Horo just keeps getting better

I have to say, Justin Horo just continues to get better each week. As well as his enthusiasm and hard-running, we saw a bit of the skill he's capable of against the Dogs - one offload in particular was very impressive.

I'm quite amazed at the progress he's made this year. He looked totally out of his depth in the trials but he's just come on with every game. He's a very good example of why you don't push players into the NRL before they're ready.

While often impressing for Wenty, he'd seem to drop concentration at times and could be guilty of a bad miss in defence or he'd go missing for stages of the season. Not only has he managed to make the step up to NRL, but he's doing it consistently.

Horo's rise is going to make it harder for the Eels to justify paying big dollars for Mateo, if there's still a chance of him staying at the club. As I've always said, I can't even imagine Feleti playing for anybody else but if he is forced out of the club by the cap, it's good to know we have a genuine NRL starter ready to step up into his place in Horo. He really is a complete second rower.

"I'm pretty much over all the speculation. If he comes to Parra on a reasonale deal, great.
If he goes anywhere else, inevitably, he'll be a roadblock to some other up and coming talent, which opens up options.
The noise from the dogs is just about…"

Replies

RealEel May 1, 2010 at 12:02pm

His defensive line speed is also good and he adds starch to our defense when he comes on.
joeyboy May 1, 2010 at 12:09pm

Yes i agree Horo seems to have the goods but could it be the case of being more hungry to cement his spot ideally he wouldn't look out of place starting i think the extra workload would tax his fitness but he would adapt.I feel he has more promise than Wellar and reminds me more of a cross between Hugh Mcghan and Stephen Kearney with a touch of Nikau.The lanky frame that seems to look for a big hit like Hugh,the offloads like Kearney and a bit of mongerel like Nikau.It could also prove a likely addition to the NZ side if he keeps it up.All in all a nice replacement for Feleti if he goes,but i wouldnt complain if we kept both.
Tinkerbell May 1, 2010 at 12:11pm

As everyone knows, I was and am a big fan of Oakey, however, I have become an even bigger fan of Horo.

He is young, enthusiastic and gives it 100% every week. For a big man too he is keen to offload and is very exciting to watch. He seems to be handling the step up from Wenty really well and I can't wait to see what he develops into.

We already have a slogan too - 'Super Horo'. :-)
David May 1, 2010 at 8:55pm

We should sign him up for $70k.

My previous proposal assuming we could free up some cash or if salary cap is raised was:
Mateo $230,000 (which is enough for him to stay)
Grothe $100,000
Inu $120,000
KK $180,000
Horo $70,000
That totals $700k
Slaka May 3, 2010 at 11:02am

Inu is worth more than 120k, look at how well he played on Friday. If iahd the choice between Mateo and Inu, I would keep Inu.
- CP > Slaka May 3, 2010 at 6:22pm
  
  Agreed, i like Inu over Mateo in the centres he's a bit lost, on the wing he is a weapon, he a Reddy are a good combination. I've always been a huge fan of Grothe, but i think Inu and Reddy are the future combination for Parra.
GOGOGROTHE May 3, 2010 at 11:07am

I with you 1Eyed and Team.... this kid is impressing me week in week out. The flick pass he popped to Tahu against Souths was sublime .... and I agree .... his enthusiasm and defence is EXACTLY what we need.

I see him a bit differently to other folks tho.... to me he reminds me of Dean Widders, with a dash of Finchy's enthusiasm....

Perfect replacement for Mateo if he becomes a casualty of the salary cap....
Michael Ericson May 3, 2010 at 11:16am

That offload to I think Hayne in the second half was very Mateo like.

I have been a fan of Horo for a few years now and I couldn't believe he didn't get a run last year when we were down a few players.

He's got a great phsyique for footy and has all the ball skills.

I'm tipping him to play for the Kiwis in the next two years (if in fact he is eligible for the Kiwis which I am assuming he is through his old man).
Makybe Steva May 3, 2010 at 12:01pm

Let's not forget that we are spoiled for second row depth at the club at present. If Mateo goes, it will be a loss, but it will open up money to keep some of the younger talented back-rowers on the books.

Next year. We will potentially have:

Hindmarsh
Shackleton
Ben Smith
Feleti Mateo
Justin Horo/Brendan Oake (can't see us keeping both)
Tim Robinson
Taniela Lasalo

As well as (NYC)

Pat O'Halleron
and
Tim Auremi
EELATION May 3, 2010 at 12:51pm

It is great to see - Horo and Poore and Mannah off the bench - it is just as or if not the best bench in the comp so far!!

Horo played very well and has been a great fill in for Shacks.....!!!

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