Parramatta Eels 0
The Bye 0
The Good: |
It was a game of two halves, but we were the better team in the end. The boys all pulled together and our blend of youth and experience came up trumps when the siren sounded. Thankfully the forwards laid the platform, giving our backs plenty of room to move out wide. |
The Bad: |
Full credit to The Bye, they came to play and in many ways are the benchmark for non-existent rugby league teams in the NRL. Still, in reality we only just came away with a win against a side who is yet to register a single win in Season 2017. We need to be better than that.
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X-Factor: |
Our tendency to put the cue in the rack when up by plenty will continue to hurt us – we need to learn to play the full 80 minutes.
On another note, I cannot believe we did not receive a single penalty – what do we need to do? After such a damning statistic comes out, surely the calls for Tony Archer’s sacking will only grow louder. Ridiculous performance from the men in the middle.
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The MVP:
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As always, I can’t think any time this week when regular MVP candidates like Nathan Brown or Gutho put a foot wrong, and I thought Mitchell Moses did everything possible this week to get the two points.
However, at the end of the day, Brad Arthur’s preparation and tactics got us the result tonight, so he gets my nod for MVP this week. |
The Starters
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1- Clinton GuthersonFullback, Parramatta Eels Another super game from King Gutho, particularly in defence. And attack. |
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2- Semi RadradraLeft Wing, Parramatta Eels He didn’t score a try, but I thought Bula was very solid under the high ball, not dropping a single bomb all night. |
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3- Michael JenningsRight Centre, Parramatta Eels Jenko’s maturity and experience shone through tonight, and in many ways it was his cool head under pressure that lead us to another narrow victory. With that said, I don’t remember him touching the ball once. |
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4- Brad TakairangiLeft Centre, Parramatta Eels Seems to be playing injured, but put in another terrific performance, getting through a mountain of work. |
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5- Bevan FrenchRight Wing, Parramatta Eels Another magical game from French Fries. Some of the things he does out there blow me away, an outstanding talent and a big reason we got the two points tonight. |
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6- Corey NormanFive-Eighth, Parramatta Eels Yeah, nah? Yeah. |
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7- Mitchell MosesHalfback, Parramatta Eels Syndes-Moses seems to growing ever more comfortable in the Eels’ number 7 jersey, and his combination with Corey grows each week. He’ll no doubt be looking forward to our match up with his old club next week. |
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8- Daniel AlvaroProp, Parramatta Eels I don’t really remember anything spectacular he did for us tonight, but then again I can’t really recall anything bad he did either. Very Alvaro. |
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9- Cameron KingHooker, Parramatta Eels Thought he was brilliant tonight doing all those things he did. You know the ones I mean. |
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10- Tim Mannah (c)Prop, Parramatta Eels When Tim Mannah goes down for a HIA against a non-existent opposition, you know something’s not right. Hope he’s alright for next week. |
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11- Manu Ma’uBack Row, Parramatta Eels Tormented the opposition all night, both with his aggressive play and terrifying death stares. |
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12- Kenny EdwardsBack Row, Parramatta Eels Not a single bone headed play from Kenny tonight. More of this please, Mr. Edwards. |
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13- Nathan BrownLock, Parramatta Eels No man gets through more work than this robot. Extend the robot’s contract already. Give him all the money. |
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Interchange
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14- David GowerInterchange, Parramatta Eels Another solid showing from the Good Doctor Gower, not missing a single tackle all game. You probably won’t hear anyone praising his contributions tonight, however. |
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15- Tepai MoeroaInterchange, Parramatta Eels Was quite the presence out there tonight, and you could tell The Bye were becoming increasingly intimidated by the threat of a big hit from Tepai. With that said, the zero running metres are a big concern. |
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16- Suaia MatagiInterchange, Parramatta Eels Made some game changing plays that I don’t need to rehash. You know what I’m talking about. |
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17- William SmithInterchange, Parramatta Eels Played his role perfectly. Not much more you could ask for from a back up hooker. And besides, he’s really good looking. |
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I’ve always said I’ll take the two points however we can get them. It wasn’t pretty, but we got the win. Good to see us come away injury free for once, too.
… yes, I know this doesn’t make up for missing last week’s Post Game Grades.
Go you Eels,
Mitch.
Photos courtesy of the Parramatta Eels. Non-existent stats courtesy of Champion Data.
It wasn’t the prettiest tonight but we did well to hang in there and get the win against a top quality bye outfit. I’m sure BA and the boys will take an extensive look at the tape though and have them firing again for next weeks game.
The video session should be interesting. A lot of nervous players I would think.
I know it ended up a lot closer than it needed to be but I think it was really never in doubt.
I must admit I was pretty nervous in the middle part of the second half. Hopefully such lulls are gone before we face an actual rugby league side next week.
I think BA’s decision to inject Will Smith into the game when he did was a master stroke. The opposition were clearly distracted and put off their game plan by his incredible good looks. This gave us a much needed opportunity to regain the ascendency in the 68th minute.
only Daniel Mortimer can hold a candle to his boyish good looks.
I think BA used the bench to perfection and the re-shuffled attacking structures when Tim went off certainly caught The Bye off guard.
I found myself laughing as they seemed to struggle to even work out where the ball was with some of the set plays we didn’t use.
And what about that haircut on the # 17 for The Bye? Made The King look like a fashionista for a change.
I can’t wait for our next game so we can get serious up against a real team that will provide the boys with the best chance to hone their skills as we rush towards September.
it would do you well to use his Christian name, thank you very much JonBoy. Nonetheless I agree re his haircut; The Bye certainly play dirty, and their haircuts are even worse.
ps “set plays we didn’t use” made me laugh out loud.
Refs were a joke once again….we never seemed to be in the match, and the ruck..? Please cannot wait for BA press interview…? I’ll pay the $10k if I can scrounge it up. Sparky the EEL was even about to get on the field and give the ref some Fishermans friends to hope he’d stop blowing the whistle. There’s got to be an investigation…Toovey style.
agreed. how on earth we go a full round without a penalty is beyond me. ridiculous.
Last time we met the bye we moved into the top eight. This time we climb up to seventh spot on the ladder. The bye has been good to us.
indeed. a wily adversary nonetheless.
The bye is my second favourite team. I proudly wear its jersey when I mow the lawn or take out the rubbish for council pick-up. The neighbours think me mad!
always good to support the underdog. can see where you’re coming from, but personally I prefer the knights – seem to be struggling more than The Bye at the moment.
I didn’t get to see the game mitch but I have always trusted your appraisal of the game and the players. I was so pleased to see Kenny seems to have turned the corner and look forward to his valuable contributions as we hopefully zoom towards our first finals appearance in too long a time…go you eels !
Thanks Conway, good to have you reading. Make sure you watch the replay or at least the highlights. Some must see footy on there.
Lucky to get the 2 tonight but that’s all that matters. Hope we don’t hear about how the bye had all of their origin stars out
It’s amazing they’re so well represented with their poor form this year. Probably explains why QLD won again.
Mitch, a hard match to call let alone write up. Like the mateship Mr Arthur has introduced to the team and this is growing as we move up the ladder. Great effort from all on the paddock.
Thanks mate.
How about a bit more love for the Bye Miatch.
Consider this:
1. Their entire season is compacted in and around Origin.
2. They are drawn to face up to 8 teams during these rounds.
3. They are not allowed to play for points.
4. They receive virtually no accolades for their role in the premiership.
If ever an organisation has received a raw deal from the NRL, it’s the Bye.
One day justice will be served for “The Birdies”
Anyone know why we are looking for a new high performance manager.
Is that the Cougar’s position
I don’t believe so anonymous.
The bye has recruited well for next year, expect Moses Mbye to be announced shortly.
Sorry, just had to 😂😂
He’s not going to Anly?
There is some talk about Sam Thiaday joining Mbye too.