Hooker wanted

[Parramatta1947]

As soon as Nathan Smith is fit, he has to replace Roberts

 

[attamarrap]

Yea paulo and Hayne had off nights and it cost us the win all in all a pretty solid performance from the boys thought kelepi did well in limited minutes

 

[Jason70]

I think Luke Kelly was missed more than most would have anticipated. He has a cool head and we look more organised when he is on the field.

 

[DeanPay98]

I thought Paulo was the main problem. A lot of his decisions were wrong and he didn't seem to have a clue. He's ok as a backrower but he's not a 5/8.

I thought Roberts and Keating were fine, though I'm confused as to Roberts' role when Paulo is at 5/8.

 

[eel01s]

I agree with the post above. Everytime Paulo got the ball he ran but got nowhere. No variety at all.

I think we got screwed with Maitua's injury and Paulo had to play more minutes.

 

[oldmancraigy]

As soon as Nathan Smith is fit, he has to replace Roberts

It IS worth remembering that a 4 year old is better defensively than Nathan Smith. And he's not real good in attack either, just 'normal'

 

[amitropo]

stick keating in 2nd row and let him tackle all night like hindy did, roberts is a better impact player off the bench in short burst running at tired defenders from hooker,was at game in the stands and was"Not Happy Jan" with hayne.
slow return of the ball, walking back to his position with his back to the play, yes maybe he was ill but you never see Slater playing like that even on a bad day. Capatain should lead by example no matter how ill he is, look at Mannahs performance.

 

[oldmancraigy]

I thought Paulo was the main problem. A lot of his decisions were wrong and he didn't seem to have a clue. He's ok as a backrower but he's not a 5/8.

I thought Roberts and Keating were fine, though I'm confused as to Roberts' role when Paulo is at 5/8.

Paulo didn't play any 5/8 last night. He just played as a backrower.

 

[oldmancraigy]

stick keating in 2nd row and let him tackle all night like hindy did, roberts is a better impact player off the bench in short burst running at tired defenders from hooker,was at game in the stands and was"Not Happy Jan" with hayne.
slow return of the ball, walking back to his position with his back to the play, yes maybe he was ill but you never see Slater playing like that even on a bad day. Capatain should lead by example no matter how ill he is, look at Mannahs performance.

Thought he was ok until his ankle got twisted? Kind of hard to sprint to the ball when your leg isn't working properly

 

[Gronk]

Both MK & Roberts are off contract this year. Keating needs to provide crisper service to avoid the axe. Roberts is too inconsistent and he will never change.

 

[Utey]

It IS worth remembering that a 4 year old is better defensively than Nathan Smith. And he's not real good in attack either, just 'normal'

Thank you! The jizz fest on this bloke, I can't explain it, nor can I understand it.

 

[oldmancraigy]

Both MK & Roberts are off contract this year. Keating needs to provide crisper service to avoid the axe. Roberts is too inconsistent and he will never change.

Keating will never provide crisper service.

It's his 6th year in first grade and he's 27 years old, he is what he is. No improvement in him, just that gradual decline from here (help us all!)

MK is just soooo tragically slow...

 

[jimmy77au]

Thought it was interesting to see Robbie Farah at the game last night - sitting up in the area where all the Bigwigs of the club were. Not suggesting anything - just found it a little surprising.

 

[DeanPay98]

Paulo didn't play any 5/8 last night. He just played as a backrower.

Oh. In which case he needs to see a lot less ball and maybe Roberts needs to see more of it until Kelly returns.

Perhaps Paulo isn't better value than Mateo.

 

[Wise Old Eel]

Last night just showed me what a poor judge of talent the person (be it Kearney or Osborne) who believed our future was with M Keating, Roberts, Paulo & Toutai. They were the difference last night. Too many dumb footballers in the one team. Let's hope Sticky can replace them with some decent talent over the next year or two.

Hayne did not look fit to me last night (even before injuring his ankle). Perhaps that knock he took early in the match stung him more than he let on. He looked dazed for most of the night. Having said that, we all need to take a chill pill with him. All opposition teams have specific tactics to nullify his impact. In 2009, it appeared to come from nowhere & teams did not really have an answer for it. He is also still trying to get used to not being the "go to man" whenever we have the ball.

Just on Nathan Smith, I know opinions are divided but Ricky Stuart is just the kind of coach the kid needs to become a tough, high quality footballer. IMO, he already has more attacking potential than Keating. Toughness can be instilled, whereas you either have the talent (&/or speed) or you don't. I for one can't wait to see him back in the team - at least as some variety to what Keating is currently dishing up.

WOE

 

[DeanPay98]

To be fair Vai Toutai was on debut.

The lack of a third attacking option after Hayne and Sandow hurt us. Hayne was solid without being spectaculr. He ran for 162m and was good in defense.

Keating needs to be in the side for his defense, but his service is too slow. This might be his final season at the Eels. If there is a better hooker on the market, or if Kelly converts to one then Keating is out.

 

[hineyrulz]

I thought Toutai went pretty well on debut, he ran hard and didn't make any errors that i remember. That try was hardly his fault he was left on his own with two defenders having the jump on him off the kick.

Keating and Roberts should be moved on at the end of this season.

 

[I bleed blue & gold]

Thought it was interesting to see Robbie Farah at the game last night - sitting up in the area where all the Bigwigs of the club were. Not suggesting anything - just found it a little surprising.

Fair dinkum?? Hhhmmm.

 

[Kornstar]

Thought it was interesting to see Robbie Farah at the game last night - sitting up in the area where all the Bigwigs of the club were. Not suggesting anything - just found it a little surprising.

Keating was awful last night in attack, so slow!

Would love Farah, please let him sitting with them mean something!!!!!

 

[DeanPay98]

Keating was awful last night in attack, so slow!

Would love Farah, please let him sitting with them mean something!!!!!

I guess Weidler will write something insightful on Sunday .... oh and he'll also do his column. (boom tish ...)