Parramatta announced our trial side to face the Titans in NT and I thought there were a few interesting selections that are worth pointing out. Click the link below to read the original trial thread.
Here's the squad: Daniel Alvaro, Mitch Cornish, Isaac De Gois, Kenny Edwards, Bureta Faraimo, Bevan French, Tyrell Fuimaono, Clint Gutherson, Luke Kelly, Cameron King, Tim Mannah, Tepai Moeroa, Ryan Morgan, Cody Nelson, Rory O'Brien, Junior Paulo, Kaysa Pritchard, Brad Takairangi, Kelepi Tanginoa, Peni Terepo, Vai Toutai, Honeti Tuha, Alex Twal, Matt Woods.
We haz all the hookers
Given we're taking all three hookers (four if you count Nelson) to the game, does this shorten the odds that we're likely to play with an interchange hooker. If so, this would seem to constitute a first audition for the role.
Gower a top 17 cert?
The Eels have left behind most of their senior players you would think that will be a lock for the 17 - Foran, Norman, Gordon, Jennings, Peats, Watmough - and David Gower. Does this indicate that Gower is an early favourite for the 17. Pre-season team lists were split between either Alvaro, Edwards or Gower missing a spot in the team, but I reckon this is a pretty good indication that Gower will be in the NRL side come round one.
It's a big game for...
Kenny Edwards - a lot of Eels fans see Edwards as providing missing X-factor to the Eels roster, and think we're going to be a better unit with him in the side. The afore-mentioned issues will have a big bearing on if there is room for Edwards, but clearly his trial form is also going to be crucial. I think if Kenny is a shot at NRL for Round one he needs to make a statement in this game, where he is the senior backrower.
Battle of the halves
It's actually really important for either Luke Kelly or Mitch Cornish to put their hands up early in the season. I'm almost certain that at least one of these players will sit outside of the Top 25. If we happen to cop an early injury, which ever player gets the initial nod is likely to have a lead on the other purely due to second-tier cap considerations. Kelly - or 'the product' as is known in the territory - always seems to get off to a strong start in this game, but for me Cornish was the more impressive of the two in the Nines.
Under pressure
It really is a make or break year for Ryan Morgan and Vai Toutai's impressive Nines performance must put pressure on Morgan to retain his standing as first-drop centre in the squad. Prior to the signing of Michael Jennings, Morgan was probably favoured to start in the NRL side but is now looking at once again beginning the year at Wenty. It will be interesting to see which side Morgan plays because he's very much been a right-side centre in the past, but will BA want to get Taikarangi accustomed to the right where he's expected to start the season at NRL level. Meanwhile Clint Gutherson remains a centre option and youngster Tyrell Fuimaono will be looking to stamp his claim as a possible left-side reserve option.
And of course Bevan French...
With Michael Gordon left behind, Kieran Moss out injured and Scott Schulte not in the squad (also injured?) suddenly a saloon rails passage has just opened up for Bevan French. It's likely that he'll share the fullback duties with Gutherson but regardless he's going to get plenty of minutes to show everyone what he's capable of, against senior opposition. If French blows everyone out of the water in this trial and he's capable of doing that, he just may force coach Brad Arthur to give him minutes in the Penrith trial, and then who knows? Michael Gordon can always play wing, after all!
Replies
Gower is a very dependable player. One of our most solid in 2014. His head is in a good space and he has more experience than Alvaro and Edwards - which will be essential in our tough first 2 games.
Gower also has a good offload in him. Think Ma'u, Scott and Edwards will be starting backrow, Gower used as a replacement prop in interchange along with Choc, Wicks/O'Brien/Alvaro & another hooker King/Pritchard.
Maybe BA is just resting the older players from the heat and backing up after Aukland
Also Watmough may miss round 1?
Edwards also certs for the 17. His speed in the forwards is unmatched at the club. One of our best before the injury. He'll be good.
I'd be surprised if King is named Rd 1.
If we are going to name a hooker off the bench, I'd say it's much more likely that it's Kaysa Pritchard.
King is not top 25 so it is unlikely BA will start chewing up the 2nd tier cap for round 1, unless Peats gets injured in the trials?
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