The Cumberland Throw

From The Stands – Unity & Belief, On Field & Off

A thought.
Is there a sense that there are too many individuals, in and around the Parramatta club, pulling in different directions?

Players, coaches, supporters- all of us need to change, and do so quickly. We need to become a team again, we all need to get on the same page and believe in all the members of the team for us to dig ourselves out of this hole.

From the stands last Saturday, it was glaringly obvious that our players cannot do it alone and cannot do it unless they play as a team.

Purely from the perspective of an observer, all three Canberra tries were scored because our players did not trust the player beside them to make the tackle and weren’t communicating in a constructive way. They were second guessing themselves, their own talent and the talent of those around them.

It is almost unbearable to watch as a fan. It’s not the loss on the scoreboard that impacts the most, as I am not a fair weathered fan, but rather the ever more disappearing belief that the team have in themselves and each other. It’s simply heartbreaking and even counterproductive to them being able to turn things around.

It is hard for our players, it is hard for our coaches and it is even harder for us fans because we think we have no real say in what happens.

Well I say we do. I have come to know one thing for sure in my professional life; people invariably behave the way they think you expect them to. If you expect someone to misbehave- they will. If you expect someone to fail-they probably will.

If our players walk out onto a lifeless ANZ stadium we are telling them that we have given up on them. We cannot criticise them for having no resilience and belief if we have no resilience ourselves. If we moan, boo and complain at the first drop ball or missed tackle- the boys will be more likely to drop their heads and miss more.

Sure the crowd will probably be small, and I’m positive that the Telegraph already has the article ready to go, but who really cares. No Parra fan or player for that matter should seriously care what most journalists and commentators say. Such media figures are often driven by agenda and with Parra this agenda is always derived through well known, decades long grudges, focussed on seeking revenge.

I cannot change that so I choose to ignore it; I give it no oxygen. But my family and I are going to be far more vocal and supportive of the boys on Sunday. I am going to cheer them on loudly. I am going to clap the good they do and trust them to make up for any mistakes.

And on the subject of mistakes – all teams make mistakes. The fans and dare I say the players all need to go back to allowing each other to make them, without dropping their heads. They have to be brave and resilient enough to take calculated risks and believe that if things don’t work out they can collectively deal with any consequences that arise from taking those risks. They need to back themselves and each other.

In fact BA has a philosophy on that and I’m not sure if people are aware of it. He gives the team all the freedom to chance their hand. The only proviso is that he expects them to roll their sleeves up and defend any mistakes they make.

Of course, there is still no avoiding the real tough decisions that I have no doubt must be made. It concerns performance and accountability.

If a player cannot believe in themselves at the moment or the way they perform on the field and this means their teammates cannot believe in them, they cannot play.

If a forward, half, back or bench player cannot be relied upon or does not have the ability anymore to play the role our team needs from them, then they cannot play.

Most importantly if a player cannot get themselves to play their natural game because they are too burdened, afraid or without belief, then they cannot play.

This doesn’t mean that such players are consigned to the scrap heap. It’s all about the here and now and getting that first win. We need players this week who are resilient and players who can block out all the noise and criticism that is coming their way. Ultimately, BA will be judged on his ability and willingness to make these calls on players and rightly so.

Our players and coaches need to look no further than Clint Gutherson this past weekend for inspiration.

Gutho epitomises belief..

Just like Brown in Round 5, Gutherson had belief in his fellow team members and in himself.  It was transparently obvious in both his body language and actions. He backed up every forward, he worked himself into the ground doing so because he believed they could get an off load away. He didn’t look at previous games and think there is no chance for an offload, he believed in them and their ability and as a result he started getting some offloads out of our forwards.

I know yelling at a team mate has become a cardinal sin in our game, but Gutho dared to yell at the forwards to get back to the scrum with 10 to go because he believed they could still win. Unfortunately, too many of these forwards still walked to the scrum because they obviously thought they couldn’t.

I vehemently believe the players care, they really do, but it is glaringly obvious that some are burdened by the first 6 games. The players have to learn from these games but at some point, which I would argue must be this week, they need to let those games go. Our situation is what it is and no talking is going to change it.

I dare say we as fans also need to let them move on. We either become part of the solution to help our players and coaches or we double down, ride them into the ground and become part of the problem.

My family and I love this club and the current team too much to not try and be part of the solution.

