Eels trial.

[snickers007]

We sit an almost impossible to match standard of effort and defence. I can't see us going close to matching it. I would love to be wrong.

Let's not forget that we exploited the 6 again 'penalty' better than any team on tackles 1-2, which helped us trap teams in their own half. With that loophole closed off we're not gonna be able to build that pressure unless we're extremely disciplined and fit.

Of course other teams need to adjust to this too, but considering how we perfected the dark art over the last 2 seasons, we're definitely gonna come back to the pack a bit.

 

[Iamback]

And why the Panthers want concessions for developing players. It all comes down to balancing the salary cap.

yes but I have written off this season due to where the fringe guys are in their development. Concession or not wouldn't of fixed the guys we lost

 

[Iamback]

Let's not forget that we exploited the 6 again 'penalty' better than any team on tackles 1-2, which helped us trap teams in their own half. With that loophole closed off we're not gonna be able to build that pressure unless we're extremely disciplined and fit.

Of course other teams need to adjust to this too, but considering how we perfected the dark art over the last 2 seasons, we're definitely gonna come back to the pack a bit.

Our pack and kicking game will see us not be terrible. Different being a good side and winning the comp

 

[Iamback]

Who's better than us though? Only Easts and Melbourne can match us in the finals. We'll be ok

I don't see us having a top 4 roster when Origin and injuries hit.

We are one centre and a backrower short in the top 17 for starters. Even closer to others if the senior guys miss any major game time

 

[Iamback]

Seems to be not many can do what he did for us at 14. Salmon looked pretty bad yesterday, I didn't realise he was that big too.

It is hard to judge the part timers so early. Remember that was his 2nd game in 8 months

The thing for the bench is you want to cover every position just incase.

Someone like Kenny is a better player but doesn't give the cover for outside backs etc.
Sure you could put Taylan or someone there but if you lose a forward early you are stuffed.

No matter where the injury was May would slot into that position and as such. The rest of the rotations could go on as normal that is what you want from the 14

 

[Luke Bowden]

I haven't seen any of the trial games, is fitness an issue?

Nope, they look fit as.

 

[Luke Bowden]

How many players returned to training early in this off-season? Having little or no holidays in an effort to be better?

From the looks of that Eels trial quiet a lot of our grand final squad look to be on holidays still.

The best gauge for effort and hunger to win is defensive efforts. I just can't see us going close to defending like we did in 2021. If it wasn't for the Origin period we would have barely averaged a try a game against us.

We sit an almost impossible to match standard of effort and defence. I can't see us going close to matching it. I would love to be wrong.

My opinion.

If we had of come out, all guns blazing against the eels in that trial, you would not have posted this opinion. You’d have had a very different outlook on the coming season.

Trials mean nothing. No one knows what instructions the players were under, no one knows what the coaching staff were looking to achieve, other than No Injuries.

Just get excited to see how the new players go and have a little faith.

 

[WestyLife]

yes but I have written off this season due to where the fringe guys are in their development. Concession or not wouldn't of fixed the guys we lost

It would've given more $$ to keep them and stack the roster which is why I don't agree with the concept anymore.

 

[DinkyDi]

Nope, they look fit as.

Someone on here, reckoned that their fitness appears to be lacking now that Hayden has departed. Not long to go now. Thanks.

 

[Iamback]

It would've given more $$ to keep them and stack the roster which is why I don't agree with the concept anymore.

Capewell left to go to family
Burton wanted to play 6
Momo was travel. Still lived in the city

Naden was a fringe guy. Not sure who we keep simply opening the checkbook. Maybe Api?

What it will do is get other clubs developing and the stupid prices some clubs are offering won't be there

 

[BossleyPanther]

I don't see us having a top 4 roster when Origin and injuries hit.

We are one centre and a backrower short in the top 17 for starters. Even closer to others if the senior guys miss any major game time

Oates can fix both positions

 

[BossleyPanther]

So who has Hayden been replaced with and where did he come from?

 

[Iamback]

Oates can fix both positions

While you can't read to much into trials it has reinforced in my mind that we need to bring 1-2 players in

 

[Iamback]

So who has Hayden been replaced with and where did he come from?

Elford and Hopkins. From with in

 

[BossleyPanther]

While you can't read to much into trials it has reinforced in my mind that we need to bring 1-2 players in

Can't see any more money left to be honest. Chris Smith did impress me on saturday, think he will come good. But we do lack experience with Capes gone.

 

[Iamback]

Can't see any more money left to be honest. Chris Smith did impress me on saturday, think he will come good. But we do lack experience with Capes gone.

What happened to May's money?

There would be some surely. Guys will come good over time but this season possibly not

 

[Someone2]

When was the last time the reigning premiers were kept to 0?

 

[Nealo 12]

When was the last time the reigning premiers were kept to 0?

You mean in a trial or comp game ?

 

[BossleyPanther]

1. Edwards, Turuva, Staines
2. Staines, May
3. Crichton, Jenkins
4. Tago, Edwards, Jennings
5. To'o, Jennings, C. Chricton
6, Luai, Falls
7. Cleary, Sullivan
8. Fisher-Harris,
9. Koroisau, Kenny
10. Leota, Martin
11. Kikau, Kenny
12. Martin, Sorrenson
13. Yeo, Eisenhuth

14. Kenny, Sullivan, Luke
15. Lenui, L Smith
16. Sorenson, Tago
17. C. Smith, Hopgood

Looking at this we do need a centre and 2nd row, I agree. If we we're to get C. Oates. I think he has a bench spot, covers wing and 2nd row. Rotation early in the season is key to keep it going at the back end of the season. Short experience and numbers.

 

[Iamback]

1. Edwards, Turuva, Staines
2. Staines, May
3. Crichton, Jenkins
4. Tago, Edwards, Jennings
5. To'o, Jennings, C. Chricton
6, Luai, Falls
7. Cleary, Sullivan
8. Fisher-Harris,
9. Koroisau, Kenny
10. Leota, Martin
11. Kikau, Kenny
12. Martin, Sorrenson
13. Yeo, Eisenhuth

14. Kenny, Sullivan, Luke
15. Lenui, L Smith
16. Sorenson, Tago
17. C. Smith, Hopgood

Looking at this we do need a centre and 2nd row, I agree. If we we're to get C. Oates. I think he has a bench spot, covers wing and 2nd row. Rotation early in the season is key to keep it going at the back end of the season. Short experience and numbers.

May can play centre. Hopefully him and Jennings get an good run in NSW Cup to atleast be viable options. Also with Jenkins