Stand up fans of the Parramatta Eels and applaud your team. Once again this team that wears the blue and gold has given you reason to puff out your chest and declare to the world that you support the Eels. All of the off-field dramas might seem like blow after blow to your head, but this 2016 team is a constant adrenaline shot to the heart. Every time that I wonder whether they have anything left to give, this team, every one of them, reaches deep inside and finds another level. What pride! What resilience! What ticker!
That Pre-Match Blow
The Eels have been preparing every week without Foran so there was no physical disruption leading up to this match. However, these blokes are people after all, with bonds within the team and their own headspace about the events that involve their squad. Quite frankly, I was not surprised about the announcement but I was stunned by its timing. To choose match day to make this announcement was doing the team no favours. I’ll leave it at that. But I will praise a group of players and a coaching staff who were able to put such an announcement to one side and get on with it. Big kudos there fellas.
The Setbacks Continue
In the fair-dinkum department, my head dropped when I knew that Takairangi would not be taking the field. Having watched him train inside Bevan French, and witnessing the opportunities that he created during the opposed session, I was anticipating plenty of open spaces for the young Tingha flyer. As much as I value what Manu Ma’u brings to the team every week, and as much as his move was only shifting a space or two wider, I would much prefer to see an experienced centre there rather than a back rower. The injury list at the Eels has unfortunately taken both Folau and Toutai, so with Jennings and Taka now out of action, the choices were limited.
The pre-match loss of Takairangi was a big blow.
If this wasn’t enough, the injury to Semi Radradra in the opening minutes resulted in another back rower in Kenny Edwards moving to a centre position with Gutherson pushing to the wing. No centres and two forwards in their place. Where will the attack come from? How will they match the Roosters pace defensively? Can it get any worse?
It’s the Eels. Of course it can!
For the first time the Eels go into the game without dummy half coverage. The decision is made to match the Roosters impressive pack with size on our bench. Cue injury to DeGois! An ugly concussion takes the workaholic rake and strips the Eels of their line speed defensive leader. Our new half moves to dummy half. It can get worse – no centres and only one half.
The Early Rubbish Call
My blue and gold glasses were firmly fixed and my voice was in full cry as the officials stunningly denied an early try to Bevan French. How the sideline official (flag boy) was able to call a forward pass when the Ma’u pass was knocked down by a Roosters defender almost as soon as it left his hands defies belief. It was a big call and a wrong one. Even if it was correct, the official could not have physically detected the direction of the ball so quickly. Lined up against the try awarded to the Sharks last week, it was ludicrous.
The First Half Grind
Taking those blue and gold glasses off, the Eels defence did remarkably well to keep the score line tied at 6 apiece in the first stanza. The Roosters certainly looked the most likely in attack, with SKD and their young superstar in the making, Mitchell, threatening to open up the Eels out wide. On many occasions, the Tri-colours three-quarters were only just rounded up by last minute grabs or scrambles. The opening try to Mitchell was a prime example of where the match could have gone.
Yet, once again the Eels found that something extra to stay in the contest. At times the players seemed to be out on their legs. The big screen flashed to the bench to see Rory O’Brien as the only occupant and still the blokes in blue and gold find some more. It was stirring stuff. Throw in a deft kick from Corey Norman for Gordon’s try and we go to the break with the score line locked.
Tupou Soars
It looked a size mismatch out on the wings with Tupou towering over Bevan French so it came as no surprise that the Roosters would go to the air in that direction. The high leaping and long arms of Tupou didn’t let his team down and a couple of tries in quick succession were the reward. A twelve point lead to the Roosters looked to be a sign of the floodgates opening. Even the most hopeful Eels fan would have been doubting that Parra could find a way back.
A Big Play From French
The Roosters players all rushed over to congratulate young Manu after his brilliant chase on a flying Bevan French. So they should have. It was brilliant anticipation that put him into a position to make a defensive play that pace alone would not have allowed.
Yet in the stands, I watched as the Eels players seemed to be lifted by French’s effort. His intercept, which was breathtaking in its execution, stopped a run of momentum that threatened more points against a tiring defence. It may not have yielded a try, but it certainly changed the course of the match.
Norman Steps Up
What can be said about this performance from Corey Norman? Apart from a missed tackle on SKD in the first try, it was as close to a perfect game as you could ever witness. Norman became the match conductor with the triple threat of running, passing and kicking. Every Eels try came through his play. Every one of them.
