Weller good to go too

The Daily Telegraph reported Tuesday that Feleti Mateo and Kris Keating aren't the only two players who have received medical clearances, but that Weller Huaraki has also been cleared to go. The story said that all three had been told to prepare as if their playing, so even if they don't get a game this week obviously they're return is not far away. Anderson said he's make a call based on his "gut feel" later in the week. But back to Weller. Now before you all bag Weller, I'd ask you to consider this. As any one who has read 1Eyed for a few years would know, I've been a massive fan of Weller and have believed he was on the verge of breaking through to be one of the game's elite forwards for some time. He has extraordinary footwork for a player of his size and he's shown glimpses of what he's capable of. However, he's been a liability in defence and his intensity and discipline has left a lot to be desired. He clearly hasn't lived up to his potential. And more than once on this and other forums he and a couple of other blokes have been labelled as "dead weight" and so forth. What I would say is that Weller in particular shouldn't be written off entirely yet. Basically, we've bred a generation of players who didn't understand what it took to succeed in the NRL. All of the players who came into our top grades around that 2007 period had a charmed entry into the game. They played in lower grade teams who they totally dominated. Any one who saw Weller play reserve grade around that time, knows he was just a class above. Given that success, the club then let a lot of their senior players go to make way for the new generation. In doing so, it gave them a walk-up start into first grade and also rewarded them with contracts base on their potential. And then we put in place a coach who by his own admission had trouble being tough on the players, who kept insisting week in, week out that we were not far off the pace and who clearly was incapable of instilling in the players that the NRL is about doing the hard work off the field, and then going into each and every match with the same level of high intensity and physicality. Enter Daniel Anderson. Its taken most of the season but he has fundamentally re-addressed the culture and attitude of the players. They now play physically. They're more disciplined. They're turning up week in, week out. They seems to be an understanding now that to succeed they need to work their guts out and they need to be put their bodies on the line. That meek defensive line has been turned into a brick wall. Players have been transformed and blokes every one was calling to be cut, fans are now wanting re-signed. I can't help but think Daniel Anderson is capable of finally getting Weller to show his potential. And I think if you want an example of what Weller might be capable of, then look at Zeb Taia. Zeb was in that same generation of players and only performed averagely under Hagan, and Weller was deemed the better prospect. I was gutted we let Zeb go and Brian Smith got Zeb to start producing the kind of performances that he was capable of. I doubt Weller will play first grade again this year as neither Lowrie or Ben Smith deserve to be dropped to allow Weller to show he can step up. But I think Eels fans should give him the benefit of the doubt, and see what he might do in 2010 with a full pre-season under Anderson and with the new attitude in the club.

"I have zero sympathy for May. No excuse at all. The Nrl must read the room. If not , Penrith should make an example of him. The game will survive without May . But young man need to understand that violence against Women is not on - ever. "

"That's one guy! He has as much chance to be rubbish as he has of being worth a FG spot.
We need more. Surely there's a bloke or 6 who can't crack the US Olympic sprint team we can get to develop. "

"I think the knights will be looking to move ponga and his $1.5m per year contract on, they are getting as much or more out of a younger far cheaper player."

Replies

Gibson August 5, 2009 at 6:59am

Nice Blog, Phil - I hope you're right about Weller and you just might be. Makes sense to me.
HINDMARSH'S LOVECHILD August 5, 2009 at 9:25am

No he can go. Sorry 1eyedeel.

I have seen him play one decent 2nd half against the Panthers in rd 5 in 2007, which I'll admit he carved up. Then in the Dreamteam v Maoris last year he did nothing, this was his time to shine. I only saw him in the 73rd min give away a stupid penatly.

Adios Wellar.
- jjeel > HINDMARSH'S LOVECHILD August 5, 2009 at 1:04pm
  
  I agree Hindmarsh. Weller has had plenty of chances and shown very little
Clive August 5, 2009 at 9:55am

I respect your opinion 1eyed but he has had enough chances.He is bone lazy and i dont think even Ando can turn him around that quick.If he was put back into the side it also sends a message to the players who really rip in and have a crack that as long as you have potential you will keep getting a go regardless of how lazy and soft you are.
Jackso August 5, 2009 at 10:06am

Its sad to say - but at the moment - He's a poor mans Todd Lowrie.
JJM August 5, 2009 at 10:13am

In any case, I cant see any other teams taking weller on at his current contract value with parra so we are stuck with him.(unless ESL take him off our hands)

We will see in the near future whether or not he has the pride and professionalism to win a top 17 position or he will end up playing for wenty for the next year.

To me, Zeb Taia may not be as talented as weller but is much more determined and consistent and has earned himself a cosy role at the knights.

It is great that DA has so many options at the moment. No spot in the team is guaranteed except hindy,hayne & caylo. This keeps all the players on their toes and highly motivated.
Bourbon Man August 5, 2009 at 10:32am

It will all depend on whether or not Hauraki is contracted next year. If he is, DA has the opportunity to turn him around. If not, I don't see him in our colours next year.

That said, I agree with others who find him to be lazy and a poor defender. Even when Inu was being accused of laziness, one could see that he had the technique to defend stoutly, whereas, I've never seen such a quality in Weller.
- 1Eyed Eel > Bourbon Man August 5, 2009 at 10:52am
  
  Weller's definitely contracted next year and as JJM said there wouldn't exactly be a swarm of clubs looking to take him off our hands.
  
  Talent just doesn't go away, it just needs the right environment to bring it out. I'm the first to admit that Weller has been a major dissapointment but DA's getting results out of less talented players and I think Weller will go into next year knowing his future is on the line and that he needs to bring it, if he's to play in the NRL beyond next year.
  
  We shall see!
Johno August 5, 2009 at 1:23pm

Yeah, I'm sorry Phil. I don't think he has the mental strength to perform at this level. The last thing we need is to bring him back this year. It would just weaken our defence and possibly destroy the gains that DA has achieved with defence. Weller is one of the players that loves the fancy attack, the big shoulder charges but won't get the jumper dirty in the trenches. NSW cup for him.

i hope he proves me wrong, with his ball skills all he needs is Hindy's motor, or at least 75% of it! I don't think he will, he has had ample opportunities and time but just doesn't want to step up. The same with Junior Paulo.

Both these guys seem to not hate losing enough to make it with the big boys!!
Parra Mafia August 5, 2009 at 1:40pm

I too was a big fan of Hauraki. The guy has a lot of talent, but really enough is enough. He has had 3 years to show us something, and has disappointed time and time again. He is lazy, extremely soft and has the heart the size of a pea.

I think Johno is right, this guy is made for NSW cup. There he doesn't have to commit himself too hard and the level of footy is obviously a lot easier. I don't believe this guy actually wants to play NRL and I would never, ever pick him again. In fact I'd rather play one short.

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