This has been the core problem since the retirement of Cayless five years ago. Mind you, the Eels have never really been known as a team respected for their toughness, but this has become a massive and glaring issue for this team in recent seasons. Kearney was quick to identify this problem when he became coach in 2011, but failed to rectify it and indeed made it worse when he recruited Sandow and Roberts, foolishly thinking that he could transform these weak minded and erratic players into consistent and reliable performers. When Brad Arthur became coach, he too recognised this problem and made it his number one priority to fix. But how do you exactly instill mental toughness? It’s not something you can teach someone, not like with other skills. You can flog them at training to make them fit and help them push through fatigue, but how do you get into a players mind and make it strong and resilient?
Last night’s performance showed where the Eels are heading, but also highlighted the underlying problem that BA must resolve. I don’t remember ever witnessing the Eels give up such a lead while playing at home. Some would say that the players fell asleep and became complacent, but I would say that they became nervous and didn’t know how to handle the situation when the Cowboys started to come back. It’s clear that they lack mental fortitude. I really thought that we turned the corner last year when the Eels, on a number of occasions, dug deep and ground their way to victory. Yet unfortunately we’ve gone backwards this year. On-field leadership is a big problem and I think we’re really missing Hayne and his calming influence on those around him. I haven’t seen Mannah rally his teammates when the team is under pressure; they just don’t seem to lift and show a willingness to follow him and fight in the trenches. Captains should generate this response.
To fix this problem, BA seems to think that recruitment is the best solution. I agree with this, as I don’t think we can overcome this embedded problem with the players we currently have. How many players in our roster would you describe as mentally tough? Watmough, Peats, perhaps Hopoate, anyone else? Not many I’d say. We need more. This is why Foran will be so valued, because he will steady the team and get us through to the other side. But that’s not until next year. What can be done for the remainder of this year? Not much unfortunately. Maybe offer Mannah a co-captain, but that’s about it really.
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Ive been saying it for years, we have an underbelly of religious players who at the end of the day can always find an excuse for losing and simply losses just dont hurt or effect them as much because what ever happens out there is all gods will, too many sheep and no shepherds.
Agree Snake. Too many god squaders that don't have a killer mentality.
Hopoate is as religious as they come but he'd be one of our more tougher players. Despite his average form, he is in origin after all.
BOOM Ron, see my post above.
Agree with everything you said. Especially about the captaincy for this year and next year
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