Does anyone remember in the mid 90s when the Eels recruited Paul Dunn, Michael Speechley and Stu Galbraith?
I feel that we have a similar recruitment policy at present. Karl Webb, Chris Hicks, Chris Walker, Rene Maitua, Whaituera and perhaps Casey McGuire. None of these guys would make first grade at any other club. In 12 months time, most of these guys will be on their way out. It's like buying six 1995 model Corollas instead of a couple of new Lexus.
This coming season will hinge not on these guys, but our ability to blood some exciting young talent to compliment Mannah, Horo, Hayne, Hindy and Burt.
We should be recruiting strategically to build a better culture and club. Not plugging gaps with old wine corks.
Replies
Sorry mate but that statement is totally bullshit and just looks like your being negative for the sake of it....all of these players are actually coming from other first grade line-up's.
I like the fact that we have grabbed a bunch of guys with so much experience, who we have all seen in action at the highest levels, players that can pass on attitudes to the younger crop, players who arent shitting themselves in in that opening round but are doing what they have been doing as routine for years.
I am far more excited about these buys then all the new blood we have purchased, guys who have 'proven' themselves in the farce of a comp known as the Toyota Cup, where everybody scores and nobody defends.
I think that these 'Old' guys will really give a good account of themselves and the Eels and the mighty blue and gold will be a real force to be reckoned with in 2011 and beyond
Despite the age of the players we've purchased, personally, I believe that each and every one of our recruits still has something to offer, and all of them will show that their purchase was justified.
Everyone is making out like these guys are pensioners!!!!!!
Has anybody even bothered to check their age they aren't even old FFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carl Webb - 29
Casey - 30
Maitua - 27/28
Whaituera - 29
Chris Walker - 29/30
Hicks - 32/33 - he is the only old player
If i am wrong on the exact age shoot me down but pretty close from the top of my head.
Footballers go to about 32-33 depending on injuries and form etc etc
But seriously everyone is making out like they are ready for the coffin!!!!!!!!!!!
Whether they end up playing well and being good for the team or not time will tell. They mostly have been experienced in big teams, big occasions and duties other than just typical normal NRL games so give them a chance to prove themselves before you judge because in the past they have proven to be quality.
Everyone has to stop trying to build an origin star studded side, you can't with a salary cap simple as that. Yes We may have had better talent on paper in the past but guess where that got us?
Maybe with some experienced old heads around to mix with young up and comers might be the recipe for success but if it isn't none of these purchases have hurt the club or the salary cap so WTF have we got to lose.
I bet my life we finish way better than the dismal 12th from last year so wake up people and embrace a better year ahead.
I know for a fact the players and the club are buzzing at the moment and hearing that everyone is happy and ready to play for each other is more important than results sometimes.
love the classes there cool...right again
Nothing could be worse than the mid 90's.
Mate I think you'll find he is actually back working in Australia for the ABC doing reporting. I saw him on the 24 hour news channel a coupple of weeks ago, I wasn't old enough to remember him (obviously heard of his talents) and I ran and grabbed my old man to see if he remebered him.
The response I got when I showed him was 'oh fuck me.... that brings back some dark times'
lol.
those where the days , artie was a half a game player,but very good, bob o'reilly was the best beer drinker in the club, some times come off at half times bringing up hes guts, ask rabbits warren.
he was good but, steve edge was great.. from saints.
loyal as it gets mate ,true die hards.
I had a Chrysler Jeep jersey in 1996 with the number 13 on the back - Jimmy Dymock. lol
jimmy was great,and smith..dune..
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