It was all about vision. No fullback in position, kick for Manu Ma’u to chase through and touch down. Manu runs a great line – deft pass to put him through the line. Field goal on? No! There’s space behind the line for Gutho to chase a kick. Incredible stuff. The Roosters could only stand and watch as he took them apart during that last quarter of the match.
Arthur and Norman – you champions!
Special Mentions
In a brilliant and courageous team effort, it feels odd to single out performances. However, I do want to make some acknowledgements.
In an amazingly hard working pack, Rory O’Brien is well and truly finding his feet. His carries are strong and bend the line. Defensively, his hit on JWH caused an important turn over that lead to the match winning try. O’Brien put in the hard yards during the pre-season and found a level of fitness that he never had before. He is now reaping the rewards.
Jeff Robson slotted straight into the team as if he has been there all year. Considering he had to play the match out of dummy half after limited time with the team training at half back, it was a remarkable performance. He has been an astute recruitment decision.
Finally, new fan favourite, Clint Gutherson, continues to go from strength to strength. Besides scoring the match winning try, his defensive decisions cut down many dangerous attacking forays out wide. For a bloke who is new to the club and new to first grade, he has exceeded the expectations of many fans.
The Coach
Whether he wins the award or not, Brad Arthur deserves to be named coach of the year. In the most tumultuous year in the club’s history, the team has already won more games than they did last year. BA and his coaching staff need to be locked in long term – and now! It’s that simple.
A Final Thought
The weather conditions last night were not ideal. The negative publicity surrounding the club has been relentless. However, this team deserved to be playing in front of more than the paltry crowd in attendance last night. I ask my fellow fans to consider what they are looking for in their team. Because, if like me you are seeking a team that give their all every week, you can watch it in spades with this group of players. Heart, pride, resilience.
Only two matches remain at Parramatta Stadium this year. This team deserve full houses.
Eels forever
Sixties
All images courtesy of the Parramatta Eels and the NRL
I think Alvaro really stepped up, especially in the second-half. His best game in my opinion.
Is it too early to declare the Robson signing a success? Thought he played fantastic. The plan to bring him in as a steady influence for Johnson might not of worked at the Warriors, but it’s exactly what we need at Parra. Sign him up for another year.
I reckon Robson extending will be on the cards.
As a man who takes a very moneyball approach to rugby league BadBoyBoogie, Jeff Robson is the perfect squad member and the exact type of player I want to round out my squad.
He’s good enough to play first grade to great effect, versatile enough to do it in a couple of positions and is cheap enough to play on base level/second tier money. You get an outstanding ROI on Jeff Robson, even more so when he’s surrounded by two genuine stars who can create points and opportunities at will – he’s an absolute must to keep for next year.
Good read as usual 60’s.
The thing that I really got out of last nights game was a question regarding who we really need to sign for next year???/? Without doubt the work of Norman shows how vital he is to the clubs future but at what price & that will be known after the court case next week & this mornings NRL decision.
Manu Ma’u looks like a man who is not happy at the club, yet is a key to keep, that issue needs to be fixed post haste, of course so does the coach long term signing.
The replacement props, in Alvaro & O’Brien stepped up big time & hopefully Obe1 will be kept as well.
Facts are that none of those that had the B&G jumper on last night should leave the club in 2017, we need little strengthening but just ones to ensure decent backups.
Watching the game on 9, it was to me the best game I can recollect for many a year & in reality I cannot come close to think of one that comes close.
Great win & great team all round.
Colin, what have you heard about Ma’u. Played well last nite in an unusual position and scored 2 tries, no bad for someone who is supposedly unhappy
Glenn there has been some press saying the chickens were chasing him. Likewise some talk that he is not happy at the club. Some say the money he is on & the like, speculation I guess.
Thing is that while all the other players after the game last night were really showing how happy they were & celebrating the win, Ma’a looked more serious, his interview with Erin Molan was of one that was not showing a lot of interest or something. He may be like that as part of his make up, some a stone faced while others seem more breezy or something, His eyes were very much of non contact.
I really hope he is happy at the club & does not want out, as he is too vital to the club, his one field relationship with French was excellent & he was there lifting French very very well. Hard to say why it is.
