Another Comparison - Last Round Team vs Likely 1st Round Team - Eels Blogs

In acknowledging a great blog from TragicEel, I'd like to highlight another indication of the development of the Eels for next season. It's a straight forward comparison of our year end team - the team that should have won the last two matches and the match against the Roosters - and a likely team for round 1 2016.There will be two contentious points in my likely team - the wing and the bench. I'm naming Morgan as my winger because I'm not sure that we will go with two inexperienced players on the right side.The second is the bench. I want to name a second dummy half because the fatiguing of larger forwards under the new interchange rules opens the scope for effective dummy halves to exploit defences that begin to tire. I just couldn't find someone to leave out!2015. ------------2016Robinson. ------GordonRadradra. -------RadradraMorgan.--------- TakairangiHopoate.-------- GuthersonFaraimo. ---------MorganNorman. ---------NormanKelly.------------- ForanPaulo.------------ PauloDe Gois. ----------PeatsMannah. ---------MannahMa'u. -------------Ma'uMoeroa. ----------ScottLussick. ----------WatmoughGower. ------------EdwardsPauli .------------- MoeroaAlvaro. ------------AlvaroTerepo. ------------WicksKickerKelly.--------------- GordonThe first major point of difference is the spine. Greater direction, experience and skill in Gordon and Foran.The next factor that stands out is the improved pace in the team.Goal kicking cost the team results in 2015. This has been sorted for 2016.Finally, there is some great mobility and aggression in this team.I have broken my own Cardinal rule about a team list. I've even done so with a double list! I felt it was important to highlight that the team listed under 2015 pushed higher placed teams to the limit and should have secured more wins. I believe that the team listed under 2016 can secure the type of wins that were not secured in this last season.NB my mobile device has limitations with setting out my page.

"LB or anybody that want's to put Eric Grothe Senior in a bracket for the wing spot with Luke Burt, the credability goes straight out of the window. The most embarrassed with that comparison would be Burtie himself......obviously you have no…"

Replies

the parra cricketer October 27, 2015 at 8:52pm

God not ANOTHER team list... :) Team list tueadays will be a weekly blog by 60's.

Morgan has me 50/50 his decent pace is a positive but a few times last season he lead to me shouting at the TV and the rents thought something was wrong

As long as I don't see Luke Kelly in the blue and gold I'll be good. As for the hooker, I'd put Wicks or Tepai down, I saw a many poor reads from the pair that cost a few games (in particular danny misread George burgess which allowed McInnes to score in the dying mins)

All in all it's an expected team.
- sixtiesboy > the parra cricketer October 27, 2015 at 9:05pm
  
  Nice first line.
  The team is expected, that's why it's "likely first round". Do we think its a major step up from our end of year team? I'd like to think so.
  Cornish will feature ahead of Kelly.
- Nick > the parra cricketer October 27, 2015 at 9:18pm
  
  Hey Sixties. I know im in the minority but Scott and Watmough shouldnt get automatic starts all the time. Id start Tepai at lock and have Watmough off the bench. He s best game for NSW was off the bench. Tepai may regress if used off the bench.
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 October 27, 2015 at 8:56pm

That's my top 17 as well 60s. I don't believe we're going to start with Morgan at wing. He's an ok back up centre, and we need someone to step up.

Maybe Lavaka. We just don't have anyone atm.
- sixtiesboy > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 October 27, 2015 at 9:08pm
  
  I'm not so sure about Lavaka being around Chief. I also think that we will see someone other than Morgan on the wing. I'm waiting for the roster to finalise but given who we currently have listed, that's who I went with. Folau has the potential to be that person too, but he has a lot of ground to make up.
3n5h7coqr27fi October 27, 2015 at 9:02pm

Sixties Are You Saying Ryan Morgan Will Be our First Choice Winger Beside Semi. ?

Or Are You Simply Stating He Is The Best Player Available From The Left Overs, I do Not Agree Its A Load Of Snake Shit.
Camo73 October 27, 2015 at 9:03pm

What about our new outside back from NQ?
- sixtiesboy > Camo73 October 27, 2015 at 9:12pm
  
  He could get a shot, depending on the trials, but I'm just unsure about two inexperienced blokes on the same side. Perhaps someone else might slot in there.
the parra cricketer October 27, 2015 at 9:10pm

Absolutely it's a huge step up. If the spine can gel quickly I think the boys will startle teams and I think that's something many eels fans can agree on.
sixtiesboy October 27, 2015 at 9:11pm

See my response to Chief above.

of 9

This reply was deleted.

Eels Blogs

Another Comparison - Last Round Team vs Likely 1st Round Team

Replies

More stuff to read

Eels blogs

1EE Modern day Eels team: Five-Eighth

Matterson - The gift that keeps on giving

1EE Modern day Eels team: Centres

Barnett swap for Lomax

Note: this page contains paid content.

Social Blogs

Irony is Even Deader

Shark Attack..... Moses told to be wary of the surf!

Poppa's Dilemma, Welcome to my Corner, come in and have a Cuppa with a Silly Old Bastard. I think it's New Year Shortly?

Keaon done deal

Note: this page contains paid content.