Thorman and Ben Smith

[strider]

I thought they both had very good games tonight.

Thorman took on the line well and did some decent general play kicks....he didn't have any brain explosions in defense either....I've been critical of him this season, but he really had a good game tonight.

And I liked Ben Smith's game.....good defense....he may not be killing them in attack, but he backs up and runs with other players who make half breaks....I believe Hindy got alot of good metres tonight cos Smith was running outside him alot - while he rarely got the ball (Hindy is a hog...hehehe), he made the Cronulla defenders hang off Hindy a bit which gives him more chance to break one-on-one tackles.


Honorable mentions to Junior Langi (who I have given a bit to in a thread this week), Dean Widders and Justin Tsoulos.

 

[nöyd]

Smith is huge (on tv anyway) and looks more than capable. Would like to see him develop a fend, and when he plays against smaller/weaker opponents he is sure to whoop ass. Hopefully he'll keep his place for the remaining games 8)

 

[Eelectrica]

I don't mind the idea of our starting centres for next year being Tahu and Ben Smith.
Thorman had easily his best game in a Eels jersey too.

 

[Hurriflatch]

Yeah, reports are Parra are looking to extend Ben Smith's contract and he is set to effectivly take Vaealiki's spot in the top 25.

 

[nöyd]

Yeah, reports are Parra are looking to extend Ben Smith's contract and he is set to effectivly take Vaealiki's spot in the top 25.

Cool, some good news 8)

 

[queanbeyhole hindy fan]

I agree, Smith was good tonight.
I was very surprised when I first saw him on his debut those weeks back, I really wasn't expecting him to be quite so big.
He really does seem like a good prospect though, he's handled the step up to 1st grade well.

 

[Hurriflatch]

That was one problem with the rookies that Parra have promoted this year

Brett Anderson, Luke O'Dwyer & Jack Afamasaga look a lot smaller in 1st grade (ok, Luke looks smalish in all grades but it is less noticable in reggies) then they do in lower grades. In most cases Jack monsters players in flegg.

Only Ben Smith and Feleti Mateo size wise have matched up.

I know that size isn't everything but it does help.

 

[Utey]

Its more aggression. Someone said that Burt may not be huge but his agression makes him into a better player. I would prefer ODwyer at Lock and if Smith plays like that at Centre

 

[strider]

Someone said that Burt may not be huge but his agression makes him into a better player

I don't know if I'd use the words Burt and aggression in the same sentence.......don't get me wrong, I have always been a Burty fan, but the guy has gone extremely timid this season.

 

[Twizzle]

He was strong in defence, which is what we need at the moment.

He held up a try, just short of the line and ran well with the ball.

Looking good

 

[booeycollector]

I was very impressed with Ben SMITH. He had a top game and looks like he could develop into a top class player.

 

[Parraren]

Funnily enough Thorman played his best game of the season playing at 5/8th. I'm pretty sure this is the first time he has been selected to play first grade in the 5/8th position. All his other games were at halfback and I think he played one at hooker.

I think he struggles with the halfback duties of organising the team, hence the brain explosions, but last night he showed he's a pretty handy running 5/8th.

 

[WA Eel]

To give credit where it's due, Thorman did play very well last night. Assisted in 2 try saving tackles and gave good service to his outside backs. I was also very impressed with his long kicking game into the wind into the second half. If he keeps playing like that, I may have to cancel my membership in the "I hate Chris Thorman Club".

 

[Parraren]

Misty was right. Thorman is a 5/8th NOT a halfback.

I wonder if he'd been given a few more games at 5/8th earlier in the year (instead of Wagon) if he'd have stuck around for another year?

 

[JessEel]

Benny Smith is a deadset champ! He copped a poke in the eye late in the game which left him lookin a little worse for wear, but i was soooo proud of him! Go Benny Go!

 

[yy_cheng]

Ben SMith should watch some Gene Miles tapes and learn how to use his size and develop a one hand pass and the basket ball pass

 

[True EEL]

i (and others) have said for weeks that Thorman is a 5/8

funny that he played his best game all year playing 5/8 and second receiver, outside a true halfback????

and Ben Smith certainly does look like a good prospect, just needs to develop his attack and running game a little more, but that should hopefully come in time, he certainly is a big unit though

 

[Ron Jeremy]

Good to shut up the anti Thorman choir for a week, apart from Hindmarsh Thorman was best on ground.

 

[Utey]

I had never seen Thorman as a 5/8. I have now and he was dangerous with the ball. He could be what we have missed since 2001.

 

[ParraMatt]

too bad he is leaving us at season's end.