The bye week – for the players it’s a chance to freshen up and get over the niggling injuries. For the coaches, it’s keeping the players focussed on a job that’s nowhere near completed. For Parramatta Eels fans, it almost feels like a brave new world.
So this post is meant for you, for your voice. I’ll keep my part to a bare minimum.
There’s probably equal parts of excitement, hope and cynicism for a group of supporters who have become distant observers of September football. No matter where you sit on that spectrum, there’s probably validation to be found in your experience as a blue and gold tragic.
From my perspective, there is a level of excitement that is borne from belief in our processes. Allow me to elaborate.
Having extensively watched the Eels both train and play over many years, with this season being quite the epic, I have witnessed the development of a playing group that is restoring pride in our jersey.
Of course, this season hasn’t been all smooth sailing. I watched the team train spectacularly well, only to fail miserably and inexplicably to the Roosters. I’ve watched virtually the entire team battle with injuries prior to the match in Darwin, and understandably struggle against a Thurston inspired Cowboys.
We’ve witnessed the team look all at sea during the four game losing streak earlier in the year, and wonder where that resilience from 2016 had gone. (Fortunately, we didn’t have to wonder for too long.)
However, I’ve also been privileged to watch the coaches prepare a squad of players that has never been at full strength for the entire year, and yet come up trumps more often than not. I’ve seen the work that happens on a weekly basis to specifically prepare for each opponent. (It’s quite a buzz to see something rehearsed and then executed perfectly in a match!)
The results haven’t just happened. They’re the product of hard yakka – and lots of it. They’re also the result of the players buying into and trusting the coach’s philosophy and methods. (Regrettably, I can’t regularly share my training observations during the season proper, and I’m sure that you understand why.)
The great result against the Storm could be season defining.
So as we hit this bye week, I’m one of those fans feeling positive about what we’ve achieved thus far and what lies ahead. My message is one of belief that this team will continue to make you proud to be an Eels fan. I believe that we are finals bound but I’ll make no predictions about where we will finish when the season is done and dusted.
However, when I reflect back on the two-time spoon winning team that Brad Arthur inherited, and the dramas of 2016, haven’t we come a long way!
Over to you now fellow blue and gold fans.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Sixties, I for one am on the same bus as you, of course not having the chance this year to get to the training sessions, and only watching NRL on 9 and one game at ANZ, I am personally more than happy for the way the team is playing and progressing. 4 points seperate us from the 9th placed Panthers, the attack picked up against the Storm, not that a lot gave them credit for, their For and against has narrowed the gap as well. Not bad at all with 7 games remaining as well as the 2 points from the bye round.
Who knows how far we will go this year, for me I see playing in the finals a definate, then like every other team, its a week to week proposition.
So much for a team with a bush coach though, who cannot coach. * just me being facetious **
Appreciate your feedback Colin. There certainly is a lot to be positive about. BA and the players won’t get ahead of themselves, because they do need to get it done one week at a time. But it is a competition, and as fans we can declare our hopes or beliefs about being finalists.
As for BA, the term that you quoted was coined by a “character” from elsewhere doesn’t even need to be referred to here. It never has, nor never will, hold any weight. So let’s not even mention it again.
Go the Eels.
Sixties, it wont be mentioned here again by me, but I hope you appreciate the level of sarcasm that I have said it in rather than being facetious as I suggested.
So very much apologies on that count.
Mate, it’s not a problem. No need to apologise as I understand where you’re coming from.
Your comments are regularly the first on our posts, and often generate as much discussion as the post itself. We appreciate that. Your support of the Eels is there for all to see.
That site is full of “characters ” i hope the intelligent ones come to the intelligent site , there input would be valued without ridicule , theres no doubt this is the most respected and informative “supporters” site in the nrl , the people running this site not only respect the team but also those that genuinely support the team and the club and all those working to restore the district to its rightful place as a premier club !!
Cheers Chika. Really kind words mate and it is the responses that help us to create a site where people know that they can discuss the footy – we really appreciate that.
Chika , I think you will find most from the the character site are already visiting TCT for a dose of intelligent analysis.
thanks for your kind words mate, a reflection of just the sort of site we wanted to create – a place to talk and consume but most importantly support the Eels.
I am proud and happy with where we are at the moment. They are trying as hard as they can , all I’ve ever wanted from them is commitment and for the games I’ve watched live they certainly show that. Unfortunately on TV you can’t always see that. This is the 1st time BA has had the team he wants, people seem to forget last year he thought he had a half and hooker he could build a team around and look how that turned out. He has really chosen well , this year Brown and Gutherson have gone to another level and I put that squarely on BA ‘s shoulders.
If you watched Gutho’s interview on the Sunday footy show, you heard the reason that he came to Parra – BA. By the time he finishes his current contract, only Smith will have coached for longer at the club. I’d hope he smashes Smith’s record, because the football department is heading towards a great period. Forty and I will be examining the junior program soon, but you have to know, the talent coming through is insane! Arthur and Anthony Fields have set about making the junior program the envy of other clubs, and coaches such as Joey Grima are working with the elite within that junior talent group. The results are just beginning to show.
Not quite the team he wanted june but the one hes left with ,degoiss ,scott, kaysa gone for the year ,peni hardly played played same with frank not to mention danny wicks shock retirement but arthur seems to just work harder and thats the mantra of the team and the reason the future is building !
.Chika , by team he wanted I meant contracted players, I know he hasn’t had the team he wanted on the park this year due to injuries.. I swear BA must have broken a few mirrors with his bad luck with injuries.
