The Cumberland Throw

Finalising The Eels Roster – Who Fills The Remaining Top 30 Places?

Don’t bother speculating about the Eels Round 1 team. There might be an abundance of NRL team previews on offer over the coming months, but the pundits will vary little in their crystal ball prognostications.

Assuming that Waqa Blake is fit, Round 1 will be a universally agreed upon 13 of: Gutherson, Sivo, Jennings, Blake, Ferguson, Brown, Moses, Brown, Lane, Matterson, Paulo, Mahoney and Campbell-Gillard.

You can then lock in three of the bench – Niukore, Evans and Alvaro.

I’ll nominate Stone to get the contested 14 jersey ahead of the versatile Takairangi.

This is where the debate opens up.

At this stage, there are only 27 players players on Eels NRL contracts. This leaves ten players on the current depth chart.

Assuming my 17 get the nod, that chart reads as follows:

Backs – Salmon, Smith, Takairangi, Parry, Dunster, George Jennings

Forwards – Kaufusi, Davey, Terepo, Gower

By round 1 of the 2020 season, the Eels will be expected to list 29 players.

Oggy

Of the six backs listed above, five boast NRL experience. They also manage to cover all positions through either specific skills or versatility. On the other hand the four forwards are expected to be able to cover the middle roles, with Davey also noted as backrower. At this stage, the only cover for Reed Mahoney is Ray Stone.

Taking all of this into consideration, the likely roster need sits around back row and dummy half. Which brings us to possible solutions.

In my opinion, the dummy half solution will come from within. Rhys Davies is currently on a development contract, but I’m tipping an upgrade to a Top 30 deal by the beginning of the season.

Dylbags and Davies

The 2019 Wenty half has been outstanding during the early preseason, leading conditioning runs until the return of Gutherson. He’s completed skills sessions in both dummy half and halfback roles, and could come into consideration for the 14 jersey.

Another factor in Davies’ favour is that it would only require a small upgrade and he is a known commodity.

Spot 29 becomes more interesting. Initially, it was straight forward – upgrade Stefano Utoikamanu. This might still be the path chosen, as again he is a known player and the cost is minimal. However, his contract with the Tigers for 2021 might muddy those waters.

Should the Eels decide to recruit externally, I don’t expect them to spend up big. The top 13, even 16 of the top 17 places, seem settled. Furthermore, the depth in middle forwards is impressive, with Hollis and Hughes on the cusp of NSW Cup and Duggan included in this NRL preseason. I expect all three to start in Jersey Flegg, but it’s difficult to envisage an established NRL forward being lured to the club with the level of competition already at the club.

Andrew Davey

Another consideration is versatility. Whilst it could be argued that an injury to either Lane or Matterson would expose a lack of depth in the back row, there are answers to that problem. If Davey is available, he could slot straight in. Takairangi also becomes a back row option, or Niukore could easily switch to that role, meaning that Kaufusi, Gower or Terepo come onto the bench. I’m also of the belief that all of these players would not only fill a spot, they could also put pressure on the bench to claim a place in the 17.

With that in mind, I’m anticipating either an internal upgrade or the signature of a fringe NRL forward. The club won’t be in a rush. The Eels have the depth to cover their needs, and this was in evidence last year when Kaysa Pritchard was granted extended leave to determine his future, effectively forfeiting a roster spot until mid season.

Of course, things might change. The Newcastle Herald has reported that Brock Lamb is considering a return to Maitland. Were this to occur, and though Lamb’s only on a Development contract for 2020, his status as Top 30 in 2021 might mean that the Eels decide to sign another half.

As usual, it’s unlikely that the 30th place will be filled until midway through the season, and will probably be determined by market availability and injuries to the roster. It’s difficult to speculate at this stage, as you can never predict who becomes available or what changes are forced upon a roster. It’s why coaches like to have that last spot up their sleeve.

Looking ahead, I’m buoyant about the potential that sits in the Development contract players and the Flegg squad. Though a large number of juniors have been lost in the last six months, there’s plenty of talent coming through the system. TCT was critical (and rightly so) in our pathways post, but we took issue with the processes that led to the departure of players, some of whom (not all) should have been retained. Despite this criticism, I believe that the strength of the Eels roster and emerging players to be better than at any stage during the last decade.

Big Dave Hollis

Eels supporters will have the opportunity to watch four rounds featuring three grades of football at Bankwest Stadium this season. Most people are familiar with the players who’ll take the field in Canterbury Cup, so make sure you get there early to watch the Flegg games.

