FRONT ROW ROTATION.

If there is one area that needs attention going into next season it's the front row rotation. This year Tim Mannah was a starter each week but his front row partner seemed to change regularly. There is a balance required when picking starting and bench front rowers. It's not as simple as picking your best 2 front rowers and starting with them. Some front rowers are more suited to taking a early hit-up whilst others are better taking the second hit-up. Some seem to regularly get quicker play the balls and they should be the one taking the 1st run. Getting a quick play the ball early in a set will provide good go forward for the remaining plays. Ideally, you want two front rowers that produce regular quick play the balls in your side, one starting and the other on the bench. Your second starting front rower and second bench front rower needs good leg speed and ideally he would have an off-load in his game. Players that can off-load are far better suited on the back of a quick play the ball and a retreating defensive line. A perfect example of a front rower that failed when he changed his style of play was Justin Poore. He was really good at St George when he was taking the 2nd hit-up after Michael Weyman but at Parra he struggled with being the 1st hit-up player.I don't believe Parra have the balance right at the moment. I haven't seen enough of Evans to be sure of where he is more suited. I do believe that if the Eels can get the right combination and balance up front, it will be a huge step towards changing for a title in 2018.

"Personally I'd like to see TDS getting some proper game time and build his confidence up a bit. A few games in NSW cup playing 60-70 mins would do him wonders. Having papali on the bench gives us cover for Riley to have a short stint. "

Replies

Braeden Kelly October 1, 2017 at 9:39am

I'd love to see

8 Junior
10 Evans

14 Matagi
15 Alvaro
Eel for life October 1, 2017 at 3:39pm

When we changed to Alvaro and Mannah as starting props i thought we looked a lot better. Matagi is better coming off the bench.
Mitchy October 1, 2017 at 6:39pm

Not sure about this but we do need someone else imo and a big bugger; I’d still look at Paulo but not overly fussed. A guy bug like Bromwich would be good.
Darren Munro October 1, 2017 at 7:13pm

Terepo adds good leg and line speed, but I would like to see a prop with a bit of ball skills like latu
Braeden Kelly October 2, 2017 at 7:14am

It's a simple method big forwards win big games, look at the Storm. They're a massive forward pack all do they're job, that's all Parra need
speedy2460 October 2, 2017 at 2:14pm

A big uncompromising prop has been needed for a couple of years now. Evans will help. Mannah is at the stage where he is a borderline first grader. Matagi does not have the stamina to be dominant, he only plays for 15 minutes. Alvaro is going well and will get better when he loses his puppy fat.