Do we have a size problem?

There have been a lot of nice things written about the Eels pack, and they do look a very aggressive, mobile and skillful set of forwards.

However, given that our starting pack is likely to be Mannah and Matagi, Mau, Meoroa, Scott and De Gois, that's probably going to be the smallest starting pack in the competition,

Moeroa is the only guy there who is signicantly bigger than six foot or gets up around the 110kg. Without question, we're going to face up to packs that have a good 20kg on us.

Now, I don't necessarily think size is a huge issue. As long as you defend aggressively enough so that the other team doesn't get you on the back foot, you can at least hold your own. But it can be a worry if you have a forward in the other team who does early damage on a set, because you're then constantly on your heels and at risk of being rolled over. The other issue is if you're having to defend really aggressively against bigger guys, you're injury rate is going to be impacted.

Personally, I feel one of the biggest tweaks that Brad Arthur can achieve with his squad this year is to get Siosaia Vave up to starting quality. Having one big body in the defensive line for those initial collisions in every set, I feel would make a significant difference. It's a real shame that he's basically missed the pre-season, and it remains to be seen how well our forward pack can compete with some of the bigger packs they are going to encounter.

"Last time I went through Abu Dhabi transit lounge , he was sitting there waiting on Roy Spagnolo to send him details for his connecting flight . I didn't have the heart to tell him. Just told him Ricky Stuart and the boys are lookimg forward to his…"

"He has not kicked on...as a centre probably the worst defensive centre in the league. Doesnt have hands or a pass....just cant see him progressing actually he is almost as bad as Sean Russell"

Replies

Enforcer Eel February 23, 2017 at 1:41pm

You really thought that blog title through, let the fun begin
RIDER February 23, 2017 at 1:50pm

No I dont, do you?
LegendTHECROWEELS February 23, 2017 at 2:00pm

Your PEOPLE tell you that
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin February 23, 2017 at 2:09pm

I think it would have been an issue in previous years, but since the introduction of reduced Interchange & the 7 tackle rule along with other tweaks, I believe the momentum has slightly swung to the mobile packs.

The Bulldogs 2016 failure is a prime example, and apart from Fifita, the Sharks success is also tied to it's mobility.

Sharks lanky prop Matt Prior, went from a nsw cup regular, to a grand final winning prop - work that out.
Nitram February 23, 2017 at 2:10pm

Pretty much sums it up for most Parra fans. Interestingly leading into round 1 last year the answer by most fans would have been no to all.
Rise of an empire February 23, 2017 at 2:18pm

Only in size not in heart, bring it on
Alan Hunt February 23, 2017 at 2:20pm

Snake might be best to answer this question.........
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin February 23, 2017 at 2:21pm

Plus I think you're underestimating Matagi, Phil.
The guy is an American pit bull terrier, on steroids.
Tanklynpjones February 23, 2017 at 2:29pm

I remember when Brian Smith went for size above all else, buying Cannings, Stapleton, Pearson, Kaufusi..
Great times..
- Mitchy > Tanklynpjones February 23, 2017 at 2:46pm
  
  Tank, pls don't bring up some of them. Pearson and Stapleton...nice blokes but avg