Hagan ruined a decent legacy that Brian Smith had left. Anderson is rebuilding it and I’d say the positive results will be very much evident next year (though the Eels could have a decent second half even if they don’t make the finals).

Buying mid-season for the following year always means that some important players to the team at the moment now have a short time to find a job for next year and that will, at minimum, play on their minds.

Next year, the back row will be Shackleton, Mateo and Hindmarsh. Fui Fui, Cayless, Poore and Latimoore will likely be the four props. That leaves a bench spot and I reckon Joe Galuvao deserves to rewarded for a good season (so far).

Matt Keating as the starting hooker though Kingston is challenging for that role (supposedly a nothing buy but is proving a great find).

That is not a bad forward pack.

Mortimer will be fine. He was resigned and Anderson does think he and Keating will be the halves.

I’m starting to think the Wing to Eels story is a typical News Ltd beat up.

Interesting to know how the current foward line will react considering they seem out of a job after this year. Will there minds be on the job ? I just don’t know. The flow on effect could be some frantic negotiation from those now on “death-row” to try and secure the next year or so of their career. It may even effect the mindset of young Mortimer who has not yet established himself in the 1st grade.

Very much the right idea in regard to spending, but a little impatient in my books from the Parra hierarchy. They could have easily waited a couple of months and still picked up some good players for next year.

The story is that when Anderson arrived at the club, he was astonished at the numbers that the Eels were paying some players (many of us suspect Todd Lowrie is on overs) and the lack of proper recruiting over the past few years.

I blame Hagan and Fitzgerald (who was always moaning about the cap). Obviously if you are paying overs for your squad then sure, the cap will be tight.

With Fitzgerald gone and Anderson in charge of recruiting, the deficiencies in recruiting have been rectified. Eels fans have been agitating this year for strengthening the forwards which we have done. I’m very happy with the signing.

Not sure if we really want Wing, as fine a player as he is, because Keating/Mortimer deserve a season to show their stuff. Also, the Eels rate highly Albert Kelly though the rumour is that he will go to Melbourne.

With regards to the cap, Finch moving on has given us some room and a few off contract players will likely move on as well and that will help.

Round 1 – The Storm – won
Round 2 – Cowboys – won
Round 3 – Sea Eagles – lost
Round 4 – The Storm – lost
Round 5 – Sea Eagles – won
Round 6 – Titans- won
Round 7 – Broncos – won
Round 8 – Raiders – lost
Round 9 – Broncos- lost
Round 10 – Penrith – won
Round 11 – Dragons – won
Round 12 – Souths – lost
Round 13 – Knights lost

7 wins. 6 losses. The record is admittedly uneven but I expect to be back on track this week.

Not sure why I flippin’ well bother Shaun.

I mean… I care about who wins. I barrack for all sorts of teams we’ve spent years hating and what do they do for me? Bloody lose.

Anyhow, The Bears won (quite convincingly) so I suppose I should be happy for small mercy’s.

BOM(bed in the tipping this week.)