Eels Blogs

Replies

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  Ricky August 10, 2010 at 12:12pm

  Could possibly be good for a year yes, but if Piggy ends up signing with us again, you'd think that there'd be no need for Priddis with both Robson and MK that can play hooker.
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  Bourbon Man August 10, 2010 at 12:14pm

  Personally, I don't think we need either. Both too old and past their best.
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  Ricky August 10, 2010 at 12:17pm

  There definitely is the argument that we don't need either yes.
  Who would you prefer/like to see in the hooker role BM?
  I'd take a crack at Anthony Mitchell, but unfortunately, the likelihood is that he won't be re-signing with the club which is a big loss IMO.
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  Danny Crnkovich August 10, 2010 at 12:20pm

  I would also prefer not getting them and getting someone we could use for 3-5 years but we need a change. If the older blokes can do a year and play mentor to the younguns, the gamble may pay off in a couple of years.
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  Bourbon Man August 10, 2010 at 12:21pm

  To be honest, should we get the marquee half we're after, I'd play Morts/Robson/MK at hooker with Humble at 5/8th. I guess my problem with signing either Riddell or Priddis is we run the risk of sacrificing another promising player down the line to secure the (expensive) services of a retiree looking for his last big pay cheque.
  
  Personally, and I've said this before, I don't think our problems lie in the 9 jersey. Most teams in the comp have a solid hooker rather than a spectacular one - us included.
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    Ricky > Bourbon Man August 10, 2010 at 12:24pm

    Fair enough.
    Robson hasn't played to bad at hooker during his time there so I wouldn't mind seeing a rotation between any of the two players you just mentioned.
    Humble does have to start though. With the wraps that are on him in the halves, he needs a chance to prove his worth.
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    PM > Bourbon Man August 10, 2010 at 1:52pm

    Sensible thoughts BM & RIcky. I agree but wonder whether DA is going down the same path.
    
    DA seems to desire a half and more spark out of dummy half - than what he's getting.
    
    In 2010 DA's toyed with Robson, MK, KK & was it Humble (?) for a wink. Morts could be the biggest spark out of dummy half being a bit PJ ish, as BM once said (or someone did).
    
    Rather than another dummy half, Piggy, Pridis or whoever, I think another strong running ball second rower to support Smith, esp. since Mateo is leaving would be of more use to us. Alas, I don't have a say.
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      Ricky > PM August 10, 2010 at 2:08pm

      Do you think Horo could act as that other ball-runner?
      He has looked pretty good in his stint in the first team, probably one of our more consistent players.
      There is always Shack to come back as well that can act as that second ball-runner if you will that you bring up.
      Shack never really had a chance to prove himself as he was injured early on, but from all reports, when he did sign with us, many Roosters fans were disappointed that they had let him go.
      Just a few thoughts.
      
      On the OP and the hooker position though, I wouldn't be displeased with Riddell, but I also wouldn't be displeased with the hooker rotation as BM mentioned before.
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        Bourbon Man > Ricky August 11, 2010 at 12:53am

        Good call Ricky and PM. I see a combination of Horo and Shack, whilst not possessing the flair of Mateo, providing a similar foil. Morts is a good footy player and I'm disappointed at the flack he's getting at the moment - completely unwarranted in my view. Similarly, I don't believe DA is the problem, nor the long term complaint of about our much spoken about 'attitude issues'. It must not be forgotten that Brian Smith (along with Bennett) is probably the best tactician and motivator within the coaching ranks of the NRL and he was unable to solve our 'problems' to deliver that elusive premiership.
        
        I maintain that a proper organiser is the key ingredient we lack - and that might prove to be a Michael Dobson, Matthew Head, Matt Orford, Brett Kimmorley or a Trent Barrett. Failing this outcome, we must persist with the staff we have and hope that through the off-season (as I don't realistically believe we'll make the semis) one of our junior 'play-makers' makes the grade so to speak.
        
        I have too much respect and appreciation for DA to think that he's left himself short for season 2011 considering that should we struggle midway through next season, he'll be out of a job; and I personally cannot see a worse outcome than to sack a successful head coach (as DA is) who historically supported the team he coaches.
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  Ricky August 10, 2010 at 12:24pm

  Agreed Danny.
  We need someone with a bit of experience to guide Morts around the park and nurture him if you will to become a better player.