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WILL Smith, pound for pound, sits among the strongest players at Parramatta.
So what chance he can lift the Eels out of a backline crisis?
Despite boasting only 32 NRL games, Smith suddenly looms as the likely ‘Mr Fix It’ for an Eels No.1 jersey which, having already lost Clint Gutherson for the year, now sees rising star Bevan French battling a troublesome hamstring.
Elsewhere, star No.6 Corey Norman is also nursing a groin problem while forward Manu Ma’u will likely miss next Thursday night’s clash against Brisbane after being cited for a grade-one shoulder charge.
Despite earning a strong win against the Titans in Thursday Night Football, Ma’u was charged for a tackle on Titans halfback Ash Taylor while both French and Norman were forced from the field early.
Parramatta's Will Smith in action against the Titans. Picture. Phil HillyardAs a result, Norman has hailed Smith the perfect fullback replacement should French not recover in time for the Broncos blockbuster.
Used off the bench in the Gold Coast win, the No.19 scored a strong solo try in which he palmed off four Titans defenders.
“But no wonder, he’s so strong,’’ Norman said. “His numbers in the gym are ridiculous considering how big he is.
“And he’s a footballer, plays ad lib.
“When he goes back to fullback, he’s quality.”
The Eels are hopeful of entering the NRL finals inside the top four, with a win against the Broncos next week going a long way to ensuring that.
But they may have to do it without French, who after the Titans game suggested this latest hamstring problem felt “basically the same” as the last twinge which sidelined him.
Asked how long he expected to be out, he added: “A week, two weeks I’m not sure.
“We’re in a pretty good spot at the moment — there’s a good chance we’ll make the finals — so if I’m still in any doubt next week then, yeah, I probably won’t play.”
French also denied the suggestion he came back too early.
“I actually thought I could’ve played last week,’’ he said. “I felt 100 per cent.
“The past fortnight I’ve been doing a lot of fitness, a lot of speed work, a lot of strength. So I felt confident.
Parramatta's Tim Mannah jumps on to celebrate Will Smith’s try against the Titans. Picture. Phil Hillyard“Even coming back I felt fine out there for the first bit. But then (Titans halfback) Ash Taylor went for a kick, that 40/20, and it got away from me at the end. I reached out ... it’s a bit tricky.”
Meanwhile, Norman was also replaced five minutes before time in the Titans game.
“My groin was a bit sore coming in,’’ he revealed. “So if I can get a bit of rest, it’s always handy.
“Obviously five minutes isn’t much but I’ll take it. It’s one of those injuries I can feel and coming into this game it was a bit sorer than usual.
“But I’ve got a couple of days now to get it right.”
Norman said he was also looking forward to again coming up against his club, who the Eels beat 28-14 back in Round 21.
“It’s good because there’s a little bit of banter through the week,’’ he laughed. “And I’m giving them a little bit on the field as well.
Replies
Correct FF, I thought the same