Eels Blogs

Smith in doubt for Knights clash

Posted by 1Eyed Eel on June 16, 2010 at 10:21am

Ben Smith is in doubt for the Eel's clash against Newcastle, according to the Parramatta Advertiser.

Smith limped off towards the back end of the Storm clash and according to the Advertiser is still carrying a hamstring injury.

If Smith is ruled out, it would be probably that the ever-reliable Brendan Oake would fill his shoes, with Justin Horo likely moving to the starting side.

Smith's injury will have the Eel's sweating even more on Nathan Hindmarsh's ability to come through Origin tonight unscathed. Depth in the second row has been an issue for the Eels since the opening match injury to Shane Shackleton.

If Parramatta's second row depth was further tested, any vacancy would likely be contested between Bulldogs discard Lee Te Mari and Tim Robinson, who has been on the edge of NRL selection for a number of years now without making a debut.

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Replies

EelLectric June 16, 2010 at 12:04pm

The improvement in Ben Smith's game since he first moved to the 2nd row is quite staggering. Obviously he was like a fish out of water after his initial move to the backrow in 2009. But in the space of 1 year he is now, to my mind, a representative class second-rower. His attack is still a work in progress I believe but when he gets that bedded down, I think he'll be one of the premier backrowers in the competition. He could attract some big offers whenever his contract is next up for renewal.
- Mathew Clarke > EelLectric June 16, 2010 at 12:33pm
  
  I agree.
  
  I think Smith is one of our best week in week out and is our replacement to Hindy when he retires. I just hope we don't loose him to another team due to salary cap pressure. Smith has great potential.
- YDIDISAYIDO > EelLectric June 16, 2010 at 2:33pm
  
  Benny's a legend. Techincally brilliant in defence.
  
  For some reason his hands have let him down sinve playimng 12 and he gets a bit high in his tackles occasionally however he is a rep player for sure if he can find 1 more gear.
Ham Sammich June 16, 2010 at 3:35pm

When Benny was playing centre his defence was poor and his attack was top. now it's Vica Versa, but I think the switch was the best thing for Benny and the team
Ross Williams June 16, 2010 at 3:48pm

I think this guy should be our captain once Cayless retires at the end of the season. He would be a good long term leader and would help to keep him at the club.
- jamesy > Ross Williams June 16, 2010 at 3:56pm
  
  I'd rather Hindmarsh be captain untill he retires then give the job to Tim Mannah. I feel Tim would be the better leader and is very good at handling the media.
Ross Williams June 16, 2010 at 4:10pm

Hindy already plays a leaderership role and the 2 would work together.I think Timmy is going great for us but is still a bit young although cayless was a similar age when he took on the job.Its good we have a few options anyway.
GOGOGROTHE June 16, 2010 at 4:23pm

I agree YDIDISAYIDO.... I've been saying all season that if SMith can cut out the 2 - 3 balls he puts down a game he really puts his hand up as one of the form back rowers in the comp....

The problem is there are a tonne of form back rowers in the comp, so he's competing in a tough position....
Tinkerbell June 16, 2010 at 4:57pm

I hope Benny plays.

He is our unsung hero. A solid toiler, each and every week. He really has become like another Chad Robinson - never really in the limelight, but always doing their job each and every week and without him, something is always missing.

I also agree with ideas about a possible captaincy. I think he would be ideal. It has to be either Benny or Tim Mannah surely. The benefit of making Timmy Captain is that he is a lot younger and as has been said before, will make resigning him easier in the future. I have a feeling Benny will be a Parramatta man for life, regardless of what happends with captaincy.
Ace Eel June 16, 2010 at 7:19pm

wow ...brendan oake as BS replacement that doesn't exactly make me real confident ....it really shows a lack of depth if his is still our 1st lower grade forward back up option.......give Lee TeMari a start....