Coach Dean Feeney will have forwards such as Hollis, Schneider, Hughes, Tasipale, Clements, Duggan, Tepu-Smith, Colovatti, Betham-Misa, Tohi, Mataele, Skinner and Small at his disposal and a backline that’s likely to include Arthur, Murray, Loizou, Nohra, Penisini, Komolafe, Russell, Naiduki, Tuimavave-Gerrard, Tuipulotu, Tuigamala and Chappell. I believe that around one third of that list will play NRL. If that happens, it would be an extraordinary strike rate for any Flegg roster.

With so many players in the Eels NRL squad in their mid 20s or younger, the pressure to secure high profile signatures has been reduced. This hasn’t happened in the last 12 months – it’s the result of years of roster tuning/recruitment and junior development. Though it doesn’t mean that the club ceases to chase quality recruits, the switch to an emphasis on retention and internal promotion should be a healthy scenario for the club. It means that the club can afford to be very selective about who gets added to the roster – a far cry from recruitment announcements in the not too distant past.

Eels forever!

 

Sixties

 

 

 

If you liked this article, you might consider supporting The Cumberland Throw.

41 thoughts on “Finalising The Eels Roster – Who Fills The Remaining Top 30 Places?

  1. HamSammich

    I’m also of the opinion that Stone gets first crack at the “utility” spot on the bench. Do you think it’s possible for Stone to cover on the edge? He’s only played the one game on the edge in the 20s but I think it would suit him well. And he did score 4 tries in that one game.

    1. sixties Post author

      Interesting thought Ham. His pace has surprised me during their running mechanics/sprint training, so the aspect of being able to hit the edge in runs might be fine. I know that we need to cover for Reed and Stone would provide that, but in a pinch he could also cover a need on the edge.

        1. sixties Post author

          He did make nsw 16s and was playing back row for Tigers in 2015 SG Ball when he played in that position for NSW 18s. Though he’s probably not the typical build for backrower in the
          NRL, he’d no doubt be able to do a job in that role.

  2. Wendy

    Enjoying reading your coverage of their training and your thoughts on the teams. As I have a son in the system and live quite a distance away it gives us good information good or bad along with our insights and sharing this journey with our son. We managed to watch our son play 19 games last year sometimes doing a 12 hour round trips with SG Ball and then Jersey Flegg
    . I have to agree with you there are quite a lot of exciting young players coming through. Looking forward to watching as many games as possible bring on 2020 and reading your reports with good and bad comments.😊

    1. sixties Post author

      Thanks for taking the time to reply Wendy. It’s obviously tough having your boy so far from home, and it’s tremendous that you travel that far so often to be there for him. People don’t realise how tough it can be for young people recruited from the bush, interstate or NZ to be away from home. And whilst there are excellent support systems in place, nothing beats having family there whenever it’s possible. Your son is someone that I consider to have a very bright future, and part of a wave of young players that Eels supporters will enjoy watching this year. It will be exciting to have Flegg players on show at some rounds at Bankwest Stadium this season.
      Training will become interesting as we move into more footy and more intense opposed sessions. I’m looking forward to watching and reporting on it.

  3. Colin Hussey

    An interesting and informative post sixties.

    Watching the CC grand final last year (gee its good to have the new season as against last, a year gone but need to move on with a year that should e exciting) the player that did well in almost the whole game was the half back in Rhys Davies, overall he had a pretty good game but he also showed some poor areas especially in some wayward passes and line kicks, with a couple of other areas that had us lose the game. Not totally his fault though but its often the small things that cause grief.

    No doubt training at a higher level will improve his overall game and fix the little areas that need it. With him being pretty much the likely halves back up, although Salmon was signed as a 6, at least we have cover there.

    The talk surrounding Lamb and the NCLE Herald story from my perspective is not all that surprising, while I have no idea regarding his skill level or how he performed for the Knights, being only on a development contract, and the aspect that he turns 23 end of this month, makes me wonder as to his overall ability as by that age he should have shown more especially when considered that the Knights which is/was his home side chose to let him go after bringing in replacements in that position.

    As for the run on squad and forwards, I agree that Stone is likely to in the main mix, the player perhaps who needs to step up will be between Evans and Alvaro as I see Oregon as a big player in the selection. Alvaro looks a lot fitter and back to his best playing size/weight in the pics I have seen, and Evans needs to show his last season late form to seal a position.

    As for the open spots for the 29, its a real unknown for me, certainly Stefano would be on the list under different circumstances and for me would prefer a player that is committed to the eels going in to the future. For me the training form and trial against the Riff may reveal more, not sure if it would have been better to have two trial games rather than just the one though.

