Round 5 Drink of choice – First Half – Battery Acid with a nip of passion pop / Second half – Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey
For the first 40min of that game it sure felt like I would have been entitled to trot out the same opening quote from the Round 3 and 4 Whiskey Musings. Soft errors, poor execution and a dire lack of control around the ruck consigned the Eels to a significant 16-point deficit at the break but from there they finally showed actual signs of life before ultimately falling short. Tonight had a little bit of everything so let’s break down the good, the bad and the referees as the Eels slipped to their third consecutive loss.
Nathan Brown got his first start for the Eels and barring an errant offload in the first half, he continued his impressive run of form. The box score says he made 37 tackles (2 missed) to trail only Kaysa Pritchard (45 tackles, 6 missed) and knocked off 152m from 17 runs. He also played a crucial role in the lead up work for Parramatta’s first try. What really jumped off the screen though is how Brown runs with such venom. Even the hulking Canberra forwards struggled to contain him at times.
Of course Brown’s starting cap came at the expense of Beau Scott, which in turn leads us to the question – did we just witness a changing of the guard? If you allow me to channel my inner Greg Alexander, I am going to sit on the fence with a definitely maybe. Scott has made a slower start to 2017 when compared to the defensive clinic he put on in 2016 and looked to have better impact tonight when injected ~20min into the fray. It could very much become a horses for courses matter as well.
Back at home on his native left-edge, Manu Ma’u went about business in typical fashion. 15 runs, 125m and 34 tackles (3 missed) and 1 nifty kick are about par for the course for Manu but he was one of the few Eels to consistently push the Raiders onto the back foot. Disappointingly, Manu rarely received support when he was making his incisions into the Canberra defensive line. In some ways that little bit of poor synchronicity down our left-edge is a microcosm of the wider issues in our team. We start doing something well but then fail to take advantage of the possibilities it presents.
Bevan French had a couple of moments of class as he scored a try and later set one up for Michael Jennings. He also took a bad angle to the grubber kick that saw Sia Soliola score the opening points of the game. Yes the ball also took a bad bounce for Bev but he needs to consistently be aggressive in attacking those sorts of kicks. Still, French is finding ways to impact the game from fullback and teams are already starting to key onto to him out wide as a danger. French is freakish enough to create mismatches despite the attention but it will also present an opportunity down the track to use manipulate that defensive focus and change the point of attack. It bodes well on the whole. Also, has French dropped a bomb yet? His poise under the high ball has been seriously impressive to date.
While David Gower felt like something of an after thought today following a very brief 15min stint at the end of the game, Daniel Alvaro and Siosaia Vave provided genuine impact from the bench. I have seen a lot of doom and gloom about how we were completely manhandled by the big Canberra pack but Alvaro and Vave along with Brown all proved to be effective up the guts. Our first half was more reflective of us playing terribly again (much like in our losses to the Titans and Sharks) than the Raiders outright dominating us. Now that isn’t to say that Brad Arthur isn’t looking to augment our pack for 2018 but when Tepai Moeroa and Kenny Edwards return we can definitely put the blow torch on decent packs.
There was a whole world of bad about our first half, nearly of which has been covered on a team level over the last two weeks, and while the second half was better there were still some costly lapses. Perhaps it is time to start putting the microscope on to specific players.
Kaysa Pritchard showed great enterprise to catch the Raiders out on the sixth tackle to dart over from short range but the young rake is struggling with workload that comes with the responsibilities of a #1 hooker. Kaysa has missed 13 tackles in the last two rounds of play, 6 against the Raiders and 7 against the Sharks. While the absence of Beau Scott in the defensive line absolutely contributed to Nic Cotric scoring the match sealing try, Pritchard had a perfect chance to wrap up the young winger and simply fell away. As painful as they are, those sort of costly lapses need to be highlighted.
From a purely anecdotal basis, it feels like there is a big drop off in the quality of Kaysa’s work from somewhere between the 50th and 60th minutes of play. The service he provides his halves drops off a cliff and the missed tackles begin to pile up. The load of first-string hooker is proving to be too heavy for his young shoulders.
Of course, sitting here as an arm-chair coach is an easy gig an the solution to this conundrum is far from simple. With Isaac De Gois struggling with serious concussion issues and Cameron King out of action again there is little competition from Kaysa’s spot – nor is their the option to provide him with support from the bench. Cody Nelson has filled in dutifully at hooker on the odd occasion, both in first grade and the Intrust Super Premiership and every now and then the odd fan will clamor for him to nab a spot on the first-grade bench. I think calling Nelson a band-aid solution is generous. Cody is a terrific player for Wenty but a proper answer to our struggles at hooker he is not.
So do the Eels turn to the market? It seems like our best hope. With the acquisition of James Segeyaro, the Cronulla Sharks have more hookers on their books than most houses of ill-repute. The Panthers also have a glut of hookers stuck behind Peter Wallace. That is two teams off the top my head, there are options out there for an intrepid head coach.