I for one am sick of losing, my son is sick of losing but I also know one other thing, our players and coaches are also sick of losing. So come on Parra fans let’s be part of the solution and not simply another critic that adds more burden and doubt onto the shoulders of our players and coach.

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31 thoughts on “From The Stands – Unity & Belief, On Field & Off

    1. Shelley

      I know this is not how people always see it but I find it easy to support when things are difficult because this is when your support can actually make a difference.

  1. Parra Pete, Thurgoona

    Love your articles Shelley,,Can feel your poassion.
    Sure everyone is disappointed, but that is not a reason to EAT OURSELVES. Enjoy the ride, good article in today’s Fairfax press actually…
    Carna Eeeeeeeeeeels..
    Tough to be a supporter, easy to be a knocker….I know which type I prefer.

  2. Colin Hussey

    Shelley, I have to skip over your post as I have to get to some things that are urgent to be done, but I hear what you are saying in the first 1/3 of the post.

    Nothing is worse than playing before poor crowds/supporter base. But at such a huge amphitheater like is at Homebush you need almost a gladiator attendance to make enough noise to believe you have some support.

    The thing that you mention regarding players not going for the tackle and waiting on those out/inside them is a concern and I beg the question of are they communicating with each other? Another aspect of the same thing. Is that non communication across the team or just in a one or two areas.

    If its just in one or two areas rather than the overall team, I would suggest that is where the problem is. Players not speaking to each other as there is an issue between them and is affecting theirs as well as others play and team co-ordination.

  3. The Captain

    Great article Shelley. On one point:

    _”In fact BA has a philosophy on that and I’m not sure if people are aware of it. He gives the team all the freedom to chance their hand. The only proviso is that he expects them to roll their sleeves up and defend any mistakes they make.”_

    I, for one, didn’t know this. It’s refreshing to know and I couldn’t agree more with the strategy and sentiment of BA here. It does make me wonder, if this is how the team are coached, why we’re 16th in line breaks, 13th in tackle busts and 12th in offloads. If the players felt able to chance their hand I’d expect to see us much higher in the rankings.

    I’d love to see some more free flowing footy with some less predictable attack and second phase plays. Here’s hoping the team start to pick up what BA is throwing down!

    1. Shelley

      I would hope that with the backline we have this week, particularly Gutho, Taka, Jennings and Hayne, we will get our sets off to a good start. This will bring our forwards into the game and possibly exploit the big Manly boppers, exactly like the Tigers did. I knew there would come a point in the season when I would make a judgement on Hayne returning to the club. For me that week has arrived. I don’t want brilliance, him to be the saviour and overplay his hand or the spectacular, he is just back from injury. I want our back 5 to run the ball back hard, get quick play the balls. This has not traditionally been his game but he can do and must do it- if I see him do this I really think that little doubt I still have in him returning will be removed.

      I think it will benefit our forwards by allowing them to use the skill they have, it will create second phase and ultimately give us more chance and space to attack. Norman and Moses then must deliver.

      I really believe Taka, Hayne, Jennings and Gutho hold the keys that can unlock our forwards and playmakers.

      1. Colin Hussey

        Shelley, too true, I have no had a chance to read in full your post, and the following C&P tells me a lot

        In fact BA has a philosophy on that and I’m not sure if people are aware of it. He gives the team all the freedom to chance their hand. The only proviso is that he expects them to roll their sleeves up and defend any mistakes they make.

        Of course, there is still no avoiding the real tough decisions that I have no doubt must be made. It concerns performance and accountability.

        If a player cannot believe in themselves at the moment or the way they perform on the field and this means their teammates cannot believe in them, they cannot play.

        The last Paragraph, really sets a standard that should apply to every player, every game, every trial and every training match. If they cannot take hold of that basic truth, then they need to have a good hard look at themselves, do it in front of a mirror and reassess everything they stand for, and if they stand for anything.

        The other aspect that makes me gag is where you write that Gutho is calling the forwards to get going, yet they walked to the scrum, those who did that should not be selected in any grade and told to go and look at themselves and if they want to be part of the club and team. If off contract this year, GO now, but you are affectively sacking yourself. Get some of the younger brigade up in their place, they will likely lift and show they want to play and they are the future.