    1. sixties Post author

      Colin, for me the aspect of Davies game that requires the most development is game management. His strength is his defence and tenacity. That’s why I think his future lies in a 14 jersey,

  4. The Mayor

    Thanks for the great post. Another factor impacting recruitment is the Salary Cap position. Do you have any feel for where we stand, could we afford a big-name if one becomes available

    1. sixties Post author

      Mayor, without being able to give a specific figure, I believe that we are in a very good position cap-wise to recruit. If I was to make a prediction, I’d suggest that a chunk of that would be kept for the mid season decision. At that stage you either spend the majority of it on that player or you front load a currently contracted player or two.

  5. Anonymous

    Sixties what is Rhys Davies history. He seemed to burst onto the scene all of a sudden.

    Is he an Eels junior or was he recruited? I don’t know anything about him.

    John Eel

      1. Anonymous

        Thanks PTT great hit and stick in defence. The short kicking game will be very useful as a fourteen.

        I see now why Sixties has a high opinion of him. Look forward to seeing him play.

        John Eel

      1. Colin Hussey

        He played that way in the CC Grand Final as mentioned previously. He is a top front on defender especially considering there’s not a lot of him. IIRC he missed a vital goal in the GF and some poor kick options but he certainly provides the club with a handy young player with various talents that only need some fine tuning.

  6. Anonymous

    Craig whats your take on the roles played by recruit and retent dept , whats there main areas , who do you think identifys who we do or dont want .

    1. sixties Post author

      As far as I’m aware, NRL level talent identification is BA. He decides who he wants. He was more closely involved in the negotiation process up to the end of 2018, that’s why you read reports quoting the likes of Shaun Lane, Ferguson and others talking about their conversations with BA prior to signing. I believe that the process now involves BA identifying who he wants, which is then put to the committee and then negotiation processes involve Peter Sharp and Mark O’Neill.

  7. Milo

    Very insightful read again Sixties. Thank you. And how good is it to have parents of young players reading and replying to your posts. That’s great Wendy and we hope your boy has a good season and injury free.
    Sixties, i can definitely agree with the promoting from within and why. I just do not want us to solely rely on the local players and know you have not said this as we do not want to be in a situation like some clubs in this respect. I have been v impressed with our retention thus far and sincerely hope we can continue to build from within and also sign some younger players for development type contracts in the future as well as snag a quality signing or so when we can (centre for Jennings for one).
    Great read Sixties.

    1. sixties

      Cheers Milo. I’m certainly not advocating total reliance on locals. Even players in our pathways have been recruited from far and wide. But, if you can get the correct mix of external recruits and pathways, it becomes easier to maintain rather than having to completely rebuild, which was the point that BA had to start from.

  8. Rowdy

    Great read Sixties. Although there is at this time of the year an opportunity to reflect on many aspects life temporal and eternal which we celebrate such as Christmas, and the hope that comes from the New Year but the abundance of tragedy with the bush fires has also had many footy fans getting a bit anxious waiting for some good news and any reports on our footy squad would certainly bring some hope in these perilous times.

    The excellence of the content has given me a welcome and positive distraction for 2020.

    1. sixties Post author

      Cheers Rowdy. Even without the media coverage, the skies are our constant reminder that there are people out there who have faced tragedy this summer. Footy is only a distraction, but hopefully it can be a significant part of the community effort help to generate funds for those who’ve suffered.

  9. Glenn

    Excellent post as always. What about Schneider as development contract and possible backup for Mahoney? Is he ready yet for NRL? Yes Davies has a very good tackling technique and has no problem stopping the big players head on dead in their tracks. A good skill to have especially if playing hooker, can he teach Mahoney that?

    1. sixties Post author

      Cheers Glenn. I think this year for Kyle is all about performing strongly at Flegg level then taking an opportunity to play Cant Cup in the back half of the year. He will have strong props like Hollis and Hughes in Flegg with him.

  10. Scott

    Taka and Salmon would be wasted on the bench I really don’t like “what ifs” in the team. Stone I think is the best choice. Forward. Backrow. Hooker. Young.

  11. John Eel

    Sixties my details keep dropping off. Is it my phone or the site.

    Maybe you are trying to tell me something. Hmmmm

  12. Eggman

    Finally our 13 is pretty solid across the park, no makeshift centres or reserve grade forwards or halves in starting roles.Also we have quality reserves, things are going good when you can not decide who goes on the bench.Apart from Jennings for whom we have replacements already waiting in the wings, most of our roster is quite young so we should remain strong for a few years and in fact apart from a Toumololo or a Fafita style wrecking ball I really don’t think we are desperate to sign anyone which is an awesome feeling heading into a season.

