Eels Blogs

Fullback

Hoppoate/Robinson/Hunt

After so many years of Hayne at the back it does feel a bit strange discussing the fullback decision. Arthur has publicly backed Hopoate to make the spot his own. However after being selected in Origin last year I wouldn't be surprised to see Hoppa back in Origin. At that point my money is on Robinson to cover as there has been word Hunt has been asked to look elsewhere and has only had one match in first grade in which he was quickly shifted to wing mid game. I believe Sio would have been another good backup but that was not to be.

Wing

Radradra/Robinson/Toutai/Goodall/Faraimo/Folau/Lavaka

Very good depth in this spot. After 2014 Radradra has one wing spot down. Reports from training indicate that Robinson is training the house down and is an early favourite to take out the other wing spot. Faraimo is definitely a good backup, but again will spend most of his time in NSW Cup. I expect Goodall to spend most of the year in NSW Cup developing as well. Toutai and Folau would be more suited to centre, but I've put them in at wing as well as they can cover those spots if needed. If Hoppa plays origin there will be a battle to see who takes the second wing spot if Robinson is to move to FB. I guess it will depend on who plays well this season. For all the flack Toutai copped last year, he is still developing and could follow a similar line as Sio who finally showed his potential last year. TO be honest I haven't seen much of Lavaka so I'll leave it up to you to say where he fits in.

Centre

Taka/Champion/Morgan/Folau/Crooks/Toutai

A dearth of Centres here. Champion and Taka seem to be the early favourites to make the team. Crooks is still an unknown but had a terrific 2013 in the UK. If he can replicate that he may be a special for the 1st grade team. Morgan had a fairly poor 2014 compared to 2013, however did show glimpses of brilliance at times. As above I believe Toutai and Folau will spend the majority of the season in NSW Cup, but it will be difficult to find a spot for all even in NSW Cup.

Halves

Norman/Kelly/Sandow/Matterson/ZDC

The consistent halves pairing last year was Sandow and Norman. Sandow was terrific last year (still needs work on his defence though). Norman, whilst has soft hands and silky skills plays with blinkers on making plays before coming to the line. From sixties reports players are being told to play what is infront of them at pre season training. Hopefully this is rubbing off on Norman and he realises that he should be playing what is infront of him. Kelly is a consistent back up half and will spend the majority in NSW Cup. Matterson is progressing well but I hope for his development he spends the majority of the season in NSW Cup. Same for ZDC, who can also play Hooker.

Hooker

Peats/De Gois/Pritchard/ZDC

After having only one first grade Hooker last year the signing of IDG was to prove one of the great success stories of last year. A reserve hooker, he came into the squad and played 80 minutes of consistent and good footy each week. Still PEats played half busted last year and was still downright thrilling. Again makes you wonder why we persisted with Matt Keating all those years. WE will see what BA plans in regard to hooker, but with the rule changes in relation to letting players up simultaneously I can see Peats starting with IDG in the 14 jersey. Pritchard will play NSW Cup with Liam Foran being moved on. I expect ZDC to spend some time at hooker with MAtterson and Kelly taking up the halves spots in Wenty.

Props

Mannah/Junior Paulo/Lussick/Fa'aoso/Gower/Terepo/Wicks/Alvaro/Newbigging/Pauli

Mr consistent Mannah had a good 2014 (almost 120m a game, 10 hit ups and 24 tackles, playing 22 out of 24). He will definitely be a starting prop, although I know some of you don't rate him because he doesn't have a mean streak. Junior Paulo will take the other starting prop position. Was very good in 2014 for his first year in the top grade and will be better for the experience. That leaves 8 players for the remaining 1 to 2 bench spots depending on whether Arthur uses IDG and if that is the case whether he carries two props and one 2nd rower or one prop and two 2nd rowers on the bench. Lussick is in his final contract year so had better pull hi finger out after a disappointing 2014. Gower had a very good 2014 and will push for a bench spot. Wicks and Fa'aoso are both unknowns but after missing time in footy will probably start at Wenty. I think Alvaro and Newbigging will play Wenty as well. I have a question mark over where Pauli will play. I know he has the lateral movement and passing game which makes him a great 2nd row prospect, but he is such a big unit that he could play in the front row with ease. I expect Terepo to play a fair amount of NSW Cup as well.

Second Row

Ma'u/Edwards/Moeroa/Pauli/Nelson/Kamikamica/Gower

My tip is Ma'u and Moeroa to start, with either Edwards and or Gower off the bench depending on whether IDG is on the bench. Kamikamica should spend the season in NSW Cup, And for mine Nelson is still an unknown so would be in Wenty. AS I said above I'm not sure where Pauli will be used but he will have to keep improving to retain a spot in first grade.

Lock

Watmough/Edwards/Sef Paulo/Matterson

Watmough wasn't brought in for nothing. He will start. It doesn't matter if he is wearing the 11 jersey he will be playing in the middle. Edwards can play lock if Watmough needs to come off and when Watmough plays origin. I think Seffa will be spending the majority of his year in NSW Cup. I think Matterson will continue to be developed as a half but definitely has the size to play lock, but I doubt we will see him in the lock position.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Massive competition for spots. by my count we have 39 players going after 34 spots between first grade and NSW Cup. No position is guaranteed and by all accounts reputation means very little to Arthur. So the all important question of a team list: My round 1 list is as follows:

First Grade

1. Hoppa

2. Robinson

3. Taka

4. Champion

5. Radradra

6. Norman

7. Sandow

8. Mannah

9. Peats

10. Junior Paulo

11. Moeroa

12. Ma'u

13. Watmough

14. De Gois

15. Edwards

16. Gower

17. Pauli

NSW Cup

1. Hunt

2. Faraimo

3. Folau

4. Crooks

5. Goodall

6. Matterson

7. Kelly

8. Lussick

9. Pritchard

10. Terepo

11. Nelson

12. Kamikamica

13. Sef Paulo

14. ZDC

15. Alvaro

16. Wicks

17. Fa'aoso

Let me know your thoughts and don't be afraid to put up some team lists!