Something that we have always had to suffer at the Eels has been our recent coaches having favourite players that made no sense to us as supporters.
Some that come to mind were Brian Smith and his affection for Daniel Irvine and Ben Kusto. Daniel Anderson, Stephen Kearney and their love for Matt Keating. Ricky Stuart's affection for players out of form and out of position. No doubt there are countless others that will come to mind for readers of this blog.
None of us are immune to this as we all have our favourite players that other supporters think are useless!
However, we do have an expectation that professional coaches can see past this and select their teams based on putting the best possible team on the field, regardless of reputations or whether they are good blokes or not.
Earlier this year, as BA made the tough calls and dropped fan favourites like Fui, I believed that he was going to be different to other coaches that we have suffered. Now, I'm not so sure. Even as a layman, I am puzzled and disappointed in his selections for Round 20.
One thing that I will say - I have no intention of publicly bagging a player who wears the Blue and Gold. The player doesn't select himself in first grade. The players put in performances that either demand selection or demotion. So if we have certain players that are not playing up to standard, it is up to the coach to make decisions. These decisions send out very important messages to the playing group. What message is BA sending right now? I'm just not sure. Perhaps the players aren't either. Come on BA, step up to the mark!!!!! Make the selection decisions that should be made. No more favourites.
Replies
willing to give BA benefit if doubt with only 21 available to
use this year and with a
number of injuries.
next year with a full 25 to pick from no excuses if toutai/sef paulo/ keep getting picked
immortal in waiting
I think you'll find that BA's selections are now heavily influenced by salary cap issues particularly second tier
Yes there are players being selected because of injuries and the salary cap. But, are you happy with his selections this week Muttman? Are there alternatives? Is there a worry about playing favourites?
So its the NRL`s fault. Pricks!
Who, Chook! come on!
May be Sefa is the same to BA as Boyd is to Bennett.
Its called brown nosing mate. Been around since before the game was conceived. Part of human nature I guess.
Seffa is the only player who has played every game for BA in parra colours.
Brian Smith and Daniel Wagon, what a hack he was. Pissed me off to know end when he kept starting him at 6.
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