I thought the Eels had graduated in class to a point where they wouldn't lose to the Tigers last weekend. I then started thinking about what the loss does to our premiership aspirations and did some quick research on past premiership winning teams. The results were comforting because each premiership team had at least one, sometimes two, shocking losses to a lowly ranked team at some point during the season (I looked at 2015 to 2019 - then gave up).
However, premiership winning teams seldom lose two games in a row at all, and certainly not to two teams who won't contend for the trophy.
Unfortunately for us Eels fans, we face a really desperate knights team who are staring down 5 straight losses, at a time where our outside backs are severely depleted. This is concerning because the knights backline (minus their half back) are stacked with strong attacking players. I can see our edge defence being put under huge pressure. We also have a poor record in Newcastle and Ponga has just trumpeted his long term allegiance to the club, and is due for one his signature performances. No doubt, the whole knights team and town will be buoyed by the deal.
I think its really important we go to Newcastle and make a statement after last weekend. If we get beaten, or worse, get spanked, I think our premiership aspirations will take a significant hit.
Only time will tell, however, I'm quite nervous about how this will play out.
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I'd be surprised if we won this game, one of the main issues I see is players playing out position and terrible use of the bench starting to show - looks like under pressure of forwards are defaulting into one out type football, forwards hunting together in attack is not happening as saw in the trials. Defensively we are still vulnerable but still showing desperation, the facts are we concede to many points to be considered a title threat.
I won't be surprised if we win. As I said, I think as a team and club we have graduated in class. I think it will take a committed whole team performance though, and our big guns are going to have to really stand up, our spine in particular, to offset the knights strike weapons.
I just think it's really important we win to re-establish in our minds, and the the NRL at large, that we are a genuine threat this year.
Without researching the stats, this is a game we traditionally lose. It happens. For whatever reason regardless of players we struggle to win in Newcastle. It's weird how that seems to work but it just does.
The Tigers game was devastating. I won't be surprised if it rocks us sideways for a while. We can bounce back and move past it but I've seen no evidence of that willingness yet.
I can't tip us this weekend.
You're right, and its a big part of the reason why I'm concerned. I lived in Newcastle for seven years. Never saw us win there live, even when Hayne was in his hay day.
Flogged them 40-8 in 2009....nup sorry that was at Parra.
We beat them last year 40-4 at Newcastle.
Nope not happening now meeik
I'm going to this game Chef. You wanna meet up at Maccas after the game for a McLovin burger?
Im mclovin it lol
I'll tip a Knight's victory in fact I'll tip the Eels to lose the next 4 games straight against Knight's, Cowboys, Panthers and Roosters and hopefully the club will finally wake up to a few home truths
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