The Cumberland Throw

The Tip Sheet – Episode 6: Tim Mannah, Parramatta Eels Captain

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The Cumberland Throw are proud to present their first player interview in The Tip Sheet series as Tim Mannah joins Sixties and Forty20 for Episode 6.

Mannah shares the joy of representing Lebanon at the Rugby League World Cup before reflecting upon the troubling times of 2013 at the Eels for himself and the team. From reuniting with some familiar faces in the Blue & Gold in 2018 to the evolving role of the prop, join us for a great mix of footy insight with a splash of squad humour and some neat Lebanese cuisine recommendations!

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32 thoughts on “The Tip Sheet – Episode 6: Tim Mannah, Parramatta Eels Captain

  1. Gazzamatta

    Tims form throughout the Word Cup was insane. Cant wait to see how that transitions into season 2018. Very interesting to hear Tim speak of his areas requiring improvement namely offloads. Any player looking to act on this skill becomes a far greater threat to the defence.
    Lets go Tim. Bring it.
    Great interview Team TCT.
    Thanks.

    1. sixties

      Thanks Gazzamatta. We’re really grateful that Tim was so open with his answers. We mentioned that Tim had already spoken to us about the need for the team to be better. It was then a matter of taking that further by asking how individuals go about improving.

  2. Manginina

    Thanks fellows. Your brilliant reports and interviews get me excited about 2018. Early days I had been feeling a little bit concerned about the coming season for some reason. My confidence levels have been well and truly lifted!

  3. Rowdy

    Well, 40 and 60’s, that was an excellent relaxed and informative 31 minutes.

    I had a sense that Tim was very comfortable throughout the interview, it really brought me into the discourse as a participant rather than just an outsider listening in. Thank you boys!

    The reference made concerning the development of the team across all players is a factor that has been obvious through observing our new specialist fitness and functions of balance over small and medium hurdles, running technique and balance etc.

    Regarding the training we do see (as opposed to that which we don’t see behind closed doors) being directed by Lachlan W. and the continuing skills under the coaching and innovation of Joey Grima are real coaching that might previously have been left behind when athletes progressed into the senior ranks.

    Timmy’s Faith, Family, Footy and Food priorities ring a pleasing tone to me also.

    1. sixties

      Thanks Rowdy. Tim was brilliant and didn’t hesitate when we requested an interview. I must also thank the football department for welcoming us and providing the space for the interview.
      I can’t speak highly enough about the coaching and staff at Saleyards. But the strongest advocate of the Eels staff will ultimately be the players and their performances.

  4. Shelley

    Fantastic insight, especially regarding how much the club has grown from a players perspectives. From the outside looking in as a supporter I have so much respect for Tim Mannah. He has dealt with many events both as a footy player, club captain and of course most importantly his brother’s illness with absolute class, integrity and honesty. The ability to take something from a terrible situation and make a real difference is an admirable quality. On the field he gives his all every game and protects his fellow players when they are attacked, questioned etc by journalists. No wonder the players respect him.

    It is pleasing to hear him talk about improving. As a team we simply have to otherwise we will go backwards and being one of our main leaders he knows that actions speak louder than words.

    On a side note, I could not imagine many clubs, if any, allowing players and coaches to be interviewed and recorded to be placed on a fans website that they do not control. It is a testament to the professionalism and intelligence that is evident with the club management who obviously approved of these interviews. First they must trust the site and the interviewers but they also realise the value of interacting in a positive way with fans on social media.

    Well done all round.

    1. sixties

      Thanks Shelley. The trust placed in our site, and the value of communicating with supporters, is not lost on us.
      Tim is a genuine leader, on many levels. His resilience is probably his strongest quality. We’re in good hands.

  5. The rev aka Snedden

    Sixties my son how do I listen to these on a iPad ? I have missed out on a few of these and from reading what other TCT members have had to say I seem to be missing out on good interviews.

    #Eels4life#

    1. sixties

      I’m not sure why you’re having problems Rev. I’m doing all of my site work on an iPad and have no problem listening to this. Does it not open up the sound cloud tab when you hit play?

      1. The rev aka Snedden

        Hi sixties my son.

        No when I got to listen it just times out. Maybe my buffering is way to slow.

  6. Paul taylor

    Sixty your calling should be within the club in a paid role . You and your team are brilliant and continually lift the bar.

    Thank you

  7. Trouser Eel

    Another great interview. This kind of thing keeps fans engaged beyond game day. Some interesting insights that we’d never get from the mainstream media, who are just interested in click bait.
    It’s got me revved up for the new season. I’ll need to jump on and order my jersey.

    1. sixties

      Thanks mate. We do our best to think about a mix of questions that supporters would like to ask. All of our interviewees have been very open in their responses – and I think that the fans appreciate that.

  8. Adam

    This is a great insight into not only how Tim has matured as a player but as a person. I honestly think you won’t find a more passionate and loyal Eel. Hes a great steward for our club which will no doubt be in a better position because of him.

    I enjoyed his candid appraisal of Brad; his and the teams admiration is genuine and there for all to see. A great interview boys and please keep them coming.

  9. Mitchy

    Superb interview Sixties and 40; it is amazing the club is happy to share their captain on a controlled site and as a fan it’s a huge to hear this.
    Tim as others have said really showed up well in the WC and hope he continues. He seems to be ripped in terms of fitness.
    It’s also a bit exciting listening to him talk abt the team, BA and JH, who could have a memorable season….
    Cheers and thanks again to all. This is wonderful to promote and listen to.
    Would JH Be one to interview?

    1. sixties

      Thanks Mitchy.
      I think it would be great to interview Jarryd, and I imagine that timing is everything. He might want to start his return by letting his play do the talking. If the opportunity arose to feature Jarryd on “The Tip Sheet”, I think the TCT boys would be ready to go.

  10. Jimmy Corbo

    Excellent listen Lads, looking forward to more player interviews. It was more a conversation than an interview as you could tell he was relaxed and gave genuine answers rather than the usual “one game a time” garbage we hear in press conferences, credit you to Lads for that.

    A very underrated player, in an era where the game is dominated and largely influenced by the team that can best slow down the ruck we have a player who has arguably the fastest play the ball in the game for a forward and he continuously cops flak. The finer, less flashy points of the game can sometimes be overlooked. It’s the fast play the balls that allow Moses, Normz and co to weave their magic.

    1. sixties

      Thanks Jimmy. We’re fortunate enough to have spoken with Tim quite a few times at training, so I’m glad that you observed that it was like a conversation.
      Also, your comment about his contributions going unnoticed is relevant. As supporters we are probably unaware of the goals set by BA for his middle forwards. As Tim said, they’re job is to follow BA’s instructions and keep him happy.

  11. Achilles' Eel

    Excellent interview, TCT. Thanks for putting this together. It was enjoyable to listen to Tim’s insights on footy and life. He comes across as very humble and quietly confident. I wish him well for 2018.

    1. Anonymous

      True Achilles. He is both humble and confident – you’d have to be confident to be a captain. I thought he seemed quite relaxed during the interview.

  12. Don't stEEL my EEL!

    Sixties and co. This was a top interview. The interviews are an un-sanitised, warts and all look at the individual players. Your questions are brilliant and extremely relevant. Please keep up the good work. Can’t wait to hear more player interviews during the season.

    Go the Eels…2018

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