Kearney will see out the season but don't expect him to be back at the club in 2013 as he has failed to excite fans and more importantly generate winning results for his players.
The Eels sit at the bottom of the competition ladder and with just seven weeks to go, many involved with the organisation will be happy to see the back of the 2012 season.
2. Hurrell's future a priority
The young Tongan's rise in the NRL continues after a starring performance in the Warriors 32-14 win over the Gold Coast Titans.
His hattrick on the weekend took his try tally to 12 in as many games and highlights his raw but exciting talent.
The Auckland club should move quickly to tie him down to a long term deal.
His contract was extended earlier this season till the end of 2013 and come next year Hurrell won't be short of any suitors for his services.
Whatever money he is on at the moment, the Warriors should double even triple it so we can see him blow another fifty kisses to his mother every time he crosses the tryline.The Warriors have unearthed a rising star in the young centre and his stock should be held in the same regard as halfback Shaun Johnson or fullback Kevin Locke.
Hurrell has plenty of deficiencies that can be polished to improve his all-round game.
Having found his love for the great game at the Warriors, his short-comings will best be enhanced at Mt Smart Stadium.
3. Benji and the Tigers need to find form quickly
Hailed as front-runners for the Premiership pre-season Benji Marshall's Wests Tigers dropped out of the top eight after their 32-20 defeat on Friday night.
Marshall's performance against the Canterbury Bulldogs typified his 2012 season - it was a mix of rocks and diamonds.
His first half was brilliant. Two kicks led to two tries with his second a cheeky banana kick which resulted in Beau Ryan scoring under the posts.
His second half was poor. He missed two tackles which both led to tries with Ben Barba shrugging off his weak effort to setup Josh Reynolds to go in under the posts.
As the game went try for try in the second half, Marshall wasn't anywhere to be seen.
His touches were limited and when he did try an orchestrate a late attacking play it resulted in a comic error from the playmaker as his no-look pass found nothing but air and gave the ball back to the Bulldogs.
Benji needs to find his form quickly if the Tigers are to live up their early season hype.
He can't do it alone - guys like Adam Blair, Chris Lawrence, Keith Galloway and Blake Ayshford have similarly had an indifferent year need to find their groove quickly.
Otherwise the Tigers will be left rueing another season of missed opportunities despite boasting a roster to match it with the best of them.
4. Lewis leaves Cleary's Penrith
The departure of Luke Lewis at the end of the season signals the end of a 11 year association with the West Sydney club.
Lewis, the club's best player, has struggled to fall in line with Ivan Cleary's regime and was removed of his captaincy in round 11 for the Origin series.
It appears that the loss of the captaincy was the catalyst for Lewis seeking a release from a contract that had two seasons to run.
However Panthers fans shouldn't feel aggrieved about the loss of their former captain with 2013 bringing in a raft of excellent signings - Lewis Brown, Dean Whare, Sika Manu and James Segeyaro.
Also it frees up plenty of money for the salary cap (which increases $700,000 to $5m in 2013) and could see a big signing for the club who are rumoured to be pursuing Jonathan Thurston who comes off contract next season.
5. Your comments
@James Yancey: I think Mateo timed his run a bit late for selection. And the up and down form of the Warriors didn't help. But he could've added some x factor in attack, no question. NSW's main problem is at halfback. Pearce just doesn't cut it. Maloney on the other hand has the game that's totally suited to Origin, in my opinion.
- Mateo's form over the past two seasons warranted Origin selection; after NSW went so close last week it's highly unlikely R Stuart will be making significant changes to the core of the side.
@jj: I don't think Hasler got Inu to play well, Inu is playing well because. He can - he has the ability. That he didn't perform consistently for the warriors is more a reflection of his character.not some magic motivational formula a coach pulls out of his backside.
- True, Inu was a talented player before he went to the Doggies but D Hasler's confidence in his ability is a part of the reason for the former Warriors' return to top form.
@Highlander88: Mateo too skillful for NSW? This is a JOKE! Did you watch the City Country game? How can you expect him to carve up QLD he couldn't even make plays against 2nd ranked NSW players.
- One game (particularly a trial match) is not a true reflection of his ability. Look at his performances over the past two seasons; he's been the top offloader in the competition and continues to unlock defences with his footwork and passing ability.
6. Team of the week
1. Fullback - Ben Barba (Bulldogs)
2. Wing - Edrick Lee (Raiders)
3. Centre - Krisnan Inu (Bulldogs)
4. Centre - Konrad Hurrell (Warriors)
5. Wing - David Williams (Sea Eagles)
6. Five-eighth - Josh Reynolds (Bulldogs)
7. Halfback - Adam Reynolds (Rabbitohs)
8. Prop - Sam Burgess (Rabbitohs)
9. Hooker - Isaac Luke (Rabbitohs)
10. Prop - James Graham (Bulldogs)
11. Secondrow - Andrew Fifita (Sharks)
12. Secondrow - Joel Thompson (Raiders)
13. Lock - Shaun Fensom (Raiders)
Coach: David Furner (Raiders)
