https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...k=a9f6b8db729efade5b5efc0eb6508fa3-1517174512
Search for Semi Radradra fix puts Eels roster on edge ahead of 2018 NRL season
BRAD Arthur has put his entire 36 man squad on notice.
With several spots up for grabs this season, no one is safe.
It also means a clean slate.
With past performances no longer a measuring stick for selection, a string of players have catapulted their names into the conversation for Round one.
The most pressing position that needs to be filled is on the left flank.
The gaping hole vacated by the French rugby code hopper has seen several candidates push their case this pre-season but Arthur is no closer to deciding who will don the No.2.
“We’ve been running a few different blokes and giving everyone an opportunity,” Arthur told
foxsports.com.au.
“Because we’re playing our trial late in February, we’re still a while away from knowing what we’re going to look like.
“Josh (Hoffman) has run there, Kirisome (Auva’a), George Jennings has run there.
“We’ve got a lot of depth and trying to work out where they’re all going to go.”
So how do you replace a 190cm speed demon built out of granite?
Not only is his frame built for destruction and he fears no man but he has a canny knack for scoring a lot of points.
That’s why Arthur is exploring every option.
With more depth and versatility in the Parramatta squad than ever before, he’s spoiled for choice with competition for spots at a premium.
In fact, he’s challenged his men to pick themselves for round one after refusing to guarantee any player a spot in his 17.
While Brad Takairangi has spent couple of seasons playing in the centres, even the current Kiwi international could find himself in a new role.
With Michael Jennings able to play both sides of the field and Jarryd Hayne returning to the club, Arthur is toying with a host of new combinations.
“Takka’s is someone who needs to be in the 17,” he said.
“It’s hard. At training we’re chopping and changing the team. We’re running blokes on different sides of the field. Having different backrow combinations.
“I’m running Normy (Corey Norman) against Mitchell (Moses) and then putting them together.
“I don’t like giving away too much at the moment because I want them all to work hard. No one has a position yet.
“Jenko’s been on the left and right. Jarryd’s been on the left and right. He’s been at five-eighth and fullback.”
Last season Arthur stuck with one hooker, meaning the man wearing the No.9 needed to pump out 80 minutes.
The role was won by Kaysa Pritchard to start last season before an injury opened the door for Cameron King who excelled.
Once again, Arthur feels his team will be best suited to carrying a utility player or an extra forward on the bench rather than an extra rake.
“We’ve got enough utility value with blokes to cover different spots,” Arthur said.
“Will Smith sees himself as that opportunity to play a bit of everywhere.
“I’ll probably only go with the one hooker but I’m no closer to whether that’s Cameron or Kaysa because they’re both doing a good job. They both bring something a touch different.”
