bartman
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Read through so many threads from the past two days, and didn't know where to post, so here goes...
First Grade Selections
I didn't expect Brian to make many changes, as he's never been one to go for wholesale changes after a loss, or dropping a guy after one game. Cannings starting is no surprise due to the potential he showed last week, and Smith's giving Pearson a try of the bench, which may work better? Vella, I really hope he's on notice to perform this week. He made some good runs early, and chased down a Dogs break, but his effort and defence faded badly. Peek on the bench is no surprise, as he was named for last week, but wasn't quite ready.
With Lyon out, Wise seems to keep a wing spot, but I hope he's also on his last chance. So it's essentially been a direct swap of Vaealiki starting for Lyon. The inclusion of Webster and fifth man O'Dwyer on the bench is interesting. Expect Webster to come on to provide service from dummy half, and terrier like (if a bit ineffectual) tackling. This means Morris may be freed up to do some ballplaying one off the ruck, which he did quite effectively in the latter part of 2004. They can move Wagon around into the pack or centres, and O'Dwyer can also play both if he makes it into the 17.
Overall it seems to me like a side with more flexibility and options that Round 1, even if it is not as adventurous as most of us would like. Hoping for a good showing against the Broncs!!
Jamie Lyon
At 22, he's achieved almost all you can in league during seven years - with the exception of a premiership win with the Eels. Last year not getting passed the ball by Wags/Dykes/whoever played five-eighth must've made him feel that dream was a long way out of reach, and round one wouldn't have helped either. But from all reports, this seems to be based on personal issues, and you've got to wish him all the best, and be glad the club is supporting the guy in his endeavours to address it.
It's eseentially the club acting to protect it's investment, and Jamie doing what he feels is best at the moment, for however long it takes. It makes sense, and we shouldn't be upset. Players play this game as their full-time job with their one/two months off between seasons, and I'd sure hope my boss would grant me extra leave if something personal came up and I asked to take some time out. So after the shock its a shame all round butall is cool, and fingers crossed we might see Jamie backing up keen and refreshed for season 2005?
Premier League Selections
Witt benched, talk about a fall from grace? From those First Grade games in the second half of last year and a four year contract, to this year's form and selections. Not once had Smith talked him up over the off-season, and I thought that was just one of his ploys or something? We'd all like to know what is going on, but it sure beats me. Again it seems like he won't be seeing firsts unless there are injuries, which I guess was how he got his starts last year. Certainly shows where he is in the pecking order, and when you're young and have tasted what's possible in your future career, it's hard to be content with less. Here's hoping Witty steps up, puts in, and regains his drive for the game, which apparently hasn't been showing in performances so far.
Armit is unlucky not to have stayed in First Grade, but will benefit from a full game here, and surely is is on the short list to step up if Pearson or vella faulters once more? Tsoulos has to work his way back from leg injury for a few weeks before he becomes a First Grade consideration. I like what I've seen of Jeremiah Pai too, and I hope Thorman makes the most of his run-on debut. PL is full of class players, and if they gel and perform then it's good for them as individuals, the club as a whole, and those of us who get to watch.
And what's doing with the "missing" PL player no. 18 listed on the Eels website?
This has been my last post from Australian soil for probably around two years. All the best to everyone, and it's been good to meet some of the people who post here in person during the last few months. I'll most probably be back on once a week from now, looking forward to those match reports and thoughts on Firsts and Premmies....
First Grade Selections
I didn't expect Brian to make many changes, as he's never been one to go for wholesale changes after a loss, or dropping a guy after one game. Cannings starting is no surprise due to the potential he showed last week, and Smith's giving Pearson a try of the bench, which may work better? Vella, I really hope he's on notice to perform this week. He made some good runs early, and chased down a Dogs break, but his effort and defence faded badly. Peek on the bench is no surprise, as he was named for last week, but wasn't quite ready.
With Lyon out, Wise seems to keep a wing spot, but I hope he's also on his last chance. So it's essentially been a direct swap of Vaealiki starting for Lyon. The inclusion of Webster and fifth man O'Dwyer on the bench is interesting. Expect Webster to come on to provide service from dummy half, and terrier like (if a bit ineffectual) tackling. This means Morris may be freed up to do some ballplaying one off the ruck, which he did quite effectively in the latter part of 2004. They can move Wagon around into the pack or centres, and O'Dwyer can also play both if he makes it into the 17.
Overall it seems to me like a side with more flexibility and options that Round 1, even if it is not as adventurous as most of us would like. Hoping for a good showing against the Broncs!!
Jamie Lyon
At 22, he's achieved almost all you can in league during seven years - with the exception of a premiership win with the Eels. Last year not getting passed the ball by Wags/Dykes/whoever played five-eighth must've made him feel that dream was a long way out of reach, and round one wouldn't have helped either. But from all reports, this seems to be based on personal issues, and you've got to wish him all the best, and be glad the club is supporting the guy in his endeavours to address it.
It's eseentially the club acting to protect it's investment, and Jamie doing what he feels is best at the moment, for however long it takes. It makes sense, and we shouldn't be upset. Players play this game as their full-time job with their one/two months off between seasons, and I'd sure hope my boss would grant me extra leave if something personal came up and I asked to take some time out. So after the shock its a shame all round butall is cool, and fingers crossed we might see Jamie backing up keen and refreshed for season 2005?
Premier League Selections
Witt benched, talk about a fall from grace? From those First Grade games in the second half of last year and a four year contract, to this year's form and selections. Not once had Smith talked him up over the off-season, and I thought that was just one of his ploys or something? We'd all like to know what is going on, but it sure beats me. Again it seems like he won't be seeing firsts unless there are injuries, which I guess was how he got his starts last year. Certainly shows where he is in the pecking order, and when you're young and have tasted what's possible in your future career, it's hard to be content with less. Here's hoping Witty steps up, puts in, and regains his drive for the game, which apparently hasn't been showing in performances so far.
Armit is unlucky not to have stayed in First Grade, but will benefit from a full game here, and surely is is on the short list to step up if Pearson or vella faulters once more? Tsoulos has to work his way back from leg injury for a few weeks before he becomes a First Grade consideration. I like what I've seen of Jeremiah Pai too, and I hope Thorman makes the most of his run-on debut. PL is full of class players, and if they gel and perform then it's good for them as individuals, the club as a whole, and those of us who get to watch.
And what's doing with the "missing" PL player no. 18 listed on the Eels website?
This has been my last post from Australian soil for probably around two years. All the best to everyone, and it's been good to meet some of the people who post here in person during the last few months. I'll most probably be back on once a week from now, looking forward to those match reports and thoughts on Firsts and Premmies....
