Saab has Hardened up

[maxta]

There were so many great things out of this game, I feel Saabs performance was overlooked.
He may not have ran away with 95m tries, but we already know he can....this game was different....a war of attrition in the middle and the wingers had to make the tough runs out of ugly positions and there's 1 thing Eels do is aim up and apply a heap of heat on those early carries.
Saab put his hand up and did not go into hiding when the heat was on and ran with gusto and seemed to win some hard collisions that earlier in the season he would have been dominated....has come so far since the St George game where he was handing the ball off to an injured Walker on kick returns....he looks stronger and far more confident and what a signing he has become !!
Also in defence stood up to Sive and one occasion rocked him after shooting out from marker and suprised everyone with that shot - an absolute part of the highlight package imo.
If Saab keeps up this improvement, we have a potential elite winger for years to come.....

 

[The Eagle Has Landed]

Can't be happier with him. I bet all the Dragons supporters are shaking their heads. lol

 

[Loobs]

I think with Saab there was a lot of emotion at the start of the season and combined with the poor start across the field, confidence took a big hit.

There was the article the other week where his old man told him to pull his finger out, which gave him a kick start, then a few games to show his attacking skills got the confidence back and now it's like it's all clicked into gear for him.

Wingers are very much confidence players. Get scored on, drop a few balls, they see less action or get targeted and they can get into a funk. Would see it with Jorge. Same when they string some good performances together they can seem unstoppable.

 

[XV-1]

He is improving every week.

Better positional play in defence and better defence in general
We should not underestimate what playing next to Harper has done to Saab's confidence, but the team in general. Harper has been sensational in D since he came into the team - the complete opposite to Suil.

Saab is getting more confident in attack as well. He certainly is understanding the benefits of following Turbo thru gaps.

And that SPEED. I never realised he was so fast until he got to Manly.

 

[Shoe1]

I think that was the first time ever that sivo hadn’t scored in a game at that stadium. Saab should be proud.

 

[robbiea]

Des apparently pulled him aside and had a personal chat.
Des has that locker room exactly where he wants them.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Completely different side to this weeks game for him, and he excelled.

Fast becoming a fan favourite.

 

[Pete the Eagle]

Could not agree more with the above comments , the team has come along way since the start of the season , Harper , Saab , Parker , Garrick , all should be proud .
And the fact my wife and her son both go for the eels , made my Sunday arvo bourbon taste a lot sweeter as we were watching the game. ..... lol lol

 

[ManlyTragic]

Did anyone else see turbo blow up at him during the weekend game..... what was that about?

 

[Cliffymagic]

Did anyone else see turbo blow up at him during the weekend game..... what was that about?

Only saw turbo blow up at Paseka

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Saab has discovered his size and strength. His cover defending has been awesome and with his speed he doesn't get there too late. Sivo looked intimidated to me which I find surprising when you consider he is bigger than many forwards. The sky is the limit for Saab.

 

[manly al]

Did anyone else see turbo blow up at him during the weekend game..... what was that about?

Is that where he came in from his wing position once and was caught out a bit ? Don "t mind some firm instructions from the back in the right measure , Snake seemed to manage it well and now Turbo to offer a similar important role . Many times a split second decision in responding in defence at N R L level and really have to get it right as best as possible , especially out wide

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Turbo is our general in defence and he is just doing his job. 12 points in 180 minutes our defence is looking good but it can open up if the players go to sleep. Turbo leads by example.

 

[manly al]

Can "t really underestimate the difference that Saab has made , not only with his exceptional speed and jumping ability but his ability to recover in defence and chase down most players . Defence is still partly a work in progress but has of course noticeably lifted since season 's start . Always a good feeling when Saab gets to have space in the open or has a clear run to the line and can not be run down .

 

[joeboy]

Agree fir the most part, but made little effort on gutho on the weekend for his try

 

[Jerry1]

Saab has discovered his size and strength. His cover defending has been awesome and with his speed he doesn't get there too late. Sivo looked intimidated to me which I find surprising when you consider he is bigger than many forwards. The sky is the limit for Saab.

Sivo goes into his shell when he's been hit a few times. Not as tough as you would think for a big bopper.

 

[XV-1]

Sivo goes into his shell when he's been hit a few times. Not as tough as you would think for a big bopper.

He is also a really bad actor when he pretends to be hurt.

 

[robbiea]

The big change came with his turn around in confidence.
Went from having none and a head down all the time to an overabundance of confidence resulting in that big smile.
I love this team.

 

[ManlyTragic]

Is that where he came in from his wing position once and was caught out a bit ? Don "t mind some firm instructions from the back in the right measure , Snake seemed to manage it well and now Turbo to offer a similar important role . Many times a split second decision in responding in defence at N R L level and really have to get it right as best as possible , especially out wide

Yep that’s it...he didn’t stay on his winger but he did get knocked over by a parramatta player

 

[Kevinward777]

Sivo goes into his shell when he's been hit a few times. Not as tough as you would think for a big bopper.

I think you'll find he was caught out because he was expecting Gutho to pass the ball to Sivo - something the Eels normally do in that situation nine times out of ten. Turbo was wrong footed for the same reason.