Eels in the media

[Happy MEel]

Drown is already outstanding defensively for a half with an 85.7% tackle efficiency averaging 23 tackles made a game.

To put that into perspective, Cleary, who is considered an excellent defensive half has a tackle efficiency of 83.2% and is only making 17 tackles per game.

His attack certainly hasn’t been mind blowing but he has had some nice touches. $700k seems excessive at this point in his career but I think a contract commencing at $500ish next year and increasing to 700k by the final year would be fair taking into account his defence and the likelihood of his attack improving.

 

[Bazal]

Drown is already outstanding defensively for a half with an 85.7% tackle efficiency averaging 23 tackles made a game.

To put that into perspective, Cleary, who is considered an excellent defensive half has a tackle efficiency of 83.2% and is only making 17 tackles per game.

His attack certainly hasn’t been mind blowing but he has had some nice touches. $700k seems excessive at this point in his career but I think a contract commencing at $500ish next year and increasing to 700k by the final year would be fair taking into account his defence and the likelihood of his attack improving.

The thing I like a lot about Brown that you rarely see from young inexperienced halves is his willingness and ability to engage the line. Not so much talking running, but taking the ball right into the line before playing.

That to me is the sign he is likely to be a very good player. It means he thinks about the play.

 

[Matty Bhoy]

I love the fact he has rarely overplayed his hand. He’s the prefect foil for Moses.

 

[Happy MEel]

I love the fact he has rarely overplayed his hand. He’s the prefect foil for Moses.

He has probably underplayed his hand to an extent. I understand he’s playing second fiddle to Moses but I’d like to see him back himself and demand the ball a bit more.

 

[84 Baby]

Drown is already outstanding defensively for a half with an 85.7% tackle efficiency averaging 23 tackles made a game.

To put that into perspective, Cleary, who is considered an excellent defensive half has a tackle efficiency of 83.2% and is only making 17 tackles per game.

His attack certainly hasn’t been mind blowing but he has had some nice touches. $700k seems excessive at this point in his career but I think a contract commencing at $500ish next year and increasing to 700k by the final year would be fair taking into account his defence and the likelihood of his attack improving.

Yeah I doubt he’d be worth 700k next year but that’s the risk if you want a young player who might be worth 700k (hopefully more) in 2-3 years time

 

[hineyrulz]

He has probably underplayed his hand to an extent. I understand he’s playing second fiddle to Moses but I’d like to see him back himself and demand the ball a bit more.

Is that him or the game plan??? Not having a go at BA(yes yes I know it’s rare) but just wondering if they want to manage his load and ease himself him back after his break. But I do think it’s time to give him some more responsibility.

 

[Happy MEel]

Is that him or the game plan??? Not having a go at BA(yes yes I know it’s rare) but just wondering if they want to manage his load and ease himself him back after his break. But I do think it’s time to give him some more responsibility.

I’m sure it has been the plan that Moses runs the show, and rightly so. However, like you, I think he needs to be given more responsibility/licence to demand the ball in certain scenarios.

 

[crocodile]

The thing I like a lot about Brown that you rarely see from young inexperienced halves is his willingness and ability to engage the line. Not so much talking running, but taking the ball right into the line before playing.

That to me is the sign he is likely to be a very good player. It means he thinks about the play.

Must be watching some old Brett Kenny videos.

 

[84 Baby]

Is that him or the game plan??? Not having a go at BA(yes yes I know it’s rare) but just wondering if they want to manage his load and ease himself him back after his break. But I do think it’s time to give him some more responsibility.

Holding back his talent for surprise finals tactic.
The whole squad has all year actually

 

[Gronk]

Yeah I doubt he’d be worth 700k next year but that’s the risk if you want a young player who might be worth 700k (hopefully more) in 2-3 years time

Newcastle paid on potential for KP. Is Drown in that calibre ?

 

[IFR33K]

I don’t think Drown is worth 700k yet. I guess warriors done us no favours.

 

[84 Baby]

Newcastle paid on potential for KP. Is Drown in that calibre ?

Ponga is a rare athletic talent. Very few have his speed, strength and evasiveness (the only one in comp who’d come close that I can think of ATM is Tedesco).
Drown although probably above average athletically, it isn’t enough alone and he plays in a position where his tactical awareness skills are higher valued. He hasn’t shown star potential for these skills yet, certainly not comparable to Pongas athletic ability.
That said good halves are rare so if we have to overpay a bit to keep him then hopefully he earns it as his contract progresses.

 

[chiefy1]

Drown is already outstanding defensively for a half with an 85.7% tackle efficiency averaging 23 tackles made a game.

To put that into perspective, Cleary, who is considered an excellent defensive half has a tackle efficiency of 83.2% and is only making 17 tackles per game.

His attack certainly hasn’t been mind blowing but he has had some nice touches. $700k seems excessive at this point in his career but I think a contract commencing at $500ish next year and increasing to 700k by the final year would be fair taking into account his defence and the likelihood of his attack improving.

Great post

 

[84 Baby]

I don’t think Drown is worth 700k yet. I guess warriors done us no favours.

Assume he was going to average that value over his contract though, would you then pay him for example 700/700/700 where he’s over valued next year but unders in 3rd year, or 500/700/900 which might be closer to his value progression?

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

Anyone remember what Moses was reportedly signed for? Something like $750K?

 

[Happy MEel]

Great post

Cheers chiefy

 

[Happy MEel]

Anyone remember what Moses was reportedly signed for? Something like $750K?

I thought it was either $800 or $850k. Either way I think it will be pretty good value over the life of the contract.

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

I thought it was either $800 or $850k. Either way I think it will be pretty good value over the life of the contract.

Yeah I think you're right but I was just thinking about the comparison to Drown's offer. I know you pay for potential but he's really done f**k all in the game. Moses himself has plenty of potential too.

 

[Joshuatheeel]

Yeah ponga / Drown play different positions and have different skill sets.

However as 19 year old’s Ponga wasn’t an NRL regular and had 3 tries / nil TA in 9 games, Drown has 12 games for 2 tries / 3 TA.

Also Drown’s running game is fairly underestimated, for example he is averaging 9 runs for 74 while the likely Aussie halfback Evans has 10 runs for 66m (Cleary has 14 runs for 87m)

I think we really underestimate how good Drown has been this year as an 19 year old rookie, especially after missing 3 months or so with a fairly serious injury (and unable to train)

 

[Happy MEel]

Yeah I think you're right but I was just thinking about the comparison to Drown's offer. I know you pay for potential but he's really done f**k all in the game. Moses himself has plenty of potential too.

Yep good points. I certainly don’t think he should be on $700k next year. $500k is probably about right.