Semi Radradra had a bludger of a game when all was said and done. Jordan Rapana styled on him several times throughout the game as Radradra continued to show his opposite far too much space down the sideline. Tim Mannah was limited to an uncharacteristically brief 30min contribution and proved to equally ineffective in a rare off game for two of the most consistent performers for the Eels.
What really jumped off the screen through the first half for myself was how badly we were losing the wrestle. The size of Canberra’s man mountains played a part in that certainly but the Eels largely executed their ruck control terribly. By contrast, the Raiders controlled the flow of the Eels’ ruck when we had possession and significantly limited both our metreage and attacking options down both edges. The Sharks were just as proficient in the same field last week and we all saw how that panned out. When the game opened up in the second half, it came to little surprise to me that we had finally established ourselves up the middle. As I mentioned above, the addition of Moeroa and Edwards will help here but the Eels will need to find better ways in general to combat the methods of teams like Cronulla and Melbourne sooner rather than later.
To close out this week’s Whiskey Musings on a bitter note, let’s have quick rant about the referees. When the Raiders seized the initiative late in the first half, two of their tries were scored on the back of dubious calls. The first try scored by Blake Austin, which featured Rapana leaving Radradra in his dust, also featured a monstrously forward final pass. Now missed forward passes from fast breaks are usually forgivable given the positioning of officials but in this case the degree of forwardness to Rapana’s pass was particularly egregious and there is also the small fact THAT THE REFEREE WAS STANDING IN LINE.
Jordan Rapana features in the second vein-popping moment of the game when he was ruled to have lost a ball backwards in the lead up to BJ Leilua’s try. In isolation this actually wasn’t the worst call of play-on in the history of the game. My umbrage with this particular scenario is that barely 15min prior, Tim Mannah was ruled to have knocked on in a very similar manner (pardon the pun). These game-to-game, minute-to-minute inconsistencies are what drive fans mad. I understand that the game is played at a fast pace and the officials are going to miss things but when both players are facing their own goal line and both shovel the ball out sloppily you would think a consistent conclusion could be reached.
At fate would have it, Rapana is the man at the heart of third, final and perhaps cruelest call of the night. In the lead up to the crucial Cotric try, Rapana took a hit up through the ruck and tried to force an offload before recovering the ball. A 6-again call swiftly followed and one tackle later, Beau Scott was left strewn behind play which in turn saw Cotric a tackle or two later go on a pilgrimage from the left wing to the ruck and finally to the goal line to score. Replays showed a distinct lack of Parramatta hands near the ball when Rapana lost it and the late restart of the tackle count proved to be a huge turning point in a see-sawing second half.
After that rant you would think that I am ready to label this one the worst call of the night but that isn’t the case. In fact, while this was indeed a terrible call, this one is exactly the sort of understandable mistake I mentioned above that the fast pace of the game propagates. This one was simply luck smiling on the Raiders late in the piece.
So when all is said and done it certainly does suck to lose three on the trot but this is the first loss of the three where it feels like the Eels have finally got something to build on. We are still a ways away from a complete performance – let alone hitting our full stride – but the Raiders are a heavy weight team that we actually pushed once we got our act together for 40min. It isn’t the win we all wanted but the first proper steps towards regaining our mojo are something that I can raise my glass to.
Great wrap up Forty. Signs of improvement definitely there. I sincerely hope that you are drinking something of quality after full time next week!
Corey’s a 6 guthos a 3 and we still need a composed half , our 9 ,7, and 6 are all high energy frantic players we need a composed leader. Going into the market next season we need 2 big mongrel props a proper 9 and that elusive composed organiser in 7 , and goodbye semi ,you may score a few but you are and always have been a liability in defence , watch Hoffy semi ,half your size and gets job done ,!!!
Semi must have been injured. Aside from his try costing errors, his play the balls in the second halfs were sluggish at best. He looked a beaten man from the Austin try on.
Semis display not a one off but a constant throughout his career ,you can’t score 20 try’s a season and let 21 in , more than ever you need good defensive wingers in the current game
I get to games rarely these days but there I was yesterday back row center of the main grandstand. The game is very different in the flesh. Viewing the match later on Fox, Id suggest, live, we looked far worse. Its the small issues that add up and our team do the small things poorly or not at all.
As suggested re an earlier game, our team again looked less fit than the opposition.
Norman must be carrying injury. His impact these past two games in non existent.
Kicking a restart either dead or in to touch on the full is unforgivable. Twice in two weeks. Do we even practice this?
Brown was amazing. His one error was the drop backwards when tackled. We do not support such instances. Reference BJs try. The Raiders always had someone aware around the ball. We rarely have. Fitness?
