Eels Blogs

Round 1 - Terrific Match Ups

Posted by Big Dave on February 15, 2016 at 7:30pm

I'm looking forward to Round 1 to see how last year's top 8 teams compare to last year's bottom 8 improved squads (Parra, Manly, Warriors, Dragons & Raiders). Penrith also back to full strength.

Thursday - Eels v Broncos (Great test for us, even contest)

Friday - Sea Eagles v Bulldogs (Very even contest. New rules may affect the dogs?)

Saturday - Raiders v Panthers (Both at full strength, even contest)

Saturday - Tigers v Warriors (Warriors away anything could happen, but you would think they win)

Saturday - Cowboys v Sharks (Strong contest, expect Cowboys to win at home)

Sunday - Roosters v Rabbitohs (Both have weaker squads in 2016, but Rabbits to win with big Sam)

Sunday - Titans v Knights (Probably only average game of round, but should be even contest)

Monday - Storm v Dragons (Very even constant. Good time to play Storm)

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Replies

Tim Par February 15, 2016 at 9:28pm

How can you possibly say us vs Broncos is an even contest. One side played the finals and the other missed them. It will be a test for us especially to see how well our new side can gel.
- Ham Sammich > Tim Par February 15, 2016 at 9:33pm
  
  The 2015 broncos made the finals, the 2015 Eels didn't. The 2016 Eels and Broncos teams haven't even played a game yet. Our team has changed drastically (theirs not so much) so it is hard to compare to last season.
- Tim Par > Tim Par February 15, 2016 at 9:36pm
  
  Definitely agree. But still think we go in as the underdog...
- Big Dave > Tim Par February 15, 2016 at 10:11pm
  
  We were highly competitive against the Broncos last year with a lot weaker team. Last year we were not a top 8 team, this year we are!
- The French Fullback #1 > Tim Par February 15, 2016 at 10:35pm
  
  Home ground advantage is a big factor for us, the boys will be more than pumped than seasons gone by to do well, especially the new boys. Many an ambush has occurred at Pirtek in the last few seasons. The forwards battle will determine the winner, so we have to muscle up against their world class pack. Can't wait.
How Ponderous February 15, 2016 at 10:19pm

James Roberts changes everything for the Broncos imo.
- Big Dave > How Ponderous February 16, 2016 at 12:26am
  
  He could do if their forwards are rolling forward and winning the ruck.
  
  Roberts tried hard in the All Stars game but he was shut down as his forwards lost the battle. The old saying has truth, "Forwards win games, backs determine by how much."
  
  We have a strong backline this year but our results will not hinge on our backs, it will hinge on our forwards this year whether we make the 8 and go further.
  
  Manly was a good example last year, very strong backline but they struggled in the middle. It doesn't matter how flash the car is if the motor is crap!
- Ham Sammich > How Ponderous February 16, 2016 at 6:26am
  
  He can go either way. He's had one good season at a bad club but is he better than Hodges? Even last year Hodges was one of the better centres in the game.
parra supporter February 15, 2016 at 11:45pm

agree very good round to start the year. Does anyone know what is the fourth game on channel 9? us, manly roosters game and? be disappointed if i miss the sharks and cowboys clash, that'll be a cracker of a game.
CP February 16, 2016 at 9:31am

I think the top 10 teams are matched up evenly and it's a toss of the coin who will win. Players these days are so athletic and gifted compared to what you get 5 or 10 yrs ago. It's a very competitive competition I'm just glad we have a roster that can finally compete.