Monday, August 23, 2004
Eels stars to return?
Coach Brian Smith has left the door open for a return by the likes of Nathan Cayless and Eric Grothe, in his post match interview after the Warriors game.
While the Eels camp are playing down their finals chances, the reality is they can make the eight if they win their remaining two games. It is believed that both Nathan Cayless and Eric Grothe are fit to return, but were set to see out the rest of the year on the sidelines with the Eels seemingly out of finals contentions.
However, a win against the Panthers would mean that the Eels would go into the final week with a hope of making the eight, regardless of other results this weekend.
That could prompt the Eels to thrust their injured stars back into the fray.
Already, the Eels have shown their hand by having Aaron Cannings return in Premier League last week.
Smith said that Cannings would be "in the mix for the top team next week".
And then he added: "We might even have one or two more jump out of the cake next week as well. "
It's hard to imagine Eels captain courageous Nathan Cayless sitting on the sidelines while the Eels mount a last ditch finals campaign and Eric Grothe's return to the wing would be a definite plus to the Eels.
Even John Morris could be a chance. When he fractured his leg, it was reported the injury would keep him out for four weeks. If that was the case he would be due back this week. Adam Dykes is also ready to play. He passed a fitness test last week but was left out as 18th man.
In fact, it is possible that the Eels could start the match against the Panthers with their strongest team of the year.
Of course, a return by any of those players would mean Smith would have to drop one of the players, who have done the job so well over the last two weeks, as all should be available for selection this week.
Both Wade McKinnon and Matt Petersen came off the field with injured shoulders but Smith said they both should be "OK".
While the Eels camp are playing down their finals chances, the reality is they can make the eight if they win their remaining two games. It is believed that both Nathan Cayless and Eric Grothe are fit to return, but were set to see out the rest of the year on the sidelines with the Eels seemingly out of finals contentions.
However, a win against the Panthers would mean that the Eels would go into the final week with a hope of making the eight, regardless of other results this weekend.
That could prompt the Eels to thrust their injured stars back into the fray.
Already, the Eels have shown their hand by having Aaron Cannings return in Premier League last week.
Smith said that Cannings would be "in the mix for the top team next week".
And then he added: "We might even have one or two more jump out of the cake next week as well. "
It's hard to imagine Eels captain courageous Nathan Cayless sitting on the sidelines while the Eels mount a last ditch finals campaign and Eric Grothe's return to the wing would be a definite plus to the Eels.
Even John Morris could be a chance. When he fractured his leg, it was reported the injury would keep him out for four weeks. If that was the case he would be due back this week. Adam Dykes is also ready to play. He passed a fitness test last week but was left out as 18th man.
In fact, it is possible that the Eels could start the match against the Panthers with their strongest team of the year.
Of course, a return by any of those players would mean Smith would have to drop one of the players, who have done the job so well over the last two weeks, as all should be available for selection this week.
Both Wade McKinnon and Matt Petersen came off the field with injured shoulders but Smith said they both should be "OK".
