"After kicking off their 2009 season in late July, the Eels made a charge to the Grand Final, where once again they fell short to finals bogey side, Melbourne. Inspired by a Jarryd Hayne led attack, the Eels revived interest in Rugby League with their prolific run to October highlighted by the SFS thriller against Bryce Gibbs’ Tigers and the unforgettable preliminary final victory over bitter rivals, the Bulldogs. The return of old heads combined with the rise of young stars Daniel Mortimer, Tim Mannah and some astute acquisitions have again led Eels supporters to believe that 2010 will spell the end of a premiership drought that has lasted nearly a quarter of a century (or 7 years less than St George’s own drought).
As an avid Eels supporter, I would like to believe this is the year. As an avid Eels supporter, I have also seen the promise of premiership glory destroyed by inept management, Brian Smith coaching and mind boggling on-field performances. With that in mind, I can only suggest that the Eels will march through the season undefeated and storm (excuse the pun) through September to set up a showdown with old rivals Manly in the premiership decider. I hate Manly.
Predicted Finish – 1st
Player to watch – Daniel Mortimer. After a stellar rookie season, and with Ben Roberts and Steve Turner hot on his tail as the Bulldogs ideal five eighth, Mortimer will have to continue to build on his game as opposing coaches attempt to “find him out”.
I told you so – Daniel Anderson; who fell agonisingly short of the opportunity to tell his critics to eat humble pie. Again working his players harder this off season than Hugh Hefner works Viagra.
The Brad Fittler “we can’t win without you so please don’t get hurt” player – Nathan Hindmarsh. Much like the old Hurstville City Pacers and their star Guard, when Hindy is out, the Eels don’t win.
Get used to the heat, I’m on the very very warm seat – Nathan Cayless. After producing towards the back end of the year, Caylo will be in the last year of a contract that has paid him more than Tiger Woods missus’ divorce settlement. With a beefed up forward pack led by Fui Fui, Cayless is no longer irreplaceable and will need to earn his spot on the field.
I don’t want your money honey; I want your love – Luke Burt. Aside from a well known Sydney property developer, I have been the most vocal of Burt’s detractors. I will be the first to say he was outstanding at the back end of 2009 and arguably the Eels best on GF day. He has taken pay cuts and been moved from his preferred fullback position to remain at the club.
Sorry sir, by law we cannot serve you anymore alcohol – Feleti Mateo needs to stay fit and stay away from the Albion Hotel to achieve his other worldly potential. Having consumed more schooners in Parramatta establishments than Geehad, Shadi and Tim Smith combined; AA may be the only course of action short of shipping him off to Kevin Moore in 2011.
Don’t worry bout the inauguration, just give me my crown – Faster than a Kings Cross bullet (or Horry in the bedroom) and knees that can knock a wingers head clean off, who else but Jarryd Hayne to back up his sensational 2009 with another stellar season and claim his place as the best player in the game".
history says that the eels will fade away and not make the eight for another 5 years. Injuries to hayne and and hindmarsh will see this eventuate.
ReplyDeleteThe eels need a big one as a dissapointing season this year will see the eels name synonomus with St George and Souths