Round 26 Drink of choice – Johnny Walker Black Label

You know what? That was a fitting way to close out our regular season campaign. Did I like it? Nope. Was it reflective of where this young and exciting team are at? Most definitely. If the freewheeling victory over the Broncos in Round 25 was a statement win, this week’s win was a statement of how much growth there still is in this team. They can aim up and go blow for blow with some of the best in the competition but by the same token they fight and claw their way to what were otherwise seemingly simple victories on paper.

It is why I plan to enjoy the finals for what they are – a reward for a team that has scrapped its way through injury and (on-field) immaturity. Whatever may come, our drought-breaking campaign into the finals is going to be a significant step forwards for Brad Arthur and his men.

This whole introduction has been unusually serious so let’s start to cut loose and celebrate the fact that not one but TWO of our teams have finished a long and hard season in the Top 4!

The NRL/NYC Top 4 Double

To put the cherry on top of an already outstanding season for fans, Luke Burt’s troops in the NYC secured a berth in the Top 4 on the back of a 40-26 victory over the Rabbitohs tonight. They need to wait on results involving the Dragons and Panthers to ascertain their final spot on the ladder but as it stands they can finish as high as second or as low as fourth.

Burt and his young men deserve plenty of credit for such a high finish for although the squad is rich in talent it is extremely lacking in experience. Only 8 of the 17 players involved in the Round 26 victory are turning 20 this year. While 4 of the remaining 9 were eligible for the SG Ball this year. Dylan Brown, the halfback-come-fullback who played a starring role tonight, is barely 17!

Fortunately they have the experience in the right positions to make a real tilt at the title with 3 of their senior players from tonight holding spine positions in Troy Dargan, Dean Matterson and Denzal Tonise. Following their journey through the post-season is going to be nearly as exciting as that of their senior brethren!

Eels find an extra gear for premiership rivals, grab the handbrake for ‘easybeats’

If 2017 has shown us anything, it is that the Eels are guilty of playing down (or up) to their opposition. That was frustratingly on full display tonight when the Eels eked out a 22-16 victory over a vastly understrength South Sydney outfit. To the credit of the Rabbitohs the definitely aimed up after the walloping they suffered at the hands of the Storm. They ran with purpose and worked hard in defence. It was honestly a genuinely commendable effort to close out a poor season for Michael Maguire and his rag tag bunch of footballers.

The Eels however played with little patience and intent. While we are definitely one of the most threatening teams in the NRL when it comes to producing explosive plays, our best football has come when we have rolled up our sleeves and worked to a clinical kick from Corey Norman or Mitchell Moses. That was not on show at all tonight. Pushed passes, errant offloads and flimsy tackle attempts were instead the norm.

When the Eels did show a modicum of composure to work their way into the red zone the Rabbitohs invariably wilted – which made the whole ordeal all the more frustrating!

The good news is that from here on out all we are facing are Top 8 teams!

Winter springs eternal for the Polar Bear

The turn of seasons has done little to harm the form of Daniel Alvaro. 14 runs for 139m and 39 tackles (3 missed) capped off a polished effort for the rising bookend. Alvaro has proven adept at managing both starting and bench roles in recent weeks and is enjoying a genuine breakout season. While the Eels still lack a game-breaking presence through the middle, Alvaro is fast becoming the mortar to the brick that is Nathan Brown.

I swear that sounded cooler in my head.

Beau Knows Finals

It was a quiet return to action for Beau Scott but the importance of his availability should not be underestimated. The Eels are desperately short on finals experience and Scott is one of the few seasoned campaigners that Brad Arthur has at his disposal. Parramatta are going to need every ounce of his veteran wile around the ruck and I dare say he will be lightning rod to absorb as much of the media pressure that will be placed on this team in the coming week or two.

Contested catches win matches

At one end of the field you had Kirisome ‘Somi’ Auva’a struggling to reel in a number of contested catches as the Rabbitohs peppered him all night. At the opposite end we saw Semi Radradra leap up and practically tear the ball out of the grasp of Campbell Graham to score the match winner. It is no secret that Somi has struggled under the high ball, particularly when he is forced to leave the ground. He is yet to nail down the timing of his jumps and lacks the nuanced body control that seasoned wingers possess in order to box out opposition jumpers.

Craig Bellamy has plenty of tape at his disposal to work out a very simple game plan for next Saturday so there is little doubt what Auva’a will be spending his coming days doing.

French Revolution

Will Smith has been more than capable filling in at fullback over the last few weeks but I will gladly welcome Bevan French back for all the small things next week, fitness pending. From his sensational kick coverage to his ability to work sideline to sideline in the last line of defence, French can provide the 1% effort plays that could prove to be the difference against the juggernaut that is the Melbourne Storm.

The Final Word

What more is there to say at this point? Sit back and enjoy the ride folks. Yes the odds are stacked against us, even with our Top 4 finish, but we only need 3 wins from here on out. Any given Sunday may be a catch cry of American Football but it very much applies to the coming weeks. All you need is 80min to knock off anyone in sudden death footy – even the Storm.

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