With Adam Reynolds expected to be sidelined for 4-6 months, Luke Keary now (partially) steers the ship but most likely partnering the returning veteran John Sutton, as he has done before in Reynolds absence. Keary has the luxury of playing in such a strong roster that his true ability has never been fully tested/ exposed. A mirror image of Daniel Mortimer's path starting in 2009. Both have won premierships and I admit Keary played a bigger role (80 mins) than Mortimer's (6 minute) cameo off the bench for 0 metres gained, 5 Tackles 2 ineffective 2 missed for the Roosters.
When Keary was off contract early this year but resigned he had a few clubs interested but like Mortimer would not make any difference in a side like the Titans, Sharks, Dragons,Raiders. You could throw Josh Reynolds and others in established teams as well. We have all witnessed the failings of Ben Barba at the Sharks as their marquee signing in the halves.
For years Parramatta have been bagged for losing players that went on to do bigger things at other clubs but not one of them went to a struggling club and made any difference or were standing out in our team when we were struggling before departing.
Our recruitment has well and truly turned the corner with established, proven, quality players wanting to play for us and long gone are the days of entertaining the thought or paying massive overs for the likes of Keary or Barba and the foresight to see the likes of Daniel Mortimer, Jacob Loko should not have been paid massive overs to stay Hoppa, Sandow,and Lussick will only be at the club next year if they sign for less and at their true market value. The club is finally in a great position recruitetment/retention wise and the only "risk/chance" signings will be the likes of Reece Robinson, Danny Wicks, Richie Fa'aso, Taka who all only signed 1 years deals on moderate pay.In the past we would of had to have paid massive overs for these players and on 2-3 year deals. The Eels can now "pick and flick" who we want.
Go the Eels on Monday against the Tigers, I think key to victory is bashing the crap out of the over rated Luke Brooks. We also owe him for last years dive in the corresponding match that cost us the win.
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I too have turned the corner on bagging any of our players and keep any frustration internally. I will focus on the positives. Morgs had a soild game against the Bunnies and as for Seffa apart from one risky off-load think that is probably the best game I have seen him play. It is wonderful what Hillsong has done to my perspective on life : ) It was a toss between them or Scientology.
They took it all, but explained I do not need money now they shown me the path to enlightenment. I even sold my car but the Pastor sometimes gives me a lift in his new Audi. I pay for the petrol of course. That's only fair. I am working a second job at the Easter show because his insurance and registration is due at the end of the month. He is just such an honest and influential person.