help but be impressed with his form.

Most Improved

This is going to seem an unusual selection, but this gong goes to Waqa Blake.

How on earth a 140 game NRL “veteran” earns my most improved could be answered by anyone watching the preseason with me.

I can’t recall Waqa ever enjoying an uninterrupted summer prior to now, and that’s been reflected in his track form.

The power, pace and aggression demonstrated during opposed work was thoroughly irresistible to watch. His combination with Haze Dunster was going to be a match winner for the Eels.

Will he now play centre or winger?

That’s a question I didn’t expect to be answering in 2022.

Best Back

The King

Clinton Gutherson is the only choice.

When it comes to effort, the Eels custodian epitomises being a role model. Whenever challenged by the young guns, he finds another gear. Even if someone gets the better of him in a session, it just doesn’t happen again.

Everyone knows what the King brings to the table. Even if I find a new superlative or two, you’ve heard it all before.

Feel free to fill in your own reasons and you’ll probably be correct.

Best Forward

Despite a late surge from Ofahiki Ogden, Ray Stone is the stand out. He started the preseason n the best shape of his career and has been relentless in his application since then.

When I tried to select the round one team, even with forwards out of action, I couldn’t find a place for Stone. I was erroneously considering his limitations rather than the qualities he brings to the team. When he’s on the field, watch the energy as he moves up and back in defence. When he’s in a tackle, he literally sprints into position after peeling off the ruck.

Mr 3:16 is due to join others in a new home next year. His preseason sent a massive signal to BA that he wants to leave on a high note.

Next To Debut

Elie El-Zakhem

The significant number of players getting a late season debut in 2021 somewhat limited the field, but there are a couple of players worthy of contention. I’ve selected Elie El-Zakhem.

Had the energetic back rower travelled north with the bubble last year, it’s likely that he would have earned his stripes then.

If El- Zakhem can reproduce his 2021 form in the NSW Cup, he’ll go very close to getting his shot.

Break Out Player

I’d earn no kudos for nominating Will Penisini. His debut season stamped his potential for a massive 2022. My other consideration, Haze Dunster, will now have to bide his time in rehab.

Makahesi Makatoa

Makahesi Makatoa is therefore the man.

Henceforth known as Krakatoa, or maybe The Volcano, Makatoa has just earned an Eels contract extension. He’s also probably earned the bewilderment of supporters who can’t believe that he had to wait so long for his NRL debut.

This was Maka’s first full preseason with the club, and we always suspected that he’d continue to improve with that level of preparation behind him.

I reckon he’ll get a decent share of top grade games in 2022.

Watch This Space

There are two contenders here.

Brendan Hands was recruited from the Riff to show what he can do at dummy half. He immediately impressed with his snappy service and capacity to challenge the A and B defenders.

Hands is one of the fittest in the club and is in contention with Jayden Yates for the back up dummy half role at NSW Cup level. Yates has the versatility to fill other roles so that might open up the opportunity for Hands to specialise as a dummy half.

Samuel Loizou

I rate Mitch Rein as an NRL player, but if Hands gets his opportunity, I expect him to take it with, well, both hands.

Samuel Loizou is the other to watch. Loizou is a first grade player of the future. He was still only 16 years old when representing the Australian Schoolboys team a few years back. Despite limited game time in 2021, Samuel was able to make his NRL debut in round 25.

The tall athletic centre will be looking to play consistent footy at NSW Cup level in 2022 as a stepping stone to further NRL opportunities.

That wraps up my preseason reports.