Thomas Leuluai interview on 2KY.

[Stagger eel]

I only caught the later part of the chat, but managed to catch the question posed by Richie about whether he has signed with Parra, and he's answer was...

TL: No. not yet I'm letting my Manager, Peter Brown sort that out so hopefully we can sort something out soon.

Richie than asked do you want to come to Parra??

TL: Yeah! I have been there looked at the set up and it was all good [words to that affect]

Terry than asked is it a certainty that your leaving the Warriors for another club??

TL: No not really..uummmmm!!! sorry I can't talk about it!!!

there you go.

sems as though it's a given depending on a release and whether we're equelly keen to have him.

I think the Warriors are going to play hard ball on this one. ;-)

 

[Twizzle]

so they should

the plot thickens

 

[Jake the snake]

I too just heard Leulaui on 2ky they asked him about Parra and being the no7 and he sounds like he wants to come to Parra but its in the hands of his manager and that he could not speak about it much. But he did say Parra was a good club and that he has checked out the facilities. He also said that its all up in the air as to weather he comes or not.

I really haven't seen this guy play much except when he played for the Kiwis last year in which he had a blinder. My opinion is I'd rather we go with our talent in Tim Smith and Blake Green. Because if we do sign someone else like Leulaui these guys will be out the door sighting no oppurtunities at Parra just like our mate Willie Tonga.

 

[True EEL]

all very interesting i must say.....maybe it also depends on what one Daniel Anderson is doing in terms of coming to Parra????

because i'm sure Luelaui would know who we have to play halfback and 5/8 and know about the depth.....perhaps he thinks or knows he has a better shot with Anderson there....justs speculation, but could be the case???

 

[Belly in Brisvegas]

I reckon we need him.

If something happens with PJs' injury (touch wood it doesn't), Johnny isn't up to it and Tim Smith is still a bit green then we're *******. That's assuming Marcus Perenara plays 5/8 but he doesn't need all that pressure early on.

Basically, none of these guys are established halfbacks in the NRL so we need coverage.

They may as well sign me up. I need to work on my kicking game but I will take the line on. ;-)

 

[Jake the snake]

Well Anderson isn't coming 2 Parra according to Smith so..... Lets see how he goes against the Aussies this Saturday but my view is we have the best Junior halfbacks in the whole league just about ready to come through, Something we haven't had since a guy called P Sterling.

 

[Utey]

If he came my guess would be he would play half if he had a good Tri Series. But I guess I wouldnt complain if he played in front of Smith if he was on fire during the Tri Series. Iam sorta flinching at the idea of him being in front of Smith etc. IF Anderson comes Iam sure he knows that he will be first choice Halfback and he really doesnt have muhc opportunity in front of Jones and Fien.

 

[thedux]

Personally, I wouldn't let the retention of Smith or Green be the major factor in signing this kid. He has more FG experience and is a current test HB, whereas the other two haven' played in the top grade yet. The bonus is that they all about the same age so they are all long-term options. I just think that Leuluai is better prepared to do the job now and that should be the key factor.

 

[Utey]

Yeh thats probably right. If we start the season badly by giving Smith time to adjust one would think we will never recover. I hope we get an easier than usual draw and give whoever our halves confidence. Iam pretty worried we will lose both Smith and Green as they are on their last year of their contract.

 

[Stagger eel]

this reminds me of the problem St George had in the last couple of years with half backs. they had Mat Head, Brett Firmon and Lauchlan Russell or have outstanding ability to be playmakers in firstgrade, eventiually something had to give and Firmon joined the Roosters due to Freddies retirement.

I'm afraid to say it but it's going to happen again to this club I don't see Peranara, Smith and Green all staying vying for 1 spot let's just hope we make the right choice.

looking at that the clubs decision to release Witt wasn't so bad after all! especially when and if you find out what his on at Manly ;-)

 

[True EEL]

Personally, I wouldn't let the retention of Smith or Green be the major factor in signing this kid. He has more FG experience and is a current test HB, whereas the other two haven' played in the top grade yet. The bonus is that they all about the same age so they are all long-term options. I just think that Leuluai is better prepared to do the job now and that should be the key factor.

good to see an objective opinion on the Leulaui saga dux

it's fine to support our own junior stars, like Smith and Green.....niether of whom have even played first grade yet........and i think some people are putting too much (and uneccesary) pressure on them - they don't need and will only make their task more difficult....

if we sign Leualui - good if we don't, well hopefully we have adequate players without him - but i just wish we could get something concrete about it soon?????

 

[planeteels]

i'm greedy

on one hand, i don't want parra to sign an international - so that the eels aren't affected by the repective player being called to rep duties AND so we don't lose more players due to cap restraints..

and on the other...

i want all Eels players to become International champions.

 

[Stagger eel]

i'm greedy

on one hand, i don't want parra to sign an international - so that the eels aren't affected by the repective player being called to rep duties AND so we don't lose more players due to cap restraints..

and on the other...

i want all Eels players to become International champions.

when you think about it Jase, NZ internationals are hardley affected during the season. Looking back, I only wished that Freshy didn't play against the sharks the night after the test match.

 

[Belly in Brisvegas]

i'm greedy

on one hand, i don't want parra to sign an international - so that the eels aren't affected by the repective player being called to rep duties AND so we don't lose more players due to cap restraints..

and on the other...

i want all Eels players to become International champions.

or in the middle....we want halfbacks like Sherwin and Orford and Fein....just shy of repping but good enough to take control of games for their clubs.