Totally agree , nearly there bar those injurys etc and here come the best juniors since the 80,s ,good times ahead june .
Chika, they could just about send the NSWCHS team out in blue and gold jerseys this week!
Sixties what a refreshing article. Given all of the disappointments of last season and negatives with injuries and poor refereeing decisions I am very proud of where this team is sitting on the table. I loved the game against the Storm and particularly pleasing to me was the way that our attack performed especially in the first half with our new spine.
I was not aware of the injuries going into the Darwin game but explains a disappointing outcome at TIO Stadium. I think that there is so much upside to this squad with the critical mass of the group signed thru until 2019. There is a lot to look forward to as an Eels supporter and not just this season but for the seasons ahead.
Thanks anonymous and well pointed out about the future. Last year, before the cap dramas, BA was probably a year ahead of schedule. When Jennings was acquired over the Christmas break, we suddenly became a premiership challenger. Of course, we all know about the dramas of last year and having to release key players. So there was an element of re-building this year. I’m optimistic about what this group can do in 2017, but it can only get better.
Sixties this should have read John Eel not Anonymous, sorry. Not wanting to get ahead of ourselves because we have the best of this year to come. This year has been a rebuilding year after the dramas of last year and that is what makes it even more remarkable and exciting. The form of many players has been great however I am particularly excited about Brown and Gutherson. I knew that Brown was hard and had an offload, second only to Sam Burgess last year at South’s, but he has cleaned up his game this year and has been outstanding. What a motor this man possesses.
After last year I knew Guth was skilful and was looking forward to his time in the halves but I am happy with him at Fullback and I believe that he has gone to a new level. It is more than just his skill and endurance his communication and leadership has been outstanding. He is just a natural and intuitive footballer
Anon, I agree totally re Brown, and am converting with Gutho at the back. I was one who wanted to see French persevered with at Full back, with Gutho into the Centres, thinking that Gutho would do ok but French was not a winger.
Since the switch, which also included MJ to the 4 spot, numbers ignored it has really opened the back line up strengthened the defence also, what it has done though is brought out the best in both Gutho and the same with French, he is returned to doing the freakish things he did last year on the wing, and his speed off the mark is something to behold. I sense these kids, which in affect they really are, are going to show out big time in years to come.
With French in particular expect the unexpected, but hopefully a bit more often.
Nailed it Colin.
John, from the moment Brown started training with the team, we knew he meant business. I’ll find some of those training blogs where I used the phrase “Remember this name – Nathan Brown”.
Mate, there is nothing abnormal about wanting to celebrate wins and be in a position to dream about a Sept footy berth. Those of us who have done the hard yards over 40 and 50 years have earned it. No dream stealers here.
Cheers mate. I’m glad that the boys gave you an enjoyable match to attend in Melbourne. Hope to catch up soon.
I really hope BA becomes our career coach. He can be a Bellamy/Bennett for our club. Id love to get to training more often but every time I can, there is no field work on. Haha.
Whether we make the finals or not, I will always be a proud Eels fan. Been through many bad times at with the club and also the good times. Late 80’s and early 90’s. Spoon after spoon. Stuck solid and always will. Even when I wan living in Albury for a year I still made it back every weekend for home games and travelled to away games.
All I ask from the boys is put in 100% effort. That makes me proud. Win or loose. Finals or no finals.
Mate, two posts a week from you – I’m sure the readers of this site understand and appreciate the time that you put into providing fellow fans with a statistical insight.
As you pointed out, as Eels fans, our love of the club is not founded on an abundance of premierships. It runs much deeper than that. Whenever our team gives their all, win or lose, we’re all there cheering.
I agree Colmac I will always support my eels no matter what win / lose / draw.
There was 1 game I went to in the 90’s I was exciteded at Half time we lead the bronco’s 14 / 6
But by full time we lost 60 / 14 that 2nd half was a Barry shocker let me tell you. But being a loyal eels fan I stayed to the end.
#eels4life#
I didn’t expect to be on the back end of some thrashings/ dismal performances this year (48 vs. the Roosters, 32 vs. the Cowboys), although I definitely didn’t expect to be comfortably within the 8 nearing the pointy end. Overall I think BA has the squad playing near full potential with what we have to work with at this stage. This is keeping in mind the injury toll, new spine, mid-season arrival of Moses and average forward rotation.
Quite pleased and it’s truly exciting knowing that we may very well be playing finals footy. I forget what it feels like.
Can see where you’re coming from Jye. That Roosters game was totally unexpected. They prepared as well as I’ve ever seen. To be honest, that Cowboys match was always going to be a big ask as the team was quite busted from the match before.
Still got to get the job done to play finals footy, but they’ve set themselves up for that shot.
Attended to Storm – Eeels match on Saturday night as part of a Boys Weekend..which included Book of Mormon on Friday night, Flemington Races on Saturday arvo – backed one winner and did my dough..had a shocker..Had great time in the Storm Clubhouse, and enjoyed the match thoroughly…loved listening to Storm followers whinging about the ref..Was in awe of the efforts of Clint, Semi, Browny, Bevan and Kenny Edwards. Went to Crown Casino and picked up money dropped at Races.
Big day Sunday which included Markets, more Casino, and watching Canterbury pull off remarkable win over Newcastle –(as a couch potatoe).Train back to Albury this morning, missus picked us up and drove us back to Hay.
Off to bed in ten minutes, don’t expect to be up until 10am Tuesday..
