So team list is out for first trial and have a few thoughts
*Not sure it was the same for everyone else, but i am surprised about Mahoney's inclusion in the team for Sunday night. Now i know what they are thinking, give Mahoney as much game time as possible before the season, and i do believe he will play v Penrith to get up to speed with the starting 13. Now Mahoney will only play roughly 20-30mins though. It common view always is play your most important players in the most important positions in one trial, which we've done in the past. Mahoney, playing hooker, is considered valuable to us this year, so why name him for this game when one trial could have been sufficient? Obviously he will not be dropped or anything like that but risk him getting hurt in first trials, it must make the Eels staff comfortable with the back-ups in case it is to happen, not saying they do not value Mahoney as the starter and best Hooker on the roster, but may see more comfortability in him going down with the depth compared to the other spine spots. Could be a let Canterbury deal with it situation ahaha (doubt it) but still fascinating to look over. Maybe reading too much into and perhaps BA is desperate for Reed to test the shoulder and get it 110% ready for Round 1.
*Lane named over Matterson. Everyone thought Matterson would be relegated to the bench as a middle forward over Papali'i and Lane who would occupy the back-row, but Lane is the one forward chosen to lead via the front. BA did it last year naming Papali'i (before he was a star player) so not out of nowhere he named a player who will be named round 1, but thought Matterson would have been the one. Not complaining though.
*No Wiremu Greig, simply All-Stars was a good enough hit out? or saving him for Penrith? never know i think the former is the main reason as he did get a good 20-25 in the All-Stars against harder opponents. Probably would have gotten more in this game but still has NSW Cup in Penrith and top grade to double up.
*Nice hit out for the wingers, more of a stronger team then i was thinking for this game though Dunster and Simonsson would not be considered as crucial to a season as say Mahoney due to the position being played. But nice hit out for them both with Naiduki and Russell also on bench as well as Josh Tuipulotu and Matt Komolafe.
*Niukore being named is smart as he will miss round 1 so why not get some time up as much as he can in prep for Cronulla in Round 2.
*No Samuel Loizou, which surprised me that Komolafe got a spot in the 25 over him. Injury could be a factor, but if not that is a surprising omission considering i booked him in for a centre or wing spot minimum for this match.
Other than that it will be good to watch some football again trial or not.
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Might have something to do with getting his confidence up and firing. Can't see him playing much game time though.
Having Rein and Hands there eliminates 50-60 mins of game time automatically
Late addition to the squad....
#25 - Jarryd Hayne
Lmao
Yes and why not ? If he wanted to play for us on minimum coin rather than wait for " 60 minutes " payout then we should give Jarryd a trial . ( By the way I really don't not think 60 minutes would want his one sided story but I bet they already had hers filmed ready to release if he had have lost the appeal , with many dollars then going her way ) .... He needs to get fit including
losing weight quick but his body has not been bashed around for like 5 years which is a bonus given his 34 years of age .
Edit, David Hollis also is one I left out and a surprising omission consider he is in the 30 man squad again could be injured but yeah thought he would be in the 21
Loizou is injured according to TCT
Oh is he? Thanks EA would explain it
Hollis is a strange one.
Yea. I remember early last year we resigned him. I thought it was a sign that the club sees him as paulo's successor. However looks like he has fallen down the pecking order.
Just remember you guys, don't get lost on the result.
The most impressive preseason trial we had for years was 2018 in a year that no one wants to remember.
The course of this year is going to be all games are tough, when some mount up losses then the wheels fall off, our whole focus should be not falling into that category. Why am I saying that, well watch what happens to the body language of this site if we lose a few, Wiz will be out with the knives, Fong will be in with the bush turkeys and Snake will talk about how he told everyone this would happen.
Ah! the end of the orf sezun is nigh and then we have "The SEASON" God help us all! Light a few candles and a prayer of thanks.....if you don't believe in God, so be it, maybe join the Russian Army, anything to be constructive! 2 Miracles for the year.....Scomo is relected and Parra Premiers.
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