Anderson delighted at pre-season form

Daniel Anderson and his training staff are ecstatic at the performance of Parramatta's non-international squad, who were put through five weeks of "really hard training" prior to Christmas.While the likes of Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Hindmarsh, Krisnan Inu and Feleti Mateo have not trained with the side yet after playing in the end-of-year international competitions, Anderson said there was already fierce competition between the players to prove themselves."There is a lot of competition right now, even without those international players, so when they come back I think it is really going to set the training field alight."Asked who had impressed at this stage of the season, Anderson replied: "They've all impressed, I can't tell you anyone who hasn't impressed.""Honestly, you ask any of the staff and I spoke to Peter Sharp today and we're rapt. We can't ask much more of what we've done to date."While the Eels have representative talent stacked throughout most of their squad, they go into 2010 with a promising, but relatively inexperienced roster of playmakers. However, Anderson is delighted with how his young halves and hookers have started the year."They're all healthy. Kris Keating has come back from two really bad injuries, but he looks ok and has trained strongly. He's dropped a lot of weight which is good.""Morts has been good and he and Jeff Robson have carried on from last year. Anthony Mitchell has been good, Matt Keating has been excellent and the young boy from North Queensland, Tom Humble has been really impressive as well."More from 1Eyed Eel's interview with Daniel Anderson tomorrow

The possible halves combinations is the most intriguing part of this, with many contenders, I think morts is probably a lock for one of the spots, most like5/8 but maybe half and the other spot could go to anyone. Anderson showed at the beginning of last year that he's not afraid of mixing things up when he started Hayne at 5/8 now with so many options I doubt he'll start with Robson & Morts in the trial games.

With the outside backs initially I thought Reddy's versatility will work against him as since debut he's played everywhere in the backline. For starting spots however with all the mentor talk of Tahu I think Tahu/Inu are a lock for one centre/wing combination. Which removes our centre drama's as Grothe & Burt our much more effective out wide . Who is outside of Reddy it is of my opinion that it wil be grothe as he was one of our best last year and he provides much better kick returns than burt generally.

Replies

Michael Ericson January 6, 2010 at 1:16pm

He has mentioned every possible half contender as training strongly - I wonder who is going to get the nod?

That and the makeup of the outside backs is going to be most interesting selection dilemma for as long as I can remember. Anderson must have a headache.

I know people on this site are saying that it is good to have people competing for spots, and I agree, but I am glad I am not Anderson. I mean he might have to tell, for instance, Jeff Robson or Joel Reddy, two of our best most improved last year, that they won't be starting in 2010 - not easy.
Pato January 6, 2010 at 8:30pm

I've got a feeling that DA is going to want to fit Humble into the 17 somewhere which will mean that at leat one of Mitchell, Kris Keating or Robson will miss out next year.

I'm also interested to know how DA wil name the starting pack. We've now got Moi Moi, Cayless, Poore and Mannah all who should be in the 17 next year and will Mateo make the starting line up or will Shackleton make the back three with Hindmarsh and Smith....

The competition for spots is filling me with alot of confidence for this year. Go the Eels!!!
1Eyed Eel January 6, 2010 at 9:02pm

Hi Matt, yes I nabbed him when the Eels were at Rouse Hill. Also interviewed Paul Osborne and Justin Poore so more to come over the next week.
- Slaytanic > 1Eyed Eel January 7, 2010 at 8:16pm
  
  Phil, did you ask if the squad knows of the existence of 1eyedeel.com and its dedicated and growing fanbase?
Daneel January 6, 2010 at 10:05pm

Thanks again for the interview 1Eyed.

We can be assured that all the players mentioned will get a run in first grade next year. As I've said before, it takes a strong squad of 25 to get a team to the Finals, not just a strong 17. All of them will get their chance to shine, but of course, like everyone else... im intrigued as to who Anderson will consider his strongest 17.
Ross January 6, 2010 at 10:45pm

Would not want Ando's job!!
Ryot Wilson January 7, 2010 at 10:03am

The possible halves combinations is the most intriguing part of this, with many contenders, I think morts is probably a lock for one of the spots, most like5/8 but maybe half and the other spot could go to anyone. Anderson showed at the beginning of last year that he's not afraid of mixing things up when he started Hayne at 5/8 now with so many options I doubt he'll start with Robson & Morts in the trial games.

With the outside backs initially I thought Reddy's versatility will work against him as since debut he's played everywhere in the backline. For starting spots however with all the mentor talk of Tahu I think Tahu/Inu are a lock for one centre/wing combination. Which removes our centre drama's as Grothe & Burt our much more effective out wide . Who is outside of Reddy it is of my opinion that it wil be grothe as he was one of our best last year and he provides much better kick returns than burt generally.
Jess James January 7, 2010 at 4:29pm

i am so confident that the eels are going to come good this year that i'm already having celebration drinks even before the kick off.

there isn't any reason why not?

as a queenslander i should try and book grand final tickets asap or when they come out.

go the mighty parramatta eels.

p.s. i encourage all parra fans to do the same if they haven't already.
- paul taylor > Jess James January 7, 2010 at 9:46pm
  
  Humble 5/8. Mortimer No 7, been training well together, DA likes HUMBLE and I think he will get a start in trials and a new star will be born.
  - Tragiceel > paul taylor January 7, 2010 at 10:29pm
    
    I agree with you Paul, Humble and Morts could be great together. Reddy and Tahu in the centres with Burt and Inu on the wings. Grothe will have to wait for injuries to get in the run on side. Looking forward to the start of this season. Should be a year to remember.

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