Hi Fellow Supporters,
I was a member of this site about a while ago and have been following the site ever since. I am really excited about the times ahead for the club so I needed to join up again and get on the Eels roller coaster with fellow lunatics.
Last time I was on this site (under name eel83) I was harping on about bringing back Tim Smith. He was an average player but at least the only good organising half we have had since Sterling with the exception of one year Taylor.
I am thrilled though we finally have another with Foran coming. In the past we have had plenty of talented players across the park from backs to forwards but the only thing we missed to land that elusive premiership was the organising half to utilise all this talent. There is no point having all the talent in the world if that talent doesn’t have the direction to shine.
Here is where Foran will be the difference. He will lead the boys around the park like no one we have had since the 80s. If times are tough he will know how to win the arm wrestle (not go missing). If we are in front he will know how to put the nail in (not try a chip and chase from 10m out). If we are behind he will know what plays are needed to execute a comeback (not merely spreading wide and hoping for the best). The only issue that has been touched on in this site is his kicking game. However like it has been posted both he and Norman take backseat duties with this at the moment and I believe they both possess the kicking attributes needed to take the next step.
In my mind a dominate half is not about being flashy or bringing out the risky plays. It is about bringing out the best in your teammates by leading and organising so they can shine. This is what Foran will do for the Eels. This is why allot of ex eels shine at different clubs, they move into an organisation were there skills are utilised more effectively by halves that allow them to shine.
Many people think we have spent too much on Foran however down the track this will pay off. Players will take less to play with a player of his calibre. Also we don’t have to fork out truckloads of cash on outside backs and fringe forwards. Like at the storm, they promote no name players that look like world beaters because the structure and organisation from the halves allows them to shine. Once they get a name and move on for the extra cash they seem to struggle and another cheap option is in their original position with the same effect. In my opinion there are only four halves in the competition that have this much ability and I feel very lucky that we have one of them.
Bring on the tigers…we are still alive and kicking this year!
Replies
Welcome back Sticks. Nice blog. Totally, agree with everything you've said. I personally think the best thing that has happened for us this year has been DCE's injury dramas. It's forced Foran to step up a lot, particularly in regards to kicking and he seems to be improved for it.
The other thing I think that we get with Foran, and not just Foran but also Scott and Gordon, is we're going to have a bunch of really strong talkers out on the field. That's going to result in us not fading in and out of games as much as we have in the past.
Tad, then also look at his forwards, their injuries and the signing upheaval both halves have had.
No excuses? Ive spent the last 4 years making excuses for Sandow until I came to me current conclusion.
and I have factored this in to my assessment of Sandow and of Parras start to the season including injuries and suspensions
I really thought at the beginning of the year that Sandow may have jumped at the challenge to beat Norman to the last half spot, but he couldnt do it and Norman stepped up.
Again, teams chased and signing Foran vs Sandow unsigned (maybe SL)
As was well defined by another in my X factor blog
The difference between a champion player and an X factor player is consistency.
Tad, give it a break Mate. I have explained myself to you and to the site more than enough times. You keep harping on the Dally M which gives points for attacking rather than defensive and to halves more than any other position.
I have asked for someone in your position to explain to me why no other team of professionals has picked him up if as you say he's so good. But as yet no explanation, because there is none.
He has been an eel for 4yr and we have replaced him with Foran, Good player or bad player, thats the end of the story.
Couldn't agree more.
All these Sandow lovers harping that Parra should resign but why is he having trouble finding a club in the NRL?
Bloody hell the titans are now desperate for halfback and yet they haven't even entered into negotiations with Sandow.
What does that tell you about Sandow and his value amongst other NRL clubs.
Of course you picked that part to respond too.
Can you answer the second part of my post? That might answer your own question then.
Come on Tad thats a cop out, you can do better than that.
Parra is known to have cap issues and yet you still go on about us signing him because he's so good. While Titans offer DCE $1+m to go there and now need an experienced half to help their young half. Sandow is experienced, comes from QLD and wouldnt cost anywhere near that.
and yet they try for Hodgkinson.
You cant explain it without upsetting your theory.
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