Chris Sandow – infamous for being consistently inconsistent.
Throughout his playing career Sandow has struggled with his weight, form, off-field demons (gambling), and in 2012 he was dropped from first grade and forced to play for the Wentworthville Magpies.
On the field he was a frustrating player to watch. He could tear teams apart with his sleight of hand and burst of speed.
But more often than not he would do something incredibly stupid, like chip and chase inside his own half, which would leave Eels fans pulling their hair out and screaming ‘This bloke isn’t worth $550,000 a season!”.
But since Brad Arthur came on board as the Eels coach, he’s become one of the top halfbacks in the league.
Don’t believe me? Check out his 2014 stats and see how they line up against the NSW Origin incumbent halfback Trent Hodkinson.
Hodkinson: 25 games, 10 try assists, 6 line breaks, 6 offloads, 0 40/20s, 90 hitups for 822 metres.
Sandow: 21 games, 17 try assists, 7 line breaks, 10 offloads, 7 40/20s, 114 hitups for 1096 metres.
Sandow out-ranks Hodkinson in every major stat, despite playing fewer games.
He was the league leader in 40/20s (seriously, seven 40/20s? That’s outrageous!). The next closest were million dollar man Daly Cherry-Evans, premiership winner Adam Reynolds and Penrith’s comeback kid Jamie Soward, who all had three.
In fact he finished eighth in the league for try assists, ahead of quality players like Reynolds (16), Cherry-Evans (15), Mitchell Pearce (14) and Shaun Johnson (11).
One area he does need to improve is his tackling technique.
With the Eels’ favourite weapon, Jarryd Hayne, off chasing NFL glory, Sandow will be forced to shoulder more responsibility this year, and if last year is a sign of things to come then Mr Inconsistent might earn himself a new nickname.
The Koomz
Guest
Corey Norman has outplayed him this year.
Parrafan
Guest
To be honest Jimmy, any halfback running alongside Foran will look a million dollars. (case in point Johnson playing for the Kiwis). After last year I had the same opinion as you. That Chris was coming good and was really cementing his place at Parra. However, since losing Hayne, Sandow has shown that he can't be relied on to consistently lead and direct the team or provide that creative spark on a consistent basis. The stats against the Broncos have alarm bells ringing for me, but I'd be more than happy if Chrissy was to prove me wrong.
Michael
Guest
The competition is very close this year. Also, you try taking Jarryd Hayne out of a team and see how they go.
Jimmmy
Guest
I don't agree Parrafan. I think a Sandow , Foran halves pair is a a great combination. I just love watching Sandow play but I understand he is not suited to the highly structured game that is often required. If Foran can run a lot of the structured plays, tthis will free Sandiw up to play what's in front of him. I think Sandow will win you more games than he loses you if doesn't have to be the one making all the decisions. I am not a parra fan but I really like watching them play. I think they will be a really good team next year.
E-Meter
Guest
His tackling technique has improved incredibly. Up to 2013 he was a complete liability in defence. But in 2014/2015 his defence has been solid. His tackle on a hard running JB Leilua 2 games ago, was top shelf. As Parrafan mentioned, the problem is his involvement at crucial stages.
Parrafan
Guest
Heres another stat. Against Brisbane two weekends ago Parra were tackled 40 times in the opposition 20 and came up with only 3 tries. Sandow constantly went missing. Parramatta need a half back with direction who is calling for the ball on the 4th and 5th tackle every time, not a player that turns up once every three games. I love to watch him play but he really shouldn't be re-signed.
Nordburg
Guest
Yet another story about the myth that is Parra and Brad Arthur.For all the alleged improvement and fanfare this club has received since Arthur took over,they are currently sitting only ONE win above the most despised,ridiculed and laughed at side,Manly.For all the wraps they are getting you'd think they'd be in the top 4.Manly will finish ahead of them this season -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Mike from Tari
Guest
I've been watching Chrissy Sandow play since he was 16, and despite his rock & diamond play, people love to watch him play, especially all us little people of this land.