I believe, and history proves it, the Eels small window of success ( early to mid 80s) was achieved from a core group of experienced players combined with a group of young superstars that came through our junior systems. Throughout the past 25 years the Eels have had successful years in junior competitions but for some reason this success hasn't continued through to NRL level. This could be due to several reasons. Not keeping the best players. Developing young players that perform as juniors but struggle to step up to NRL level. Have the Eels been developing the wrong kids? Do the Eels have the right talent scouts searching for the best kids? The Eels list of junior developed halves and dummy-halves is way below par. Surely more can and should be done in the junior development systems at the Eels. Some clubs with very little juniors have had regular success over the past 25 years. Melbourne and the Roosters in particular.
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