The Cumberland Throw

Eels Junior Representative Trial Notes – January 27, 2018: Five Grades

Terry Lamb Reserve at Chester Hill was the venue for a massive day of trials for the Eels and Bulldogs junior elite pathway teams. A healthy crowd of spectators braved the hot conditions at a ground where securing a spot in the shade was similar odds to winning the lottery. Donning footy gear and playing in this heat would have been a challenge.

Kicking off with the Tarsha Gale Cup at 9am and concluding with the Jersey Flegg final whistle after 5pm, this was a five grade footy feast.

Here’s our notes from today:

 

Tarsha Gale Cup

This was a highly entertaining match in which the Bulldogs emerged victorious by 6 tries to 5. The features of women’s rugby league that fans enjoy watching – big hits and open play – were on display in ample proportions.

These young ladies would not have had the same opportunities for playing or for elite coaching in their background as their male junior rep counterparts, but there is some genuine skill on show in these matches. The second phase play and ball movement created a plethora of opportunities throughout the match.

in today’s clash, the Bulldogs had their nose in front, and every time that the Eels came back at them with a try, they’d reply almost immediately to make it a game of catch up.

Both coaches would have been pleased with the hit-out, with a bit of work on ball retention sure to feature at their next training sessions.

 

Under 15s Development Squad

This match finished in an eight tries to two victory to the Eels. After the Bulldogs opened proceedings with a fine winger’s try in the corner, Eels middle forward Cayne Nicholas continued his first try scoring efforts with a strong 10m charge that opened Parra’s account.

After a period where the game was a bit scrappy – understandable in the conditions – the Eels then kicked away for a convincing win.

Lock forward, Hayden Reti- McClintock caught the eye with a strong performance in both attack and defence. Oseni Kaufusi and Max Tupou also helped the Eels pack to gain ascendancy and lay the platform for the victory.

In the backs, Freeman Forsythe showed great hands and strong carries but none was stronger than fullback Hayden Orley. The Eels custodian was brave under the high ball, returned the ball powerfully and was a handful for the Bulldogs in every run. One inspirational display of his skill set was rewarded with one of the tries of the day.

There isn’t a competition for the 14s or 15s squads and not every club has such squads. However, these teams will be given matches throughout the year, including at least one country carnival event. It’s an important introduction to elite football for the young players and allows the clubs to expose the groups to quality coaching – an important component in their skills development.

 

Harold Matthews (Under 16s)

This was an important trial for the Eels Harold Matts as the Bulldogs aggressive play challenged the Eels pack in a way that the Penrith and Wests sides couldn’t do. In a physical encounter, the final result was a three tries to two victory to the Dogs.

Watching this Bulldogs outfit, it’s obvious that their coach had done a fine job in the lead up to this match. Their power play continually challenged the Eels defence and the Eels responded with far too much dropped ball.

Only glimpses of the Eels dominant performance from the previous trial was on display. Given that you look to learn from a trial, rather than getting the result, this was the ideal lesson before the season kicked off. To be fair, the Bulldogs provided a similar lesson in brutality and execution at the same day of trials last year.

Rather than identifying any best on field for the Eels, I’d prefer to praise the Dogs for the way they stuck to their game plan, and the shapes that they ran in attack. Given the amount of ball that the Eels turned over (far too often in the Dogs 20), I should probably give a wrap to Parra’s fitness. It seemed like the Bulldogs were given plenty of possession and the Eels did well to hang in under tough conditions.

Moving forward, I’d expect some work at training on combinations and maybe a bit of tweaking in their top 17. Some replacement players did a fair job of putting their hands up for consideration.

 

SG Ball (Under 18s)

As the scorching conditions reached their peak in the early afternoon, the Eels and Bulldogs clashed in the SG Ball. Like their Harold Matthews cohorts, the Eels were significantly below their best as they eventually succumbed to Canterbury in a tough and physical encounter but it was not a trial without merit.

Kyle Schneider deftly laid on a neat try from short range for powerhouse forward Stefano Utoikamanu while fullback J.P. Nohra gave all spectators a vivid reminded of his talent from the back as he slashed through the right-edge of the Bulldogs to score a powerful individual try.

There is no reason to doubt the pedigree of this team given their eye-popping success over the last two seasons but by the same token it is clear that they are working through some preseason rust.

