The Cumberland Throw

Team List Tuesday – A Monkey Named King Kong Edition

NRL Team List

 

Change. You wanted it, I asked for it, the team needed it. In one way or another change has come to the the Eels this week. It might not be the breadth that disenfranchised supporters have been banging the table for but there is no doubt that Brad Arthur has looked to shake up his team in the wake of the loss to the Canberra Raiders.

Bevan French (Shoulder) and Kirisome Auva’a (Ribs) have dropped out of the back line as the Eels chase a breakthrough win against Manly this week. Jarryd Hayne (Hip/Quad) and Brad Takairangi (Eye Socket) have been sensationally named this week as they return earlier than expected from the injury ward. Takairangi replace’s Auva’a in the centres while the selection of Hayne on the wing will draw plenty of interest from fans and media alike.

French and Auva’a aren’t the only Eels to be dropped on a medical basis as Tepai Moeroa (Concussion) will not be eligible for selection until a date yet to be determined as the young man battles through the consequences of a series of head knocks to start the year. I mean this as sincerely as I possibly can when I say I wish ‘Tep’ the best in his recovery. Concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy are nothing to mess around with and I salute the club for taking the right measures here.

There is genuine confusion over which hooker has won the battle for the #9 jersey this week as parraeels.com.au has named Kaysa Pritchard to the starting team while NRL.com has Cameron King listed as the first choice rake for the Eels in Round 7. I have both listed below for posterity!

Update – Pritchard is now listed as the starting hooker on NRL.com.

With Nathan Brown and Moeroa succumbing to the seemingly cursed #13 jersey of late, Peni Terepo becomes the next unwitting sacrifice man up as he locks the scrum for the Eels.  He is joined in the starting pack by Kane Evans, who is still trying to find his feet at Parramatta – although the poor start by the team in general has not done him many favours in that regard.

A new look bench featuring Will Smith and David Gower will hopefully be the tonic to aid the Eels after the initial blows are exchanged. Assuming no further injuries in this week’s game (knock on wood!) I would like to see Smith rotate with Pritchard at hooker with a licence to really attack through the middle. Gower gives the Eels a ball-playing option at the line if they so choose to use him that way and it could be a low-key spark for some desperately needed energy through the ruck for Parramatta.

There is no disputing that the Eels don’t simply have a monkey on their back currently – King Kong is presiding from their shoulders. We have tried to rationalise away the losses, pointing to massive upswings in 2016 and 2017. We have also bitterly lashed out at the team as their plight reached catastrophic lows.

When you let the bitter anger and disappointment wash away from the last fortnight, the last two rounds have shown plenty of solid indiviudal efforts but there is an unquantifiable clunkiness to the team as it stands. Some way, some how Parramatta have to find a way to shake the gorilla off the back and come together as a team. On that note, if the inflammatory comments this week from a well-known shock-jock about their coach having lost the dressing room doesn’t ignite a fire in them then nothing will.

Nothing sucks more than getting up off the canvas time and time again as you wear another body blow and I don’t doubt for a second that the team is hurting every bit as much as the fans. Whether you think the finals are still a realistic proposition or not in the end all we need is a single, solitary win. Whether it be a poultice for our scorched expectations or the catalyst to something greater, go out and get that tricky little bastard under wraps and then we can talk next week.

 

Parramatta Eels side
1. Clint Gutherson
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Michael Jennings
4. Brad Takairangi
5. George Jennings
6. Corey Norman
7. Mitch Moses
8. Kane Evans
9. Kaysa Pritchard Cameron King?
10. Tim Mannah (c)
11. Manu Ma’u
12. Tony Williams
13. Peni Terepo
Interchange
14. Will Smith
15. Kenny Edwards
16. David Gower
17. Daniel Alvaro
18. Beau Scott
19. Josh Hoffman
20. Suaia Matagi
21. Marata Niukore

 

Intrust Super Premiership Team List

 

Wenty will be looking to make score their first consecutive victories of the year as they host the Penrith Panthers. The Magpies prevailed over Blacktown two weeks ago before entering their first bye of the season last week. They now welcome back Greg Leleisiuaio on the wing while Brad Deitz has transitioned from hooker to half in the week they had off.

Penrith fell prey to the Magpies in Round 1 following a brilliant ISP debut from Reed Mahoney. The livewire hooker is now playing Jersey Flegg and Wenty will need to draw deeply on the grittiness and determination that saw them shock Blacktown if they are to prevail once again this week.

 

Wentworthville Magpies side
1. Nathan Milone
2. Greg Leleisiuao
3. Nathan Davis
4. Dane Aukafolau
5. Atini Gafa
6. Brad Deitz
7. Arana Taumata
8. Siosaia Vave
9. Cameron King
10. Magnus Stromquist
11. Matt Woods
12. Haimona Hiroti
13. Ray Stone
Interchange
14. Nick Kassis
15. Jack Morris
16. Piki Rogers
17. Kurt De Luis
18. Carl Winterstein

 

Jersey Flegg Team List

 

The Eels missed out on the opportunity to leap frog Mounties into the Top 4 on the weekend as they agonisingly went down 32-30 in a high scoring shoot out. While Parramatta may yet come to rue to the loss it was highly encouraging to see Salesi Faingaa return to the Under 20s and score in the same game.

