Quote: Diablo1967 "I have no problem with the McDonnell signing, he's a very good fullback and certainly better than Eden. The stats for McDonnell before that injury back it up.
Besides, Shaul grasped his chance and we now have 2 excellent fullbacks.
Galea was an odd gamble for me. It didn't pay off, but it was only for 12 months and we didn't miss him when he was out.'"
Do do your research before using facts to back up your argument. As Mr Paterson has pointed out the stats don't lie. being a bit pedantic i'll spell them out.
Eden scored 13 tries. This included a fantastic hat trick AWAY at Catalan which won the game and included a 103 metre try from his own in goal. I trawled the Hull try scoring records for this year. I scrolled down and down. Couldn't find Shannon anywhere until there he was below O'Meley and Galea who had 3, Shannon had contributed 2 tries, 2! Must be the lowest for a full back in the league.
Assists Eden 14, including some kicks at full pace off the side of his boot over defenders which wingers have had to catch and fall over the line. Never seen any player be able to do this. Shannon has managed a bit better here a commendable 5 assists!. So in summary Eden sored more tries away at Catalan than Shannon managed ALL season. In fact Eden has scored more tries in the derbies than Shannon has all year.
Eden beats him on average carries, clean breaks. McDonnall has ten less errors and a 20% missed tackle rate, Eden's missed tackles are up at 40% but not surprisingly he has made more tackles than Mcdonnall playing behind our defence.
In summary one has played only his 2nd pro season and only his 2nd year as a fullback. His defence and positioning has improved immensely as the season progressed. The other from the NRL has underachieved.
Eden is the most exciting young talent I've seen at Rovers in SL and Sandercock is turning him into a top class player. He won us the Catalan game, 2 of the Saints games. Mcdonnall hasn't won you a game this year.
We wont be able to keep him unless we have a huge change of fortune.
Expect Eden at one of SL's successful teams after next year. Mcdonnell will be looking for a club ousted by Shaul.