I've always liked Adam Doueihi as a player. Although I don't think he is and out-and-out 6 or 7. But he is a good back up option in this position (and will partner well with either Galvin or Luai in the event of an injury). His best position will be left centre.
We were never signing Doueihi despite the rumours, which were completely baseless. He signed an extension with the Tigers last year.
The Tigers have got some options across various positions and are in a position to move forward. I wish them the best. Their fans are pretty loyal despite the crap they have hsd to endure the past handful of seasons.
Ilias has much more upside and potential at 7, will compliment K Flanno, is the best man to be receiving those first passes from Cookie, and will also compliment Gutho chiming in as a "second six" from the back. I've also been so impressed listening to him talk to the media. Humble guy who looks extremely happy & proud to be at the club (this counts for a lot in my eyes).
Lomax definitely looked a little bit underdone, but it's still early days. A lot of eyes are going to be on him. Not just the man himself, but also how Ryles and the Eels coaching staff ultimately decide to use him and structure their style of play in order to get the maximum out of him. But, again, Shane Flanagan was an absolute genius. He's a big body who is going to be explosive in open field play, up high and helping the forwards coming off the back. Our other previous coaches (if you can call them that) tried to make him a full back, but he's not got the complete skill set for that (there is a lot to do in terms of directing the team around in attack and structuring the defence). He's never quite been settled as a right centre (way too erratic and our style of attack over the years never consistently gave him the space and time to be creative). Put him on the wing, he just goes about playing footy and maximising his skill set (and he will take 9 out of 10 pinpoint kicks from Moses and really scare opposition defences).
Isiah Iongi is going to be a very special player. Still got a bit of work to do in terms of his defensive game, and generally directing the team around the paddock from the back, but he has all the tools to be successful looking at him.
Brown and Moses will need to play most games together in order for them to have a shot at September. They will also need to settle quickly on who will be their best starting pack (not sure who their best 9 will be).
www.loverugbyleague.com
