Eels Blogs

Replies

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  Cumberland Eel March 26, 2024 at 4:02pm

  I really like Talagi at 6
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  Nitram March 26, 2024 at 4:04pm

  The right decision. If it was for a game or two you wouldn't pick Blaize. But these 8 weeks determines our season. We couldn't carry players we already know aren't very good. Blaize has something about him. BA had to pick him and now is forced to stick with him.
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  Big D March 26, 2024 at 4:04pm

  If Bryce doesn't play, straight swap with the Griegmeister
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  Frank The Tank March 26, 2024 at 4:06pm

  

  Like Blaize at #6. Good on him, he's obviously impressed 

  Heard Bryce was out of that's the case surely we bring Grieg into the bench and start Matto in his place.

  Biggest gripe is Harper - I just can't see what he offers tbh, Simmonson is way better plus he's got good speed.
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    Cumberland Eel > Frank The Tank March 26, 2024 at 4:27pm

    

    Agree I would prefer Simmonson above Harper.
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    LB > Frank The Tank March 26, 2024 at 4:49pm

    

    Carty will be week by week based on pain i reckon.
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    BEM > Frank The Tank March 26, 2024 at 4:53pm

    

    Simonsson has a little bit more speed and that's it.

    He is a terrible defender and goes for the glory instead of setting up his winger.

    Happy to not see him in first grade.
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      Michael Ericson > BEM March 26, 2024 at 5:18pm

      

      I think Harper works better with Sivo, who despite the hate from some quarters on here, is still our biggest backline strike weapon. Simmonson has a tendency to run laterally and cramp Sivo. Harper will run good lines and draw and pass as required. 
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        Hell On Eels > Michael Ericson March 26, 2024 at 5:51pm

        

        Great points, Michael. I'd like to see Sivo use his more-than-Tarzan power more often. Sometimes, he seems to play within himself or clock off.

        Sivo has an incredible try-scoring strike rate (just under Semi's). One of the highest in our history. Before his last four game dry he was actually Numero Uno. Still, we have been very left-centric for many years.

         

        Gotta double check these, but our top 3 try scoring career strike rates are;

        1. Semi Radradra, 87% (82/94), 2013-17
        2. Mtchell Wallace, 86.6% (58/67), 1949-52
        3. Sivo, 85% (88/104). He was at 88% before his four last games, which is his driest spell.

         

        Eric Grothe senior (1979-89) who I rate as one of the most damaging and best wingers of his era, and one of the best I've seen, playing in our golden era, scored at 51% ( 78/152).
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          Michael Ericson > Hell On Eels March 26, 2024 at 6:42pm

          

          I'd also suggest he's never played for an extended period with a centre who is very good at catching and passing. Harper could be that guy.