      2. Rowdy

        I agree with a lot of what you’ve said Shell, but I believe you may have the sequence in reverse regarding Taka, Hayne, Jennings and Gutho holding keys to unlock the forwards. These men just being there will inspire confidence in the rest of the team imo, and that should be the catalyst pregame to have our forwards pumped up to deliver the go forward (with a few more offloads) and a fast line of defense from an onside position that will be the key to unlock the confidence for our halves to execute the plays and to create opportunities for Hayne, Taka, Jennings and Gutho explode into action on Sunday.

      3. MattL

        Yes, I really believe that our biggest problem this year has been our outside backs… Set starts for the forwards & running options for the halves.
        If you look at our top 4 side form 2017 & this years side, the outside backs had the most personnel changes.

  4. Fletch

    I couldn’t agree more.
    It seems many fans believe they have a right to be angry, be critical and voice thier opinions about their team. After all, they pay thier hard earned money to be a fan and go to games right? Yes this is true but too many take this too far. They are happy when the Eels are winning but turn on the team when they are not. It’s all take and no giving back in return. Instead it’s name calling, accusations, abuse and rumour mongering. If this is how they carry on about a team they are supposed to love then I don’t want to see one they hate. The players and staff bust a gut to do their jobs as well as they can, and pleasing the fans is a huge part of that. Is it too much to ask that those same fans support them and believe in them in return when the team need it most?
    I think not. You may feel you have a right to criticise but you have just as much right to support. I guarantee it will be more helpful than the alternative.
    I’m a Parramatta Eels supporter, are you?

  5. Penny

    Well said Shelley,
    i am over hearing Parra fans saying they are going to throw away their membership or turn their backs on the players or walk out at half time. People don’t realise that these losses are also affecting the boys. I intend to be there to support the boys on Sunday – One Team One Army.

  6. Anton Nakic

    Being a season ticket holder, I’m there every week. Also most away games, especially at Homebush. Couldn’t make the trip 2 Canberra last week as I was celebrating my birthday with friends at a restaurant. I didn’t give up on them when they finished 2nd last for 3 consecutive seasons in 1991/92/93. Nor when they won the spoons in 2012/13. Not walking away now either.

    1. shelley

      Good on you. It’s amazing how tough times really sorts out the supporters from the fans. Be critical of selections or with tactics, every single person has that right, but come game time do what you can to help. This weekend our club needs the win not simply 2 pts. I will always support our club.

  7. Optimistic Eel

    Well said Shelley – as much as we have been disappointed by the recent results and manner in which we have lost, we need to stick solid for the team, and for BA. Some of the disgusting and plain uneducated comments from some so called fans have only made it harder for the true fans and players alike.

    I honestly think we will dominate this weekend. A much bigger back line to get us off to a good start to the set, Gutho in his second game – after looking the most dangerous last week, Manly’s depth being tested with a couple of injuries.

    I think the biggest takeaway from your column is the energy gutho brings to the team. I think last week, some of the forwards may have been surprised there was someone there in support. I think a lot more will be looking for gutho when they have the chance.

    Parra 20 – Manly 8 – 1

  8. Anonymous

    The way i see it shelly BA stuck strong for 3 years 14/15/16 because hes parra and some now want to throw the towel in over a 6 week poor start , hope we dont get coaches like that .

    1. Shelley

      Not only did BA stick solid with this club and fans when he could have walked, he also stuck his neck out defending players when others would have sacked them, dropped them or not allowed them to return. This week those players need to return the favour and defend BA the only way they can and that counts; on the field.

    2. Colin Hussey

      Totally agree. The players can be nuffs, but the coach has to hang in week in and week out, he has to have the shoulders of an elephant to carry the whole mob, when the mob slacks off he is the one that cops the blame, the abuse and everything else that is remotely similar, and carry those not pulling their weight, and take the blame for them while they sit back and take no responsibility for their own actions or non.

