Paulo Puts Hand Up For Hard Yakka

Replacing Nathan Hindmarsh is no one-man job.Forget the subtleties like heart and soul and just think pure statistics, the retired Parramatta great acknowledged as the NRL's most prolific tackler.No longer can the Eels rely on 'Hindy' to clean up the mess, like he did on so many occasions.His levels of endurance and perseverance almost seemed super-human, which is why asking one player to fill the role would be a request too great."We're definitely going to miss him out there when we're playing," back-rower Joseph Paulo told AAP."I'm not the only one that knows they've got to pick it up - there's Tim Mannah, there's Darcy (Lussick), there's Mitch Allgood."We know he was a major part of our forward pack but now it's time for us young guys to take that next step and take our game to the next level.For Paulo, that means adding some substance to his obvious style.A obvious candidate to come into the second-row position vacated by Hindmarsh, Paulo was one of few bright notes in an otherwise dreary wooden spoon campaign for the Eels in 2012.For the first time in his career he became a first grader, his unique brand of ball-playing forward play finally finding its feet in the NRL.He played 23 games, 13 off the bench.But under new coach Ricky Stuart, Paulo knows there's got to be some grunt to go with show if he is to command a regular start."He's (Stuart) told me when it's on, try and be creative, use your skills," Paulo said."But he's also told me to muscle up this year, get ready to make some tackles, take the hard runs."He's really helped me develop my game, he's definitely made me a tougher player"Everyone's looking for that edge - I guess that's my edge for this year, just trying to be tougher."And if that means making more tackles, that's what I'll do, because Hindmarsh isn't going to be out there to tell me off to make more tackles."

Just saw a report saying RTS is looking for a return to a Sydney club to play another 2 years or so. With Warbrick joining the Wahs he will not be staying in NZ. Be a great addition

"There should only be 2 nominees - Thornett and Hayne.
Both great in their own way but The Mayor was easily the better fullback.
Hayne could earn a spot as utility off the bench due to him being fantastic in other positions.
Taylor, along with Levy,…"

Replies

Phillip Watson March 2, 2013 at 3:15pm

Have we not learned from the past - you cant replace legends
We are still looking for a Sterlo
Broncs looking for another Lockie,Talliis, Webcke,Alfie and so on
Melbourne will have the same problem one day
Hindmarsh was the closest thing to Ray Price so we just have wait
Maybe Hayne as the last line of defence and as co-captain will fill in for Hindmarsh
The point is we move on and hope Parra try and play as a team that support each other - I have not seen that since 2001 that was a great year when Newcastle sadly became pretenders to the throne

I think Jacob Loko will do it for Parra and fill in for Hindmarsh - who knows but we will get an idea next Saturday
Go the Eels
- ParramAddict > Phillip Watson March 2, 2013 at 4:50pm
  
  I dont think anyone is talking about replacing Hindy, I took it as the players realize they cant rely on him to clean up their missed tackles anymore and they have to step up
FME March 2, 2013 at 3:18pm

Things are slowly but surley starting to sound better at parra. Bring on round one, i cant wait to see if these words translate into on field performances.
mrbrightside March 2, 2013 at 4:46pm

Forget about Hindy for a minute. I think Paulo showed himself to be a good ball-player in his breakout year, he would routinely commit defenders before passing the ball which Sandow at times failed to do. However I always felt that thing thing separating him from being a great second rower was that his ball playing came at the expense of his running game. I never saw him do the 'tough stuff' that someone like Glen Stewart who plays a similar game would do.iim glad that he's realised that to take it to the next level he need to run harder and not just look to pass that ball and also really stiffen up his defense. Expecting big things from him this year...
Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" March 2, 2013 at 5:21pm

Paulo Puts Hand Up For Hard Yakka

So is this possibly our 'new' sponsor.

Great 3rd party deal?
Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" March 2, 2013 at 8:36pm

Talk about having Unicorn moments Darkz - this is the best so far LOL

Deserves place in the 1EE best one liners.

This reply was deleted.

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Paulo Puts Hand Up For Hard Yakka - nrl.com

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