https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/search-for-semi-radradra-fix-puts-eels-roster-on-edge-ahead-of-2018-nrl-season/news-story/e5f38be829031589aa5459a8b804ce01
With several spots up for grabs this season, no one is safe.
It also means a clean slate.
With past performances no longer a measuring stick for selection, a string of players have catapulted their names into the conversation for Round one.
The most pressing position that needs to be filled is on the left flank.
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The gaping hole vacated by the French rugby code hopper has seen several candidates push their case this pre-season but Arthur is no closer to deciding who will don the No.2.
“We’ve been running a few different blokes and giving everyone an opportunity,” Arthur told foxsports.com.au.
The Eels celebrate a try.Source: AAP“Because we’re playing our trial late in February, we’re still a while away from knowing what we’re going to look like.
“Josh (Hoffman) has run there, Kirisome (Auva’a), George Jennings has run there.
“We’ve got a lot of depth and trying to work out where they’re all going to go.”
So how do you replace a 190cm speed demon built out of granite?
Not only is his frame built for destruction and he fears no man but he has a canny knack for scoring a lot of points.
That’s why Arthur is exploring every option.
With more depth and versatility in the Parramatta squad than ever before, he’s spoiled for choice with competition for spots at a premium.
In fact, he’s challenged his men to pick themselves for round one after refusing to guarantee any player a spot in his 17.
Semi Radradra with Brad Takairangi last year.Source: News Corp AustraliaWhile Brad Takairangi has spent couple of seasons playing in the centres, even the current Kiwi international could find himself in a new role.
With Michael Jennings able to play both sides of the field and Jarryd Hayne returning to the club, Arthur is toying with a host of new combinations.
“Takka’s is someone who needs to be in the 17,” he said.
“It’s hard. At training we’re chopping and changing the team. We’re running blokes on different sides of the field. Having different backrow combinations.
“I’m running Normy (Corey Norman) against Mitchell (Moses) and then putting them together.
“I don’t like giving away too much at the moment because I want them all to work hard. No one has a position yet.
“Jenko’s been on the left and right. Jarryd’s been on the left and right. He’s been at five-eighth and fullback.”
Jarryd Hayne takes part in a Parramatta pre-season training session.Source: Getty ImagesLast season Arthur stuck with one hooker, meaning the man wearing the No.9 needed to pump out 80 minutes.
The role was won by Kaysa Pritchard to start last season before an injury opened the door for Cameron King who excelled.
Once again, Arthur feels his team will be best suited to carrying a utility player or an extra forward on the bench rather than an extra rake.
“We’ve got enough utility value with blokes to cover different spots,” Arthur said.
“Will Smith sees himself as that opportunity to play a bit of everywhere.
“I’ll probably only go with the one hooker but I’m no closer to whether that’s Cameron or Kaysa because they’re both doing a good job. They both bring something a touch different.”
Replies
If you’re going with one hooker maybe it King. He’s the steady rock you can rely on each week to make good decisions. Plus he can kick well in general play. He balances the team.
Kaysa is explosive and dynamic but if it’s a one hooker policy I couldn’t pick him.
I would agree Mutt. I really liked how King performed, and I think last season we were better getting downfield with him at 9.
Plus King's service from dh is exemplary whereas Kaysa throws too many line ball or forward passes for my liking. King also offers another kicking game along with the halves and Hayne. King for me every day of the week!
But if Will Smith is the utility on the bench, he can give Kaysa a break
BA for PM
I see people do that on TV every night. I think they are called politicians...
I have said since Hayne was bought, the TAKA issue is the hard one. He is highly thought of by both coaches and players. He is emotionally attached to all of the players. Will he make the 17 I am not sure but that quote by BA give hint he will be there. As Crazy as it sounds I would not be surprised if he ended up on the winger in similar fashion to how Brisbane use their forward cum winger Corey OATES.
Great depth though....
I thought that was what BA was hinting at as well, but this could be a red herring. If one thing is sure, BA doesn't know how the team will line up, so all we can do is speculate. There are many configurations, and this will likely change throughout the season anyway.
I've been thinking Taka would better serve the team on the wing than as a reserve 2nd rower.
He's tall and strong, not particularly fast, but pace on the wing isn't everything these days.
It's good to now hear that thought being mentioned in a proper article.
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