A little fillip for Eels, Cowboys

Glenn Jackson | March 10, 2008

THEY say a fast big man will always beat a fast little man … but that particular rule has never been tested under the NRL's new interchange laws.

This might be the code's 100th season, and rugby league has proved it is more survivor than sprinter in that time, however the game in the centenary year will be looking more like a 100-metre dash than anything middle- or long-distance.

Speed will thrive, and that's why the likes of Parramatta and North Queensland will be even more prominent in the final moments of this 100th year.

Both sides will move significantly closer to Melbourne than they ever managed last season. The Storm will again be strong, but the Eels, so long as they stay out of Kings Cross, will be their biggest threats to the throne.

The speed, footwork and wizardry of Jarryd Hayne, Krisnan Inu and Luke Burt will put any tiring defence to the ultimate test, while Feleti Mateo will be a revelation this year - even though we were given glimpses of his brilliance last year.

Every side needs its workers, and the Eels have them in Nathan Hindmarsh, Chad Robinson and co. Heck, even Mark Riddell has shed some weight in anticipation of the rigours of a premiership game with only 10 interchanges.

With that in mind, the Cowboys have the best little men in the NRL. Fullback Matt Bowen and halfback Johnathan Thurston will be even more damaging against forwards who will be fatigued. It will be another bonus if Luke O'Donnell emerges from his horrific hamstring injury. However, there are always question marks over teams who know they will have a different coach the next season, and they may fall just short again. Ditto Manly, who will miss Michael Monaghan.