  13. Sharron. D. M

    Interesting thoughts around Davies. Never played hooker and although has a good skill set #9 is something different. His service is not the greatest and although you speak of his defence last year he struggled. Speaking to rip it was an area the needed work on..
    Schneider is an interesting one
    What is the club doing with him and do they see a future at the club with him.
    There has been so much hype around the kid and the injuries he sustained obviously took a toll.
    I personally still think he is quality and has allot to offer.
    Time will tell

    1. sixties Post author

      Thanks for your reply Sharron. I’m not so sure about Rhys “struggling” with defence. Tell me a half that doesn’t feature in the missed tackles list. They all get targeted but for me it’s an area of strength. I believe that the area he needed to work on the most was game management.
      I’m a huge supporter of Kyle Schneider. I am firmly of the belief that he will play NRL, be it at Parra or elsewhere. He’s intelligent and is a leader. The last two years have been rough for Kyle injury-wise. I’m hoping he gets a good run in Flegg, which I think is the plan, then shows up in CC in the second half of the season.

  14. Jonathan Collins

    Is Brock Lamb in the roster, if so he would be included in the 17, his versitily is the best option to wear 14 Jersey.

    1. sixties Post author

      Thanks for your reply Jonathan. i have discounted Lamb as an option. See this part of my report:
      “Of course, things might change. The Newcastle Herald has reported that Brock Lamb is considering a return to Maitland. Were this to occur, and though Lamb’s only on a Development contract for 2020, his status as Top 30 in 2021 might mean that the Eels decide to sign another half.“

  15. BDon

    That’s a really good picture of our roster sixties. Such a shame about Utoikamanu,but as you say, a long time since we’ve looked in such good shape. This time last year we were already seeing the benefit of signing Fergo and he’s hardly warmed up yet. Waqa Blake, Nathan Brown, Gutho, MJennings, Sivo likewise. Do you think the Rep season disturbs things too much or the squad is gelling well? We seem to have leaders all over the park now as well.

    1. sixties

      Many teams have been disrupted by the rep season, so It impacts but that comes with the territory of improved performances.
      The team has the advantage of having a more settled core group. Only RCG and Matto are new. The spine is settled, which is paramount.
      Last year, it was new wingers, new 5/8, new prop, new backrower and new centre mid year.
      No excuses.

  16. WH1T3_L1GHTN1NG

    We have a very strong talent pool in the outside backs. They really do pick themselves. Sivo, M Jennings, Blake, Ferguson. Guys like Takairangi, G Jennings, Parry all provide decent cover with Salmon and Dunster also in consideration.

    Halves seem to be of some concern regarding depth. I absolutely cannot deny the talents of Moses and Brown, but aside from this I’m not sold on any long-term backups. Salmon I see as a long-term center and Smith has great utility value but is not an out and out first grade half. I also think if Davis gets an upgrade it would be for utility cover or Hooker. So I’d be signing a genuine half to one of the remaining spots.

    Looking at the u20’s origin teams since 2012, only 4 Halves are yet to make their first grade debuts. Troy Dargan, Cooper Bambling, Brendan O’Hagan and Blake Taaffe. Wayne Bennett seems to rate Dargan, signing him to Broncos and now Rabbitohs, so he is unavailable. Bambling has forged an ok career in QCup but statistically has defensive issues. Cannot find much on O’Hagan, only that he was with the Raiders but is prone to home sickness (from the Central Coast). Blake Taaffe could be interesting option. He was the NSW half last year, playing between the Rabbitohs JF and CC teams, winning the Man of the Match award in the Flegg final. Appears to be training with the Bunnies first grade squad but not contracted. Stuck behind Reynolds, Walker, Dargan and Dean Hawkins who are all in the top 30 roster. If u20 origin history is a tell, this kid will play some first grade so could be worth a look.

    From all reports Davies looks the good for an upgrade, Schneider is on a development contract and Stone may have the ability to cover for Mahoney if injury occurred before we can play development contracted players. So for me Hooker is covered unless serious injuries arise. That leaves one place for a backup edge forward as depth there could be tested outside of Matterson (potential origin) and Lane IMO.

    Anyway, it will be interesting to see how the club chooses to go. Remembering that these positions in the squad are probably a “just in case” and will not walk straight into the team.

    1. sixties Post author

      Tremendous reply White Lightning. You obviously know your junior origin players and it’s interesting to learn about those halves. I think the club has to own the halves situation. The loss of Taipari and Biondi -Odo created a gap in our lower grade rosters. Taipari would have been in line to play Canterbury Cup. A contemporary of Brown, he was not short on talent but had his development time cut short by injury.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

%d bloggers like this: