The Parramatta Eels side to take on the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium has been confirmed by Blue & Gold Head Coach Brad Arthur. Arthur has confirmed his final seventeen players with Will Smith and David Gower dropping off the extended bench.
Parramatta Eels side
1. Clint Gutherson
2. George Jennings
3. Michael Jennings
4. Kirisome Auva'a
5. Bevan French
6. Corey Norman
7. Mitch Moses
8. Peni Terepo
9. Kaysa Pritchard
10. Tim Mannah (c)
11. Manu Mau
12. Tony Williams
13. Tepai Moeroa
Interchange
14. Beau Scott (c)
15. Kenny Edwards
16. Daniel Alvaro
17. Kane Evans
Is it a major gamble not having a utility on the bench? Is it better to have 4 forwards on the bench or be more risk adverse and have cover for 4 spine positions, the main positions for the team?
I personally would have had Smith on the bench for this game to cover for Gutherson and Pritchard. To ask/expect Pritchard to pay for 80 minutes against a very large heavy pack is unfair and possibly stupid. To not have a backup fullback for Gutherson is also a major risk. Yes, French to drop back to fullback if Gutherson is injured, but we then don't have a suitable forward to play in the backline (Scott, Ma'u and Moeroa are not suitable).
Replies
Mate, Parramatta need a larger bench to counter their lack of size up front. Smith would only add to our size problem.
For mine Kaysa is a liability. At least King has better defense as proven throughout 17. Id also rather have Matagi in place of Beu Scott
Would Smith not offer a danger in attack when playing hooker against large tiring forwards?
If Gutho goes down what forward plays centre?
Does Scott offer more then Smith, when you consider Smith can play many positions?
Edwards can slot in at centre if there's a problem.
I agreed Scott offers not too much of late. Anyone would be better than scott. Id put a junior forward in his spot. Nikuore or Stone.
That's a bit harsh Pops. There are pros and cons for Smith on the bench and only time will tell. If Pritchard cops a head knock early we will not win, but if Smith was on the bench it would be a seemless change.
Yes, from a mobility point of view Ma'u would be first choice to fill in at centre then Moeroa, Edwards may be even after Scott?
Thanks poppa. I always agree with you mate. Hope all is well......and my Internet is ticking like a two bob watch atm.
History has shown us that none of our backrowers can defensively handle filling in at centre. We have also seen when Edwards is playing hooker our attack is stifled at both hooker and right edge backrow.
Our attack is our biggest issue and we struggle to score more then one try a game. Having a fresh backup hooker who can come on and attack the big tiring frontrowers is absolute vital in my opinion.
I think BA has let down Pritchard as he will be targeted tonight and he may need to make 40 or more tackles against a huge team. In turn our attack will suffer due to Pritchard being fatigued.
Im livid
might not even watch :-((((
Stupid stupid mistake
I understand you being upset. We may have differing reasons for Smith being in the team but I do agree with you :))
WE have the same reasons , he is a multitude of options and so invested in the team
, but yes, I like his eyes more !!!lol
massive mistake
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next