Mateo as five-eighth

[1eyedeel]

Interested in the opinion of people who have seen Mateo go around in reggies more often than I have, as to whether he is definitely a lock or might make a five-eighth.

A few people have commented on here that he looks better at lock, but looking to the future I think the Eels backrow strengths (ie; Morrison, Hindmarsh, Afamasaga, Widders, Robinson, Cayless, Wagon, Muckert, O'Dwyer) means we'd be in much better shape if he could develop into a five-eighth?

 

[The Colonel]

I'd be of the same opinion. He looked good on Saturday night without being too flash. I can see Morris staying at no 9 and on the back of yesterday's performance against the Sharks, Riddell playing a key role in the back row.

IMO Wagon may be the player sitting on the bench next year with Morrison at lock.

 

[Eelementary]

From what I saw against Melbourne, he has strong defence, a great offload and runs hard.

He's like a better, stronger, quicker version of Wagon.

So if Wags plays 5/8, why can't Mateo?

BTW, I was very impressed by both Mateo and Smith.

Well done lads!

 

[fish eel]

13 and 6 are pretty interchangable these days.

I'd be concerned about Mateo, at this stage of his career lining up defensivley against some of the other 5/8s floating around. He is a touch slow, and shown some defensive flaws.

I can see a scenario where, when he is on the field, he is playing as a 5/8 when we are attacking......when defending he is in a bit closer with wags playing or defending as the 6.

 

[fish eel]

I can see Morris staying at no 9 and on the back of yesterday's performance against the Sharks, Riddell playing a key role in the back row.

Given our back row options for next year, I can only see riddell getting in there now and then. Could be pretty explosive though, having both morris and riddell on the field at the one time......talk about firepower outta dummy half!

 

[Freak]

6. Mateo
7. Morris

IMO Morris is probably our best general play kicker and I think he could steer us around the park extremely well.
Mateo is all class. It was great to see him in the top grade on Saturday and I think he was one of our best!!
I first saw this kid play a sevens match for Terracenta at the world sevens in 2003 and wanted to know who was the lucky club to have his contract. As you can well imagine cartwheels were the order of the day when I found out he was an Eel!!
I think Saturdays game will be one of many for this freak!! just watch him blossum and sit back and enjoy watching him play. He can, and will be Huge for us in 2005!!!

 

[1eyedeel]

From what I saw against Melbourne, he has strong defence, a great offload and runs hard.

He's like a better, stronger, quicker version of Wagon.

So if Wags plays 5/8, why can't Mateo?

BTW, I was very impressed by both Mateo and Smith.

Well done lads!

If we're using Wagon as our 5/8 benchmark, sure. But it'd sure be nice if he could throw a cut-out pass and had some sort of kicking game, too.

 

[Eelementary]

From my understanding, he is a traditional ball-playing lock.

He is nothing more but a fill-in 5/8, much like Wagon.

 

[The Colonel]

From my understanding, he is a traditional ball-playing lock.

So are players like Anasta, Hill and Barrett (to an extent). Hell even Wally Lewis started life and his first Origin game at lock.

 

[Belly in Brisvegas]

Hell even Wally Lewis started life and his first Origin game at lock.

And the Kings truth shall set you free Colonel.

That was the first time I had ever clapped eyes on the boy and to me he looks to big for a 5/8.[/quote]