Eels 2008 outfit looks complete
by Phil Sim
Michael Hagan has indicated that Parramatta may have finished recruiting for the 2008, which doesn't bode well for the chances of Richard Fa'aoso or Justin Tsoulos signing with the club for next season.
In an article in The Australian on the weekend discusssing the impact that the National Youth Competition would have on the makeup of team's squads, Hagan said that Parramatta would "probably keep 20 genuine first graders over the age of 20 and five we can slot back into the NYC".
The Eel's already look to have at least 20 of their over-20 players signed for next season. A likely 2008 squad is:
1. Luke Burt
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Ben Smith
4. Krisnan Inu
5. Eric Grothe
6. Brett Finch
7. Tim Smith
8. Nathan Cayless
9. Mark Riddell
10. Fuifui Moimoi
11. Nathan Hindmarsh
12. Feleti Mateo
13. Daniel Wagon
14. PJ Marsh
15. Chad Robinson
16. Josh Cordoba
17. Junior Paulo
18. Weller Huaraki
19. Matt Keating
20. Joel Reddy
21. Todd Lowrie
All of these players are officially signed with the club for next season, with the exception of Junior Paulo, although it is understood he has already come to terms with the club for two years. PJ Marsh, as has been widely reported, has been offered a release, however, at this stage it looks likely he will see out his contract with the club.
Based on Hagan's comments in the Australian article, it seems the Eel's will struggle to find a place for Fa'aoso or Tsoulos. "Clubs will have to make tougher decisions on "borderline' first-graders," Hagan wrote. Tsoulos has been linked with the Bulldogs, while Fa'aoso after a promising start for the club has struggled to even hold his place in the Premier League side and will play off the bench this week. Props with NRL experience are in short supply and both should have no difficulty finding a start elsewhere.
Looking towards the Under 20's, players likely to be regarded as backup options for NRL next year are Kris Keating, Tony Williams, Taulima Tautai, Tim Mannah and Martin Lewis. All represented the victorious NSW Under 19 side this year, with Keating and Tautai already being regular Premier League players. Williams is one of the the most powerful players in the club, Mannah looks every inch an NRL prop, while Lewis is a consistent standout in Flegg.
However, if there is a weakness in that squad it is front-row depth. Parramatta's forward depth is still skewed towards second rowers, and one can see why Zeb Taia was released by the club. Were it not for the axing of Premier League, you'd take it was a given that the Eels would sign at least one of its off-contract props, but the introduction of the National Youth Competition will force all clubs to re-examine the makeup of their squads and will have a particular impact on a club like Parramatta which has traditionally invested in depth. http://www.filthy_spammers.com/images/favicon.ico
Go to source story from The Australian
http://www.filthy_spammers.com/article.php?id=2472
by Phil Sim
Michael Hagan has indicated that Parramatta may have finished recruiting for the 2008, which doesn't bode well for the chances of Richard Fa'aoso or Justin Tsoulos signing with the club for next season.
In an article in The Australian on the weekend discusssing the impact that the National Youth Competition would have on the makeup of team's squads, Hagan said that Parramatta would "probably keep 20 genuine first graders over the age of 20 and five we can slot back into the NYC".
The Eel's already look to have at least 20 of their over-20 players signed for next season. A likely 2008 squad is:
1. Luke Burt
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Ben Smith
4. Krisnan Inu
5. Eric Grothe
6. Brett Finch
7. Tim Smith
8. Nathan Cayless
9. Mark Riddell
10. Fuifui Moimoi
11. Nathan Hindmarsh
12. Feleti Mateo
13. Daniel Wagon
14. PJ Marsh
15. Chad Robinson
16. Josh Cordoba
17. Junior Paulo
18. Weller Huaraki
19. Matt Keating
20. Joel Reddy
21. Todd Lowrie
All of these players are officially signed with the club for next season, with the exception of Junior Paulo, although it is understood he has already come to terms with the club for two years. PJ Marsh, as has been widely reported, has been offered a release, however, at this stage it looks likely he will see out his contract with the club.
Based on Hagan's comments in the Australian article, it seems the Eel's will struggle to find a place for Fa'aoso or Tsoulos. "Clubs will have to make tougher decisions on "borderline' first-graders," Hagan wrote. Tsoulos has been linked with the Bulldogs, while Fa'aoso after a promising start for the club has struggled to even hold his place in the Premier League side and will play off the bench this week. Props with NRL experience are in short supply and both should have no difficulty finding a start elsewhere.
Looking towards the Under 20's, players likely to be regarded as backup options for NRL next year are Kris Keating, Tony Williams, Taulima Tautai, Tim Mannah and Martin Lewis. All represented the victorious NSW Under 19 side this year, with Keating and Tautai already being regular Premier League players. Williams is one of the the most powerful players in the club, Mannah looks every inch an NRL prop, while Lewis is a consistent standout in Flegg.
However, if there is a weakness in that squad it is front-row depth. Parramatta's forward depth is still skewed towards second rowers, and one can see why Zeb Taia was released by the club. Were it not for the axing of Premier League, you'd take it was a given that the Eels would sign at least one of its off-contract props, but the introduction of the National Youth Competition will force all clubs to re-examine the makeup of their squads and will have a particular impact on a club like Parramatta which has traditionally invested in depth. http://www.filthy_spammers.com/images/favicon.ico
Go to source story from The Australian
http://www.filthy_spammers.com/article.php?id=2472