On another occasion Brown forced his arms free to pop a pass to Kaiser who was looking towards the next play. Opportunity lost.
Bombs kicked to French rarely saw and cover or blockers from his team mates.
We are continually and absolutely owned the the ruck. Our wrestle is abysmal.
Again there is no depth in our attack. 5 tackles then kick appears to be the game plan. Even the kick chase is very ordinary.
Semi? What can you say. The guy is disinterested. Where is his power running game.
Why not play Obrien at all 3 weeks ago and yesterday Gower just 15 minutes when we are obviously exhausted and being owned. It makes no sence at all. If thats a great plan will someone please share the reasons why with me.
On current form this team could not beat Newcastle.
So many great players. So much skill. So little energy and execution.
They say the basics are to run hard and tackle hard but now days you need much more to win footy games. I sadly still believe that our team is being out coached every week. Our tactics need a desperate upgrade if we are to have any impact in this years competition. Controversial I know but are we improving? I say no as Im also of the opinion that both Cronulla and Canberra were nowhere near their best in our past two games. Lets now even consider the Titans game.
Gee gaz I think you came on wrong site mate ,this is a supporters site ,you normally just post your negativity and lack of knowledge on the one eyed eel
As far as I am aware I am welcome at this site so unless you speak on behalf of Site Management Ill share my thoughts until Im told otherwise. I was once advised never to enter into a battle of wits with an unarmed man. Particularly an Anonymous one.
That said I would really appreciate where your opinion differs specifically with any points I have mentioned. Im always open to alternate points of view.
Gazzamatta, adding comments as anonymous is not really too much different to me writing as Sixties. The majority of readers cannot identify us from our comments, (although the club certainly knows who each of the TCT fellas are!). The only difference is that people might carry an identity across websites, and are happy to have that recognition. and we don’t require registration/identity to comment.
Just to answer a couple of issues.
1. of course kick offs are practised.
2. Nathan Brown is slaying them. Great purchase.
3. Practise blocks/protection. French has been outstanding.
4. Small things have not been executed well over the last 3 weeks but it was a highlight of the first two weeks. This tells you that we train to do the basics but it just hasn’t clicked. That happens in matches. We just have to work harder.
5. Attack builds from good field position and holding the ball. We need to do better in that aspect for the attack to click as it should.
6. Agree, Semi did not have a happy match.
7. Have every faith in our coach.
I’m really upset about our loss, but I’m a realist. I tipped the Raiders because of our form going into the match. However, I took positives out of our effort. We took the battle back to them, and gave ourselves a genuine shot against a team that had a good run of decisions on the day.
Thanks Sixtys.
The try scored off the VERY forward pass was mystifying. Hard to believe it even happened. Unfortunately the end result is usually that such errors trigger a “bad period” by the Eels. Hopefully the skills taught at training allow the team to respond more positively in future.
My support of our team could not be stronger. I guess players and coaches need to continually upskill. It all takes time.
In responce to Mr Anonymous’s comment questioning myself as a supporter and referencing my comments on another site, those statements are totally incorrect and I do take exception to such remarks. I rarely comment on the site he mentioned and never with and “negativity”. Not sure if he has me confused with someone else but Id suggest he take a further look and do his homework before making such disparaging comments.
Go The Mighty Eels.
I am disappointed in some Parra fans.
Three weeks ago all these haters had Parra winning the grand final. Today Arthur can’t coach and the players don’t care. Not true any of it.
Anyone who really watches footy and other teams, know they were never real title contenders at the start of the year- who knows how well or not they will get but give them time. This time last year, Canberra, panthers and Sharks had lost 3 and won 2. There is no magic fix. You can not buy players who are under contract and wanted at other clubs.
We have some young players in key positions, it takes time. We let Peats go so we could keep Norman, Ma’u and Foran. I know it has not turned out well with Foran leaving, but anyone in Arthur’s position would have made the same choice. I love Peats and have concerns about Kaysa developing a 80 minute game , but really we would have all done the same thing last year is in Arthur’s position, if we had to choose between Norman,Foran and Peats.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but to say players are hopeless and the coach has no idea is simple lunancy. Get a grip. I for one will support the players and coach. They kept trying yesterday, especially in the 2nd half and that shows character. Watch the Tigers to see the difference between players who really care and those who do not.
A true supporter Shelly ,ba inherited a complete circus and the clowns were still in charge 2016 and cost us semis spot and a lot of good players ,we have to rebuild from start again , patience support and faith , everyone’s working hard to fix it again .
Well constructed and thoughtful response Shelley.
I do not think that the negative comments are helpful to the cause. However they are worse over on the other site.
Forty put together a well thought out critique showing his disappointment at the out come without putting a rocket thru the team for the rest of the season
I hear talk from fans about going to the market place to bolster the team but that is not going to happen. What will happen is that BA will get them back to the way they were playing at the end of last year and for the first two games of this year. Edwards and Terepo will come into calculations for the 17. The forward issues will be sorted and a work around will be found to assist K Pritchard.
