Rd8: Eels v Dogs GAME DAY THREAD @ Stadium Australia 1/5/21

[Poupou Escobar]

Poor Shaun has become Brthurs scapegoat as well. He will be on the bench next game as part of the middle rotation. Such a pity.

You think he's in our top two edge forwards? He's arguably the fourth best at the club.

 

[Noise]

Compare their highlights. Drown has better speed and footwork, and has made all these great runs. Cleary has nothing like that:

Lol . A highlights package? Of just Dylan Brown. One of your best.

 

[Eelementary]

Tonight Parra had a chance to make a statement, unfortunately it was the wrong one. I was looking for up tempo attack and defence but they were pedestrian with sloppy handling thrown in. If we’re a heavy weight we have to play like one and unless they lift for next week they’ll be exposed by a wounded Rooster. I’m looking for a contender not a pretender.

You think scoring 6 tries in an NRL First Grade game is pedestrian?

I think we never got out of second gear, tbh.

 

[hindy111]

That's true.

But for all we know, Brown could finish the season strongly, and get picked for the Kiwis.

But even if he doesn't, he's not as "freakish" as Cleary.

I still feel Brown gets all the shit ball when nothings on. And Moses/Gutherson get ball on strike plays. It would be frustrating for him. Guthersons such a brilliant ball player is might be hampering his development.

I am starting to think Gutherson is our best ever signing? I'm putting it out there. He is a better fullback then Hayne if look at consistency. Hayne at best isn't comparable to anyone. Hands down best but overall very up and down.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

True. But he also debut mid 2016 and was NSW halfback in 2018.And a future immortal

Like most NSW halfbacks since Johns, he was picked on potential rather than form. Finally they got one who might become good enough to make a difference. Or is he just lucky Thurston/Cronk have retired?

 

[Eelementary]

I still feel Brown gets all the shit ball when nothings on. And Moses/Gutherson get ball on strike plays. It would be frustrating for him. Guthersons such a brilliant ball player is might be hampering his development.

I am starting to think Gutherson is our best ever signing? I'm putting it out there. He is a better fullback then Hayne.

I think you make good points, on both accounts.

I'm excited to see how Brown ends up - his role isn't to he like Jerome Luai, but at the moment, he is doing hos job.

I love the fact that Brown's defence is flawless.

 

[hindy111]

You think he's in our top two edge forwards? He's arguably the fourth best at the club.

I thought Lane was good last night and has been since about rnd 4. Started the year slow but since has been as good as jnr who I feels been a little off.

 

[Gazzamatta]

You think he's in our top two edge forwards? He's arguably the fourth best at the club.

He was and I have belief he can be again. Form is temporary. Even Bernie Gurr agrees.

 

[hindy111]

Like most NSW halfbacks since Johns, he was picked on potential rather than form. Finally they got one who might become good enough to make a difference. Or is he just lucky Thurston/Cronk have retired?

They played for QLD ffs.

 

[Eelementary]

Poor Shaun has become Brthurs scapegoat as well. He will be on the bench next game as part of the middle rotation. Such a pity.

I love Shaun Lane off the bench, tbh.

He's tall, quick, skilful, and a different body shape - plus he's a strong defender.

I don't think being "demoted" to a bench spot is a sign of weakness in a player; in today's NRL, bench players are more important than ever.

 

[hindy111]

I love Shaun Lane off the bench, tbh.

He's tall, quick, skilful, and a different body shape - plus he's a strong defender.

I don't think being "demoted" to a bench spot is a sign of weakness in a player; in today's NRL, bench players are more important than ever.

Papali'i is in the top 10 forwards in game at moment. On form id argue top 5?

 

[Eelementary]

He was and I have belief he can be again. Form is temporary. Even Bernie Gurr agrees.

I reckon Lane has played well in 2021.

He's not at his 2019 level, but he's doing a good job.

 

[Eelementary]

Papali'i is in the top 10 forwards in game at moment. On form id argue top 5?

Absolutely.

And I love Papali'i off the bench - he can continue that momentum that RCG and Paulo generate.

 

[hindy111]

I reckon Lane has played well in 2021.

He's not at his 2019 level, but he's doing a good job.

Averging 100mtrs and 35 tackles a game. Had 2 tries in 8 games.
Biggest thing is his offloads have gone.

 

[Eelementary]

Averging 100mtrs and 35 tackles a game. Had 2 tries in 8 games.
Biggest thing is his offloads have gone.

It's a shame - but I'd wager it's a coaching-related tactic.

Matterson, Paulo, and Brown were also quirt in the offload columns in recent weeks (Mattterson's case is obvious).

 

[hindy111]

Absolutely.

And I love Papali'i off the bench - he can continue that momentum that RCG and Paulo generate.

He has to start. Only JFH and Klemmer have ore running matters in forwards. And neither is busting tackles in same manner. He has 35 in 8 games.

 

[Eelementary]

He has to start. Only JFH and Klemmer have ore running matters in forwards. And neither is busting tackles in same manner. He has 35 in 8 games.

He may be starting some more, with Brown out for a few weeks.

 

[IFR33K]

Given the stats you supplied, I will concede that Cleary is a better ball-runner - I didn't realise he ran as much as he does.

There's no argument that Brown needs improvement, but he's a great defender, and a decent runner of the ball.

His passing, and kicking games, need work, but time is on his side.

Some things can’t be coached nor will someone improve with time. That’s vision. He’s a strong runner many haven’t seen anything else.

 

[Obscene Assassin]

I reckon Lane has played well in 2021.

He's not at his 2019 level, but he's doing a good job.

Just needs to hold onto the ball. According to the Rugby League Eye Test he has the 2nd highest error rate in 2021

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Lol . A highlights package? Of just Dylan Brown. One of your best.

I looked for one of Nathan Cleary's running game and couldn't find one.