The Cumberland Throw

Victory Over The Titans – Pride In The Jersey

On the surface, a victory over the Gold Coast Titans may seem like no great feat to crow about. After all, this was a team that was a popular choice for the wooden spoon, and an easy target for the critics. Yet with a crew of solid performers, young stars, an astute coach and a “never say die” attitude, the Titans have made many people eat their words.  As such, Parramatta’s success against the Titans must go down as well-earned.

Things did not begin well in “Eels Territory” last night. Exposed out wide, the Eels defence allowed two early (fortunately unconverted) tries from the Titans. In contrast the Titans defence was rarely troubled by an Eels offence that could only stumble along in strong attacking positions. For the Blue and Gold Army, it seemed like the team was not quite up for the contest.

A missed opportunity from Bevan French was quickly forgotten with his long distance effort following a dropped ball from the Titans. A try soon after to Michael Gordon off a lucky offload from makeshift five-eighth Kenny Edwards, again converted by Gordon, took Parramatta into the lead and allowed them to begin the second half from in-front.

Kenny Edwards - a try assist was crucial for the makeshift five-eighth

Kenny Edwards – a crucial try assist came from the makeshift five-eighth

Looking over this first half, a completion rate of around 90% was indicative of two facts:

  1. Parramatta were controlling possession and in doing so, limiting the opportunities for the Titans.
  2. The Eels were not playing a particularly expansive attacking pattern

The second half certainly provided the Titans with enough possession and field position to get themselves back into the match. Yet, a Gordon penalty goal and a Pritchard try from a sublime Norman line break saw the Eels extend to a 14 point lead. With little time left on the clock, Parra’s inability to complete sets could have cost them dearly after the Titans finally took advantage of their possession and crossed out wide for another unconverted try.

Nonetheless, 22 to 12 was probably indicative of Parramatta’s superior game management. Gold Coast half, Ash Taylor, is a prodigious talent but has much to learn. Ultimately, he and Roberts did not have the best of games and were out pointed by their Eels opposites.

Two factors are worth noting.

Firstly, the venue.

If you go back a few years, it would be difficult to conceive of any Premiership benefit to be gained from taking matches to the Northern Territory. Moving a match away from the fans and the home ground has raised plenty of objections. I’ll admit to hating the loss of home ground advantage and missing a match at Pirtek. Yet at 3 from 3 outings, it’s hard to see any disadvantage for the team. Furthermore, additional members have signed up in the Territory and some great community work has been undertaken by the club.

TIO Stadium - The Darwin venue has been kind to the Eels

TIO Stadium – The Darwin venue has been kind to the Eels

Secondly, the team.

I could dedicate paragraphs to their resilience, to stand-out players or key moments. Instead I’d like to focus on the pride in the jersey that is constantly on display from this Eels team.

If ever a team had some ready made excuses for below par form, this team would have it. The loss of competition points has been hanging over the team all year. Good mates have been moved on. Off-field accusations have been made against players and rumours abound about more players leaving the club. Yet every week the team gives their all. Maybe the execution isn’t always what it should be. Maybe there’s been a couple of wasted opportunities. Nonetheless, we couldn’t ask for more in terms of effort.

There’s another fact which requires elaboration. This is a relatively inexperienced team. Consider the following NRL games listed below:

French – 2

O’Brien – 4

Alvaro – 13

Pritchard – 16

Gutherson – 18

Edwards – 33

Moeroa – 40

Ma’u – 47

That’s a significant number of players with less than 50 games of NRL experience. Add both Radradra and Terepo with just over 60 games and the efforts under the pressures of this season become even more meritorious. It’s also another example of the superb job that Brad Arthur and the football staff have done with this team.

To all of my fellow Parramatta fans, let’s continue to to get behind this team. They are putting pride back into the jersey and deserve your support.

Eels forever

Sixties

Images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels and the NRL

 

 

 

If you liked this article, you might consider supporting The Cumberland Throw.

27 thoughts on “Victory Over The Titans – Pride In The Jersey

  1. Colin Hussey

    60’s there is little doubt the players have pride in themselves, the clubs colours, & despite the off field issues it would translate to pride in the club as well, the whole team exudes something that brings a real aura of belief amongst them, sometimes we hear of something such as team spirit, the current eels squad shows that out in, I was going to say spades, but I think hearts would be better, nothing blacl in anything that is to be seen.

    Experienced players? certainly are, even though the amount of games suggests otherwise.

    1. Parra Pete

      Another good read.
      I like what a ‘quiet achiever’ like David Gower brings to the Club….very effective every time he is on the paddock and every team/Club needs ‘blue collar’ workers like him.
      Hate reading about the issues the Club has found itself in the MSM…and particularly sad to see the demise of a good bloke like Daniel Anderson.
      Some journalists and commentators take great delight in uncovering ‘more dirt’….they do not realise the disenchantment they are causing the fans..
      Brad Arthur, Tim Mannah and Beau Scott have been wonderful right through the dramas, and they deserve every bit of praise that comes their way….

      1. Colin Hussey

        Pete
        I also like Gower, & for me we have in him & Tim Mannah 2 players that give their all at all times, yet seem to cop a lot of flack from many of the supporters, we seem to be seeing something much different than many others.

        Please forgive this next bit of negativity but feel I have to say it. I hope though that I am getting the wrong person in this bit though.
        I had a fair bit of time for Daniel Anderson, but I also remember when he was coaching the Warriors he was said to have a very poor relationship, & ability to work with the Polynesian & islander players, & had several off side with him & a reason he left the club before getting the replacement stint at the eels.. I am not sure but was considered a reason why Mateo & Inu went to the Warriors.
        When the coaching position was advertised Anderson along with JT & BA were applicants, & we know the result how its turned out, & while BA got the coaching job, DA was appointed general manager of football operations. (a cut down version) At the time of the appointments & for some time afterwards there was said to be a barely working relationship between BA & DA, with much of the issue being that DA still wanted the top job as coach. Seems though, at least up until the current drama’s things seemed settled or at least on the outside.

        With the latest rumours floating around regarding Semi & him being unhappy at the club, there was a couple of references that said he was having problems of a relational matter with a senior person associated with the club & someone of influence, it follows on from the problem Semi had with his Visa after the break he was granted back in the pre-season to go home & return after getting his father settled into a new home. I understand the responsibility of the visa arrangements were the responsibility of the General manager of football operations.

        I am now wondering a bit more about the relationship issues, & who is the person that seemingly may be creating the problems. The sorrow is though, when I was following the fox sports live score match blog, there was a break towards the end of the game, where (I think it was Gordon) made a break & only had the fullback to beat, & he had Semi on his outside but chose to pass the ball to Scott who knocked on. It seems to me that this year Semi is being strangled on the wing with not enough ball getting to him at crucial times.

        So, please excuse the middle bit as the game was a great win, & believe there will be more to come.

        1. Parra Pete

          I have only had a few dealings with Daniel Anderson, and have not seen that side of him. I would hate it to be true. Mark Tookey, who is a mate of mine, has a big opinion of Daniel both as a coach and as a player, but the turmoil you suggest that happened between Daniel and Inu and Mateo and the Polynesian boys at the Warriors is sad if true. Daniel did get the Warriors to an NRL Grand Final and was also appointed coach of the Kiwis.
          Thanks for your comment..Love the honesty of The Cumberland Throw because it always tells it how it is, without the sugar-coating..BTW, Can’t see how anyone could possibly have any problem at all with ANY Fijian – footballer or not . They are the most generous, loving, gentle, and grateful race of people on this planet.
          I didn’t think Mick Gordon ‘shunned’ Semi for Scott with THAT pass. Scott would have scored if he held it…and under the posts..Semi would have too, but out wider..Think Mick was looking out for himself…:lol:
          Bevan French has had two good games. He is related to Nathan Blacklock – another great bloke. I had the pleasure of being MC at a function Nathan was guest speaker at here in town.. Nathan had the audience in the palm of his hands – Another outstanding HUMAN BEING and a great role model for any footballer looking to break into the big time.
          I really look forward to ALL the posts on TCT…Makes an old bloke feel good about a sport that has been a huge part of my life for most of my 69 years on this planet (58 of them following the Eels)

          1. Colin Hussey

            Pete, thanks for your reply. Yes you are right regarding the Fijian populance, I have met some but not a lot, but more Tongan, & Soloman Islanders though. Each are different but very much the same in quality.
            I worked with many nationalities on the railways, especially in the bush with aborigines & again I have never had any problems or issues with them.

            Generally speaking most people no matter where they are from will treat you the same way as you treat them, & that’s the way it should be. As I said, I did not like raising what I did, but it was something that has burdened me for a while, DA did well with the Warriors & the Kiwi’s, also in England, along with his short stint here. Sad though he was replaced by Kearny, who was promoted as being better with the Islander players. We both share the same age, & while I spent many years outside of Sydney before returning end 1999, I noticed a fair difference than when we left 18 years earlier. Maybe the relearning had me a bit more alert to happenings as things were very different before we left.

