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Overcoming 2014 injury hoodoos: Tigers and Eels to lead the also-rans

Roar Guru
26th January, 2015
10

Post-Christmas brings out the best in league fans, all teams are equal on the table, each side has the best recruits and by the end of the year all 16 will squeeze into the top-eight.

For most clubs, particularly those wearing fancy dress before the previous season’s finals, the return of injured stars can often outweigh the value of new signings.

Keeping your players on the park is the key to success – hardly groundbreaking news, but a closer inspection of player usage in 2014 quantifies the point.

Teams in last year’s top-eight used on average 27 players compared to 31 for those that missed out. Minor premiers the Roosters and grand finalists Canterbury used 26 players while premiers South Sydney fielded 27. In stark contrast, six teams outside the eight used 31 or more players.

Sometimes the loss of a key player or two can be the difference between reaching the finals and missing out. In assessing the potential of last season’s also-rans I have selected five players whose return could reverse their team’s fortunes in 2015.

Nathan Peats – Parramatta Eels
Peats was instrumental in Parramatta’s strong start to the 2014 season. The livewire hooker bounded out of the gates impressing NSW State of Origin selectors in polling Dally-M votes in each of his first four outings.

So it was no coincidence when the Eels slid from the top-eight following the former Rabbitohs’ season-ending ACL injury in Round 12.

The inspirational 24-year-old’s speed and energy around the ruck was sorely missed in the latter stages of the season as the inexperienced blue and gold forwards struggled to replicate their early season form.

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Now entering the second season of a three-year deal, Peats’ return is on par with the recruitment of Manly veteran Anthony Watmough. Together the pair will raise the Eels’ intensity through centre field, providing the necessary guile in complementing the competition’s most up-and-coming pack.

James Tedesco – Wests Tigers
Injuries decimated the Tigers’ line-up throughout 2014 with Tim Moltzen missing the entire season and noted try-sneaks James Tedesco, David Nofoaluma and Tim Simona also spending extended periods on the sideline.

Tedesco earned consecutive man of the match awards in Wests’ opening two wins last season while striking a formidable centre-field combination with half-back Luke Brooks before an ankle injury and fractured patella terminated the fullback’s season.

The luckless 22-year-old will be looking for a change of fortune after completing only 28 of 72 games since debuting in 2012.

With six sizzling tries in eight appearances in 2014, Tedesco’s presence in partnership with Brooks is crucial for the Tigers as it leaves opponents flat-footed and second guessing, often resulting in points for the dynamic duo or opening up the fringes for eager teammates.

Aiden Sezar – Gold Coast Titans
The Titans were cruelly plagued by injuries in 2014 after racking up six victories in the opening eight rounds. A pectoral injury to five-eighth Aiden Sezer cost the Gold Coast dearly and they won only three of their last 18 matches, cobbling together nine halves pairings in a season where players across the park spent extended periods in the stands.

Neil Henry will rely heavily on Sezer’s organisational skills and controlled kicking game in 2015 as a host of new recruits and 2014 absentees combine together for the first time. In addition, the sharp shooter’s accuracy from the kicking tee will be a welcome return having struck at 85 percent during his 13 appearances last year.

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On a personal note, this year represents the final season of the Canterbury junior’s current Titans contract. Reportedly seeking an extension, Sezer won’t be short on incentives to produce his best in 2015.

Luke Lewis – Cronulla Sharks
The ASADA fallout and a horrendous injury toll saw Cronulla field 37 players throughout 2014, the most by any club and five more than the Warriors and Newcastle who tied for second on the list.

The return of Luke Lewis will be like a new signing for the Sharks after the former Panther only suited-up on eight occasions last year despite playing in all three Origin contests for New South Wales.

In his 32nd year, the back-rower’s pace, sleight of hand and big game nous will be expected to shape an already sizeable and extremely mobile pack bolstered by the cunning Michael Ennis and return of Jayson Bukuya.

Lining up for a 15th season in the top grade the Sharks are likely to be well placed by season’s end if Lewis plays more than the 14 needed to reach 250 career games and reaches a century of tries with another six.

Edrick Lee – Canberra Raiders
The ultimate in NRL show-boating is the post-try crossbar slam-dunk made popular by former Newcastle and Australian International Timana Tahu. With a little respect from the injury-gods and quality ball from the inside, forgotten Raiders winger Edrick Lee could be the man to light up the nation’s capital on the scoreboard and through the air.

The cousin of NBA star Patty Mills and noted dribbler in his own right, the former Junior Kangaroo will be out to increase his time on the park which is yet to reach 10 games in each of the past three seasons. Standing at almost two metres, Lee has shown glimpses of try-scoring brilliance, crossing 15 times in a 24-game career that commenced in 2012 and was stalled by a foot injury last season.

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While the Raiders’ inexperienced halves and inability to attract talent remain hot topics, if enough ball finds the flanks then Lee’s brilliance could see a Canberra revival to match the Noa Nadruku glory days.

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