Daniel Mortimer stares down second-year syndrome

[The Colonel]

KK at 14 will not work.

In what way won't it work? Similar player to Kingston - great support player and quite quick out of dummy half. He than gives the extra cover in the halves.....

As for Mitchell, he is a smart kid and a very good defender. I hope there isn't too much pressure placed on him but there were a number of clubs keen to sign him before we did - not too many kids start in SG Ball at the start of the season and end up playing for the Junior Kangaroos by the end of it (with quite a few first grade players in the team).

 

[Eelementary]

In what way won't it work? Similar player to Kingston - great support player and quite quick out of dummy half. He than gives the extra cover in the halves.....

As for Mitchell, he is a smart kid and a very good defender. I hope there isn't too much pressure placed on him but there were a number of clubs keen to sign him before we did - not too many kids start in SG Ball at the start of the season and end up playing for the Junior Kangaroos by the end of it (with quite a few first grade players in the team).

Sorry, let me rephrase:

It won't work in the sense that, when Mitchell steps in, presumably the number 14 jersey will go to Mitchell. By then I am assuming our halves will be settled so it wouldn't work in that sense.

 

[Eelementary]

Looking forward to see if Mitchell can live up to his hype...Heard it plenty of times in regards to Cordoba, Hauraki, Tautai, Paulo, Smith,...be interested to see for myself. I have watched him a couple of times ON TV in the NYC. Seemed a bit small to me....BUT he certainly has some wraps on here (and by people whose opinions I respect).

I think all those guys mentioned are still capable of delivering (yes, even Hauraki). They just needed the time to be invested in them at the top level.

 

[Jake the snake]

KK has a better kicking, passing and much better running game than Robson.

KK will do very well for us at Halfback. On top that, his defence is awesome. He hands down beats robson in every facet of the game.

Robson did a job for us last year but it was evident that when we needed some class in the GF it was lacking. But He is a awesome back up.

 

[Bigfella]

I have no doubt that KK will play more first grade than Robson; will play some rep footy at some stage; possibly even captain a first grade side, in his career.

But at this stage of their careers, Robson suits the side far better at 7 and will start there.

Not only that, KK is far better suited to 14 at this stage of his NRL career.

It may change by the end of the season, but I reckon it IS cut and dried Stagger - Robson 7, Mortimer 6, and KK 14 (assuming all fit to start the season).

Through the year Humble may stake a claim, and things may change. Mateo would have to be in the mix and if the outside backs are all in form and there were injury or forms issues in the halves, I could see DA trying Tahu there.

But I reckon that he will be pretty keen to try to maintain last year's momentum with the same sort of structure to the halves, as they were so calm and fitted the game plan so well.

 

[yy_cheng]

It may change by the end of the season, but I reckon it IS cut and dried Stagger - Robson 7, Mortimer 6, and KK 14 (assuming all fit to start the season).

I too agree with this but I think if KK can show that he can link to his backs quickly like Robson does and occasionally take on the line (which we have seen him do) like Mortz, then he would be a better fit to the team. He is renowned for his Baa Baa like backup play.

With the type of style we played last year, his ability to backup would really benefit the team.

 

[Runaround Man]

No one can be certain of what will happen to Mortimer next year, but one thing I am certain about is that in the long run - over his career - he will shine and stand out above most others - he is the real deal - he has got that special something - no doubt about it.

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

Robson has it over KK in the maturity and experience sence, its not as clear cut as one would think. Id pick Robson over KK to start with.

The biggest fear with promoting Morts to first grade was teh pressure he was going to be under, but Robson and Hayne did a great job of taking that pressure away from him, I dont have complete confidence that KK can do the same thing. Im thinking maybe 2011 both KK and Morts will be mature enough to run the team as a halves pairing, but I would do it a few times next year for sure.

 

[lingard]

KK and DM half and 5/8 next year... Any takers?

Perhaps - and that sounds fine to me. However; everyone talks about Mortimer getting better and Keating getting better, and their potential: what if the unpredicted happens? What if Robson gets better? He might, you know. I don`t think he`s likely to relinquish his number seven spot without one hell of a fight.

 

[lingard]

i would like to see kk come back in at 14, keep the halves similar to this year, it proved to be very successful for the team. Why change it? with kingston gone it leaves a spot, kk can start there and if things dont work out then change te roles around.

That`s what I would do. Having said that, though, I reckon Tahu would make a good fist of five-eight. Unfortunately you would then have to drop Robson to accomodate him. Maybe injuries will make the selection easier.

 

[lingard]

KK has a better kicking, passing and much better running game than Robson.

KK will do very well for us at Halfback. On top that, his defence is awesome. He hands down beats robson in every facet of the game.

Robson did a job for us last year but it was evident that when we needed some class in the GF it was lacking. But He is a awesome back up.

I don`t know how you can say that Keating`s defence is better than Robson`s. Also, what if, after a full season of first grade (his first full season) Robson is better next year. It is remotely possible you know.

 

[Casper The Ghost]

I don`t know how you can say that Keating`s defence is better than Robson`s. Also, what if, after a full season of first grade (his first full season) Robson is better next year. It is remotely possible you know.

Robson will be one of the top three 7's next year. He could even break through into SOG within 2 years.

I feel he will be one of the top 10 players in the NRL next year.... and he will get better and better and better.

Not disregarding the refs crap 10 meters and slow play the balls, if he played his own game in the 2009 GF instead of covering up all the lose ends in defense caused by some of his team mates, he would have stood out even more in attack than what was gleamed from a first impression.

He will lead the Eels to win the 2010 GF.

As explained in earlier posts, without Robson, the Eels would not have got into the semis, nor even into the GF. He is the Eels most important player and this will become more obvious as the 2010 season unfolds. What he brings to the table is calmness, settledness and great organisational skills. He will run the Eels all over the park next year.

As a 7 or 6, KK will not even get a look in unless injury occurs, but he will be great as a 14 and back up 6 and 7 if DM or JR need a break for a few minutes or so in the heat of battle (or even his brother MK could do the 6 or 7 and he does the 9).

JR is the leader (organiser) of this team now and DA knows this.

The Eels have not had a great leader like this for some years now.

In Jeff the fruit has just ripened and will stay ripened and fresh for at least 3 years.

 

[lucablight]

I thought Robson had a pretty disappointing game in the grand final. Missed a few crucial tackles (which was one of the strong points in his game beforehand) and didn't take the right options in attack.

 

[Big Mick]

Robson will be one of the top three 7's next year. He could even break through into SOG within 2 years.

I feel he will be one of the top 10 players in the NRL next year.... and he will get better and better and better.

Not disregarding the refs crap 10 meters and slow play the balls, if he played his own game in the 2009 GF instead of covering up all the lose ends in defense caused by some of his team mates, he would have stood out even more in attack than what was gleamed from a first impression.

He will lead the Eels to win the 2010 GF.

I think you are dramatically overstating Robson's ability.

He is nowhere near a top 3 half...and will never be.

He is nowhere near a top 10 player..and will never be.

He is Shane Perry. Solid player who just defends, does a job, kicks the ball well and then lets the players around him shine.

 

[The EELiminator]

I thought Robson had a pretty disappointing game in the grand final. Missed a few crucial tackles (which was one of the strong points in his game beforehand) and didn't take the right options in attack.

not to mention the poor kicking game from both him and mortimer you can't kick the ball to slater on the full he will carve you up all night and what was the deal with kicking it down turner's throat every chance they got?

 

[Raudonikis]

wow casper your sence of humour is growing there champ..just wow.

 

[Casper The Ghost]

Confidence maketh the man grow and Robson gathered bucket loads of it during 2009. DA will be thoroughly enjoying coaching Robson at this level. I feel he will help Robson excel his skills in all departments.

Robson is a late bloomer and with his head screwed on, feet to the ground, no ego trips, an excellent listener, willing to work very very hard on the training paddock, we will see the blossoming of a brilliant 7 in 2010.

The Eels got into the GF with Robson at 7.

How can anyone overlook this fact???? Was he just a very lucky passenger enjoying the ride or was he central to the Eels entrance into the 2009 GF???? I say the latter.

He brings so much more to the table than most on this forum give him credit for....

He will make all his critics and doubters eat their words next year.

 

[yy_cheng]

He is the Eels most important player and this will become more obvious as the 2010 season unfolds. What he brings to the table is calmness, settledness and great organisational skills. He will run the Eels all over the park next year.

So without Fui, Hayne, Hindy, (my 3 most important players btw) I'm sure he'll carry the team.

 

[lucablight]

A bit much to be asking Robson to be captain when he isn't even guaranteed a first grade spot next year.

 

[JoeyJoJo83]

Robson will be one of the top three 7's next year. He could even break through into SOG within 2 years.

I feel he will be one of the top 10 players in the NRL next year.... and he will get better and better and better.

Not disregarding the refs crap 10 meters and slow play the balls, if he played his own game in the 2009 GF instead of covering up all the lose ends in defense caused by some of his team mates, he would have stood out even more in attack than what was gleamed from a first impression.

He will lead the Eels to win the 2010 GF.

As explained in earlier posts, without Robson, the Eels would not have got into the semis, nor even into the GF. He is the Eels most important player and this will become more obvious as the 2010 season unfolds. What he brings to the table is calmness, settledness and great organisational skills. He will run the Eels all over the park next year.

As a 7 or 6, KK will not even get a look in unless injury occurs, but he will be great as a 14 and back up 6 and 7 if DM or JR need a break for a few minutes or so in the heat of battle (or even his brother MK could do the 6 or 7 and he does the 9).

JR is the leader (organiser) of this team now and DA knows this.

The Eels have not had a great leader like this for some years now.

In Jeff the fruit has just ripened and will stay ripened and fresh for at least 3 years.

:crazy: