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Finch asks for time to develop at Eels
Parramatta recruit Brett Finch has asked for patience as he and Tim Smith battle to form a successful halves partnership.
Former NSW halfback Finch has been forced into the five-eighth role at the Eels where his combination with former rookie of the year Tim Smith will play a pivotal role in how Parramatta performs in 2007.
Finch and Smith were outplayed by Gold Coast Titans skipper Scott Prince in last Saturday's trial loss in Lismore, former Sydney Rooster Finch however believes there were some positive signs for the Eels duo.
"We've got a few things to work on but we're pretty happy with it," said Finch of his first up performance.
"I thought maybe our concentration slipped away at the end there, a few errors, but we defended great and the attack was pretty promising too."
Despite booting NSW to an Origin win last year, Finch, 25, wore the brunt of constant criticism for his form at club level with the Roosters.
He knows the move west to Parramatta won't get the critics off his back, but he hopes the knives don't come out too quickly and he and his 21-year-old halves partner are given adequate time to get their games moving in tandem.
"It takes a while to get a good combination going with anyone," said Finch.
"We haven't played for six months. It might take an extra couple of weeks but we combined pretty well together.
"We've got a few kinks to iron out as a team and a few little combinations (to form) as well but we're pretty happy."
Eels coach Michael Hagan said he was happy with the early signs for all his new players and combinations.
"We are still learning to play with each other ... there's a little bit of cohesion to be sorted out but some pretty positive things there for us," he said.
Finch faces a baptism of fire this Saturday night when he clashes with his former teammates for the first time as the Eels meet the Roosters at Gosford.
Hagan spoke to Finch about playing against his old mates and both agreed there was nothing to be concerned about.
"He's not really too concerned because a few of the blokes he spent a lot of time at the club with have moved on," said Hagan.
"The coach has moved on as well, so it doesn't really hold the same sort of interest for that reason.
"You'd probably rather come up against your old club sooner rather than later."
© 2007 AAP
Brought to you by
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/Finch-asks-for-time-to-develop-at-Eels/2007/02/26/1172338539442.html
Parramatta recruit Brett Finch has asked for patience as he and Tim Smith battle to form a successful halves partnership.
Former NSW halfback Finch has been forced into the five-eighth role at the Eels where his combination with former rookie of the year Tim Smith will play a pivotal role in how Parramatta performs in 2007.
Finch and Smith were outplayed by Gold Coast Titans skipper Scott Prince in last Saturday's trial loss in Lismore, former Sydney Rooster Finch however believes there were some positive signs for the Eels duo.
"We've got a few things to work on but we're pretty happy with it," said Finch of his first up performance.
"I thought maybe our concentration slipped away at the end there, a few errors, but we defended great and the attack was pretty promising too."
Despite booting NSW to an Origin win last year, Finch, 25, wore the brunt of constant criticism for his form at club level with the Roosters.
He knows the move west to Parramatta won't get the critics off his back, but he hopes the knives don't come out too quickly and he and his 21-year-old halves partner are given adequate time to get their games moving in tandem.
"It takes a while to get a good combination going with anyone," said Finch.
"We haven't played for six months. It might take an extra couple of weeks but we combined pretty well together.
"We've got a few kinks to iron out as a team and a few little combinations (to form) as well but we're pretty happy."
Eels coach Michael Hagan said he was happy with the early signs for all his new players and combinations.
"We are still learning to play with each other ... there's a little bit of cohesion to be sorted out but some pretty positive things there for us," he said.
Finch faces a baptism of fire this Saturday night when he clashes with his former teammates for the first time as the Eels meet the Roosters at Gosford.
Hagan spoke to Finch about playing against his old mates and both agreed there was nothing to be concerned about.
"He's not really too concerned because a few of the blokes he spent a lot of time at the club with have moved on," said Hagan.
"The coach has moved on as well, so it doesn't really hold the same sort of interest for that reason.
"You'd probably rather come up against your old club sooner rather than later."
© 2007 AAP
Brought to you by
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/Finch-asks-for-time-to-develop-at-Eels/2007/02/26/1172338539442.html
