Congrats to our beloved Eels for a gutsy win. I'll be honest and say that they were by far the better team yesterday and deserved to come home with the 2 points. Our defence was solid and our attack looked far more composed when compared to last year. Im not going to comment on how good each players was because others have already done so. It was a great team effort and the boys should be proud.
A couple of things I'd like to comment on. Firstly, I hope the injury to Nathan Brown isnt as bad as everyone thinks and that he will be back after 12 weeks rather than missing the entire season. When he came off the boys stayed strong and it was a testament to their new attitude. Lets hope that it carries on the entire season.
Secondly, kicks for goals. I actually think that overall, the team made the right decision in not to take the 2 points when on offer. We had them rattled and we could have realistically scored a couple of more tries, which I think we would have if we were a couple of more games in. The cobwebs would be gone by then and the belief in themselves would have grown. That being said though, I do think that they will need to start taking the 2 more often than not this season. Most of the games will be tough and we want to give ourselves every chance. So I hope that they take the points when on offer as it often does count in the back end of a game.
That being said, Mitch Moses had a good game yesterday and saved a couple of tries which was awesome. However, he really need to put in extra time for kicking conversions, especially from the sidelines. I'd be surprised if he isnt doing some work already, however if he can get his percentage up at around 85% then it will give me more confidence when the tough kicks are required.
Overall its great to kick off the season with a win and lets put the dogs to the sword this coming Sunday so we can gain even more confidence. Go the might Eels.
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Yeah goal kicking an issue. it was right to take the tap as we were up by 2 , no good really being up by 4 and working out from our line when converted try would do us in.
I like the attitude in passing up the 2 points & going for a try. It shows belief in our attack. Yes the attack was a bit rusty but it was game one so no need to worry. We knew this season would be about blooding juniors & building team confidence again & Sunday arvo was a great start. Certainly need to fix the goal kicking so penalty kicks become a bonus not just a way to get the 6 point lead.