There has been much talk about 4 big signings made by the Eels for the 2016 season. Many a judge have thought their inclusion makes us a Top 8 favorite, some going as far as Top 4!. We've now played two games and I thought we could give them an early season review. It must be noted I believe, that we've played the two grand final teams first up (who were respectively the premiership favorites for 2016) - so we need to keep this in mind.
K FORAN - 7/10
His value off the field is unlimited. On the field - missing the first game was a major let down, and it seems that feeling may pop up from time to time over the course of the year. His value in the Cowboys game was pretty good I reckon. His defence was impressive (marked improvement on his predecessor). In attack - I though he was calm and direct, a good foil for Norman - without being outstanding.
M GORDON - 7/10
Safe as houses and a very, very good defensive fullback. His support play has been what is expected. Goal kicking ok (High expectations given his strike rate). I hope he sniffs Manu's backside every run - those two could form a lethal partnership with Manu's ability to get a hand free. (feel free to start the pun's)
B SCOTT - 8/10
I rate this bloke even more after his 1st two game. His presence builds confidence in the blokes around him. He is the angriest human being alive. Something (intimidation) Eels sides have missed for years! His attack has been good also - we needed an enforcer/intimidator - that's what we got.
C GUTHERSON - 5/10
A work in progress. I'm not giving up on him just yet. Agree with all the comments out there about we all hold our breath every time a kick goes his way. His speed isnt as blistering its seems as suggested? I'm hoping the fact we played the top 2 sides has restricted his flair.
M JENNINGS - 6/10
Maybe a little harsh - but he's been well contained, and hasn't been able to provide anything for Semi neither. Again - has more to do with the opposition than anything, but we also need to learn how he wants to get the ball and where. His defence is A1 though.
What's everyone's thoughts?
Replies
Foran brings us direction, kick chase is good, defence is good, just super solid in all areas even when not 100%. Frees Norman up well.
MJ hasn't had any opportunities, would like to see him take a few more dummy half runs and hitups, he can generate fast play the balls if he makes a half break. Hard to give him a rating at all tbh as we haven't seen what he can do.
Clint has been nervous on the kicks but it's only his 7th game, he is doing better than Blair, Williame, Sio & Toutai were at the same stage. He gets involved a lot of our own end which is great. Once he gets a bit of confidence he will be fine cleaning up the kicks.
Gordon has been the best buy IMO. Shows how poor Robinson was last year. Gordo' cleans up the kicks and makes good metres on the first couple of tackles in our own end. Fearless in defence having taken on Oates, Bolton & Coote head on in the first few weeks. Gets down there in the kick chase which is good to see too. Ince the combos improve he will look even better as well.
I actually think our props are the ones who need to lift. Junior has been solid but Mannah needs to lift a bit, Wicks was ok, same with Terepo. Our backrowers are on fire.
We've also had to play the best two teams in the comp. I reckon your scores might be a little more generous had we played the Knights or the Titans. To put things in perspective.
Reckon they have been great.
Foran plays so directly, and plays at the line - it's a magnificent thing to watch. Unlike Sandow, he actually capitalizes on the good work done by the forwards.
So many of our incumbent players have improved markedly over the off season as well - massive kudos to BA.
In both our games, against the grand finalists, we have restricted thier points/defended well enough to win the game (we just didn't score enough points against the Broncs - but there were excuses). When you consider that defense and the ability to compete for 80 were our biggest concerns last year the first 2 weeks have been a massive achievement.
I knew he was a great player but he has really blown me away with his determination. That's got to rub off on the younger forwards.
The way we shut JT out of the game this week was no easy task! A credit to the new attitude and ability in defence.
Scott 7/10 great defence, needs to cut the handling errors out
Jennings 6/10 poor attack, great in defence
Foran 6/10 not enough game time yet
Gutherson 4/10 very poor so far he's position is under presure, Faraimo or Folou close to getting a spot for good work in wenty
Hay carton you said here not much talk about 4 big signing will you got 5 big signing