Panthers 2014 / Eels 2015

In the second half of the 2014 competition Panther after Panther dropped with injury, yet they still found a way to win games. What could have been if they had a few returning troops for the major semi final against the Bulldogs they lost 18-12.

The Eels are currently in a similar position with a depleted squad through injury and suspension but there could be a silver lining if we can keep finding a way to bank some wins until they return and just do enough to stay in the race, because unlike the Panthers our troops are returning.

Jnr Paulo, Semi and hopefully Richie Fa'aso to return. Taka 1-2 weeks and what a fucking joke if Robinson is suspended (3 weeks if appeal is not successful).Jnr Paulo's suspension fast tracked Danny Wick's inclusion who has been exceptional and may have seen the first half, or longer of the season languishing at Wenty. If he keeps his current form he has cemented a spot. Unfortunately we will not see Kenny Edwards and Beau Champion again in 2015 but the only positive to come out their injuries is they occurred so early in the season that those replacing them like John Folau have plenty of time to get up to speed and not be thrown into the business end of the year under immense pressure for a game or two. Kenny Edwards was a big loss but presented the opportunity for Dave Gower to cement a spot and others to play more minutes like Tepai. Neither have disappointed or been weak links.

*BIG unicorn alert.

We don't need to win every week just stay in touch until the full-squad returns and hopefully firing. If we can win 5 of the next 10 games (4 played at Pirtek) with 2 byes up our sleeve in round 15 and 18. That puts us on 18pts. That leaves 10 games left (3 played at Pirtek *2 unfortunately moved- ANZ and Darwin *Could be very defining).Win 50% of them and you play finals (+/- for and against) football going off the 2014 table.

*Biased decisions based of former club association.

This would be a great effort after being ranked as having the hardest draw in the completion and constantly getting bent over by the NRL and Todd Greenturd. There are so many former players and club Administrators who work at the NRL now and are totally biased towards their former clubs who always get favourable treatment and outcomes, yet we have our very own Michael Buettner heading the match review committee fucking us over big time. Is he on Spagnolos or Fitzgerald's payroll? Go back to cleaning pools and suspending kids for p issing in it at your former Star of the Sea job.

"It was, as he had control of his contract. If you are Sanders' agent and Parra say here is a 3 year deal til 2027. You see Moses signed til 2028 with options and Brown til 2031 with options. But Canberra have a 3 year deal with Fogarty having one…"

"LB not everyone sees it your way that Sanders pathway was blocked. Some serious thoughts and considerations could have been implemented, knowing full well that Mitch and Dylan had options. Sanders literally dosnt debut till right now, history shows…"

"But that's the thing. Sanders path was not blocked at all. When someone actually looked at Brown's contract he was only contracted until the end of 2025. The club could not have fucked this situation up anymore if they tried. If the R&R team were…"

Replies

Wayne April 1, 2015 at 5:22pm

Nice blog mate, there are definitely some similarities between us and the Panthers. I also think a huge x factor for us is how Hoppa develops at fullback. He is still finding his feet at 1 and if he can keep improving this will be a massive benefit along with the injured / suspended players returning.
George Bakos April 1, 2015 at 5:39pm

Ok relax people. We haven't won 2 games in a row yet. I'll wait until we win a few in a row, before making comparisons. I think the Tigers will flog us this week. I can just see their halves kicking behind our rushing defence, and Tedesco and co...running on to it. Hoppa and our wingers ( makeshift ), really need to be on their game. Jason Taylor would of done his homework.
- Bert de Naturál✌️™ > George Bakos April 1, 2015 at 9:25pm
  
  You don't think BA has done his homework? There is no surprise element to the plays the Tigers will use. Just a matter of being good enough to stop.
- George Bakos > George Bakos April 2, 2015 at 10:43am
  
  True mate, but I don't think our makeshift outside backs will be good enough.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER April 1, 2015 at 5:39pm

The NRL will find a way to stop us making the 8 look at Paulo tackle 10 weeks for that come on robbo got a clean record and hes looking two weeks come on we most well pack our bags now and go on holiday now
CP April 1, 2015 at 9:11pm

If you get injuries the best time is early in the season. When we make the finals we should have most of our players back.