We will learn a lot more about the 2018 SG Ball class when the take to the field in earnest in a few weeks’ time but my initial prognosis is that the Eels will be extremely competitive through the forward pack and back line. Schneider and Nohra are proven studs at their respective positions in the spine so it will come down to how the halves can guide their team around the park.

 

Jersey Flegg (Under 20s) Trial 1

Continuing with the theme of the day, the Eels were scrappy under the intense summer heat – ultimately drawing with the Cronulla Sharks in the opening hit out of the preseason.

In perhaps the most important piece of news out of the first Flegg trial, Tui Afualo made his long awaited return from injury…and he was up to his usual antics from his first carry! Looking trim and explosive, Afualo showed little regard for any intent from a defender to tackle him while also showcasing his deft passing game down the right edge.

Across the rest of the squad it was very much a case of grinding off the preseason rust. Austin Dias, a tall development prop, worked hard in attack and defence while the tireless Jesse Cronin got a rare chance to play on an edge instead of in the middle.

Joseph Taipari and Todd Sapienza worked together in the halves and seemed content not to overplay their hands. Followers of TCT should be familiar with the talented Taipari after an excellent 2017 in the SG Ball. Sapienza is a newcomer to the Flegg squad after cutting his teeth in the Sydney Shield for Guildford in 2017. On first viewing, Sapienza looks a very willing defender with some play making chops.

Michael Cheer, an interstate Eel, who starred at fullback in the corresponding SG Ball trial last year was tested thoroughly by a Cronulla outfit who enjoyed largely favourable field position throughout the trial. While there were no game-breaking heroics this time around, he is one player I look forward to monitoring after his splashy first impression way back at the start of 2017.

 

Jersey Flegg (Under 20s) Trial 2

 

The Eels certainly saved the best for last as a platoon of SG Ball eligible players were let off the chain and sicced on the Canberra Raiders in the second Flegg trial. A late consolation try probably flattered Canberra more than anything with the final score reading 4 tries to 1 in favour of the Eels but the application and attitude of the young Parra team was obvious from the opening kickoff.

Taipari and Sapienza played with greater fluency this game, although they were still far from dominant, and combined to lay on a lovely try for Ethan Parry following a gorgeous sleight of hand from Taipari to create the initial break.

Young forwards Stefano Utoikamanu, Valance Harris and Charbel Tasipale all looked at home in the senior grade. Harris of course was graded in the former Holden Cup in 2017 and is familiar with the Under 20s age group. Stefano added a second try to his haul for the day with a powerful burst from short range and it must be said that the highly talented forward prospect is looking in imposing physical shape.

Kyle Schneider got a prolonged run at hooker and look very assured – defending strongly and chiming in with a handy kicking game.

Mostly though it was the uniformity of the defensive intent that impressed. Canberra struggled to mount any pressure in our red zone largely due to good line speed and relentless pressure to pursue any poor pass or error.

With an embarrassment of riches sitting the opening trial(s) out, the Eels are shaping up nicely for 2018. Dylan BrownReed Mahoney, Michael Tupou, John Fonua, Oregon Kaufusi, Salesi Faingaa and Sean Keppie should all hopefully be available for Round 1 while the likes of Steve Dresler, Blaise Barnes and Filia Utoikamanu will rejoin the squad down the road.

The Flegg have two more trials scheduled to my knowledge, with their next showing at Ringrose Park on Thursday week before they travel to Newcastle as part of our primary preseason trial for all three major grades.

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24 thoughts on “Eels Junior Representative Trial Notes – January 27, 2018: Five Grades

  1. Dave

    I’m hearing Mahoney won’t be playing Jersey Flegg this year, looks like he is a stand out in pre season. Can’t see why he wouldn’t be playing reserve grade?

    1. Forty20

      There is a reasonable chance that Mahoney will start the season in the ISP but in general it is good practice to temper expectations on junior progression (something I know I can be guilty of) at the very start of the season. At least one of Pritchard, King and Smith will be at Wenty by virtue of depth and it could possibly be two of them depending on the make up of the NRL bench.

      Mahoney and a number of the Flegg squad will almost certainly get a chance to impress in the ISP this year though and it is an exciting proposition!

  2. John Eel

    Looks like plenty of upside to these teams. Trial form is always difficult to read.

