Its great to see some logical debate.

[JKS]

Smithy is on the job (as he always is). Contrary to the thoughts of some, he doesn't set out to fail and his career record speaks for itself. I for one support this guy all the way.

And for the benefit of a few people, let me give you the Macquarie Dictionary definition of SUPPORT - to sustain or withstand without giving way.

 

[Eelementary]

I am perfectly happy.

It is very unreasonable to say, "Given the way we played aginst Team X, there's no way in hell we'll beat Team Y!" because matches and teams change from one week to the next. Look at the Roosters - ordinary in Round 1, better but not brilliant in Round 2 and awesome in Round 3.

We beat a VERY determined Knights team (determined to win for their captain without him) and some of their tries were resultant of certain unavoidable things (EG: (1) Buderus' second, when he ran behind the player playing the ball and thus our tackler couldn't see or attempt a tackle on him; (2) Woolnough's try; we always struggle to regain concentration when the game stops for a few minutes and returns; (3) Gidely's try which I am not 100% sure of either way).

Just look at the games: disappointing in the first half in Round 1, dominating all round despite some dubious calls by the ref in Round 2, and determined to beat a HUNGRY and VERY DETERMINED Knights outfit who were in great form.

The improvements are clearly visible.

I can't say much about what we need to do about preparation for the game - NOBODY can. The game itself will decide what happens (suppose that the RAiders never get a sinlge shot from 2 out form our line; they are always 5m or 10m back).

All we can do is take it one game at a time.

GO THE MIGHTY BLUE AND GOLD EELS!!!

 

[Eels Dude]

I said before the season if we can win 2 of our first 4 then that would be a good start to the season, we've won 2 of a first 3 and have a shot at making it 3 of 4. Our draw opens up a fair bit after that so we could be set for a good season.

 

[stuke]

its a much better start than last year and the team will be growing in confidence as we have now beaten 2 teams that finished ahead of us last year (after the media has made such a point of it last season.) it definetley gives us a platform to build our season upon.

as for o'dwyer moving into 5/8, has anyone actually saw him play there. for a young bloke who has just joined the nrl it sure would be a pressure position for him to move into so early. why move him and wagon while we are winning?????

 

[fish eel]

Doesnt matter whether wags or O'Dwyer play lock or 5/8.

Dykes let the cat of the bag in the papers on the weekend, with a quote about 'playing two locks'

Whoever has the 6 on their back at the moment, is playing 5/8 in number only. but is playing more the traditional lock forward role.

 

[The Engineers Room]

Yes but Wagon finds himself with the ball in the backline more often. Personally, I'd rather see O'Dwyer with it.

 

[Suitman]

So much for trying to post a positive thread.

Some of you people are unbelievable.

Suity

Positive thread from Suity = All joy and radiating happiness, but it has nothing to do with Smith
Negative thread from Suity = Doom and gloom that the world is about to end and it has everything to do with Smith


Unbelievable
You said it. :roll:

Actually Godfather, you couldn't be more wrong on all accounts. I don't know how long you have been around, but I'll assume it isn't that long, and give you the benefit of the doubt.

1. If you can quote just ONCE where I have said everything we are doing wrong has to do with Smith, I'll gladly debate this with you. You will actually find, that he has received much praise from me over the years, and I will repeat it again if you have never read it before.
He is actually a hero of mine.
All I have ever done is ask the question of whether he has what it takes to get us a premiership. I have also questioned some of his selection and tactical decisions.
I have NEVER, EVER called for his sacking.

2. Positive thread from Suity - you are right.....I didn't mention Smith.
Nor did I mention anybody else from the club either. So why should I have singled out Smith. I have bagged others in the past, you didn't mention them.

For you people who cannot bring yourself to bag Parramatta, thats fine.
If I want to raise questions about certain abilities and failures that we have, thats fine also.

But I won't sit here and take crap from you that I am a Smith bagger.

I saw my first game in '71. We have been through more torrid times than this. And I'm am still here.

If you have an axe to grind, grind it with people who want Smith gone.......NOT ME.

Suity

 

[Ron Jeremy]

Wagon at 5/8 is a great move, he's proven me wrong!....even saw him pass a couple of times :shock:

 

[PB]

Yes but Wagon finds himself with the ball in the backline more often. Personally, I'd rather see O'Dwyer with it.

Based on what? O'Dwyer has played 50 minutes of first grade football! hardley enough to establish himself as someone who should have the ball in his hands every set of 6!

he has potential, but nothing he won't learn at training and playing lock.

I think our start has been fantastic. We have had definate game plans in our last two games and i still think we have only really played 25 minutes of bad football (and 10 of those minutes were with 12 men).

Our weaknesses are obvious and confind to one area (goal line defence). One thing is alot easier to fix than 10.

We may only have one out and out "creative" ball player on the field, but we have been close to the most entertaining teams thus far.

We have something to build on, which we didnt have last year.

And with two teams (Newcastle and St George) already losing their halves for the season, it sures up our chances of a shot at a good spot in the top 8.

 

[Hollywood Jesus]

I saw my first game in '71.

Thanks for the info, Misty

:roll:

 

[Suitman]

I saw my first game in '71.

Thanks for the info, Misty

:roll:

Lame.

Suity

 

[Parraren]

I find it really ironic how the season has panned out for us thus far. Given all the early debate re Wagon at 5/8th and the omission of Witt from the starting side, i seemed most people were concerned about us being too one-dimensional and defensively structured yet we are actually scoring plenty of points. Infact we are scoring some pretty damn exciting tries and coming up with some very creative plays in attack. It's actually our defense and discipline which has been of most concern. If we can sort out our marker defense and give away less silly penalties we will be in very good shape indeed.

 

[Suitman]

Totally agreed Parraren.

Marker defence and discipline.

After that, things are actually looking extremely positive.
And Smith says he is working very hard on it, which is a good thing.

Suity