Anyway guys.... just a few observation from the game, courtesy of side line eye Daneel Windup! (obvious Danny Weidler comparison!)
1) Get your eggs ready for Jamesy and Eels4life! =) Robson tried hard tonight, however he is not the man to lead Parramatta around the park from 7 this year!. he will contribute no doubt at various points, but KK will, and must be halfback this year. Mortimer, was rested tonight, but the team really looked toward KK in attack, even though he was wearing the 6. Out of the two halves, he looked far more likely. This isnt meant to be a robson bash, he saved what may have led to a try with a good grassing tackle on a Roosters forward, however the fact remains.... Robson played a roll last year, and played it well, but he does not have the creative skill thats required from a half, in a team with outside back such as we have.
My brother has represented for both North Sydney Bears, and NSW at Schoolboy level, and played Union grade for years... so knows his footy pretty well. Not an Eels supporter (I failed to convert him as a kid, he remains a Tiger!) however, his observation is that Robson can play a role when required, keeps a tight ship in defence, but he wont win you a game when required. The tricks just dont exist in the Kit bag.
I noticed Robson came off with about 15 or so to go, and Humble played at 7. He looked keen to get involved, and got more opportunity than he had from playin fullback.
2) Anthony Mitchell looked keen. He was quite vocal when he came on, calling play his way on several occassions. Looked pretty small out there, but I liked the confidence he displayed. He'll be all the better for the minutes played tonight.
3) Fuifui looked to run it hard on each touch of the ball. Nothing new really. he played plenty of minutes in the first half, and I think the 1-2 hitup from Moimoi and Poore will have many teams on the back foot this year.
4) Pele - Love the hair! Though he tied it back for most of the game, he was very noticeable when out there. He reminded me of the Hair bears, harking back to the Galuvao/Puletua days. He looked to run hard when given the opportunity, and even passed on one or two occassions before the line, ala Cayless.... and Fui of late.
He did plenty of work in defence and played plenty of minutes. I like the look of him, so expect more game time from big Pele in 2010.
5)Tahu - he got through the game uninjured =). he looked quick with ball in hand, and menaced the left edge on several occasions. The customary shoulder came out on one occassion, helping turn the ball over.
he will make such a difference to our attack out in the centres this year.
He was smiling and chatting to Ozzy as he walked off. Both looked happy he is back!
6) Brendan Oake - Tonight he showed some of the potential people have spoken about. Put an awesome hit on a Roosters player, helping turn over the ball, when they looked to attack down our right side. Supported KK to score, and overall having the best game ive seen him play in his limited 1st grade opportunities. The competition for forward spots will bring out the best in our boys this year, particularly the young guys like Oake, who'll be keen to step up, helping the limited depth, should injury strike our second row.
7) Another positive.... we played the game less Grothe, Hayne, Poore, Mortimer, Shakleton, Smith. Thats a whole heap of first grade experience to be sitting on the sideline. Any other time of the year, the boys would be forgiven for losing with that many stars missing from the team.
Overall, i never have, and never will take trials too seriously. Its a time to iron out the rust from a long off season, a time for players injured last year, to ease back into 1st grade, and Its a time for the coach to experiment with roles and positions in the side.
Im happy with the new guys we have bought, and the other guys pressing for a first grade birth. Make no mistake, this season will probably go down as the toughest on record, due to the eveness of the comp, but we have much cause for optimism guys... bring on round 1.
Im Daneel Windup, for 1Eyed eel news!
You need to be a member of 1Eyed Eel to add comments!
Replies
As soon as i left the ground.. boom.. full coverage back! Glad i didnt throwthe iPhone away during the game, cause I was soooo tempted! =)
We can always agree to disagree =)
Despite the scoreline, there are a few things that have definitely pleased me after reading your observations.
First of all - no injuries. That is fantastic news.
Secondly, I used to be quite a fan of Oakey and was disappointed when he wasn't playing regular first grade last year. I think the argument was largely based on the premise that he wasn't big enough to cut it at the top level. To hear that he has made such positive contributions tonight is amazing!
P.S. I will remain positive and will not listen to any rubbish about our season being in trouble! The season hasn't even started yet. I am just so excited about fan day!!
People do not remember KK's creativity, talent or that he was the only attacking spark we had earlier in Season 2009. All people remember is that we were losing, and as the halfback is traditionally Parramatta's scapegoat, KK is blamed for this. I think that's a real shame, because that makes people willing to accept solid and dependable, rather than the more creative option which KK can provide.
People also have to remember mortimer and KK have played footy together in the lower grades and do have an established partnership.
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next