    Looking forward to seeing Blaise Barnes run around in 2018 after he missed 2017 thru injury, Whilst it was disappointing for Blaise it opened the door for Anthony Layoun to have a great. 2017

    1. dessy

      Does anyone know where they are looking at Barnes to play.? I herd he had done some work in the hooker position, That will be interesting if that is the case.
      Playing in the middle would require some smarts & physical attributes defensively.
      With young Schneider, Mahoney, Field all fighting for spots will be interesting.

      Another great read. Awesome job guys

      1. sixties Post author

        This is actually a combined post from Forty and myself. I reckon that Forty style is obvious in the SG Ball and Jersey Flegg section.
        I think they see versatlity in Blaise, but the key point is just getting him back in action.
        I’m looking forward to his debut.

  3. Anonymous

    After watching the Harold Mathews match on the weekend . It felt like the team was on cruise mode but there was one thing I noticed we are missing a big forward. I hope they go well.

    1. sixties Post author

      I think that Trey Mooney is a fair size along with Betham-Misa. That said, the Bulldogs forwards deserve the plaudits for gaining the ascendancy on Saturday.
      Cruise mode? Maybe a fair call – did they underestimate their opposition or feel too pleased with the week before?

    2. Hamsammich

      Did you think they were small on the whole or compared to the dogs? Every year I’ve seen the dogs trial matches they are always much larger than us in the forwards. But when we match up against other teams we’re usually bigger than our opposition.

          1. Pou

            What I’m saying is that if the opposition manages to control possession your huge forwards become a liability pretty quickly.

  4. Anonymous

    Yes I have also gone to these trial games and I always say wow this team will not go well. But every year they suprise me . I just think that maybe they need a forward like the bulldogs had but I’m only just thrpwing idea out there .

    I also watched a little of the st ball and thought wow we are not going to go well either . But a lot of the players who won the national competition were not in the first trial team . Let just hope we win another comp with either team we have dominated this league so much let’s hope it continues

    1. Forty20

      The Dogs *do* seem to have a way of galvanising our District Rep teams after our trial against them! They always play us hard and physical and really wake our forwards up.

  5. Rowdy

    Well, well, well my dear old Nana would say. Here I was on Sabbath morning doing a Bible study with a couple of others, thinking. Should I leave the comfort of the a/c to venture out to Baa Lambs Field to swelter in the heat? Or should I enjoy my Saturday afternoon in the comfort of home. The answer was simple really, wait “a coupla days mate” and you can read all about on TCT from the two Junior Rep Gurus, “Numbers & plural Number”!

    40/20&60’s take a bow. What a terrific report. Where can I not get excited about attending next week? If it’s raining I’ll probably be there. Fairdinkum, you blokes are legends!

    Gee I’m glad I waited fellas, I could not imagine how many times I convinced myself to ignore the distraction of desire to join you boys (not under a tree) with a big Akubra and a fold up chair.

    1. sixties Post author

      There’s an under 20s and Wenty/Parra trial at Ringrose on 8th Feb mate. Hope to see you there.
      See – you would have been smarter than me and brought a chair to sit in the shade.

  6. dessy

    I don’t think there is anything to worry about. Every year we trial against the same teams and out trial form varies.
    Trials are called trials for a reason and that’s all that should be read into this.
    If my memory serves me correct the last 2-3 years we have struggled against the Dogs, Wests and Penrith.
    But when the competition starts the cream rises to the top.
    The last 2 years our Harold Matts and Bal team lost to the dogs, Yet in the completion we beat them bye 50-60 points both times.
    In my opinion there is nothing to worry about.
    Time will tell. But our coaching staff and recruitment is the best around.
    Give it 9 weeks then pass judgement, but right now lets look forward to another exciting year ahead.
    Go Parra

    1. sixties Post author

      Correct Dessy. The Dogs enjoy giving Parra a touch up in the trials but it ends there.
      There was a memorable clash in SG Ball last year when Illawarra gave Parra an almighty hiding. Parra were a very young Ball team, and Illawarra looked so much older, bigger, and skilful. Yet Parra re-grouped and beat absolutely everyone to take out the comp and the National title convincingly.
      I never worry too much about early season form – esp when there teams have the talent that they do.

        1. sixties Post author

          Ha – I need to work on my reading! I read the question as who is coaching Matts and Ball! Yes Dean was interim 20s coach after Burt left and has been given the gig now. Dean also does fantastic work with player welfare. We often see Dean at Saleyards when the NRL squad are there.
          Scott Jones was also at some NRL Tuesday training sessions prior to Christmas, working with Joey during the skills work.

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