2006 is going to be an exciting year for the eels both on and off the field with the recruitment of the new coach Michael Hagan and for once no new players in the fold. we have lots of exciting young guys coming up from the big success in premier league being grand final champions and that should bone the team in good stead for the upcoming season with players competing for spots in all positions. only Nathan Hindmarsh and specailised goalkicker Luke Burt seem assured of there spots for now. following is my thourough opinion of the battle for each position and who will win:
FULLBACK- there are many players from the new coach to choose from, no less than Wade McKinnon, Luke Burt, Kris Inu, Marcus Perenara and Matt Peterson. there will be a tussle throughout the season but i expect Wade to fulfill his duties out the back well. He is like the engeriser bunny and the rest are charged by Duracell.
WINGERS- Eric Grothe seems like an obvious choice for the wing position but who else will play? I like the looks of Peterson and coach Hagan may choose to shift Tahu out to the wing where he was so successful for newcastle. Watch for youngsters Anderson and my hot tip John Williams to make a big impact sometime in the season.
CENTRES - Ben Smith was exciting against the opposition last season before going a bit silent at the end of the season. I think he will be back for another big season and it will be exciting to see him continue to play his exciting brand of football that no other young centre in the NRL can offer.
5/8 - 5/8 is a tough position and John Morris filled the boots well last season the best we had since Beuttner in 2001. However Morris will be challanged from the likes of Marcus Perenara and Daniel Wagon to keep his position in first grade but a challange i feel he is up to myself.
HALF BACK - Tim Smith was the sensation of the rugby league world last year and hopefully he can continue that into 2006 and play even more exciting football for the Eels. Hagan will be able to teach him lots after all he has taught Joey for many a year now.
LOCK- Watch for Glen Morrison to shift to lock to make way for Dean Widders in the second rowers. Daniel Wagon and a freshly slimline Justin Tsulous are the other favourites to gain this position once the season starts.
SECONF ROW - Mathan Hindmarsh and Dean Widders have the inside running to be the Eels second row for the year and they will form an exciting partnership that will be the envy of all other clubs. watch for exciting youngsters Oake and Afamasaga(sp?) to push for positions in the team too.
PROP - Captain Cayless will be out to prove that hes a worthy captain and player for our team. he will be up next to Vella and watch out for Fui Fui to make a surprise comeback once his suspension is finished with into the season. Paul Stringer can also not be forgotten
PROPS - Mark Riddell and P.J. Marsh should share hooker duties again. a fat man for the toughness of the start of the game and the little guy to tear a part the tired defenses at the end of each half with exciting ball movements. I predict Marsh will encapture the form that had him selected to the Qld origin team all those years ago and piggy may earn rep honours too.
thats just my opinion what do you all think????
FULLBACK- there are many players from the new coach to choose from, no less than Wade McKinnon, Luke Burt, Kris Inu, Marcus Perenara and Matt Peterson. there will be a tussle throughout the season but i expect Wade to fulfill his duties out the back well. He is like the engeriser bunny and the rest are charged by Duracell.
WINGERS- Eric Grothe seems like an obvious choice for the wing position but who else will play? I like the looks of Peterson and coach Hagan may choose to shift Tahu out to the wing where he was so successful for newcastle. Watch for youngsters Anderson and my hot tip John Williams to make a big impact sometime in the season.
CENTRES - Ben Smith was exciting against the opposition last season before going a bit silent at the end of the season. I think he will be back for another big season and it will be exciting to see him continue to play his exciting brand of football that no other young centre in the NRL can offer.
5/8 - 5/8 is a tough position and John Morris filled the boots well last season the best we had since Beuttner in 2001. However Morris will be challanged from the likes of Marcus Perenara and Daniel Wagon to keep his position in first grade but a challange i feel he is up to myself.
HALF BACK - Tim Smith was the sensation of the rugby league world last year and hopefully he can continue that into 2006 and play even more exciting football for the Eels. Hagan will be able to teach him lots after all he has taught Joey for many a year now.
LOCK- Watch for Glen Morrison to shift to lock to make way for Dean Widders in the second rowers. Daniel Wagon and a freshly slimline Justin Tsulous are the other favourites to gain this position once the season starts.
SECONF ROW - Mathan Hindmarsh and Dean Widders have the inside running to be the Eels second row for the year and they will form an exciting partnership that will be the envy of all other clubs. watch for exciting youngsters Oake and Afamasaga(sp?) to push for positions in the team too.
PROP - Captain Cayless will be out to prove that hes a worthy captain and player for our team. he will be up next to Vella and watch out for Fui Fui to make a surprise comeback once his suspension is finished with into the season. Paul Stringer can also not be forgotten
PROPS - Mark Riddell and P.J. Marsh should share hooker duties again. a fat man for the toughness of the start of the game and the little guy to tear a part the tired defenses at the end of each half with exciting ball movements. I predict Marsh will encapture the form that had him selected to the Qld origin team all those years ago and piggy may earn rep honours too.
thats just my opinion what do you all think????