EELS
Backs-9.5/10
Our biggest strength, really, and the reason for our style of play. When you start talking about who will miss out from Grothe/Inu/Burt, that's something of an embarrassment of riches. All are rep standard players except maybe Burty, and he's been in cracking form. We have speed, power, and flair in the back line and that should lead to plenty of points.
Halves/Hooker-7/10
Not much experience between KK and Mortimer, who should be the starting halves. Robson has been around for years but you wouldn't call him experienced either, nor is he that skillful. Plenty of talent in the two young guys but can they overcome their inexperience when the pressure of expectation is on?
Forwards-8.5/10
Shackleton and Poore are great signings for us, adding mongrel to our pack. At the same time, I think Galuvao and Lowrie are bigger losses in the back row than people think. Both came off the bench and did a great job of holding us together, and the question will be whether their replacements can do that consistently. That said, our go forward should improve immensely with Poore and Shackleton in the starting side, and Mateo back at lock will provide great variety. Ben Smith off the bench needs to keep improving, as does young Tim Mannah.
Depth-5/10
Something I thought I'd add, because it's very important. Ando is still working on depth, it would seem. We have great depth in the backs...One of this years starting 5 will miss out, Jono Wright handled himself very well on a huge stage in the semi's and Benny Smith can do a great job at centre in a pinch. The halves are pretty well covered too, with Robbo waiting in NSW Cup. But the forwards and hooker are a bit lacking, having lost Galuvao, Lowrie, Brod Wright, Kevin Kingston (barring a miracle) and Jeremy Latimore this season. An injury or two at hooker and/or the pack could see us forced to use either useless nuffies like Hauraki or inexperienced blokes like Mitchell Johnson.
Overall, we should be top 4 or 5...but our depth is certainly a weak point IMO.
