Eels Blogs

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  BP Eel April 27, 2015 at 10:31am

  I personally think Norman is a better half than Elgey is. I think Norman looks really dangerous going to the line with Manu running off him, he can put Manu through a good hole and it also seems as if his own running game has improved.. He's been making a fair few half breaks lately. Norman played a part in all 3 tries that we scored on the weekend, setting up 2 himself with nice cut out balls. I also dont find him a defensive liability besides his bad habit of shooting out and leaving his centre and winger 2 on 3 occasionally, but this problem can be coached out of him. I think once Semi is back Norman will look a lot more dangerous as well, playing with Manu, Taka and Radradra down the left side. Norman also has the ability to play Fullback which is good for depth, i don't believe Elgey can play any other positions? (Correct me if wrong).
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  Prof. Daz April 27, 2015 at 10:37am

  If Norman is a better "half" than Elgey, this raises the question of the distinction between half back and five eight. Some say it has dissolved to the extent halves stick to one side. Norman repeatedly says he is a 5/8 here to play 5/8, so would he opt for a 7 on his back? And Sandow is our main kicker, so would Foran and Norman suffice for kicking duties (especially clearing kicks)?
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  Tim Par April 27, 2015 at 10:37am

  Norman will be at the Eels if Sandow isn't. Simple as that.
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  The Offside Eel April 27, 2015 at 10:38am

  Norman isn't going anywhere he will be playing in the halves next year with foz and sandow will be someone else's problem.
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  ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER April 27, 2015 at 10:43am

  No way Keep Norman
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  Ham Sammich April 27, 2015 at 11:12am

  With Norman and Foran I think we can almost go with a "traditional" halves pairing. Norman isn't that quick when he has to make a decision that's when you see him run a sweep play he takes it to the line but then stops and looks for his option whereas when you see Foran do the same play he runs much faster but knows where his options are so the defence has to make a rushed decision and that's where Foran shines. I think Norman can play first receiver  with Foran here. He still has that running element which can hold up a defence but also he doesn't have to worry about running a sweep play most of the time. There is still room for movement with this structure.

  The most important thing with whatever halves we go with is that they have options. We still seem to be lacking a bit in that area.
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  Prof. Daz April 27, 2015 at 11:21am

  Ham, agreed on Norman. Note, to add to that observation, that Norman looks quite dangerous on the short side. With less room to move and less options, Norman runs at the line faster, passes later, picks the runner with space more often, along with breaking the line more often. It's like Norman can sometimes be a "short side Foran", shall we say?
  
  Which, if correct, would suggest a Foran/Norman halves combo could benefit from them swapping sides as per field position, Norman on short side and Foran on open side???
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  shane April 27, 2015 at 12:08pm

  Doesn't matter which number is on their back as both do the same job. 1 runs the left and the other does the right, it will also be interesting which would be the dominate half as both are the same though Norman is probably is more gifted. 
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  Husky April 27, 2015 at 2:27pm

  You guys seriouse we need Sandow in the team he is the only spark in our line up with out his running and kicking game we will be stuffed
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  Jose Martinez April 27, 2015 at 4:16pm

  If Norman is better than Elgey then this Elgey kid must be pretty poor to be honest