  9. Emtee

    Well said. Everything you have said is spot on. Everyone in this club, regardless of your role, needs to pull together in the same direction. As fans, that means not turning your backs when the going gets tough. Our club, more than any other, should know what the result is of infighting and having too many egos. All I have seen basically on social media recently is fans bagging the players and coach, and fans turning on each other. We need to unify and support the boys. After all, how can we expect them to believe in themselves and their teammates if we, as fans, cant show them that we believe in them

    1. Tad

      Shelly I watched the replay of what Gould said and it was a good comment regarding BA needs to have to re assess his coaching in someway.I have always said that I like BA,s composure and his temperament from what I have seen. High stress usually brings out the core of a persons stature. I am sure he is going through an extremely difficult time now wondering what else he can do to change things around. I suppose my doubts are –he has the right temperament– but does he have the skills to assess how to approach addressing the issues we have.The skills I am thinking about are how does he assess, listen, build on a bank of information in the coaching text books{if they exist} and wealth of knowledge of other coaches experiences who have been in a similar situation and overcome the hurdles. My philosophy of a good coach is someone who is hungry for information of other coaches experiences in what makes a side tick. –I am getting at almost an academic style study of all the components of the physical ,tactical and mental aspects of coaching tools. The tools should include a brains trust around him to assess all aspects of an individuals and teams needs to perform at optimum ability. That is not happening. Players and the team are not playing to their potential .As a coach he needs to have the skills to address these issues.Players are playing without confidence—you can,t talk your way out of this –you need to process players and the team out of it.Difficult task.. Gould says that players need to start addressing each aspect of the game minute by minute in winning basic task wins in every contest they are in and slowly build on this throughout the game for the win. I agree with that. The issue is clearly a mental process for players to adopt. I think he needs that kind of input into the coaching practice. That requires an expert or specialist in that type of coaching. Most coaches don,t have those skills

      1. Emtee

        I do like the fact that BA did meet with John Longmire of the Swans. I know its a different sport but they did have a similar start last year and managed to finish sixth. It shows me that BA hasnt given up hope, is willing to look for answers and is willing to think outside the square for those answers. Time will tell if it was fruitful, but to me, this is a very encouraging step in the right direction

      2. Colin Hussey

        Tad, I can remember the dogs some time back had a full time Hypnotist and could also have put a motivation expert to help with the team. IIRC it had mixed results on both counts, also I tend to remember that other teams also did similar things, again with limited successes.

        I tend to think the best help a coach can get is having one on ones with each player who is contracted to the club. Likewise any new signings, or players that have agreed to the terms etc. has an interview with the potential signing, to see where they see themselves fitting in and what they can contribute/add to the playing roster.

        The concept of assistant coaches also has to be looked at, especially in regard to their playing experience and positions they played in. They too need to have their strengths and weaknesses discussed and what they can contribute. The head coach as such really becomes the teams facilitator as to the direction the team is to head. The coaches as well as CEO should meet each week and discuss their views on how the team went, WLD and each giving their views of where there were errors, good plays and the like, the big part is evaluating each of the players and what they contributed to the team and needed areas of improvement etc.

        Realistically the head coach probably has minimal team work, unless a specific area is needed for his attention. I have a suspicion that the NFL in the U.S has similar make ups in their teams, especially the high profile ones.
        Another set or two of eyes and ears is often better than totally reliant on ones own perceived strengths/weaknesses.

        1. Tad

          I agree Colin. Not sure what the quality is like with the people around BA. I think it is always good to have a Devils advocate type of person to question things you are oing to engage with a full scope of perception on how to best manage situations like this.Some players need a heavier balance of quality mental input into their training others need individual support in the Physical and some need assistance with combining with other players to get more momentum. At the moment we seem to have issues with all these aspects. I am a strong believer that a combo approach in playing the game is more powerful than the individual star quality. Maybe an exception to Semi but he did do some brilliant combo works with some wonderful backups and offloads..Lets hope BA is open to quality input to get us over this —starting this week

          1. Colin Hussey

            Tad, while having different sets of eyes helps, the thing for me though, still is, its up to the players and more so the captain to play to the coaches match plan, and while I am no Einstein I cannot accept that the coach is sending them out on to the paddock with instructions to play like they are, more especially in attack, which is pedestrian at best, like a Sumo wrestler to run in a 100 yard speed trial.

            The organising players have to be the ones to play the ball as directed and if I hear right, they have a licence to do so, which means they only want to lumber around. Yet we hear that Moses is trying to get the forwards moving and stop being lazy.

      3. Milo

        Tad in call it winning the 1% ers. The small things in the game; kick chase; markers not breaking too early; numbers in tackles; playing out sets of 6; DISCIPLINE and ball control.

  10. Trouser Eel

    I’ll continue to wear my jerseys, drive my Eelmobile and attend the games. I won’t give up until the club and players do.

  11. Anonymous

    Just reading that piece of filth issac moses was trying to cost ba his job ,any legal people out there , could that be a civil suit situation ???

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