Michael Tupou shifts into the front row to cover for the injured Sean Keppie which in turn brings the rugged Jesse Cronin into the starting line up at lock. Of special interest this week is the addition to extended bench of powerhouse SG Ball forward Stefano Utoikamanu. Just when Stefano is unleashed on the Jersey Flegg is the big question here but his first appearance on TLT suggests it is only a matter of time.

 

Parramatta Eels Jersey Flegg side
1. Haze Dunster
2. Ethan Parry
3. Tuimavave Afualo
4. Noel Aukafolau
5. Taufa Afu
6. Jaeman Salmon
7. Dylan Brown
8. Micheal Tupou
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Nick Okladnikov
12. Salesi Fainga’a
13. Jesse Cronin
Interchange
14. Sam McGregor
15. James Porter
16. PJ Vaigalu
17. Bruce Wakeling
18. Dylan Clifford
19. Stefano Utoikamanu

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25 thoughts on “Team List Tuesday – A Monkey Named King Kong Edition

  1. Gazzamatta

    Hayne on the wing? Im astonished. Finally. Exactly where he should be. Ive not been a fan of his return nor his form/body language but Ive got a feeling returning to the wing (if he actually plays there) could ignite the fire. Come on Plane. Fire up.
    Shattered Kaysa has retained his spot. Would much prefer King. Possibly a decoy by BA with Smith to start and Kaysa on the bench or not at all. One can only hope. His service has been abysmal. Shattered for Marata. After whats been dished up he absolutely deserves a jersey. Very glad to see Gowie included. Never lets us down. Regretably though, hes had precious little footy this year.
    Go you Mighty Eels.

  2. Colin Hussey

    40’s not the changes that I would have liked, but it looks as if the writing is on the wall for Beau Scott name on the extended bench. Terepo at lock? well its just another prop spot but would rather have seen a new face given the chance, such as Marata.

    Its good though that Stone is back and so too Greg L.

    Just hope that we will turn things around this WE.

    1. John Eel

      I would not rule Marata out completely. If BA is going to debut him he will do it from the extended bench to protect him from media scrutiny.

      This is especially pertinent given our start to the season he would look to protect him.

      Having said that I do not anticipate that he will make the 17 this weak in any case.

  3. Rob

    Why was Scott dropped? Any news?

    I think Terepo excelled at lock (or was it Alvaro?) when he played there in the past.

    Maybe that’s what we’re in for, a switch between Terepo and Alvaro…

    Anyway, fingers (and everything else!!!) crossed that we win this weekend… finally!

    1. The rev aka Snedden

      Rob alvaro n Peni have both played lock in the past n both have played very well there. I watched a game vs roosters on youtube were Peni was lock n he ran about 20 metres pushing his way past a few good defenders to score.

      #Eels4lufe#

    2. yaya

      I think Scott just simply isn’t offering enough off the bench. I have been hoping he gets dropped in place of Marata but I like Gower as a player

    1. The Captain

      Never mind, it wasn’t showing the team list on my phone. Now I can see it and see the shuffling that’s gone on to the backline and the bench rotation.
      I guess the proof will be in the pudding, let’s see how this permutation goes.

    2. Colin Hussey

      depends how you look at it. The following from the eels web site on fresh injuries, or recurrences.
      Bevan French – Round 9 – shoulder
      Kirisome Auva’a – Round 9 – ribs
      Tepai Moeroa – TBC – concussion

      Scott & Hoffman are out & have been listed on the extended bench, so in essence they are unforced changes. With Gower & Smith taking their spots, with Smith also named as utility for backs and 9.
      There is also no second captain listed either.

  4. Emtee

    I think having Taka in the centres gives a bit more creativity, and he does have the ability to draw in the opposing winger. Hopefully Smith can provide spark at dummy half, and we get son 2nd phase happening. Do wish TRex started from the bench though. I feel that’s where he can make maximum impact.

  5. John Eel

    I think Terepo as lock is a good call and I will be interested to see what minutes he gets out of him in eight.

  6. Sam

    Great team list here. The most balanced side we’ve fielded all year – exception of missing Browny.

    Smith at 14 should make a huge difference as it allows a hooking rotation, a back rotation if there is an injury and means some forwards will need to play more minutes – which can’t hurt those under performing ones.

    Gower is a plus! Love to see Matagi in for Evans if He doesn’t lift this week.

    Just a thought on the conversation in the previous thread (Mitch & Shelley) there’s an article out on fox sports showing eels stats V 2017 the only area we are ahead is play the balls in opposition 20 we require on average 3 more sets of 6 than 2017 to post points. Astounding.