Cheers Colin. Always appreciate your sentiments and feedback. Agree with everything except your read on Manu. He just looks like typical Manu to me and I don’t know anything about him being unhappy. Some social media say otherwise, but he is contracted for next year.
Thanks 60’s, I guess it must be just Ma’u then. as I said on the field he looked ok, played well & he really looked to lift French after he was put into touch. End of day I am glad he’s contracted & stays that way.
Iv got to say that was one of the gutsiest performances from a footy team that I have seen in a very long time, incredible!
All the guys tried their guts out and we had no right to win that game.
I want to give special mention to two young guys in Alvaro and French.
Alvaro really stepped up against one of the most feared packs in the Comp and was always putting his hand up for work. I have always been a huge fan of Daniel but It actually surprised me how effective he was last night.
Bevan has received plenty of wraps so far this year but last night he was really targeted. A lot of young guys would have went into their shell and come up with errors last night but he kept ripping in and his intercept was a HUGE play. It changed the momentum of the game and his anticipation and effort in holding Peirce up late in the game was another phenomenal effort.
Despite all the crap that the media have written this year today is a great day to be a Parra fan.
Clive, Alvaro and French are part of that new breed of Eels footballer. I believe French has a talented younger brother too!!!
So we have a French Connection.
Certainly see Alvaro being a force in years to come. As mentioned earlier OBrien lifted as well. & think he should be given an extension, another year at the club he could develop very well typical old style prop who took time to mature.
Alvaro was outstanding Clive, he is the biggest beneficiary of Junior moving early and we as a club are going to be the beneficiaries of that in the years to follow – he is quality.
Superb comment Sixties. Superb. It was tear jerking effort from the boys and coaches.
They continue to turn up each week. This is truly inspiring and the coach has th trust of the team.
OBrien played well I thought too and Álvaro. These young guns will be v good in years to come. And we need good props.
Great read. I laugh every time Kenny plays the ball with those leg cramps. Great stuff.
I have great concerns about Kenny’s legs. He’s had massive issues with cramps or Hamstring problems in the last 30seconds on quite a few occasions this year. Hope the club takes care of him.
Always a good read Sixties, thanks.
I was there last night and it was a poor attendance when the efforts that these guys put in week in week out regardless of the hurdles put in front of them deserves a full house. I can only wonder now that the points have been officially stripped what that will do to crowd numbers for the last two games.
Even though the roosters aren’t a benchmark team it was a game that in past years would have been lost and it would have been put down to the circumstances with a good level of acceptance of the loss on that basis. Not so now and the resolve in each player that pulls on the jersey is heart warming.
I’ve always been of the belief that you move players on, regardless of the name involved, who don’t have pride in the jersey and my opinion hasn’t changed in recent days. However guys like Scott exhibit a pride in their jersey that you’d think came from years at the club and is such a role model and example for the rest of the squad. Those types/styles of player are want we need and I have every confidence that BA will continue to assemble that type of playing group.
Hopefully there will be some positive news on player retentions now that the penalties have been imposed but I’m hanging out for news that BA has been locked up for years to come.
Its been a horrid year on so many fronts but a standout year as well for the efforts of BA, his team and playing group.
Go those eels.
Trapped, please, no more bad news! Why in the hell do you want BA locked up for? Lol.
Too funny Glenn!
Cheers mate. Yes the points should not cause the fans to stay away from watching a team that busts their guts every week.
Beau Scott is an absolute legend.
My wife and I were at the game last night and really had a great experience, one of the best wins that I can remember in a long time. Given the disappointingly small crowd I took advantage of the empty seats beside me to do a happy dance for each of those second half tries. The people in the row behind were laughing but my wife had her face buried in her hands with embarrassment.
What I would really like to talk about is the form of our youngsters and the promise that they bring for the future. Corey Norman was a standout without a doubt. Last night he lifted his game to a new level, just amazing. Thing is we already knew that he was good. However a special mention to Alvaro, Gutherson and French. Hopefully these three along with Norman are going to form the basis of our team for years to come.
I thought Alvaro played his best game so far. BA put a lot of responsibility on his shoulders last night and he delivered. Every time I see Gutherson I like him more. I lke the way he jams in defensively and he is never frightened to take the ball up. French can be anything he is a little man with a huge heart blessed with speed to burn.