The Eels made me a very happy man. First live game I have seen the Eels in for a couple of seasons….Loved every minute of it.
Bring on 2018…boys weekend….
What a weekend Pete! Good to see that a couple of our readers made it to the Storm clash! Did you and all the Eels fans make plenty of noise? Your missus is obviously an angel who spoils you mate.
Well said Sixties and whatever the naysayers say, I am excited about the next 7 weeks and then hopefully the finals.
Isn’t it great to feel that way for a change mate!
The anticipation has infected me to the point I count down the days of out next game. I even thought there was a team list tomorrow lol.
A great feeling mate. Go Parrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaa
Funny about that Vincent, I almost thought the same too!
I have had several opportunities this year to attend training sessions and must say it’s been really eye opening. Watching the effort on the training field being replicated on game day certainly brings a new level of enjoyment to watching the game.
While not wanting to get too far ahead of myself nor be unduly pessimistic I feel great about where the team stands at the moment. A top 8 finish is never guaranteed but we sit perfectly positioned to do that this year if the team can maintain their composure.
I for one am enjoying being able to dish out a bit of “trash talk” among my non Eels mates this year rather than being the butt of all their jokes.
Watching the preparation and then execution in a match really does add to the fan experience mate. As you said, that spot isn’t guaranteed, but it’s there to grab.
Our senior players have pride in the jersey, that becomes infectious and part of the culture and the younger boys in the squad and junior sides will see and experience this. I remember reading and seeing some social media with many of our senior players supporting our SG Ball players at the final and even our other players who were on rep duty putting up best wishes etc to these young boys. Imagine what this does for the young boys- probably for some Idols who take the time to care. Eventually we will be able to say ‘ the Parra Way’ in a positive light when talking about our team/ club, just like those long term successful clubs such as Melbourne , Roosters and Brisbane.
I know it is often a cliche to say have pride in the jersey but I am convinced our players and coaching staff genuinely do. After the Roosters game the reaction from players on social media was so pleasing. They openly apologised to fans and said we are better than this and will be back. We all have bad days at work and the boys are only human but I think these boys know that as a team they can be something great, not just on the field in the years to come but can restore our pride as a club. They want to represent our club not just play for it. We are no longer a retirement home or transit lounge for footballers. We don’t pay overs for any player and I think in hindsight saying no to Hayne was a BA master stroke. I will not forget ever the joy Hayne delivered for so many Parra fans and do not begrudge him looking after himself financially but we are not a one man team anymore and we are better for it. Great BA leadership again with this. Hayne the player was not what we needed, no matter what the Telegraph and Fox said.
This strength of squad all the way down to the juniors only happens if you recruit and retain the right type of player, not simply a footballer but a team player who wants to be coached,works hard and learns from mistakes. I know the coaching staff have worked with Moses, Brown, Gutho, Norman etc etc but this coaching only works if the player really wants to improve. In my job as a teacher I know that you can only really help / teach someone if they want it. Environment, leadership and talent are very important but often desire to be the best is the difference. For a footy club that is about recruiting the right type of person. We have some people in charge, especially Bernie and BA, who have worked in long term successful clubs and this year is showing me we are headed upwards and finally the strong juniors we have always had might be developed right and come into a strong, professional and dedicated senior group.
So yes looking forward to the rest of the year and hopefully finals but looking forward more to seeing what we can become in the next couple of years. I not only have great hope but also great belief because we have players with the right attitude, desire and willingness to improve being lead by great footy coaches and excellent front office management. A recipe for success and pride.
Shelly ,You and most supporters would be shocked st the amount of junior football BA attends and parents from other clubs have noticed and commented on it most favourably , i dont think many clubs have had a first grade coach so in touch with their juniors as BA is ,ask sixtys .
Chika, would love the other mob to really come to realise just what BA gives to the eels overall.
Doubt that will ever happen mate but like you im hopeful,anyway their the losers there not us .
My family has witnessed this from BA this year. My nephew plays in the Penrith Harold Matts team and his dad , my brother, who like me is a tragic eels fan said that when they played Parra there were about 6 Parra first graders there watching and after the game they went around to all the young Parra boys supporting and giving tips, senior coaching staff including BA, Luke Burt and Nathan Cayless were also there supporting both teams. In fact my brother was so impressed he went up to Bernie Gurr who was also there and said how proud he was as a Parra supporter and member to see it. He also commented that very surprisingly and strange for Penrith there was an absence of senior Penrith coaches/ players at the game, apart from Moylan who coached my nephew at his local club ‘ the comets’. Our club is in good hands.
Shelley, I am pleased that you have witnessed this for yourself. Senior players and coaches, of course including BA can be seen regularly at Junior reps, as will Bernie. You will also see quite a few NYC players there supporting young blokes who were their team mates the previous year’s. Similarly, a Sunday at Wenty has plenty of known faces in attendance. It’s a genuine whole club feel.
Having quality young players come through our system is a key strategy. There are so many that I have little doubt that plenty will play against us for other clubs. But our system will place us in the best position to keep those that we need. Anthony Field and Brad Arthur are key men in ensuring the long term prosperity of the footy department.
Shelley, lovely post, enjoyable reading one I wholeheartedly agree with. The element of the younger players, especially those playing in our rep teams, plus those picked in the junior SOO and Australian teams shows to me finally with the heads of the whole PLC and Eels club, players. coach and management are really putting in at every level.
