Round 1 - Eels v Manly

[forward pass]

Anyone think the rain will hinder us more than them? It will affect the fast steppers - French ,Jennings.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Anyone think the rain will hinder us more than them? It will affect the fast steppers - French ,Jennings.

The thing about rain, or any randomiser, is that it generally benefits the underdog. Though you're right in that some teams are better suited to dry track more than others.

 

[hineyrulz]

I don't rate Manlys pack at all, so I think it will favour us. But a good kicking game will be important so we may struggle there.

 

[emjaycee]

Apparently Gutho has been kicking really well at training.

 

[hineyrulz]

Apparently Gutho has been kicking really well at training.

And the Marshes have been hitting them well in the nets for years

 

[emjaycee]

And the Marshes have been hitting them well in the nets for years

Just sharing what I heard and I won't be judging Gutho before kick-off at least

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I've already put a line through him for 2017. He will be in reserve grade by round 12 and Arthur will resign in disgrace. FALL ON YOUR SWORD MERKIN!!!

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

So update the squad succession thread already.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I already have. What you see is a list of all 40 merkins whom I believe will fail this year.

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

Nothing lowers expectations like being an eels fan.

 

[bartman]

I already have. What you see is a list of all 40 merkins whom I believe will fail this year.

So you're tipping us to miss the 8 Pou?

 

[Poupou Escobar]

ffs

 

[The EELiminator]

I don't rate Manlys pack at all, so I think it will favour us. But a good kicking game will be important so we may struggle there.

good defence is vital in wet conditions so that might play into our hands if we can hit hard and force turnovers
we just need to hang onto the pill ourselves

 

[Eelementary]

We have Beau Scott, Suaia Matagi, and Tepai Moeroa, so the pack should be plenty physical, imo.

 

[Happy MEel]

We have Beau Scott, Suaia Matagi, and Tepai Moeroa, so the pack should be plenty physical, imo.

Fritchard and Mau are no slouches in the physicality stakes either.

 

[Eelementary]

Fritchard and Mau are no slouches in the physicality stakes either.

Very, very true.

We also have Nathan "Hitman" Brown.

I still can't believe we signed Brown - I love his style of play.

 

[hineyrulz]

Very, very true.

We also have Nathan "Hitman" Brown.

I still can't believe we signed Brown - I love his style of play.

Yeah i love a mad merkin who just smashes merkins.

 

[Eelementary]

Yeah i love a mad merkin who just smashes merkins.

And the best part is that "mad merkin who just smashes merkins" describes Scott, Ma'u, Matagi, Brown, Moeroa, Pritchard, Pritchard...

I am loving our pack for this season - at least, on paper!

But I have total faith in Arthur to be able to get the best out of them.

I am so excited for tomorrow!

 

[hineyrulz]

Can't wait to see some merkins getting smashed.

 

[strider]

Damn staright .. im pumped for some merkins