In a match which typified the Eels season, the loss of key players before and during this encounter ensured that greater adversity was thrust upon an already battered Eels team. Again, the players left the fans proud of an effort which highlighted the resolute culture that Brad Arthur has built into this special group of blokes.
The final score line of 34 to 14 was not reflective of the effort that Parramatta put into this match, and that comment is not meant to be disrespectful to a Titans team which thoroughly deserved their victory. For them, there is much to be proud of as they have overcome plenty of adversity thrown their way in the last 12 months. They have a fine coach and a nicely balanced squad that deserve to be playing finals football.
So, rather than summarising the game itself in this post, I will instead look at what can be taken out of this match – both the good and the bad.
The Not So Good
The Eels have used far too many players this year. For many football followers this may be stating the obvious, but it is a harsh reality for any team which has to go deep into its roster in any season. Let me delve into the greatest impact of this situation.
When you need to use most players in your top 25 or even beyond it, the first thought relates to the loss of key players, and rightly so. However, it is the loss of combinations rather than loss of individuals that is the most damaging, and this is reflected in defence.
To explain further, many pundits talk about the need to trust the man next to you when you are defending. This type of trust is not something that magically comes about with the wave of a coach’s clipboard. It comes from months of training next to your teammate and experiencing success in match conditions. Split second decision making or instinct around defensive reads (trust) is borne out of genuinely knowing what that bloke next to you will do.
Throughout the pre-season and season proper, those drills, those match simulations and the matches themselves are the building blocks for this trust. The first grade players train alongside their lower grade counterparts to prepare for the likelihood that they will play beside each other at some point in the season. The similar structures across the grades are designed to help in this eventuality.
Unfortunately, the Eels are in a whole different universe due to the woes thrust upon their roster. There are players missing not just from the NRL team, but also from their back-ups at Wenty. The loss of first squad and support squad halves and centres has had a massive impact on fringe defensive combinations.
Our half, Jeff Robson, has had less than one month with the club. Our five-eighth, Clinton Gutherson, was our first choice winger. Our centre and winger combination on the right, Takairangi and French, have great potential but are unfamiliar with each other’s play. Our left centre and winger combination, Ma’u and Faraimo features a second rower and a Wenty winger who have played a grand total of two matches together.
Is it therefore any wonder that Parramatta’s edge defence has been caught out in the last two matches? Apparently poor reads or decision making in defence really comes down to not knowing how the bloke beside you will react. A team can cover for a change here or there but Parramatta have entirely new combinations on both sides of the field, and it’s telling.
The Good
The positive that most followers are taking out of Parramatta’s performance is their effort and resilience. Undoubtedly this will stand the team in good stead going forward, but I don’t want to focus on this today.
Rather, I would like to focus on the effectiveness of our structures. Many will examine Parramatta’s attack and point out that it hasn’t truly kicked into gear this season. The numbers wouldn’t argue with that perspective.
However, given the number of key personnel missing from the spine and the backline, it is Parramatta’s attacking structures that have allowed a drastically undermanned team to score enough points to keep them competitive in every game. Having watched the team prepare, I can offer an opinion as to why.
Tepai Moeroa – his effectiveness has increased on the edge of the ruck.
Whether it be by design or by circumstance, the attacking role of the forwards has been increased as the season has progressed. The front rowers have taken on a link-man responsibility, not unlike the one played by James Graham at the Bulldogs. At the same time, Tepai Moeroa has been released on the edge and is bending the defence on the fringes of the ruck.
These changes to our attacking structures seems to have simplified the role of the halves, allowing for “newcomers” to those positions to more easily slot into their jobs. With so many missing players, it’s important that our systems allow for maximum use of available resources. The last two losses have been hard to take, but it’s a positive to see the players understanding their roles.
A Harsh Reality
Unfortunately, the kicking boots of Michael Gordon have sadly deserted him at a time when we need them the most. Arguably, the missed kicks against the Panthers were the difference between winning and losing. Against the Titans, it was the difference between staying in touch and being out of reach.
For all of his wonderful positional play and contributions in defence, we need “Flash” to start hitting those kicks much better. With a depleted line up, the Eels cannot afford to go up in 4s when the opposition jumps by 6. It is a problem that will also need to be addressed moving into 2017.
Michael Gordon needs to re-discover his kicking mojo!
A Final Comment
A massive shout out to all of the Eels faithful that turned out in big numbers on the Gold Coast. It would not have been lost on the team. These blokes deserve to play in front of plenty of fans.
Remember, there are only two matches left at Pirtek/Parramatta Stadium. Get to the game and say thanks to a proud team and goodbye to a great ground.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Yes was a tough weekend for us. Effort was good again, but we seem to be running out of players.
Beau Scott pulling out wasn’t good at all. Now we have Mau out as well. Due to suspension.
Do we know how long Jennings is out? BA said Scott may be one or two weeks.
Might have to pull players out of our proverbial this week!
Great read Sixties, you are one strong resilient man. I see why you appreciate what the Eels are delivering at the moment.
A positive for me over the last couple of weeks has been the performance of Clint Gutherson. Clint on TCT wrote him up before the game as a real footballer and not a big athlete and as the sort of player that BA is looking to recruit. It was very prophetic because he had a good game and continues to impress at 5/8.
Where do you think his future lies in 2017? I guess that is a moot question given the uncertainty surrounding our recruitment for 2017. He has played well at both Centre and 5/8 however I believe that BA see’s him as a FB.
Thanks John, too kind.
I see Gutho as a potential 5/8, and I believe that BA does too.
In other circumstances, he might be in the running for fullback, but with the return of Jarryd Hayne, the fullback spot will be naturally with Hayne. Gutho is such a quick learner and a natural footballer. What I like about his work in the halves is the quick ball. Look at the difference it made for Jennings to get early ball.