Yeah. I was being cheeky. 2016 was probably our "window season" more so than last year if it had not have been hijacked. I was never confident in any game last year either before or during. Our second halfs were pretty much diabolical. I did however get caught up in the hype and the fact we were winning. As a long time Eels Fan its what we do. Im now thinking the writing was on the wall about 2018. Eels fans generally live in denial. I know I do.
Reading bits and pieces here and there its probably predictable given we released or punted, Gentle, O'Farrell, The Cougar and Burt. Thats massive changes.
Cost cutting?
Its also strange BA hasnt been re signed to date be it his decision or The Clubs given our top 4 finish last year.
I also recall an interview with BA earlier in the year where he said he was setting things up for the future "whether he was here or not". I thought it was a strange comment at the time.
Additionally the good guys at TCT did a story earlier in the year promoting BA and applying pressure to have his contract extended. I know the site is well respected and has connections. Again its strange that didnt "grow legs."
Anyway I live in hope and will be watching intently on Sunday. Go you Mighty Eels.
I agree with pretty much everything you have said.
100% agree 2016 was our premiership window I honestly believed we could have gone all the way if not very very close. We had a team that was resilient and defended brilliantly and just knew how to win and grind out games, traits of Parra teams that have been very few and far between in recent times.
BA got us playing that way and moulded his team into that style, what has happened since is unrecognisable.
Also on last year, I agree again we showed glimpses of cause for concern namely the thrashing at the hands of the Roosters earlier on, yes we were playing well and played very good attacking ability but I was never convinced. Our defence was still very suspect and we didn't have that steel we had in 2016. Besides both Broncos performances it was far from convincing and you always had that worry in the back of your mind that we could get thrashed at any given stage. My point is that we were all stuck in the hysteria of the amount of wins were accumulating but the truth is we were far from convincing. Yes the club was ripped apart in 2016 and it's been a long arduous road to build it back up, but there is no excuse for how we have started this year. Many here said last year we lacked size and real class in key positions namely hooker, but nothing was done to sort that out and fix it, and that is no ones fault but BA's.
These minor issues have become major ones now, I am one of his biggest fans but the way we entered this season with no upgrades or additions is a major flaw.
The loss of Palmer and Gentle also don't seem to have helped in anyway and the cracks are showing.
I am used to it, the failure is something I have learnt to grow up with it's just a shame that another year has been wasted and that is something that should not be tolerated especially with the nucleus of a good team that we have.