    Similarly astounding is the reality our forwards are drumming up comparable numbers to 2017 with the exception of penalties conceded. This article lays the blame for our slide squarely at the feet of our halves – interesting to see what pans out this week if the forwards measure up even more And we still can’t score points … more; Brett Finch is quoted suggesting it’s not so simple as blaming the halves but it is worth noting that statistically the problem is our back line rather than forwards…

    Thoughts?

    Cheers!

    1. Rowdy

      I agree with Finchy. It’s not so simple as blaming the halves. It should be remembered, statistics can be quite useful to support any argument along any 180 degree line.
      From my observations there are three factors here.
      1. The forwards have to lay a platform in attack and defense for the halves to build our attack on. We needed a bit of something different in our pack which appears to be in this weeks team list.
      2. The other issue is the halves, even with a platform need more options than they’ve had since the Newcastle trial and first half Penrith so they are not any easy read to shut down. I believe they also have that again with this weeks team list.
      3. We need fit, healthy and inform forwards to build a platform. Tep, Browny (not fit or healthy) and Scott (out of form) have not been able to do that. Likewise we need fit, healthy and creative backs to exploit the options created by our halves. Clearly, Aua’va and Bevan were neither fit or healthy with Taka and Hayne back joining Gutho we now have (hopefully fit/healthy) creative backs who imo will execute a structure and game plan that will give our halves plenty of options this week against Manly and deliver a decisive first victory over the arch enemy!

      1. Sam

        Thanks Rowdy. Yes, I agree with you it’s a complex issue – what the stats don’t show is the eels getting rolled over up and down the field and a complete lack of forward penetration and hard angle runs in the red zone. So even if the output is technically the same….the manner in which the yardage etc has been achieved is not expressed statistically.

        I just found that to be quite interesting and what you’ve noted above is probably that it’s best to look below just surface numbers.

        The Redzone stat where we need so many extra sets of 6 to score is quite telling though, and although we are forcing drop outs etc we aren’t getting over the line…I guess it tells the story of what happens to talented halves when trapped behind an sometimes ineffective pack, caught in lock step with a carousel of outside backs. ??

        Still, knowing Parra….I reckon they’ll pull off a handy win this weekend against Manly. Confidence will be back by half time – the team is much more balanced. Only a rash of injuries and a starvation of possession in the first 40 can stop us now!!!

      2. Colin Hussey

        Rowdy, I agree, with some reservations, and mostly on reflection.

        I still cannot fathom, how a team can go so well in 2017 with basically the same team, can be basically so bad in the early part of 2018, including the trial game against NCLE, and the first 30minutes against Penrith. NCLE fielding a good team, and Penrith ambushed with their interchange bench taking the field first up.

        Our main forwards in the Penrith game did well but the bench forwards were not up to the Penrith main squad, from that point of time we have gone backwards with (again) the same basic players.

        Stats seem to show the forwards are not that bad but observations seem to show that we are outplayed/musculed in the forwards, our halves are not running direct lines, except across the field, and not pulling the backs in as they were last year.

        I read a bit this morning where a comment regarding BA is that he is too intense, and that may be where some of the problems that are coming from. Thing is though, when one looks and listens to other coaches, such as Bellamy, RS, Robbo, Bennett, and Madge when he was coaching, they all look very intense as well. Interestingly though, when one goes through the eels training photo’s, most showing BA actually show him with smile or laughing, How does one classify that, a laughing intensity?

        With the halves, Moses when he arrived last year and was playing his natural game, that sparked the whole team, this year he seems to have lost that style in his game, and is more like he was at Wests, is that because of the forwards being dominated and he is now a much bigger target by the opposition, resulting in him trying to avoid being tackled?

        One thing though is that Moses has been very much one who has called the forwards out, in the games, and could they not wanting that? Especially as the forwards as a whole and individually are more “”experienced”” and don’t want a younger player calling the shots?

        I have previously referred to questions regarding the team and the like, and these are perhaps new ones or a refresh on what I have already asked but in a different way.

  7. Eelkev

    First time post, long time fan. I attended the game on Saturday night (I have called Canberra my home for 36 years) and I was disappointed in the execution and lack of discipline, but not the effort. I caveat my discipline comment with the acknowledgement that the refereeing tends to favour the team on top and this will lead to some very lopsided scores (but not repeatable on a week in, week out basis). Viewing the team live I witnessed the effort which was not lacking. However, I found the tactics and the lack of a straight runner (T-Rex and the King aside) bemusing and I think a very simple change of running straight, but hard and with support runners inside and out will change the whole dynamic. I have supported this mighty club since 1974 and have the privilege of attending all winning GFs (and one loss) and I will not write this season off, nor will I join in the bagging of our team.
    I enjoy the comments on TCT, please keep it up!

  8. The rev aka Snedden

    I don’t think taka will play. IMO I think Hoffman will play either wing or centre on Hayne’s side of the park.

  9. TC

    The eels have looked flat this season. Maybe they were overtrained before the competition started and now boredom and low morale have set in. Hang in there, don’t give away penalties and soon the cards will fall your way.

  10. Glenn

    What’s happened to Dressler? Is he injured or left the club? If still with club any chance he’ll make top 30 next year?

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