As Forty noted in his musings, against the Raiders whilst the score line did not show it we were not that far away. For the sake of reality it is only Rd 5. We are still a long way from September.
I remain hopeful John. Ive heard, on a number of occasions from team members or those close to the team that their aim for this season is a top four finish. Clearly the team do not see 2017 as a rebuilding year. They are shouting that message loud and clear. BA expects better. We supporters expect better. Thus far there is a sameness about 2017 that we have seen all too often.
Some call it negativity. I just tell it how I see it. My greatest wish is to see the improvement we all, our team and coach included, are striving for. In so much as my posting elsewhere negativity Id suggest Mr Anonymous have another look at the author.
Good read up again sixties.
1st n formost are we being to harsh to judge semi for a bad few weeks ?.
I think we are after all it’s not his fault his not scoring tries. He has jet boots Jennings inside him n we know he doesn’t pass very much. Brad Arthur must put semi along side taka n on the other side have Hoffman at centre n Jennings on the wing. We all know Hoffman can pass to his outside man.
I don’t see the need for wholesale changes. What I would do if I was coach would be telling the players we are in most of the games until the 60 minute point. All we have to do is control the footy n stay calm. What ppl are forgetting sixties is that your don’t win grand finals in march. Sill a long way to go yet. But we do need a natural number 7 n put Norman back to 6. But your thinking where does that leave gutherson. If taka is to slow then we slot him in at centre with taka being our number 14. I think it’s time that BA gave taka time in Wenty IMO. Bring robson in at 7 n Norman at 6.
Go parra
I love getting the credit for Forty’s fine writing Rev, but I can’t accept it. Some reasonable opinions there mate.
Sorry forty. Thought sixties did this 1. All the same a good right up.
I notice that no one is mentioning our right side defence this week. They were copping a fair bagging recently. It’s amazing what happens when the inside players push out in defence leaving Taka and Hoffman to mark one on one. BA and the players have addressed this weakness so have faith they will be working their way through our other issues.
I really don’t think it will be long before the team is firing again.
On a side note, apart from the players mentioned that played well I really l Iike the way Frank Pritchard is playing and if he stays fit what he will bring the team this year.
Excellent points AB. There was a big improvement on the right side. It was addressed just as they will address other aspects. Yes, Frank is really finding his feet.
Those same refereeing blunders had me belting out expletive laden bursts not for the faint hearted, however this turned to fits of laughter seeing the same inconsistencies and errors in the Storm Panthers game. The boys in the striped pyjamas need some work I think.
I was buoyed by the second half response as well and agree that the continued lapses, especially in defence will continue to be resolved. In attack, I think the combinations are still evolving, remember we had up to 9 restarts against Manly and didn’t really convert them. There are positives, and with patience we will reap the rewards.
However, I would like to highlight 1 point of frustration that bugged me last year and already has this year as well. Jennings inside Semi. Jennings naturally steps off his left foot, taking him away from the wing, which tends to negate some opportunities. His reluctance to feed the winger at some opportune times is also something that needs to be improved. It comes down to decision making, and yes he is backing his own ability, which is never in question, but we did bomb a try against Canberra in the first half, and I do recall one being bombed last week as well.
The signs are there, we just need to ride the wave.
Agree totally Anthony. It’s been a point of frustration for me as well. The tries we’ve blown since Jennings was put in at left centre and Taka to the right is unbelievable. We had one game where Jennings passed the ball more and Semi scored two from him and two others.
I’ve been saying the same thing that Jennings first option is to step inside and away from his winger, maybe on the right he would be more dangerous but whichever side he is on he has to pass the ball.
I think Semi is burdened by his pending court case. He looked distracted and disinteresting. At this point his “mind” is not that of a first grader. On a different note, we need to develop a more successful form of on field advocacy with the refs. We NEVER get 50/50 decisions and we are completely incapable of appealing to the referees when our opposition is pushing the boundaries. e.g. when Cronulla spent the whole day either offside or leaving early, Prior spent the whole day hanging on and tangled with our players and all the “forward” passes and knock ons that went against us.
My concern is our body language and reactions to those poor decisions. We are venturing back into the realms of frustration. We can’t afford for that to creep back in.
I know this is a very late post Forty 20 but, I thought your report was very good and it certainly encouraged much comment.
I would add though, I thought our forwards actually smashed their big men early in the game and really dominated them with our defence as we also did to Cronulla’s big forwards until we got tired through the heavy workload of an uneven share of the ball.
In particular I’d like to mention the growing contribution of big Frank who has carried the footy very strong and defended well as he has improved his combinations with teammates in D.
Although disappointing not to have come away with a win for three consecutive games, I’m very confident about the future.