Rumours and Stuff

[Gazzamatta]

Russell has been fantastic when selected. Ive high hopes for him to become our best Rhino.

 

[Twizzle]

Is Russell a starting back any more than Arthur is a starting half? JA has started more games than Russell. Russell has only started when there have been injuries (3 times). Arthur has also only started when there are injuries (7 times).

Russell has never started on the bench, JA has only been a benchie this season,

when Russell is fit he will start again

 

[Noise]

Russell has never started on the bench, JA has only been a benchie this season,

when Russell is fit he will start again

Will Russell start when Dunster, Sivo and Simmonson are all fit? He was behind both Dunster and Simmonson before Dunster did every ligament in his knee.

 

[Gazzamatta]

Did anyone listen to the Neville Glover interview on TCT? A touch of the Priceys? I think Nifty is in the Eels team of the century but can we ever forgive him for the loss in the 76 GF.

 

[Twizzle]

Will Russell start when Dunster, Sivo and Simmonson are all fit? He was behind both Dunster and Simmonson before Dunster did every ligament in his knee.

Simmonson is fit and improving, Sivo, not sure his future is here, dunno what BA thinks

Dunster will depend on how he heals but if Russell plays well this season then probably. Russell is certainly more versatile, hell he'seven a utility, whereas Dunster is a wing only.

It will depend on how Russell goes this season I guess but I think he has a much higher ceiling than Dunster

 

[hindy111]

Is Russell a starting back any more than Arthur is a starting half? JA has started more games than Russell. Russell has only started when there have been injuries (3 times). Arthur has also only started when there are injuries (7 times).

Russel look a talent. He has speed an acceleration. That's two things you can't coach.

 

[hindy111]

Simmonson is fit and improving, Sivo, not sure his future is here, dunno what BA thinks

Dunster will depend on how he heals but if Russell plays well this season then probably. Russell is certainly more versatile, hell he'seven a utility, whereas Dunster is a wing only.

It will depend on how Russell goes this season I guess but I think he has a much higher ceiling than Dunster

The other issue now is Waqa Blakes form on the wing.

If everyone's fit i kind of think maybe Opacic in the centres with Sivo and Waqa is our best backline for balance. Our defense since Opacic has been back is far better.

Russel from what I have seen is the best of the other 3 long term. But Haze if didn't get injured was ahead of him. Its a long food for him. He will return in NSW cup next season for the first half I reckon.

I feel Russel and Sivo will both have to earn their spots thou. Simmonson defense was far better last game. If he keeps improving he isn't be to far ahead to drop for a rookie and a guy who done his acl.

 

[Twizzle]

The other issue now is Waqa Blakes form on the wing.

Blake has been good there and I'd leave him there and play Russell in the centers when he is match fit

 

[Noise]

Blake has been good there and I'd leave him there and play Russell in the centers when he is match fit

How much centre has Russell played in NSW Cup?

 

[hindy111]

Blake has been good there and I'd leave him there and play Russell in the centers when he is match fit

Hmm. Opacic is very average in attack but his defense is awesome. Dunster I seen in interview saying his preferred position is centre.
Russel looks a bit light at the moment for centre.

 

[lucablight]

The other issue now is Waqa Blakes form on the wing.

If everyone's fit i kind of think maybe Opacic in the centres with Sivo and Waqa is our best backline for balance. Our defense since Opacic has been back is far better.

Russel from what I have seen is the best of the other 3 long term. But Haze if didn't get injured was ahead of him. Its a long food for him. He will return in NSW cup next season for the first half I reckon.

I feel Russel and Sivo will both have to earn their spots thou. Simmonson defense was far better last game. If he keeps improving he isn't be to far ahead to drop for a rookie and a guy who done his acl.

I agree with BA on this one/ Waqa Blake isn’t just in good form because he’s playing on the wing. He’s been in good form since he switched sides at centre last season. I still think he’s shakey under the high ball where he could get exposed if he stays on the wing.

 

[Sensei Cobra]

I think waqa goes back to centre but he has been very good on the wing.
Russell looks a good’en his best position may be full back
Dunster had done enough to secure a starting spot on the wing but probably has to start again once he recovers
Sivo, will probably come back once fit pushing waqa to centre and opacic to nsw cup but I’m not convinced that’s our best side

 

[Sensei Cobra]

I agree with BA on this one/ Waqa Blake isn’t just in good form because he’s playing on the wing. He’s been in good form since he switched sides at centre last season. I still think he’s shakey under the high ball where he could get exposed if he stays on the wing.

Agree he is much more comfortable on the left … his form has been very good since he switched last year.
It’s incredible how much difference this makes in the modern game. Even our halves finding their best form is partly to do with swapping back to the side they are more comfortable

 

[the phantom menace]

I think as sson as someone (anyone) is fit, they come in on the wing for Simonssen. From the limited views I've had, I think Russell is the "keeper" of the three, and should get the nod.

 

[yy_cheng]

I would go

Guth
Waqa. Peni. Matto. Lane marata sivo



14 rein
15 paps
16 maka
17 kaufusi

Though waqa on the right wing might be trouble

With dyl running that left edge with his step and dummies or 3 monsters to choose from with guth supporting on the inside

 

[Twizzle]

How much centre has Russell played in NSW Cup?

no idea, but played most of his junior footy that I've seen at either fullback or centre

 

[Noise]

no idea, but played most of his junior footy that I've seen at either fullback or centre

I don't think the Eels see him as a centre at all. A winger or backup fullback maybe.

 

[Joshuatheeel]

Pretty sure in our first trial they moved Russell from fullback to centre for the majority of his game time.

 

[Noise]

Pretty sure in our first trial they moved Russell from fullback to centre for the majority of his game time.

I thought Perham was fullback. Opacic and Penisini were centres for most of the game. Niukore also played some centre. And Russell came on the wing when Dunster got injured.

Team List - Eels v Dragons, Trial

The Parramatta Eels team to take on the St George Illawarra Dragons in the first trial game of 2022 has been named.

www.parraeels.com.au

 

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

Blake has been good there and I'd leave him there and play Russell in the centers when he is match fit

Russell is too small for centres at the moment. In a year or two maybe. And too many decisions to make defending there.