I used to back in the early 70’s and until moving to the country mid 78 go to almost every one of the then SG, Ball, Flegg, Mathews and Presidents cup games I could, loved to those few who made the 3rds mid season when the junior rep games finished, and watched as some progressed up the ranks as well. Thing is back then there did not seem the same level of senior grades and club officials that were as visible as they could have been, these days its finally changed and the whole club rallies together as they should do.
I see the eels as a real heavyweight before much longer, finally!
Colin, we are just starting to see that surge through the NSW teams, and with some of the younger blokes pushing from SG Ball into NYC. In about 2 – 3 years, that surge will be interesting to watch.
Sixtiesboy yet again mate another good write up.
I hope we stay injury free right until rd 26. But in saying that I now we have players coming back from injury lay off.
Players like Hoffman , Peni , f.Pritchard.
As for the players they are doing everything n more that is asked of them by the coaching staff.
Brown yes Nathan brown that player has to get up his fellow back rowers n helping with the hit ups n run metres. Brown was outstanding yet again. Running over 200 metres n with 25 hit ups.
I’m not going to jump the gun n get to excited about being finals bound. Deep down I’m over the moon but my head is telling me to stay calm. What do you think we be enough points to make the 8 if not 4 ?
Go parra
Thanks Rev. I see 30 points as the minimum target. But if the team keeps focussing on their best preparation for each match, that sort of stuff takes care of itself.
Normally 28 points is enough to make the 8 but this year I feel that it has always looked like the number will be 30. I say that because to date the bottom 8 have not really performed. You have the Tigers and the Knights already mathematically out of the 8 and you have all the teams from the Raiders down needing to basically win the rest of their games bar one. After this weeks Panthers V’s Warriors game you can add another team to that stat.
John. while 30 may be the least that’s needed I actually am thinking that 32 may be the key number, especially with the 2 primary teams behind us on better for and against Penrith and Worriers. The worriers are worse than us with the for and against, outside of those two I see the only team capable of a remote chance is the Raiders, as they are in the + side of the ledger.
Colin I have already counted the raiders out. They basically have to win the rest of their games bar one, they are playing poor football, there is disharmony in the playing group and Ricky is doing what Ricky does. Imploding.
John, don’t want to be around when he implodes as it will make a huge mess.
I would Col, it could be some karma for us and 2013…👍
Job far from done but we are so nicely positioned – great post 60s. And so pleased to hear about the junior development and support – it seems Cameron king is the only junior/isp player promoted to 1st grade this year and without being familiar with who is coming through i was wondering about how healthy the pipeline looked.
Dday, I believe that you are the TCT reader that Miatch met on holidays. Thanks for the feedback via Miatch. Much appreciated.
very good bloke.
Thanks Sixties great post, again. I have not enjoyed the comments of so many excited Parra fans in print ever, so wonderful to feel the mutual hope and appreciation from everyone on the site today.
The genuine joy that our victory over the Storm has generated is infectious and the position it has put us in going forward is tremendous for the tragic’s that are all part of the team here at TCT.
My greatest hope from an individual perspective is that BA gets the recognition he deserves as a coach, man manager and mentor, not only to his players but also to his staff right down through the grades. Without a good commodore the fleet sails without purpose, discipline or unity.
Thanks to everyone for sharing your hope and joy. Go Parra.
Thank you for your positivity mate. Your passion for the Eels is something else. Very pleased to have got to know you!
It will be really interesting to see what happens with Hoffman when he returns. Personally our current backline is my favourite and i love seeing French on the wing. Just a quick note also on something i saw mentioned in the comments – there are quite a few of our big name players off contract at the end of 2019. I know it is a while away but the likes of Gutho, Norman and Moses are all coming off contract in that year (if my memory is correct) and i would love to see certainly gutho and possibly norman extended just that one extra year now or in the next few months to give us that security. Would hate for something like what happened to the tigers happen to us!
So does BA 2019 i reckon solve that first and the rest falls into place .
once we hit the finals I suspect the campaign will start. if it doesn’t, we’ll start it.
Sixties, every year we seem to have a huge injury count while other teams seem to sail thru year with hardly any. Sharks last year hardly had any and won the comp, and there is a direct correlation between few injuries and premiership success.
Do you have any idea as to why we seem to suffer badly every year? My theory, maybe wrongly, is that our small pack has to struggle so hard against the bigger packs that they suffer injuries as a result. Anyway, until we can curtail injuries to an acceptable level, we will forever struggle obtaining higher honours.
This could be on the money Glenn as I think it can take its toll. I also think new wrestling moves by teams contribute no doubt i.e 3 man tackles, with some holding up; and some tackling low, therefore twists etc
Mitchy, your comment with the wrestling type tackles raises an ire in me big time. I see no better example of how a so called legitimate tackle involving two forwards making a tackle than the one that killed Kaysa’s season when Joel Thomson and De Belin were in the tackle. Thomson had Kaysa in a front/side on tackle with his arm around the neck of Kaysa in the tackle Thomson used his weight and arm lock to push Kaysa to the side, De Belin being involved gave impetus in the tackle to assist Thomson in wrestle/swinging Kaysa to the ground with Kaysa’s legs buckled under the weight of both of them crunching his kneew.
When the tackle was completed and Kaysa was on the ground in agony, De Belin jumped away with his arms and hand up in a surrender pose so did Thomson who did get down to see Kaysa whereas De Belin backed away.
No doubt it was deemed a legal tackle but, the main force of the tackle was with Thomson’s arm/crook around the side of Kaysa’s neck that forced him down and sideways, in Wrestling that sort of throw down is usually seen when the wrestler affecting the move has his arms under the opponents arm pit, rather then the neck. That allows the wrestled person to be thrown over on his side with the upper body taking the impact as the legs are straight out.
Its actually worth a look and I have watched it a couple of times and cringe as I watch it, will need to look again.
It was a dry ugly tackle Colin. When it happened you could tell it was going to be bad.
Glenn, there isn’t really a common injury apart from the knee ones. Then, the common factor is often the leg going under the weight of the tackler.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but from my perspective we are rehabbing a number of injured players much better. Players such as Normz, Brown, Gowie, French all returned to the field earlier than expected – and they weren’t rushed.
But we’ve had a large injury toll this year as we have every other year for as long as I can remember. Other teams seem to travel year from year with few injuries. And a lot of our injuries are long term, Fritchard is one that has been absent for most of the year.
I don’t think that there’s a pattern to the injuries, apart from the knees. When you see some of those leg joint injuries happen, it’s not hard to see why – legs getting trapped under a tacklers body is common place.
It seems to me that a “new” type of injury across the NRL is the pec injury – I wonder if the times spent in the gym in the modern game and building muscle size actually could be a detriment with that type of injury.
I seem to remember some years back in regard to how many body builders end up with joint issues owing to the amount of stresses the weights can put on them. They have to watch how much and the methods used in the programs over time. What makes some of the injuries in RL and contact sports end up being worse is that many of the players hurt are often the result of being tackled by heavier and physically stronger players.
While the gym work will work with the general fitness levels of each player, the amount of multi defenders in a tackle these days that are meant to put pressure on the opposition players, every single tackle potentially can put someone out of the game. The tackle on Kaysa is classic, small man being tackled by much larger and stronger players, its the same with the leg pulls and general twists and turns being carried out in every tackle or at least being attempted, the idea is to cause some form of physical pain at a point in the body, in order to slow that player down for the next play or two.
I believe that the wrestle is the worst part of the game at the moment. It adds nothing to the spectacle, slows the game and in my opinion it kills the game for those with a bit of football ability because it slows the PTB so much.
My first love affair with Rugby League came when I watched the Bunnies of the late Sixties early seventies. They would play thru the forwards and tire teams out then at the end they would just throw it to the classy backs and let them do what they do best, score tries, it was great football to watch.
Ironically it was a coach named Leo Nosworthy who devised tactics to break up their reign from 1967 to 1971. He slowed the game with tactics of feigning injury and other things that allowed Balmain led by Peter Provan to win the 1969 GF. I think Arthur Beetson spent more time laying on the ground in that GF than standing.
John, I think the injuries sustained by big Artie was real, as was likely pie related.
Col, couldn’t agree more. I still go back to he team that seemed to introduce this and I’ve had a few arguments with a mate abt this as he coaches some jun reps and it makes me angry. I recall Nathan Cayless getting hurt in a semi against….M….b back when J Taylor had us for half a season.
Nothing of any note has been done…:
Mitchy, the only thing that has changed is the tactics used in the wrestles, and the I mention is classic especially the way it was carried out, a throat high tackle which, while not technically head high, its above the shoulders, and far more dangerous than the way its used by wrestlers. The only consolation with this one, is that it only crunched Kaysa’s knee rather than his neck, and that is if its a consolation.
When it did not come up from the match review I was spewing over it. If nothing else there needed to be something come out from the NRL and I think the Club could have inquired about it.
Funny you mention those throat tackles Col. I recall Trent Barrett being in strife many yrs ago for those head slam tackles not too dissimilar to the throat ones….we have seen so many dangerous tackle through the wrestle come into the game, and I go back to the grapple one which was a disgrace.
I ask which club rightly or wrongly brought these into the game? Some people pee in this coaches pocket, but I’ve been critical of it for yrs…and when I speak to wiser people than I they agree…yet the NRL and refs and media seem to be not fussed by it.
To me it is not football to slow the ruck through any means, whether holding players up; interlocking with elbows; holding the ball etc. it’s boring as watching some halftime entrainment…..
Tackles these days are full of niggles, and often the one who does the niggles gets away with it when a tackled player resents the forearm and elbow in the throat, more than likely as they have a problem breathing.
If these tackles were seen in the same way as the high tackles above shoulder height it may be different. There a huge number of tackles when the defender having the inside of his crocked arm around the jaw and slides down to the throat area., as it not done with a swinging arm once perfected the defender can have the sane affect in the actual tackle in a seemingly innocuous manner, it usualy does cause an injury but can get the tackled player having breathing problems and takes time to get back on his feet to play the ball, gives the opposition team a good time advantage to reset their defence.
The wrestle, the chicken wing and crusher tackle have all come from 1 team, or coach, well south of Sydney. I won’t mention bleak city’s name.
Well said Glenn, and needs nothing added.
Agreed Glenn, have you noticed more tackles around the neck coming back in? they are not hard tackles, but seem to be coming back in even though a while ago the NRL came down hard on them. If fans can see this then why can’t the NRL??
Mitchy, methinks that the NRL are are to release a new media post with a headline photo of three wise monkeys at the top as authorises of it.
Even last year these tackles began to be a problem
The problem is that the referees are grading the high tackles or in other words deciding whether to penalise the act. To mee that is the job of the judiciary.
If it is high penalise it. There was one against Kenny in the last game that really should have been penalised but I think that Kenny has used up all of his Browny points with the referees
Great Read Mr Sixties and you nailed it abt the team factor. I guess resilience is a word that I use abt the payers and clashing staff.
All good and relevant comments here and always like reading Col and Parra Pete what a wkend..!
I just hope we keep the strong kids coming through as we know we are raised at times by the east and Nth shore…but that story is for another day.
I’ve grown in my faith for the team and that comes from last season…all I want to see is consistent toughfooty and the finals will
Take care of themselves.
I’ll say that we’ve one of the best backlines going around…
Cheers Sixties
Mitchy, when I look at the current backline in the main its young, the exceptions being MJ & Hoffman at age 29 Taka 28, then comes Norms at the ripe old age of 26, all those players are on contract till end of 2019. That puts a couple of them being pretty certain of retirement after that, exception may be Norms
Some of the young players in NYC now will no doubt be offered contracts hopefully will mean they will grow well with likely a couple of the senior players having to go back to ISP, but that will no doubt help the young ones along. We currently have 5 backs off contract end of this year, how many will be given extensions in order to be with the younger players, but how many of those young players will push hard this year to ensure they get a promotion to ISP?
Interesting times ahead and as has been said, we may end up losing some and they will be playing against us into the future, so a big responsibility on the head staff as to who to corral and who has to be let go, albeit with sadness.
In all this it is further, not just evidence but proof of where this club is heading to right into the future, its not just shining but its ultra bright to me anyway.
Interesting Col; think Aua’va, Jennings jun, Leiliasano (spelling), Auka….and co would be in line for some spots over the next 2 yrs. Dargan is an interesting one…..interesting to see what they do; and i am sure they will have a plan in place; to even stagger them i.e. re-sign early.
I actually wonder whether the length of those contracts may be somewhat of a stranglehold on the club, looking also at the forwards, all up we have 16 still off contract end of this year, then 10 the end of 2018 before hitting the big year of end 2019 where there is 11 off contract, plus of course Brad Arthor here is the off contract end of 2019 Kenny Edwards, Bevan French, Clinton Gutherson, Josh Hoffman, Michael Jennings, Manu Ma’u, Tim Mannah, Tepai Moeroa, Mitchell Moses, Corey Norman, Brad Takairangi
I would think there would be at least 5 retiring, and fair job to resign the others. What is also so daunting is that included in the 2018 off contracts are Daniel Alvaro, Nathan Brown, Nathan Davis, Isaac De Gois, Suaia Matagi, Jack Morris, Kaysa Pritchard, Beau Scott, Will Smith, Siosaia Vave
One thing with all that is those players you mention from the juniors are certainly on the list that needs to be signed, but there is going to be some interesting jugglings to fit in those to stay and who not, with the possibles and probables list a very nice game of boxes to play.
I think that it is pretty obvious to all that the first step in overcoming the 2019 situation is to get BA extended for another 2 or 3 years.
I think also that it is worth identifying the core players you want to keep into the long term. One that comes to mind straight away is Gutho. I think that if you offer players like him early extensions with an upgrade you can get them for under market value for the back end of their contracts. But this tactic would only apply to certain standout players.
I would expect to see some movement in the off season. By doing it early you take the other clubs out of the equation.
John, agree in total, especially with the coach. As I mentioned there is at least 5 out of the 2019 lot that will finish, if not earlier and one perhaps borderline owing to his age. same with the 2018 lot and end of this year.
The younger up and coming players likely are going to get more a chance to get to the top than in previous years. There’s certainly a bit of sorrow in certain ways with some of them as the changing of the team with losses of players who have come into the club, not just the long term players like Tim Mannah but the imports as well.
The worst for me though is seeing a player like Tim that has given his all for the eels, he’s no real superstar but has shown the way for a long time now, showing signs of injury problems thats affecting him in his game. I just hope he comes good though at his best he’s a valuable and vital cog in the team.
Talent can’t be ignored Col. If they’re good enough, they’ll move them up through the grades.
As players find success, they must be upgraded. Having a happy camp with a stable coaching staff that the players trust and respect helps at contract time. Doubt they’ll leave extensions to the last minute.
Here’s hopping.
Just my view Col but I think at least 3-4 of those 2018 contracts won’t be re-signed. Just my hunch based on age and surplus in some areas.
Scott is one of my favs but I am not sure if he will be ol for next season…IDG? Shame abt him too
I agree MItchy, I doubt we will see IDG or Beau on the paddock again (team wise), especially IDG if he still has concussion issues there’s no way he should consider playing another year as its not worth it. As for Beau, depending on how the surgery goes he could have another year but it would depend on the family and how his young fellow is with his treatments, shame to see either of them go out this way.
One thing that pleases me is that I am glad to have been proved wrong when the eels signed Beau as I thought he was past it, but my memory went back to his herculean effort in SOO at Suncorp, and he has been a wonderfull signing for us.
Yes think you’re right Col. Not sure they will be back. Beau was or is my fav signing of the past few years. We’ve also missed IDG this season and he’s tough as they come.
I think Beau will be hard to replace in many ways, but a player such as he is/was is hard to replace just knowing he’s on the bench and can take the field and his presence lifts all around him. IDG owes us nothing, I had some concerns about aspects of his play but he gave it all.
With a full season out with concussion its a big ask for him to return as he has a family to consider also concussion has an ugly way of coming out later in life and the more recent passing of Chad Robinson could or should be a warning flag to players. Its also something that concerns me with Tim Mannah this year. One thing with both of them their hearts don’t need monitoring just the head knocks and other injuries that I think Tim still has worries with and that is his left shoulder.
I’d punt on Beau Scott going around next year. I reckon he was starting to come into great form just before he got injured.
I sincerelly hope you are right mate in that regard. Maybe the elbow injury is a blessing in disguise as it means he can get back on the park fully recovered from all the other niggles. To me he will also be a big help in working with the young players in developing their strengths especially in tackle techniques.
That’s giving me a 😎👍🏻🇦🇺🍻👏 sixties. Beau is my fav. Toughness and seems a v good bloke and old school….which is us.
Some of the junior talent will be lost Colin. It’s group after group of talented youngsters but Fieldsy has them locked up for years so we will get to keep the ones that fill most immediate or perhaps most important long term needs. It will be interesting and exciting times in the next few years.
There’s little doubt that will happen but with the current coaching staff and what I hear with Bernie they and the players (much from your reports, and thanks) are doing good work in providing the right encouragement to them. Sure we will lose some and they will go well at other clubs, but if we can keep those that will be in key positions to take the eels into the future, with some astute imports to which BA has done a great job with, the eels are in good hands.
Agree about the backline, Mitchy. It’s a potent one, and there’s a couple of blokes just coming back from injury in Auva’a and Hoffman.
This is the Depth that wise ones spoke abt last season…that we were building…
We can hold our head up high again as Eels fans knowing that we are competitive every week, we had a few dark years where every game was painful. What I like most of the BA rebuild is that it is aiming towards sustained excellence and not built around big buys followed by instant success with the inevitable down turn shortly after that success i.e. the Wayne Bennett model. If junior rep squads are a guide, we have great talent coming through and we seem to be keeping the good ones and shedding players who have not come back to bite us as in previous years.
This time of year we usually have the calculator out looking at for & against and who our opponents are playing hoping they lose so we can sneak into the eight. This year I am looking at whether we can get into 4-5th spot, it’s great as a fan. Last year, rather ironically, was probably the best thing that happened to the club. It has allowed a clearing of poor admin and factions and we have come out the other side with a very competitive football side with space in the cap. We have played the transfer market well, on comparative buys we got Moses relatively cheap and a lot of action will come when the Salary Cap is locked in and teams start shedding players, in a buyers market we will have money to spend.
Our attack is the best it’s been in years and defence is improving, I thought defensively we were much better last year largely on the back of De Gois line speed. It’s a bit of the old you don’t what you got till its gone, De Gois was no start but he bought so much to the side that you just can’t coach.
In the Salary Cap era you hear coaches say that you must get $200k players that perform like $400k players and so on, this year we have had King Guth who has been a revelation after a very shaky start and Brown who is nothing short of a machine. When you add some polish like Norman and Moses it makes for a handy side. We are missing one big quality prop upfront and a hooker but I’m sure BA is out there shopping. Cameron King may well develop into the hooker everyone thought he was going to be when he burst onto the scene and we have another bargain buy. If he develops allowing Kaysa to play his Kamikaze style footy from the bench in burst against tired opposition we could well have a great combination.
I did like French at the back with Guth in the centres but again BA pulled the right rein, French’s has really thrived again on the wing. Great post Sixties and thank you to all the TCT boys for the info you provide week to week it is greatly appreciated by use tragics. We are all simply armchair experts who share a common passion for the mighty Eels and it is great to be able to, whether right or wrong, share your opinion and discuss the footy with like minded individuals in a sensible manner.
Cheers
Jimmy, the best reply I can give to your comment is “what he said!” Fantastic summation mate and thanks for your kind words.
always great to have our great readers contribute their takes on our boys. this is a great post for hearing from you guys, rather than just us pushing our thoughts all the time.
thanks for your comments Jimmy.
Sixties, I remember posting a comment on my thoughts when leaving the ground in Wollongong after round 2 against the Dragons.
Can’t recall the comment exactly, but paraphrasing it, I was very excited on what I saw from the exciting Eels, saying even that early in the season that we had our best backline since the glory days. Well as we know after a couple of false starts, the backline has now gone to another level. In the 80s we had a brilliant backline and a hard-working pack that held its own against all other packs, against packs that critics generally regarded as superior. I see all that happening now with this developing and exciting 2017 team.
Am I excited? U betcha!!
It’s interesting that you say that Manginina, because I was only just recently talking to my family and comparing the hard working pack and classy backs of this year to those from the early 80s.
I have a question for everyone…
“Why is Tim Mannah undergoing so many HIA’s and why has he failed a number of them?”
I have always been a Tim supporter and accept that every team needs a fair share of no fuss, no nonsense players who can be relied upon to get through their hit ups and tackles. But I am concerned at the frequency and of late his failing the test as he did again in the Storm game.
Is it a technique problem with his running or tackling?
How many times this year has he had a gash to the eye brow (no I am not going to go there) this year?
It just “feels” dis proportionate to others, not just for the Eels but in general?
Am I missing something or am I seeing something that isn’t there?
I should also make it clear that I am concerned in two ways here.
There is the team perspective but most importantly Tim’s long term health!
I can’t answer, but I’m sure both Tim, the coaches and the medical staff wouldn’t be ignoring it. We can only wish him a better finish to the year with regard to these injuries.
something on a lot of people’s minds no doubt. hoping he avoids further HIAs, because they’re becoming unusually regular.
Yes agreed Abt Tim. Like many I am
Concerned too and imo he looks smaller than the beginning of the season or I may be wrong…
Earlier comment abt hookers. If King does well along with Smith and then KP comes back, could this be our hole filled? I’ve seen v good aspects to King and just my view but he is my type of hooker without the 100miles an hour style is what we need. Then Smith comes on and does his things. Kings kicking is looking ok too…and some younger hookers coming along too; we just need to sign them up..& and I mean Schneider and Stone
Mitchy, what is Stones best position ATM, and then heading into the future?
I was very impressed with what I saw of him in the second half of the SOO rep game he played in, and seems he has been preferred in front of Morris at Wenty of late. Given the early wraps on Morris and seeing him train with the big boys and now mainly a bench player with younger and more unknowns getting runs in front is an interesting situation.
Mate think Sixties is much better to answer abt Stone. But from what I hear he is a possible back rower / even hooker. Have heard some v promising things about him and I’d like to see him play ISP.
Morris too. Another one who I’ve heard good things about.
The impressive thing about Stone is that he hasn’t skipped a beat since his elevation to ISP. I’ve had it said to me that he just looks like a BA type of player, in that he he’s a tough player who gives you 100% effort and plays smart in doing so. He’s going to benefit from an NRL pre-season. He plays with a physicality already – meaning he imposes himself in the contest. I think his recent short stints at dummy half provide him with another string to his bow.
Sixties, thanks for that feedback on Stone and I hope he continues the progression, can you provide age and physical size etc? Thanks
Colin, Ray has just turned 20 in June. I spoke to him at training recently and he said he was sitting at around 95 kgs. I don’t have data about his height, but I’d put it at around 5’10” or so from talking to him (I’m about 6’1″). The thing about Ray is that he plays with power. If someone asked me whether he is big enough, I’d say he’s powerful enough.
Sixties, thanks, Not a bad size really for a a young player, 95Kg is not huge but if his frame is used well and as you say he plays with power, it means he is using his body right and adds to his power.
Height puts him at a size between Kaysa and King, and weight closer to King but much heavier than Kaysa. If we looked at the size of backrowers in the past he sits comfortably even at his young age in that arena. Looking forward to seeing him play.
I’ve spoken to Stoney a couple of times recently and stood quite close at when he came off against Blacktown. He is definitely taller than me by about an inch maybe I.1/2 “. I’m 5’11”. So he is a good 95kg on a frame that is quite broad and raw boned and could carry another 5kg of punishing power into his tackles and carries.
He’s therefore shorter than most back rowers but potentially as tough as Gilly, Higgs neither of whom were any taller and Price who was about an inch taller.
Rowdy, he’s in company with those players. Seems that with the overall size of todays players we tend to forget just how small many of the players in the past was. For those with the calculation tables, I can remember when a prop was big if he weighed over 16stone, most big 2nd rowers were around the 14 stone mark and locks 13 or a bit more.
King simply looks like he belongs in first grade. It feels that simple.
I’ve been very impressed, feels like we have a couple of legitimate options at 9 all of a sudden and don’t need to go to market after all. huge bonus for us.
I’m very pleased for Kingy mate. It would have been hard reading the market place conjecture, but he has taken his opportunity with both hands.
Boys it took me 3 minutes to scroll down and be the one hundred and third poster, and I’ve onnly come on to congratulate The Cumberland Throw on just talking footy.
Thanks to Sixties, Miatch, forty Colmac and the rest of the tct crew for giving up their time to put together some brilliant posts that we the fans really enjoy reading.
We’ll Done ! 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
thanks mate – appreciate you reading. we just love talking footy here at The Throw.
Chief, many thanks. That’s all we’ve aimed to do from day 1. It’s a passion project for everyone involved, in much the same way that all of the readers are passionate about the Eels.
I’ll second that Chief. After all talkin’ footy is what footy fans do. Isn’t it? Thankfully, we can’t and don’t always agree with our opinions on the makeup of this weeks team, who should play where, the structures we’d like to see or the recruitment we need and players that should be retained or punted and the myriad other issues around thsi “Simple Game”? but we can all be enthusiastic and confident about our club’s direction and potential to play finals footy. Maybe even for some years to come!
But a point I’d like to make is this. I’ve lived long enough to observe and appreciate certain things that accompany prolonged success. It is as much about how as it is about what! Steady, consistent and patient growth is the most rewarding and least disruptive system to be a part of whether it be in sport, business, social activities or family life. It provides a soothing calmness of expectation when the pressure is on. When you know what has gone before to bring you to the present. You believe it will put you in good stead to climb the next mountain.
BA has been the catalyst and the leader for that in our club. There is a confidence in our club right across every area of participation from the board down to the fans. This site reflects that expectation and hope and is enjoyed by not just us contributors but also administrators, players, sponsors and the coaching staff. I have found TCT to be a place where we can all encourage one another, it is edifying compared to the alternative. TCT, like BA is no accident. They are both part of our great future!
Go Parra!!!
Thanks Rowdy.
What a tremendous perspective about the way BA has set about building, or should I say re-building, the club. There hasn’t been anything instant, except for his expectation from day 1 that the team would try to win every match.
Finding that mix of seasoned players and youth has been essential.
Having skilled and dedicated staff that were on the same page was important, but BA made sure that his staff weren’t just yes men. They bring something to the table as coaches in their own right.
The junior program will have benefits long into the future.
A number of years ago a wise man spoke to me about the changes that would be brought about in the way we go about our junior business. We are in extremely good hands right now.
The incredible thing about TCT has been the number of people that I’ve got to know through this site and the footy. Very happy to call you a mate Rowdy.
Rowdy, great post, and says it all.