Eels Blogs

Parramatta insiders reveal 7. Mortimer 6.Keating as new halves combo

Posted by Chuk on April 6, 2010 at 9:52am

Found this in a DT article about Mitchell Pearce.

"THE Eels have one ace left up their sleeve to keep Kris Keating from the Bulldogs' clutches - playing him in the starting side.

Insiders at Parramatta were yesterday confident that Keating and Daniel Mortimer will be the new halves combination. There's also every chance Mortimer will play halfback for the first time in his career, replacing grand final partner Jeff Robson at the scrumbase.

The more time Keating gets in the top 13, the more chance he is of staying with the blue and golds".

Find link below.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/roosters-star-mitchell-pearce-delays-21st-birthday-celebration-until-after-season/story-e6frexnr-1225850069614

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Replies

Barra Eel April 6, 2010 at 10:07am

this is the halves combo that parra will have for the next few seasons. so start it now. its going to need time to click but the talent is there. we need our forward pack to ease the pressure on them but not getting smashed every hit up but. lets get this new combo rolling.
mello_79 April 6, 2010 at 10:21am

I would like to see this combo run around for a few weeks to test it out or at least to nullify some of the conjecture about our future in the halves. It would be unfair to judge them after only a week should it not work out instantly (but I'm sure no supporter on this website would call for their sacking should that happen lol), we need to give them time to settle into the combination before looking at other options.
Wild_Eels April 6, 2010 at 10:36am

Agree 100%
Chuk April 6, 2010 at 11:06am

I agree and i like Robson and am glad he resigned with the club... As a BACK UP half, because thats what he is and a solid one. However he is not a starting NRL quality half back with all due respect. Can't wait to see Mortimer at Halfback i think he will control the team quite well and obviously Keating at 6 where he can focus on his running game and passing at the line etc.
Gerad Elias April 6, 2010 at 12:46pm

I wouldnt mind seeing Robson at hooker.
- Johnny Suede > Gerad Elias April 6, 2010 at 12:49pm
  
  I walked into Robson in the post office the other day. He's surprisingly big up close. Put 10 kilos on his frame and he could play in the forwards.
- 1986 > Gerad Elias April 6, 2010 at 11:27pm
  
  I think that's a good position for him too. He ran the ball reasonably well last week and likes to grubber kick rather than bomb or kick for position. Coupled with his solid frame and good defence he would be good as our starting 9. M Keating to the bench and Robbo can cover for injuries to either K Keating or Mortimer for the 7. Also agree with Johnny Suede. He could be our starting 9 and with a few more kilos even the 13.
  
  Still leaves us with a problem as neither Keating or Mortimer are good kickers. Some one suggested that Burt do the kicking but as he is supposed to be out on one wing this would be tough (to constantly get into position) even though he probably is the smartest bloke out on the field.
Chuk April 6, 2010 at 1:05pm

On another note talking about size, I was standing behind Anthony Mitchell in the line for a ride at the easter show yesterday and the bloke isn't very big at all even for a hooker.. one would question whether he is big enough for the NRL just yet, he looks to me like he would need one really big off season and about 5-7kg added to his frame, i could be wrong!
Camo73 April 6, 2010 at 1:29pm

Here's a question...
What if this combo doesn't click in the first 4 weeks the boys are playing in the halves together?
- ParraP > Camo73 April 6, 2010 at 4:18pm
  
  Then we will be in the same position we are now.