            I do remember several media snippets regarding the coaching appointments & DA’s name, like much of what is going on today with the club, it may well have been blown up a bit, but different snippets came out from different areas though. What I see & hear in Bevan French is of a very respectful & pleasant young man without doubt.

            You are likely right with the Scott fumble, yet the way the writer put it was that he chose the wrong option. Not being able to watch the game all I had to go on.

          2. John Eel

            Col I believe that he did not look to his left. I am about to watch the game again andwill check. It may also be that he does not have a good passing game and can’t pss from left to right.

            On DA I also remember there were tensions reported between DA and Hayne at on stage that seemed to get a bit serious.

          3. John Eel

            Col watched it again. Gordon 60 metres out had Manu and Semi outside to his left. Gordon only looked right and passed to Scott who did not anticipate it and dropped his lollies. Minutes earlier Gordon tried to pass right to left and found a Titan player and as a result turned the ball over.

          4. Colin Hussey

            John, thanks, I think.

            Others seem to have indicated in past games that Gordon does not seem to set up his support, maybe its his main weakness, report I read this morning is saying the move to the chickens is still possible before the 30th. One part of me says for him to stay, the other says lets use the year to work with Gutho & French at the back. It may also help with the cap issues, & if he goes Chickens pay all contract monies for him, & eels do not have to contribute.

          5. John Eel

            I agree with your comments Colin. I do apologise for the post it was late at night and I was glowing in the warmth of a few reds.

            It is hard to get my head around the thought that 2016 is over for us. However I believe that it is. If you accept that then you let players go immediately who will not be with us next year. But only under the terms that you have outlined.

            Reason that I say this is it will give some of the up and comers a chance to show what they have. Although that would not be good in a side that is being belted. I do not believe that this would apply to the Eels with the attitude and pride in the jersey that they are playing with.

            Secondly and more importantly it allows the club to free up cap space by front ending contracts for 2017.

          6. Colin Hussey

            John No worries nor need to apologise either.
            I was really hopping that with Gordon we would get a full kit, I don’t think he’s far off it & his goals on Saturday show he’s still doing well in that regard, same with positional play & his abilities under the high ball. Problem seems primarily around his attack & support options, often makes a break & falls down with the support, & ball passing.

            We have the Souths game on Friday night before the next bye & I would not be surprised if that is his last game for us before a move to the Roosters. Will be sorry to see him go but, still believe we have the options in Gutherson & French for the remainder of the year in the 1 position.
            There is likely going to be some rewriting of contracts with some players getting advance payments for this year against next years payments, & that I think has been happening with the lose of others already.
            I have little doubt that if others could be offloaded it would be of benefit, but little time to do so.

            I am a bit more optimistic about the year, its not over yet for the NRL side but cannot see the ISP Wenty sided advancing much, so they could have player shifts & NYC players coming up for hardening, to me they are the primary future of our playing rosters, along with strategic imports.

            Of course once the off field drama’s are gone things hopefully will be better.

          7. sixties Post author

            Thanks for the kind comments about our writing Pete. Honesty, without being insulting, is important.

  2. John Eel

    Great read Sixties as usual. In talking about player experience you are talking about one of my favorite topics. Just to put this into perspective, the top 4 teams in the NRL average 1768 games of experience. The Eels side that went on the field in Darwin on Saturday contained 1243 games of experience.

    That is a matter of 525 games less than the top 4 average. That is 30% below the average of the top four sides. that is a big deficit to make up. To give it just a little more perspective the Knights ran out this weak with 735 games of experience, the very reason that they have won one and drawn one.

    1. sixties Post author

      John, that’s a great point that you make and I’m glad that you’ve added your thoughts to this post. Having that mix of experience with youth is vital in every team. Those wise heads help to guide the less experienced through tougher times on the field. Parra’s back rowers are getting better every year because they are gaining this experience – yet players like Ma’u, Edwards and Moeroa have all still played less than 50 games. Their best years lay ahead of them.

      1. John Eel

        Mau and Scott have been our best forwards this year. What Mau lacks in experience he makes up for with pride in the Jersey.He has played strong all year.

  3. Jason

    Well said Sixties as usual……I had the pleasure to get up to the Territory with the family this year and despite the game not being at our true home ground, the boys certainly love playing up there. We actually stayed at the same hotel (by chance) and got to speak to a lot of the players during our stay, all of which were very appreciative of the support those travelling to Darwin but also excited of the new support they had attracted from the local community!
    Another point I would like to make is the professionalism shown by the entire staff and playing group during the week, my family felt part the team as every time we saw a player or staff member we would be asked how they were doing and had a little chat about all sorts of stuff and not just footy.
    When not training or participating in educational awareness clinics the players spent a lot of time in the hotel staying hydrated (no alcohol :)) and attending recovery sessions, getting themselves right for game day.
    There may have been some off field dramas this year but the players certainly did themselves very proud this past week and full credit to Brad Arthur in the way he continues to be the “rock” for our team and club!

