Fullback in 2004

[Freak]

This position is the one position that we really need someone to lift and make it their own this year and I have been informed by a good source that.....................

Mckinnon will have first dibs at it!!

We are very lucky to have many players in our ranks that can play this position however we only have one player that chooses this position as his best position on the field.

Wade may very well be the buy of the year. For those that can remember his Parra Reserve grade days he was a standout in his team (along with Craig Trindall) which made the grand final in 2001.

Between Wade and the basket case Trindall the club was set for some great years. The way it worked out they both left the club in 2001 and our depth just never looked the same.

I really hope Wade can show us what we have missed out on for the last 2 years with his return!!

 

[half]

i do remember wade in parra reserves and that's why i'm so happy to see him back. not even i could've played well at fullback behind those souths forwards

either wade or ash for mine. i'd like to see burt on the wing cos i feel he can crack an origin spot playing there

 

[PARRA_FAN]

I reckon Burt should be given a go at fullback, hes a skilful player on the wing, he played well at fullback when Hodgson was injured in 2002.

 

[Paranoid]

I would think Burt would be first choice at fullback. There are some good alternatives available on the wing, but can't go past his past performances at fullback (as opposed to candidates).

 

[The Colonel]

Who is your source for starters???

Personally jusdging on the re-signing of players etc I would think the two main aspirants for fullback would be Graham or Burt. McKinnon is a particularly handy back up however he needs to work harder off the ball to get the #1.

 

[Jic Jarrett]

WHAT? Your kidding! No Way! Give Burt, Ash or Prince a run.

 

[Hollywood Jesus]

Burty is da man!

 

[Alan Shore]

It has to be Luke Burt for sure. By the way, this would be my Eels lineup:

1. Burt
2. Petersen
3. Lyon
4. Graham
5. Grothe Jnr
6. Thorman
7. M.Witt

Vaeliki isn't much chop anymore and done nothing to prove why he shouldn't have a stint in first division to regain form.

 

[Stagger eel]

At fullstrength, Ashley Graeme should get the nod, If he gets over his injury early on he could be the most exciting prospect since "Killer" infact he probably allready is.

 

[Maroubra Eel]

Prince will be fullback.

 

[Ron Jeremy]

Burt should be SOO fullback!!

 

[BD5733]

I also remember how well McKinnon was in 1st division a few years back.

However I also remember Mckinnon in more than enough games at Souths either drop a ball, miss a tackle, let a ball bounce too long etc etc. All characteristics of a fullback that I dont want in our 1st grade team.

Sure he can improve while back at parra, but he would not be in my top 3 choices at any position in our team, let alone an important position like fullback.

Im really not sure why we bought him again. :?

 

[bartman]

Hmm... While Wade was a good prospect in our divvy team a while back, surely he has to demonstrate improvement to the next level to be a serious chance for first crack at the first grade No 1 jersey? He may be training well, but he showed nothing at Souths to show he was ready for grade, and needs a few actual games downstairs to show us what he can do.

Ash Graham got the nod last year when the fullback spot became available, and if he recovers from injury he should get first spot again imo. If Ash needs more time to come good, Ronald Prince should take the spot, as he was given the chance late last year.

I really rate Burt's wing play, and without injury I felt he was headed for rep honours in that position last year. So I'd leave him there, and let Petersen and Grothe fight out who earns the other wing spot.

So my choices would be:
1. Graham, Prince, Vaealiki, then Wade
2. Burt
3. Jamie
4. Vaealiki, Graham
5. Petersen, Grothe
...with Gruska, Williams, Langi and Pai as the Premier League back-ups.

 

[Eelementary]

Graham for sure.

He takes the ball up hard, knows how to tackle, has plenty of pace and can read the game well.

 

[Freak]

Guys you seem frustrated by my news.
But you must have known that every player that you would choose in front of Wade would prefer to be playing elsewhere!!!

Hey I'm not saying I would prefer Wade to start at Fullback in front of other proven performers I am just telling you that if he measures up early this year Wade will have No1 on his back come March 13!!!

PS: I don't think it is very fair to judge him on his souths form. If he can play better than what he did in 2001 (at Parra) I am confident Wade will be a great contributer to the Eels in 2004

Judging him on his Souths form is like judging Hodgo on his Tigers form before coming to the Eels or judging Schivkoski on his Roid days at Nth Qld before coming to the Eels, or Drew on his Penrith form. f**k I could be here all day!!!!! You just don't do it!!!!!

 

[JessEel]

Wade will have to do alot, ALOT of hard work to earn back the respect of a couple of Parra fans. He played awesome in '01 (granted) but then the second he signs with souths he did bugger all, and he duplicated that form in his time there.
If you had Ash Graham back from injury raring to go, Burty and Vaealiki who are both capable if say Guru or someone are picked in their positions, or Ronnie Prince with that added goalkicking bonus who would you pick??
oh wait, hang on im asking Smithy, it'll be McKinnon for sure :roll:

(god im a sarcastic B****H! :lol: )

 

[Eelementary]

Well of course we'd be frustrated.

I was frustrated Hodgo started playing badly.

Then Burty went to number one. I was frustrated he got injured.

Then Ash went to number one and did a great job. Then I was frustarted when he got injured.

Then Prince filled in and did a great job.

NOW we have signed a complete outsider who I wouldn't even put on my top three list for the spot. I'd pick Graham, then Burt, then Prince, THEN McKinnon.

And these guys have to get by by what positions they are appointed to - if all of Graham, Burt, Grothe and Vaealiki (Lyon is number one pick at number 3) want to play in the team, then they will have to do in whatever position is there for them.

Ash is a great player, but I doubt he would get the nod above Lyon, and if Vaealiki can improve his form we won't see him superceded either.

Graham has two international centres ahead of him, a former Blues winger, and a winger who was on fire for most parts of the season. The least contested spot is at number one.

I say give it to Ash Graham. He deserves it.

 

[Freak]

So would I Eelementary.
I have a huge opinion of Ash, but unfortunately I have been told Ash will not be back until mid season at the earliest due to injury!!

All I was saying is that if you judge players on their form from other clubs you are a mug!!
Too many have proven this formline incorrect in the past!!

 

[JessEel]

im judging him in the way he played during those last couple of weeks at parramatta in first division #-o

 

[Freak]

Oh thats right he played in a grand final. Must be useless then!!!!!!!!!

Give him a chance Jess.