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No Regrets.
With 2004 practically over, unless by some minor miracle the Eels make the eight, its time too look ahead at 2005.
2004 promised so much but delivered little in way of results and the fans needed some hope. Hope arrived in the shape of some smart new signings and the return of some prodigal sons. There is excitement building in the air out Parramatta way and the future looks remarkable bright after some extremely disappointing seasons since 2001.
Firstly, the possibility of Smith moving to the role of “coaching director” leaves Parramatta fans salivating at the thought. Few doubt Smith’s desire, however many question the length of time Smith has now taken to win the elusive premiership he has promised for so long. The possible return of Daniel Anderson and the signing of Peter Sharp could quite possibly add a new edge to a tired, faltering outfit. The fact that both Sharp and Anderson helped kick-start the careers of the likes of Hindmarsh, Cayless, Vella, McKinnon, Burt and Marsh should not be missed amongst all the attention given to their return. They hold a rapport already with many of the players, which will be important as a new side emerges from the rubble of 2004.
One player, in particular, will benefit most from the arrival of new faces. Nathan Hindmarsh has been the rock on which the Eels have relied upon to hold them together in 2004. The arrival of Glenn Morrison, Paul Stringer and Mark Riddell will ease the focus on Hindmarsh and bolster a pack down on confidence and go forward. An injury free season for Aaron Cannings and Nathan Cayless will see a pack that on form can dominate any other in the competition.
A solid platform is a must for any backline and an embarrassment of riches is possessed out wide in 2005. The exact make up still remains to be seen however the likes of Tahu, Grothe, McKinnon, Morris, Witt, Burt, Petersen and Marsh will be praying the forward pack can stand tall and deliver them the metres they need.
A confident side has done well for the likes of Hunt at Brisbane and Williams at the Dogs, so a couple of youngsters also need to make their mark in 2005. After debuting in 2004, the likes of Feleti Mateo, Ben Smith, Brett Anderson and rookie of the year Jack Afamasaga need to ride the coat tails of the senior players and show the form they have displayed in the lower grades. Other young talent could also force their way into the top grades.
The 2005 squad will be well served for depth across all positions with only the centres lacking the experience of years past.
Fullback – Wade McKinnon, Joel Reddy, Brett Anderson, Luke Burt, Ash Graham
Wing – Timana Tahu, Eric Grothe, Luke Burt, Matt Petersen, John Williams, Brett Anderson
Centre – Timana Tahu, Luke Burt, Ben Smith, Luke O’Dwyer, Brett Delaney, Josh Davis, Matt Lantry, Matt Nicholas, Dean Widders, Daniel Wagon, Ash Graham
Five-Eighth – John Morris, PJ Marsh, Feleti Mateo, Marcus Perenara, Blake Green, Michael Witt, Jeremiah Pai
Half – Michael Witt, PJ Marsh, Tim Smith, Marcus Perenara, Dane Queenan
Lock – Daniel Wagon, Glenn Morrison, Feleti Mateo, Matt Keating, Chris Muckert, Jeremiah Pai, Henry Perenara, Guy Williams, Ian Henderson
Second-Row – Nathan Hindmarsh, Nathan Cayless, Glenn Morrison, Chad Robinson, Henry Perenara, Jack Afamasaga, Brendan Oake, Weller Hauraki, Chris Muckert, Mark Riddell, Ben Taia, Daniel Backo, Kurt Sorenson
Front Row – Paul Stringer, Aaron Cannings, Justin Tsoulos, Michael Vella, Nathan Cayless, Weller Hauraki, Josh Cordoba, Jim Curtis, Fui Fui Moi Moi, Zeb Taia, Ben Taia, Adam Peek
Hooker – Mark Riddell, PJ Marsh, John Morris, Scott Jones, Ian Henderson
The off season will determine many positions in the top side however every player needs to be on top of their game with players certain to push for selection if they miss out.
The return of PJ Marsh, back after leaving the fold in 2001, is the most important acquisition of all. After injuring his neck, which looked as if it could end his career, Marsh will return to the Eels in the position which was earmarked for him before his departure - halfback. Despite playing hooker at the Warriors, Marsh has the maturity and skill to guide the team around the park while allowing the youngsters in Witt and Smith to fully mature.
When it all boils down, the embarrassment of riches coupled with a possible change at the helm leaves few excuses for the management and coaching staff of the Eels in 2005. Hopefully the players can also adopt the attitude of the 1999 World Cup winning Aussie Cricket side and end the 2005 season with No Regrets.
With 2004 practically over, unless by some minor miracle the Eels make the eight, its time too look ahead at 2005.
2004 promised so much but delivered little in way of results and the fans needed some hope. Hope arrived in the shape of some smart new signings and the return of some prodigal sons. There is excitement building in the air out Parramatta way and the future looks remarkable bright after some extremely disappointing seasons since 2001.
Firstly, the possibility of Smith moving to the role of “coaching director” leaves Parramatta fans salivating at the thought. Few doubt Smith’s desire, however many question the length of time Smith has now taken to win the elusive premiership he has promised for so long. The possible return of Daniel Anderson and the signing of Peter Sharp could quite possibly add a new edge to a tired, faltering outfit. The fact that both Sharp and Anderson helped kick-start the careers of the likes of Hindmarsh, Cayless, Vella, McKinnon, Burt and Marsh should not be missed amongst all the attention given to their return. They hold a rapport already with many of the players, which will be important as a new side emerges from the rubble of 2004.
One player, in particular, will benefit most from the arrival of new faces. Nathan Hindmarsh has been the rock on which the Eels have relied upon to hold them together in 2004. The arrival of Glenn Morrison, Paul Stringer and Mark Riddell will ease the focus on Hindmarsh and bolster a pack down on confidence and go forward. An injury free season for Aaron Cannings and Nathan Cayless will see a pack that on form can dominate any other in the competition.
A solid platform is a must for any backline and an embarrassment of riches is possessed out wide in 2005. The exact make up still remains to be seen however the likes of Tahu, Grothe, McKinnon, Morris, Witt, Burt, Petersen and Marsh will be praying the forward pack can stand tall and deliver them the metres they need.
A confident side has done well for the likes of Hunt at Brisbane and Williams at the Dogs, so a couple of youngsters also need to make their mark in 2005. After debuting in 2004, the likes of Feleti Mateo, Ben Smith, Brett Anderson and rookie of the year Jack Afamasaga need to ride the coat tails of the senior players and show the form they have displayed in the lower grades. Other young talent could also force their way into the top grades.
The 2005 squad will be well served for depth across all positions with only the centres lacking the experience of years past.
Fullback – Wade McKinnon, Joel Reddy, Brett Anderson, Luke Burt, Ash Graham
Wing – Timana Tahu, Eric Grothe, Luke Burt, Matt Petersen, John Williams, Brett Anderson
Centre – Timana Tahu, Luke Burt, Ben Smith, Luke O’Dwyer, Brett Delaney, Josh Davis, Matt Lantry, Matt Nicholas, Dean Widders, Daniel Wagon, Ash Graham
Five-Eighth – John Morris, PJ Marsh, Feleti Mateo, Marcus Perenara, Blake Green, Michael Witt, Jeremiah Pai
Half – Michael Witt, PJ Marsh, Tim Smith, Marcus Perenara, Dane Queenan
Lock – Daniel Wagon, Glenn Morrison, Feleti Mateo, Matt Keating, Chris Muckert, Jeremiah Pai, Henry Perenara, Guy Williams, Ian Henderson
Second-Row – Nathan Hindmarsh, Nathan Cayless, Glenn Morrison, Chad Robinson, Henry Perenara, Jack Afamasaga, Brendan Oake, Weller Hauraki, Chris Muckert, Mark Riddell, Ben Taia, Daniel Backo, Kurt Sorenson
Front Row – Paul Stringer, Aaron Cannings, Justin Tsoulos, Michael Vella, Nathan Cayless, Weller Hauraki, Josh Cordoba, Jim Curtis, Fui Fui Moi Moi, Zeb Taia, Ben Taia, Adam Peek
Hooker – Mark Riddell, PJ Marsh, John Morris, Scott Jones, Ian Henderson
The off season will determine many positions in the top side however every player needs to be on top of their game with players certain to push for selection if they miss out.
The return of PJ Marsh, back after leaving the fold in 2001, is the most important acquisition of all. After injuring his neck, which looked as if it could end his career, Marsh will return to the Eels in the position which was earmarked for him before his departure - halfback. Despite playing hooker at the Warriors, Marsh has the maturity and skill to guide the team around the park while allowing the youngsters in Witt and Smith to fully mature.
When it all boils down, the embarrassment of riches coupled with a possible change at the helm leaves few excuses for the management and coaching staff of the Eels in 2005. Hopefully the players can also adopt the attitude of the 1999 World Cup winning Aussie Cricket side and end the 2005 season with No Regrets.