    1. sixties Post author

      Jason, what a terrific experience this must have been for you and your family. I’ve always been impressed with the manner in which this current team relates to the fans. Having spent so much time at training I’ve had quite a few opportunities for a chat. Of course, that is often dictated by how busy they are. After all they are at work and I try not to bother them. However, on occasions some of the boys, and even BA, will come over to say gday and have a chat. Connecting with fans like that is really appreciated.

      1. Jason

        Yeah it sure was Craig, we found that they are more than happy to mix with fans so long as you respected their space and privacy. We had some really nice chats with Danny, Flash, Gowie, Kenny, Kaysa, Goisy, Beau and Tepai. Semi, Jenko , Peni and Corey seemed shy but always said hello and had a smile for everyone.
        The girls were in their element and will remember this experience for many years to come!

  4. Colin Hussey

    60’s I am thinking of heading down to the Leagues club this week to rejoin, & wondering if you know the program for the eels training as I would love to go & have a look.at the training, my thoughts are to go down Thursday this week, would appreciate tips, times & parking etc.

    Cheers

    Col

    1. sixties Post author

      Hi Colin,
      I don’t have a copy of their schedule. I try to get a tip for times when I know I’m heading down. If I can get one I’ll let you know. Aside from that, with a Friday game, they would probably do a Captains run on Thursday. This is sometimes a lock out. If so they will have signs on display advising players and staff only. They often do any field work late morning.

      1. Colin Hussey

        Thanks Mate.
        I thought there would be a Captains run, & think they are done at Pirteck with locked gates. I may leave it until before the next game & look to the Tuesday to go down before the Sharks game & take a look

        Thanks again

        Col

  5. Mitchy

    Superb read sixties. I believe we have one of the best coaches on the game.
    He’s shown this season his knack of getting the team ready, and believing in themselves and playing for each other. That is a v good sign of a strong squad.

    1. Sir Grunta.

      Definitely a match we would have lost in previous seasons.
      I absolutely love the resilience in this team, both on and off the field and that change can be attributed to BA and I also believe, Beau Scott.
      This is a period of the season we really need to perform well in, the origin weeks. We are largely unaffected by origin apart from one player in Jennings. Time to really get ahead.
      I’m hearing that there is a very decent chance that we will have the twelve point loss decreased? This is from a source on the current board, so if it is correct is anyone’s guess?
      There is a sense of having to be thick skinned to be an eels supporter but look, we are still here!
      Go you eels!

      PS will there ever be a section on here where regular supporters can post blogs?

      1. Colin Hussey

        Grunta, without Jennings there may be some ball movements in the backs this week.

        While I live in hope that we may have a points reduction, I doubt it will happen. I don’t get the benefits of a subscriber to the Telecrap, but Rothfield this morning has headlines that the NRL is going backwards under Greenburg, agree but think the article may be more about Wade Graham than the eels.

        If any reduction is to come, at best I would say it could be 4 points as they really are the same as the suspended ones from last year. Much will depend on the eels submissions overall.

        1. Sir Grunta

          Thanks for the reply, Col.
          Speaking of Greenturd…
          Why haven’t the leaks from the Sewerage / Greenturd chat become media fodder and public knowledge?
          Something really stinks about their little chat and the non disclosure being lifted on Sewerage?
          No doubt that this bloke had his nose out of joint the way things ended up for him at the eels? He would have had several axes to grind and his professional and personal associate is running the NRL, the bloke who decided our fate!
          I have lost a lot of faith in our game….well product and this will take a lot of getting back for supporters who feel the same imo.
          Todd Greenburg should not be running our game and I won’t begin mentioning the countless conflicts or interest which have infused our great game over the past few years.
          Anyway, my rant is over.
          Thanks again and go you eels!

      2. sixties Post author

        Grunta, this site is still in its first year as a magazine style website, rather than a forum format. We have authors such as Nathan, Clint and Colmac who have regular author spots. We are happy to look at ideas for articles, which would be posted after editorial processes. If you have an idea, you can let us know.

        1. Sir Grunta

          Yep, righto.
          Thanks.
          Any news re the Sewerage / Greenturd chat, sixties?
          Very dodgey in my opinion. I would love to hear a recording of that!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

%d bloggers like this: