Eels 30 – Titans 8
Crowd – Bugger all (officially 6,826)
The Eels got back on track by putting on a much improved performance over the hapless Gold Coast Titans.
Although it wasn’t a “game for the ages”, the Blue and Golds got the job done and as I write this we sit in the top 4. C’mon Cowboys beat those Sharkies!
With a ridiculous injury toll, the Titans were gallant, but the Eels had much more class and showed far more with the ball. Parra’s online defence was first class, especially in the second half when the Titans piled on set after set. Although the Eels finally broke, it was something like the 7th (off memory) set of 6 in a row that the Titans had.
It was a match that saw the Eels have a number of tries denied, and a bagful of try scoring opportunities squandered.
So let’s look at the Stats that matter for Parramatta.
Score Flow
Parramatta Eels | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
H | Minute | Name | Event | Score |
1 | 9 | T.Moeroa | TRY | 4 – 0 |
1 | 11 | M.Moses | CONVERSION | 6 – 0 |
1 | 24 | D.Alvaro | TRY | 10 – 0 |
1 | 26 | M.Moses | CONVERSION | 12 – 0 |
2 | 44 | W.Smith | TRY | 16 – 0 |
2 | 45 | M.Moses | CONVERSION | 18 – 0 |
2 | 52 | S.Radradra | TRY | 22 – 0 |
2 | 54 | M.Moses | CONVERSION | 24 – 0 |
2 | 63 | B.Nakubuwai | TRY | 24 – 4 |
2 | 64 | T.Roberts | CONVERSION MISS | 24 – 4 |
2 | 77 | W.Zillman | TRY | 24 – 8 |
2 | 77 | K.Elgey | CONVERSION MISS | 24 – 8 |
2 | 79 | W.Smith | TRY | 28 – 8 |
2 | 80 | M.Moses | CONVERSION | 30 – 8 |
Full Time Stats
Team Stats | ||
---|---|---|
43 | Possession (%) | 57 |
23/31 (74) | Complete/Total Sets (%) | 33/38 (87) |
36:13 | Time – Opposition Half | 44:28 |
15:21 | Time – Opposition 20 | 19:43 |
1847 | Metres Gained | 1940 |
3 | Scrum Win | 7 |
4 | Goal Line Dropout | 1 |
8 | Penalty Conceded | 9 |
0 | Forty Twenty | 0 |
This is a prime example of the stats not telling the whole story. When looking at these numbers you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Titans got away with an easy victory. The Gold Coast led on all major stats and still only put on 2 tries. All things considered, it makes the Eels effort look more impressive wouldn’t you think?
1st Half Stats
Team Stats | ||
---|---|---|
51 | Possession (%) | 49 |
16/20 (80) | Complete/Total Sets (%) | 14/19 (74) |
15:35 | Time – Opposition Half | 24:33 |
8:33 | Time – Opposition 20 | 4:46 |
1154 | Metres Gained | 1025 |
2 | Scrum Win | 0 |
2 | Goal Line Dropout | 1 |
5 | Penalty Conceded | 6 |
0 | Forty Twenty | 0 |
The 1st half was fairly even stats wise. Parramatta utilised their time in the Titans 20 metre zone a lot more effectively than the Titans. Furthermore, the ascendancy was evident in the metres gained, whilst the completion rate pointed to a team which was far more focussed than the previous week.
2nd Half Stats
Team Stats | ||
---|---|---|
33 | Possession (%) | 67 |
7/11 (64) | Complete/Total Sets (%) | 19/19 (100) |
20:38 | Time – Opposition Half | 19:55 |
6:48 | Time – Opposition 20 | 14:57 |
694 | Metres Gained | 915 |
1 | Scrum Win | 7 |
2 | Goal Line Dropout | 0 |
3 | Penalty Conceded | 3 |
0 | Forty Twenty | 0 |
Wow, what a massive turnaround. The tale of two halves was told via the Possession and Complete sets stats. The 2nd half influenced the total game stats and showed the Titans dominance with the ball. For over 50% of the second half the Eels were stuck in their own territory as a flood of possession went the Titans way. What this doesn’t show is the awesome defensive effort the Eels put on to deny the Titans further points. It was outstanding and a great sign that the boys were playing for each other.
Attack
Top 5 Runs | ||
---|---|---|
Name | R | |
M.Boyle | 16 | |
N.Brown | 16 | |
R.James | 14 | |
N.Peteru | 14 | |
L.Pulu | 14 |
Top 5 Run Metres | ||
---|---|---|
Name | RM | |
S.Radradra | 255 | |
K.Auva’a | 170 | |
M.Boyle | 134 | |
M.Ma’u | 131 | |
N.Brown | 123 |
With the Titans dominance in the second half, it was logical that they would figure highly in the runs stats. But their lack of go forward was a primary concern with all that ball. Was this due to the fact their forwards lacked ‘punch’ or was this the result of a very formidable Eels defence? In all likelihood it was equal parts both.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it was another high performance from Nathan Brown with ball in hand. This bloke is a machine who owns his role. What a massive motor. Well done again Browny!
Only four Eels made 100 metres or more, though these individual numbers were big. Another Eel (Will Smith)returned a stat in the 90’s. Considering the fullback role was split, that was a nice result from him. The Titans had five players making 100 metres or more.
Semi Radradra | 255m |
Kirisome Auva’a | 170m |
Manu Ma’u | 131m |
Nathan Brown | 123m |
- Will Smith 97m
Line Breaks
Eels – 6
Titans – 2
Run Metres
Eels – 128 runs for 1351 metres
Titans – 160 runs for 1275 metres
Set Starts
(running left to right >>>>)
Eels
The Eels had it a bit tougher with the set starts. Obviously there were five starts from kick offs but the Titans made our job difficult with most sets starts from our own 20 metre area.
Titans
Again this is more influenced by the second half. Set after set were commenced by the Titans at the Parra line. And only once they could get through the Eels steadfast defence. The other try came from going around the Eels (dare I say tiring) defence in the latter stages.
Hit Ups
Eels
Titans
The Titans Hit Up heat map reflects that of the Eels over the past 2 months. It’s a map which is reflective of possession and territory, rather than the result, as it is heavily influenced by the second half.
Tries
Moeroa (9’)
Alvaro (24’)
Smith (44’)
Radradra (52’)
Smith (79’)
Kicks
Again this week’s kicking was a bit off. Maybe we have been spoilt over the last month or so or maybe its been a change in tactics from BA. Looking at Moses’ play, he created opportunities without needing to run much with the ball. Although his kicking was a bit down, it was a considerable improvement on the previous week.
Kicking Metres
Eels – 14 kicks for 496m
Titans – 25 kicks for 666m
Corey Norman
5 kicks for 203 metres
Mitchell Moses
8 kicks for 237 metres
Defence
Top 5 Tackles | ||
---|---|---|
Name | TAK | |
C.King | 46 | |
D.Alvaro | 40 | |
N.Peats | 38 | |
N.Brown | 36 | |
M.Boyle | 34 |
Top 5 Missed Tackles | ||
---|---|---|
Name | MT | |
M.Ma’u | 6 | |
J.Greenwood | 6 | |
C.King | 5 | |
T.Roberts | 5 | |
M.Moses | 4 |
It was another great defensive effort from Cameron King who has developed and improved his game 10 fold since becoming the starting hooker. It hasn’t taken him long to become a quality 80 minute player and find his feet in helping to guide the side around the park.
Although Manu may have topped the missed tackle count, his defensive effort cannot be questioned. The Titans ran a lot of traffic down his edge and even if he didn’t complete his tackle, his first contact was significant enough to slow the attacker down and for others to complete the tackle.
Nine Eels made 20 or more tackles.
Tackles | Missed Tackles | Ineffective Tackles | |
Eels | 349 | 31 | 9 |
Titans | 267 | 26 | 13 |
Discipline
Penalties Conceded
Eels – 8
Titans – 9
Errors
Eels – 15
Titans – 5
I was asked from the Titans Preview post what the stats were from Penalties Awarded. So including last night we have conceded 149 penalties this year and been awarded 131 penalties.
So where do we sit in relation to other sides? At the end of Round 23, we sit in 13th spot with penalties awarded (122). Cowboys lead with 167 penalties awarded and the Roosters are 16th with 112 penalties awarded. With penalties given away, we sit 5th with 141 conceded. Manly top the count with 157 conceded whilst Tigers are well disciplined with only conceding 117 penalties. I hope that answered that question for you.
All in all this was a pretty solid effort. For those thinking we didn’t really do that well considering who we played, have a look at the 2nd half numbers.
The so called ‘experts’ saying that wasn’t really a top 4 team’s effort, need to look at these second half statistics. If it was a Broncos or Storm team they would’ve praised it till the cows came home. OK and Cowboys too speaking of cows.
I applaud the boys second half efforts and I’m happy for the Eels to not receive any recognition and to just keep flying under the radar. Let the experts put more pressure on the other teams in the top 4.
Refereeing? Yes there were some crazy decisions from Referee Atkins but again these are things we can’t control. Importantly, we must not cross the line with our frustrations. Kenny Edwards’ antics towards the officials were momentarily funny but on reflection, disrespectful. Just celebrate with your team mates and don’t worry about the ref’s rulings.
So, after getting back onto the winner’s podium we now await this weekend’s results to see if we finish top 4 this weekend.
I cannot wait for next Thursday’s clash against the Broncos. The last meeting was close to being the match of the year, and I don’t see this one playing out any differently. All Queensland based Eels fans should get to Suncorp for this one. I know I’m trying to reschedule my commitments so I can get up there.
Go You Mighty Eels.
STAT ATTACK PLAYER OF THE WEEK
CAMERON KING
After looking across the stats I had a few players in mind. Browny and Ma’u led but I finally went with Cameron King.
‘Kingy’ has been outstanding of late and, as previously mentioned, has turned into a quality 80 minute player for the Eels.
I still remember his first game a few weeks back – he was absolutely buggered after 60 minutes. He gave his all in that 60 and left nothing in the tank. But since then, Kingy has advanced his game and is now a stand out 80 minute player and his dummy half service has been second to none.
His defensive work is first rate and his attack is starting to flourish, with his running game improving as he becomes more and more confident with his role in the team.
Congrats Kingy – keep it up. Well done!
Possessions | 88 |
Runs | 4 |
Run Metres | 37m |
Line Break Assists | 1 |
Try Assists | 1 |
Kicks | 1 |
Kick Metres | 56m |
Tackles | 46 |
Minutes Played | 80 |
King’s Runs
- Colmac
- Stats courtesy of Champion Data. All these stats and more can be viewed on our match centre at http://mc.championdata.com/nrl/ including live game stats.
- Champion Data
- Follow @championdatanrl
- mc.championdata.com/nrl/
Nice write up mate. I’m really enjoying watching Cameron King play. He does all the little things right and he has a bit of skill in his game as well. Not to mention how good it is to see him finally get some luck with injuries(touch wood😂)
Picking a player of the week is getting harder and harder to do with so many of the team contributing. Mau, Brown, Polar, Moses and Jennings could equally won the title this week.
The big ticket for me with Kingy is his ability to get a decent kick away from dummy half. It’s only a matter of time before he lands a 40/20 so I’m crossing everything that it’s next week V the Broncos, leading into the match winning play where King opens his account with a 4 pointer from dummy half.
Geez…won’t I look like Nostradamus if that’s how it plays out!
He’s already got a 40/20 in the bag, but I’m expecting another. He’s been unlucky not to bag a try thus far.
Due to injury we had run out of hookers. BA went to the Wenty wishing well and came up with Kingy.
Due to injuries to our two fullbacks he has gone to the Wenty wishing well again and has come up with Will Smith.
Hope he is as successful as Kingy
This was an amazing defensive effort in the second half. We got the rub of the green with Semi’s try, but I thought quite a few bounces and 50/50 calls didn’t go our way. It was a really strange game to watch at times.
Thanks for the penalties stats Colmac – rather confirmed what I thought re the Eels, but surprised by some of the other teams!
Like the Tigers being least penalised?