As we look forward to Friday nights tussle between two ocean warriors - EELS V SHARKS, theres plenty a foot behind the scenes. Both teams went down in week 1 after showing some real courage at times. Some poor handling and poor decisions biting both teams in the ass at times. What is known is that one of these teams will 0 and 2 to start the year, for teams looking at a top 4 position this is not the territory that you want to start your season from.
As both teams look to their injured list to bolster there sides, this game may be decided by whom wont play more then who will play.
For the Sharks 2022 Dally M player Nicho Hynes has been battling a calf injury and is yet to see game time in 2023, A quick check reveals that he has been listed for a round 2 return, however coach Fitzgibbon is on record stating Nicho is a week to week proposition. So will he play or not. One gets the feeling he will be named and given right up to game time to pass a fitness test. Can an underdone shark still attack - time will tell.
Another big one for the Sharkies - Wade Graham looks set to feel the wrath of the judicary this week after a high shot went on report. - Chances are he will miss the chance to take a bite out of the Eels this week.
One big positive for the sharkies is the young pup Braydon Trindall playing half this week was outstanding, this youngster stepped in to the half role and literally stalked and ambushed his prey all game. Scored a try and converted 3 goals, off the boot and what a boot this guy has, he kicked all day long and the Eels will need to apply kick pressure to nullify this young half.
Our Eels will be looking towards our own injured list to bolster our team this week. The offical list sees a number of players earmarked for return.
Nathan Brown from a Hamstring Injury
Daejarn Asi from a Knee Injury
Haze Dunster from a knee Injury
Bailey Simonsson Shoulder Injury
Any of these 4 in form would make a huge difference to the first grade squad makeup. Dunster was named to play NSW cup on Saturday but failed to take his place. Time will tell if BA decides to play any of these 4, but in form Id suggest that they would all be an improvement within the curent team. Either on the field or off the bench. Whats peoples thoughts does Nathan Brown deserve a bench rotation spot, I for one dont understand having Makatoa on full time bench warming duties and only using 7 interchanges. To me that shows a real lack of quality on our bench if BA cant trust them to be used.
The elephant in the room will raise its head this week, after an Eels loss and poor judgement during the game from our halfback - the noise will start to deafen in regards to his contract upgrade. Weather its playing a part or not it will now be considered a distraction. Not only is he looking to become one of the games highest earners, but decide which team he will lead in 2024 and beyond. Make no mistake people will now be calling for his proverbial head, hes not worth this or that or he is worth every penny. Both clubs will now be on edge, as Mitchs own deadline came and passed. I think an announcement this week is on the cards. A settled Mitch which ever way he goes can only be a benefit for our team in 2023. Will he stay or will he go, its about to get very very noisy in the media and thats a distraction, in any mans language.
This game is a big game in the race to accumulate the 2 points, I get the feeling the team named on Tuesday may not be the team that runs out - for either team, whats your thoughts. Who should be in and who should be out. One thing for certain our guys need to come out prepared, mentally and physically. Our game plan should be ingrained within the brains trust and quite frankly a young 5/8 needs to buy a mirror this week and take a good hard look into it. An absolute star of the game has had his brightness dulled lately, I can see him playing a big one this week and like the picture below ambushing the sharkies with his attack.
Replies
If we don't beat the sharks at home without nicho it could be a long year for us
2018 all over again, I feel it.
We are a much better team than 2018, especially with our front-row. Alvaro & Matagi or RCG & Paulo? That alone wins.
We are too good to be lower than 8th. But it could be a rough year of underachieving.
Sharks are a seriously good team regardless of Nichos being in the side or not. We are definitely not a bad team. Our coaching staff is unreal, it's incredible how we had half a new team and narrowly lost whilst our halves had Barry Crockers.
we will be in the 8
Gday SSG, seriously what is wrong with BA. Everytime someone bags him they ignore the fact we are one of the most consistently competitive teams in the comp. We have an identity and a clear style. What's wrong with that? We just keep churning out fantastic forward pack performances time after time.
Moses missed a few FGs and a conversion, what did BA have to do with that?
Ice had his worst performance in years last night. Worst game since he was at the warriors. Doorey looked like a world beater on Thursday and could hardly get a start when healthy at the Dogs.
Give the man his respect and support the team and our coaching staff and front office.
maybe you have just forgotten what it's like to suck and lose every week.
BA and Co have so much more than a spoon to show for their efforts. How would you like it if you get constantly reminded for your mistakes? Just give the man some love and a bit of respect. Look on the bright side.
I'm not someone in disguise but I am a true supporter.
Greggs, Jed is one of the nicest people on the site mate. Fair enough you don't agree, but hold off the name calling nonsense.
Sometimes our predictions don't quite come true & BA got one wrong for sure...
Almost like repeatedly saying for 24 months on a fan site 'we'll never play a Grand Final under Brad Arthur' I guess.
Keep it civil, Greggs. You add a lot more when you do.
Fair enough.
What makes you more optimistic than ever this season?
Very, very, very fair to disagree with someone's opinion. But you can easily do it respectfully. NOS i was one who wanted BA's head since 2018, constantly saying "I do not think he can win a title or get to a GF but if he did i would call myself out and admit i was wrong. In terms of the wooden spoon, well BA and Murphy are still here, but it is impressive that he got us 16th to 5th in back to back years, it was a fluke of a bad year and BA got us out of it and was able to galvanise the group and make them buy in with new signings like Lane and Fergo.
What happened? I admitted i was wrong. I have had predictions come right like Reed Mahoney being a good junior for us to come in to First Grade, or us signing someone like Jack Murchie. I have gotten a lot wrong too. But i want people to be predicting things as it forms discussions and can be fun to talk about and see if it works or not.
But if there is someone here that knows how to be civil and sensible it is NOS, so if he is telling you to pull your head in then you must be doing something poor.
Absolutely LB, we should be predicting & disagreeing, ive lost count of how many predictions I have got wrong over the years in regards to this team.
We can keep it respectful though, thats all, and Jed in all his interactions on here has always gone out of his way to do that.
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