So we all wondered and thought how de Belin was going to be used, seems not at all. I give credit to Ryles who doesn't much around. No matter how many games, contract status you are not in the 17 if you are not good enough. Kelly seems to be in the same boat. They have missed on recruitment so far this year and that will happen. de Belin and Kelly can still have an impact off the field with juniors however.
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I mean, there's absolutely zero attribution to it. I think it's more to do with what Kelma did last week. If he didn't perform then Williams would have moved straight back to the edge and Hopgood to prop. Kelma wasn't getting dropped, you're not dropping Williams and Hopgood is clearly a favoured starting prop. Odd man out is JDB. 6 man bench means you can put him there and bring him in if needed.
Super, James Graham and the Bye Round panel of ex-players (non-Eels fans) agree. With you. Almost word for word. Graham added he was "surprised" De Belin wasn't starting.
Best tackle efficiency last week (95%).
0 Errors.
1 missed tackle vs Moses (4 missed), Ryley Smith (3), Dylan Walker (3), Jordan Samrani (2).
Played 49 of the last 50 NRL games.
It's too early to write him off. The veteran foot soldier: seasoned depth to fortify the middle, to add experience and professionalism in training methods to show the younger guys coming through.
He's not there to rock our socks or make us fall in love with R&R. Just do the hard yakka, or even sit one out for the team, to let others play their roles.
Is there any confirmation at all that JDB was dropped for poor form? Stats don't support it? It seems more likely it came down to one from Hopgoode, Williams and Doorey needing to go once Tuilagi's last game demanded his inclusion.
I'm off the opinion that Doorey's leg speed in the middle of the park got him over the line, at which point Ryles is asking about versatility: Williams can play middle or edge and Hopgoode can play middle or ball distributing lock.
Maybe Eels fans are so accustomed to mediocre play that the very idea of a player missing out because of a choice beteeen two GOOD options is off our radar?!
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