Since Waqa Blake’s move to the Eels, fans have been disappointed with his less then satisfactory reads in defence.
This was exasperated with the team’s poor performance last weekend against Tom Trbojevic and the Manly Sea Eagles.
Eels fans have expressed their concerns on social media, crying out to coach Brad Arthur to make a change, especially in what will be a true test for Parra’s season when they come up against the likes of the consistently great Storm and the juggernauts, the Penrith Panthers.
Eels tragics have suggested coach Arthur replace Blake with big-bodied back-rower Marata Niukore. Fans are suggesting Niukore is the answer, as he slotted in during Blake’s absence with ease.
I am not yet ready to draw a line through Blake. I look at him and can see talent oozing.
He has the potential to be one of the best centres in the game. The guy is big, strong and athletic.
Do yourself a favour and look up Blake’s highlights. The guy is a freak. No disrespect to Niukore, he has done a fine job, but you can’t say he has been setting the world on fire in the centres.
Blake’s upside is something Arthur is looking for. He is a real threat on the edge, especially after losing the likes of Michael Jennings on the opposite edge.
Not to make excuses for Blake but he is returning from injury as well. Arthur will get the best out of him moving forward.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Blake just needs some time back in first grade to get his timing and fitness back. Believe it, Eels fan, the best is still yet to come for Blake.
In response to the keyboard warriors bagging Blake for his performance last week, I say it wasn’t only Blake making poor reads against Manly.
Arthur came out this week stating he thought a number of people weren’t doing their job last weekend, and felt it was unfair to single out the edge players. I wholeheatedly agree.
The inclusion of five-eighth Dylan Brown in the next couple of weeks will shore up the the defensive line. Brown has shown to be a very safe defender and strong with his first contact. This will help with the edge players and their reads in defence moving forward.
Fellow Parra fans, don’t stress yet. Coach Arthur has the team’s best interest at heart and most importantly the fans’.
He has the team building to something special. Arthur understands it’s a slow burn to build towards a premiership and the team will learn from their losses.
Arthur will be the man that will bring our first premiership to the club since the ’80s. It might not be this year, but in the coming years the NRL will be on notice.
I can speak for the entire blue-and-gold army when I say we expect to see a united defensive line win, lose or draw.
The defence should trust one another and maintain discipline when faced with adversity. We do not expect poor reads, running out of the line and most importantly, head highs.
Michael
Guest
The time has come for BA to do what should have been done last year - drop Waqa until he can prove he can hold a defensive line and actually defend. Ferguson and Opacic are both suffering because Waqa continually comes up quickly and comes infield, exposing his winger and cramping his inside defender. That was not the case when Niukore was filling in, and he did a wonderful job there. Should have returned when back from his suspension, or, promote Pinisini and see how he goes.
theHunter
Roar Rookie
Blake was awful defensively last year too. Niukore is not a flashy centre but he also doesn't leak points pathetically like how Blake does.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Blake’s a terrible defender and he’s not that smart with the ball I’d have Niukore every day of the week
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Too hot and cold like the rest of the backline, Guth being the most consistent. Not sure the guys they have will improve that much, this is their style, their skills level, it what they are. A big stretch for the to improve that next level and to do it consistently. Building for the future it a stepping stone, but the next step up in talented backs will be come from Jr’s (hopefully if possible) or have to be bought. Talent would choose to come if the become a consistent gf threat. It’s a slow build.
Paul
Guest
Blake wanted to walk out on the Panthers, when things were tough. He tries hard when he plays against the Panthers. I thought the decision to let him go to Parramatta at that time was crazy. Paying part of his contract at Parramatta was definitely crazy. However, he was probably a big part of Penrith’s poor defence out wide, when he was there.
Tony
Roar Guru
Nice first article Scotty - welcome to the jungle. Blake is unconvincing in my opinion, and too often chooses the wrong option. Unfortunately, he's now made himself a target in defence. I wonder if he would make a better winger?
no one in particular
Roar Guru
This is Arthurs 8th season at the club, and he has won as many wooden spoons as finals games. He is a combined 10-22 against Bellamy, Bennett and Robinson. The 1 and 7 go missing in the big games. Parra have bigger issues then who plays left centre