On Parraeels.com the new player profiles are up, when looking upon i saw a name that was familiar but never crossed my mind, Watson Heleta. He is 24, plays centre, big build but short in height, would be close to resemblence of Bureta Faraimo.
He played 20's for Wests and played junior Kiwis. I recognise the name from 20's and Wenty however i did not know he was near the squad for Parramatta first grade, so im wondering is he on a development contract after Davies was promoted? If he is then why not show all development players including Schneider, as Samuel Hughes is also listed, despite it being very unlikely he is in the 30 man squad more like development.
So raises a question, with depth in outside back being so vast, experienced and open, could Heleta be in the running for a debut? I feel Parry has sort of fallen out of favour after his 2 less then impressive appearances last year, despite wanting him to get more games, and George Jennings seeking other opportunities it is prime for Heleta to bolter his way through for a spot.
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Sixties said he has been good at training and was a shot at mines until his injury
Sam Hughes is there too
Yes Watson is on a development contract and won both player of year and players player awards last year in Canterbury Cup . https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2020/02/11/eels-upgrade-rhys-davi...
I thought Parry went okay last year and continues to feature prominently in training reports as does Jennings, not to mention we have Taka as cover as well , so yes interesting one.Heleta won best player for Wests reserves but seeing as Wests is already reserve grade standard not sure where that leaves Dear Watson .
I agree Eggy, I think Parry went ok in the 2 NRL games last year, it seems he let himself down somewhat when he went back to the Reserves. You would have liked to think he dominated at that level with the experience he had. Parry has to be a better option than Gennings to fill an injury gap in the backline. We also have the situation that Stephano Utoikamanu disappointed in his Reserve Grade opportunities as well (one big exception)..... I just hope because the reserves are playing in Parra jerseys this year, there maybe a bit more pride in playing second grade.
It's funny how the Emporers new clothes paradigm continues to work at these levels. The press give them a few wraps and say someone else is interested in them and then our fans reinvent the past performances.
Speaking of the past pops , I remember the reserve grade teams playing before the main game were almost just as strong as the ist graders even their competition ladder was competitive , remember reading the points table and whose leading the overall club championship in the " rugby league week " ?
I remember....that....too.
Sorry I read article as though he was best player in cup but checked again and thanks for pointing out correctly that it was his West club awards .
I used to play with some blokes who were on the small side but could still continually break the line because of running style and strength, but Watson is 172cm and 91kg that is in the half or hooker range.He would get mauled in first grade surely , big heart can carry you but how far?