Half Back Stocks

Rankin may get a run this year with the Eels after Salmon officially joined the Panthers today.  Depending on injuries, and less likely the representative period, he may be a handy pickup for the team this year.  We could still play Gutho in halves and have Will Smith come in at the back but I don't think we did that great with that experiment this year.

Any junior half backs in the system worth thinking about?  Still have three roster spots to fill.

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  • Jakob Arthur

    • Isn't age against him for a development contract this year?

      • Members here have said his age varies between 16 and 18 at various times . If eels head coach Brad Arthur ( his father ) mentioned it publicly then expect criticism . I don't know why he should not carefully support and promote his son to the extent he believes the talent of his son . Not applicable to every coach / father though Lol .

        • He's 18 turning 19 this year.

  • I was under the impression that Roache was a 9,but he has also played a lot as 5/8,is this true?and don't forget we still have Jnr Paulo if needed at 7

    • This reply was deleted.
      • Yes very handy to have on the bench to give Reed a rest and to cover halves,just hope he is actually an upgrade on Will Smith,who won't win you a comp but he has been a good backup and probably doesn't deserve to slide down the pecking order too far.but some guys are just born to play the second fiddle,and he's getting paid good money to do so.Back to Roache,he has good upper body strength and can break tackles,step and has a good turn of speed,can't wait to watch him play for us.The more I think about it the more I think Cartright gets Lanes spot.Lane was already out of form and favour this year and his defense was terrible, so if Cartright gets that right,he also offers us a ball playing option on the left to compliment Matterson on the other side.The game is speeding up even more next year and having multiple ball players across park will be an advantage and another off the bench in Roache will be essential. IMO.

      • Will Smith as a Half back option, omg. Your dreaming

    • Paulo at 7 is ridiculous in my opinion as is Gutherson. The Eels need quality halves whose geniune position is exactly that. If they dont have one in the junior ranks then they need to purchase. Putting players out of their preffered position is ridiculous and was clearly shown up in the recent state of origin series as in other club games as well. Its like putting a plumber in the kitchen to bake a cake.

      • Try charging at Junior when he is putting in the end of set kick. Be like running into a wall.

        We all know he isn't a half but the big fella has got the skills so why not have a bit of fun with it.

    • the Eggman: I would say with some confidence that Jnr P would be the worst halfback in the competition if selected there. I can only assume that you are winding- up the good folk on this site? I saw in the Telegraph today their selections of young players who would be worth following in that competition they run. There were quite a few mentioned as half-backs. There were about twenty players in all mentioned (not all half backs) but not one Eels player was mentioned worthwhile keeping an eye on. Well done Master coach B Arthur. By your development of juniors, thou shall be remembered.

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