Eels in the media

[Poupou Escobar]

I’d say it’s the fullback’s role to follow the ball wherever it is on the park.

The fittest fullback can probably manage that. The least fullback can only cope with a portion of that. Other fullbacks lie somewhere in between.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Yeah TBH losing a support player with how we've gone so far is neither here nor there. Unless by support you mean they're telling their teammates how good they look and stuff

I reckon lack of support has been a big reason for why we are getting outnumbered by the defence this year.

 

[84 Baby]

I reckon lack of support has been a big reason for why we are getting outnumbered by the defence this year.

Running support or emotional support?

Either way I agree, but it's not just on the hooker or fullback to run support. Forwards & centres need to put in effort runs, knowing they probably won't get ball but just to draw defenders. Or even as an option to get ball. Or a freaking offload.

And before Rammy, glenny & Avy jump on and blame BA, it's been that way for as long as I've supported club

 

[84 Baby]

Lot of commentators go on about earning right to offload & spread ball sideways, well running straight and supporting is how you earn that. Meaning it's not just on the ball runner

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Running support or emotional support?

Either way I agree, but it's not just on the hooker or fullback to run support. Forwards & centres need to put in effort runs, knowing they probably won't get ball but just to draw defenders. Or even as an option to get ball. Or a freaking offload.

Agreed, which is why our small pack did so well last year. But there is a reason spine players tend to be the smallest merkins on the field, and it is that they are able to cover the most ground over a given time period. They should be heavily involved in support play, and not just hanging out wide setting up for the next play, like against Manly.

 

[84 Baby]

But there is a reason spine players tend to be the smallest merkins on the field

Because small merkins are the most emotionally supportive?

 

[84 Baby]

Agreed, which is why our small pack did so well last year. But there is a reason spine players tend to be the smallest merkins on the field, and it is that they are able to cover the most ground over a given time period. They should be heavily involved in support play, and not just hanging out wide setting up for the next play, like against Manly.

Disagree somewhat. The better halves in the game i.e. Turdston and the guy with the hot missus, aren't necessarily better because they support (they still do) but because they get the other fatter merkins to do it as well

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Disagree somewhat. The better halves in the game i.e. Turdston and the guy with the hot missus, aren't necessarily better because they support (they still do) but because they get the other fatter merkins to do it as well

But as you say, they do all support. Plenty of little merkins in that team pushing up around the ball - Coote, Hampton, Morgan, Granville and even Thurston himself.

 

[84 Baby]

But as you say, they do all support. Plenty of little merkins in that team pushing up around the ball - Coote, Hampton, Morgan, Granville and even Thurston himself.

Everyone's got to do it. We call out "yours" just as much on ball running as we do on defence

 

[Noise]

As I said a few days ago, French hasn’t been pushing up in support anywhere on the field so has offered SFA at fullback. Hayne is a much better fullback. I’m glad Brad has listened to me and punted him for Hayne. Hopefully he read my team list I posted on Monday and also changes Jennings to the right side.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Everyone's got to do it. We call out "yours" just as much on ball running as we do on defence

I think wingers and centres are entitled to hang out wide in case there's an overlap. The team's bigger middle forwards should probably spend the time between tackles and hit ups doing some 'active recovery'.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

As I said a few days ago, French hasn’t been pushing up in support anywhere on the field so has offered SFA at fullback.

He's been needed out wide for when we aimlessly go sideline-to-sideline.

Hayne is a much better fullback. I’m glad Brad has listened to me and punted him for Hayne. Hopefully he read my team list I posted on Monday and also changes Jennings to the right side.

Jennings is definitely back on the right this week. Auva'a won a premiership at left centre so he is back where he has achieved the most.

At least if we spend the whole game bringing the ball off our line Hayne will come in handy there. And if we insist on shifting the ball every tackle, Hayne will be in the right place every time the ball comes back his way. It doesn't bode well for our attack but I'd say this week Arthur just wants us to compete, even if it means playing ugly.

 

[Noise]

He's been needed out wide for when we aimlessly go sideline-to-sideline.

Jennings is definitely back on the right this week. Auva'a won a premiership at left centre so he is back where he has achieved the most.

At least if we spend the whole game bringing the ball off our line Hayne will come in handy there. And if we insist on shifting the ball every tackle, Hayne will be in the right place every time the ball comes back his way. It doesn't bode well for our attack but I'd say this week Arthur just wants us to compete, even if it means playing ugly.

Good! I can't believe we didn't start the season like that. And dropping Edwards....f**k me what a ridiculous decision. Those f**k ups are on BA

 

[84 Baby]

I think wingers and centres are entitled to hang out wide in case there's an overlap. The team's bigger middle forwards should probably spend the time between tackles and hit ups doing some 'active recovery'.

I'd say most wingers/centres would have a general idea if the halves are going to spread it their way, so the one off support run, especially when the ball is on their side of field is going to be more beneficial than bludging

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Good! I can't believe we didn't start the season like that. And dropping Edwards....f**k me what a ridiculous decision. Those f**k ups are on BA

They weren't f**k ups though. Those were the best selections for the team. If they've been changed it's to attempt to combat complacency. Not because the original selections were wrong.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I'd say most wingers/centres would have a general idea if the halves are going to spread it their way, so the one off support run, especially when the ball is on their side of field is going to be more beneficial than bludging

I think the outside backs need to achieve a careful balance between involvement, and keeping the defence honest out wide. When the attack compresses there is absolutely nothing stopping the defence from doing the same.

 

[84 Baby]

I think the outside backs need to achieve a careful balance between involvement, and keeping the defence honest out wide. When the attack compresses there is absolutely nothing stopping the defence from doing the same.

True but at the end of the day we just need someone, f**king anyone to do it

 

[Twizzle]

I’d say it’s the fullback’s role to follow the ball wherever it is on the park.

I agree and Gunco was the king, he was where ever the ball was and even played dummy half if there was an opportunity for easy metres

 

[Happy MEel]

They weren't f**k ups though. Those were the best selections for the team. If they've been changed it's to attempt to combat complacency. Not because the original selections were wrong.

....and what if they stay this way? Surely it then becomes a f**k up!!

 

[Poupou Escobar]

....and what if they stay this way? Surely it then becomes a f**k up!!

I doubt they will stay this way. Gutherson at least will end up back in the team.