I thought last night that Peni Teropo had a great game. His first run of the night was especially good. I thought Danny Wicks was a little quiet last night, I sense that he maybe carrying an injury.
John, the courage that those blokes you mention show every week will be the foundation for greatness once again for our club. You can thank BA for helping to instil this culture.
Tearing at the heart strings..Great read AGAIN. You have terrific insight – and an even better way of conveying it.
Corey Norman was unbelievable last night, and the description of him being the ‘next Lockyer” when he was at the Bronco’s looks to be spot on. Let’s hope he can get the personal issues he has away from footy sorted.
Beau Scott is the man who has provided STEEL to this side, and along with Brad Arthur, LEADERSHIP.
I have said before, he is the BEST signing in decades. TOUGH COMMITTED AND A LEADER OF MEN.
As well, Clinton Gutherson has been a great buy, and ALVARO and O’BRIEN rose to the challenge against the CHOOKS..I hope the team continues to DREAM the DREAM, and play with the heart they have shown all season. I can handle any defeat when the players have a ‘dip’..as they have shown all season.
I have not heard of Manu Ma’u being ‘unhappy’..He doesn’t play that way, so I am hoping it is a result of being seeing him with his game face on. He is another KEY player in the team…Good on ’em.,.
Cheers Parra Pete. Beau Scott personifies BA’s goals on the field. He plays like he loves the club.
Yep.
I would love to get an honest opinion from Beau Scott on what he thinks of BA and his coaching.
Beau has done it all and played under the best coaches. I think it would be a good and very interesting interview?
Normie was our best last night but the performance that most impressed me was by Alvaro. Watch him sprint after the loose roosters pass with 2 minutes to go after playing the entire 2nd half. This was no token effort by the big fella and the pressure he applied caused the kick to be rushed. Unfortunately Checchin chose to ignore the offside rule and tacked rule and the effort went unrewarded. I am sure the accolades will be handed out by the coaching staff during the video session this week though.
Hey mate, it was probably remiss of me to not give Danny the special mention he deserves. Maybe I take his efforts for granted because I am a massive fan (as everyone knows from the coterie planning). Danny just looks like a genuine established first grader these days!
If Corey could impose himself and conduct games like that more often id be a big fan, I’ve hammered him many times for not being unable to control a game from half, for not being able to be a leading or controlling half.
Well he delivered last night, he got my 3 points and most importantly, he delivered when it mattered in the game, the big moments where we had to capitalise he took control and took some confident options.
Corey just needs to work on his consistency and self belief, he’s a hell of a lot better player than he was when he came here, his first year was poor, to his and BAs credit he’s gone up a few levels.
I can’t wait to see the player stats for that game. IDG’s early injury would have shifted a stack of defensive responsibility across the team, it looks like they all shared it admirably but the numbers will show who really stood up the most.
You were very restrained in some of your comments Sixties. I feel for Foran, having a high pressure job and dealing with personal issues at the same time can’t be easy but FFS making an announcement on game day. What a piss weak thing to do.
I also think JWH’s late, high and dangerous guy on Semi can’t be dismissed as a contributing factor to his knee injury. I can’t believe a penalty want awarded. I refrained from comment on the night, thinking the big screen doesn’t have enough resolution to show things clearly but having watched it at home, it was another BS call from that “rooster” sucker ref.
I’d like to send a shout out for Kenny he dropped a bit of ball on the night and was the recipient of some ill feeling from the crowd. Again, having rewatched the game, it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as it seemed. He was running some good attacking lines and just didn’t get the quality ball he needed, otherwise it may have been him posting a double (as well or instead of, who knows) Manu.
The result of Champagne’s run shouldn’t be underestimated. It turned the attacking tide of the Roosters but it also took their Manu out of the game. I think he was blown and didn’t really recover where Bevan kept turning up.
Love your posts Sixties. I’ve always known you’re an astute observer of the game. It’s great seeing those thoughts in writing and it never ceases to amaze me on your recall of a game’s events and the chronology of them.
Typed all that on my phone and just reread it. A couple of auto text errors.
Guy = tackle
Want = wasn’t.
I also missed some punctuation. Sorry.
Alvaro had his best game in grade. The weather definitely was a turn off for most i was stuck late at work and couldn’t get there but i passed my tickets to a friend so i was there in spirit