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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Look I think it has been all those things, but you have to remember the juniors system was reset only fairly recently. This is starting to finally produce quality juniors, with Penisini and Russel the first to become regular NRL players. Jason Ryles knows this, and he also knows that the conveyor belt of junior talent is starting up, but of course it needs regular maintenance to make sure it operates efficiently.
This, together with appropriate buy-in quality players is what Ryles is setting up for. We haven't seen such vision at this club for a very long time. The trick now is to ensure development players get access to the very best systems. The Centre of Excellence is a massive boost here. Let's see how it all progresses over the next few seasons.
We must have the greatest jnrs in the history of rugby League, it's the only thing that makes sense about our recruiting.
Me thinks it's the recruiters who can't land anyone so to save face the club plays the 'pathways' card.
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