Eels Trial Game thoughts?

It was pretty obvious which players had played in the NRL or not. Will Smith, Papali'i and Lussick were the best players in the first half. Arthur looked very good in all aspects of the game for such a young half. He goes so deep in the line which is something Moses stopped doing last year. His kicking game was good and he was defensively strong as well. Oldfield got injured early with a suspected MCL injury. Opacic has played better than Penisini. While Penisini is built very good and has loads of potential, I believe he is not ready for the NRL yet. Plus I think from last year our priority should be to strengthen our edge defence (especially losing Jennings who is one of the best defensive centres) so Opacic should be the right choice. Sean Russel didnt play much with Rankin filling in. Rankin played alright but I think he is only depth for eels. Russel didn't play enough to judge his performance in the first half. David Hollis got better as the game went on, however, like Penisini, they are not ready for NRL just yet. Having no junior and reserve grade competition last year would off effected their readiness for NRL. Dunster played solid without being spectacular. Kafusi was solid while Hipgrave was ill-displcine in his short spell in the first half. Players for RD1 Team:Smith and Lussick will be fighting very hard for a utility spot on the bench given the injury to Cartwright. Opacic will most likely take Jennings spot unless Sivo is moved to the centre with Dunster on the wing. Smith or Arthur will be first choice back up in the halves. Papali'i will get a bench spot for sure and Kafusi will push his name to be on the bench as well.

Agree HKF, I liked Rankin in the second half, he controlled the game well and was positive in attack and defence. - Impressed.

Young Jacob didn't embarrass himself with some good plays, intelligent kicking and running, but Rankin owned the second half imo

Russell did alright in the first half while at FB.

Penissi is a strong runner and has a lot to learn but did not dissapoint.

Opacic - I have said all along I expect him to be well in contention for FG selection and played well.

Lussick was very impressive for mine and should definitely get the bench for Rd 1 imo. Some nice little incisive runs out of dh.

Will Smith showed his value so bench selection could become a bit of a nightmare for Brad.

All in all, after such a long lay off for so many players I the game was far better quality than I expected.

Pappali'i very solid and another definite bench for mine.

Let's keep encouraging these young blokes, some are showing they may have what it takes in the next year or so to make the big time.

Loved that set move from the base of the scrum to get Penissi over for a try, looked polished.

What's the news on Oldfield? He started well.

"I love Twidle, you can just tell he is not a robotic NRL player, he plays with instincts. Not saying he is Munster, but Munster plays the same. Apa gets the ball, looks to see what is infront of him and says "Let's try this". That can be dangerous…"

"Iongi
Samrani
Simonsson
Penisini
Russell
Pezet
Moses
Williams
Smith
Moretti
Kautoga
Guymer
Doorey
Walker
Paulo
Tuivaiti
Latu if Ryles thinks he is ready
Izack Tago if we get him
Twidle

I thought I posted this earlier including explanations but…"

"I think the team should just try and focused on completing their sets and be aware of the NRLbias against them. It will be hard, I know, but hipefully they can make 'clean' tackles and find a way of controlling the ruck. Our forwards should be…"

Replies

Kerry George February 18, 2021 at 7:41pm

Isiah Papalii was the best player on the paddock and could easily get a start in the 17. Joey Lussick has a much better running game than Reed Mahoney. Mahoneys defence willprobably keep him in.

Jordan Rankin should be in Jennings spot as he is also a goalkicker.

Honorable mention to both wingers Matt Komolafe and Solomone Naiduki who had great games.

Still a long way to go but very encouraging and see how the boys go against Penrith next week
- Offside > Kerry George February 18, 2021 at 7:46pm
  
  Rankin is not a centre and has never played the postion so why would that be an option?
  
  Papali is a lock for a top 17 spot
  
  Lussick will challenge for the bench and may even challenge Reed for his jersey as the year goes on.
  
  One thing that's come out of this game is we will have a good reserve grade team
- SuperEel 22 > Kerry George February 18, 2021 at 9:26pm
  
  Lussick was incisive, but I don't think he gave our team enough width at times, something Mahoney does so well.
- Brett Allen > Kerry George February 18, 2021 at 9:47pm
  
  We already have an elite goal kicker
  - Electric Eel > Brett Allen February 18, 2021 at 9:52pm
    
    Thought the same thing. Rankin over Moses? Seriously?
MontoEel February 18, 2021 at 7:46pm

I thought the best were definitely Rankin who I reckon deserves a bench spot. He's a thinker and can read the game well. He's a very good goal kicker and defensively sound. Lussick was also very good and Arthur was also good. Opacic was good and will probably fill in at centre but would rather have Jenkins. Penisini wasn't that great. I thought Kafusi and Papali'i were both good and Makatoa ( not sure of spelling) was very good. Overall some really good prospects.
- HAYNE PLANE85 > MontoEel February 18, 2021 at 8:06pm
  
  100% rankin looked good as.and got a good boot on him.
Driza February 18, 2021 at 8:01pm

Jordan Rankin from fullback was easily best player on the field in second half . Dominant running the ball before drawing in opposition players to weaken the defence against the eventual ball runner . And kicked at least 2 goals from the sideline . He has to be in the 17. Great options this year !!! Go Parra 2021 !!!
- HAYNE PLANE85 > Driza February 18, 2021 at 8:10pm
  
  100%
- This reply was deleted.
  - Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" February 19, 2021 at 5:41pm
    
    Agree HKF, I liked Rankin in the second half, he controlled the game well and was positive in attack and defence. - Impressed.
    
    Young Jacob didn't embarrass himself with some good plays, intelligent kicking and running, but Rankin owned the second half imo
    
    Russell did alright in the first half while at FB.
    
    Penissi is a strong runner and has a lot to learn but did not dissapoint.
    
    Opacic - I have said all along I expect him to be well in contention for FG selection and played well.
    
    Lussick was very impressive for mine and should definitely get the bench for Rd 1 imo. Some nice little incisive runs out of dh.
    
    Will Smith showed his value so bench selection could become a bit of a nightmare for Brad.
    
    All in all, after such a long lay off for so many players I the game was far better quality than I expected.
    
    Pappali'i very solid and another definite bench for mine.
    
    Let's keep encouraging these young blokes, some are showing they may have what it takes in the next year or so to make the big time.
    
    Loved that set move from the base of the scrum to get Penissi over for a try, looked polished.
    
    What's the news on Oldfield? He started well.

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