The Cumberland Throw

Team List Tuesday – The Long Kiss Good Knight Edition

NRL Team List

 

The Origin period is upon us. It should be the signal for the Eels to ascend through the ranks of the Top 8 and stake a claim for the the Top 4. Like the titular reference, this is obviously the moment that Eels clear their heads of the footballing amnesia ailing them and remember that they are a highly-trained government assassin a Top 4 calibre team before going on a huge tear for the remainder of the regulation season!

In other words, Parramatta host the Newcastle Knights this week as both teams look to rebound from last start losses.

Parramatta welcome back Nathan Brown into their extended roster this week but lose Corey Norman for a game as he succumbs to a foot injury. Unfortunately it all amounts to more swings and roundabouts for a team that has been short in consistency in all facets of their season – both on and off the field.

All eyes will be on Mitchell Moses this week to see how he handles the role of dominant play-maker. After a strong showing against the Warriors two games ago, Moses faded against the Broncos and seemingly deferred to Norman as the primary play-making option in the red zone. Brad Arthur desperately needs one of his shot-callers to step up and take control of this team and it boils down to either Moses or Clinton Gutherson this week.

The biggest beneficiaries of the reshuffled roster are Bevan French and Josh Hoffman. For French, Round 13 signals a return to his preferred role of fullback while Hoffman earns a recall from the wilderness of the Intrust Super Premiership to take French’s vacated spot on the wing.

Media rumour-mongering and manager talk have positioned Bevan as frustrated with his current role as a winger at the Eels. If you buy anything into that talk, this is French’s chance to build a compelling case to lock down the #1 for the remainder of 2018. He should be playing behind a solid platform as well mind you, given the recent surge in form of several middle forwards for the Eels.

Siosaia Vave, Suaia Matagi and Marata Niukore are all potentially on the chopping block should Brown return to the NRL this week. Hopefully Parramatta’s talismanic lock forward is cleared to play and his return comes at the expense of either Vave or Matagi. They are both known quantities at this point while Niukore has plenty of room for growth in top-flight rugby league.

 

Parramatta Eels side
1. Bevan French
2. Josh Hoffman
3. Michael Jennings
4. Brad Takairangi
5. George Jennings
6. Clinton Gutherson (c)
7. Mitch Moses
8. Daniel Alvaro
9. Cameron King
10. Siosaia Vave
11. Manu Ma’u
12. Tepai Moeroa
13. Peni Terepo
Interchange
14. Will Smith
15. Suaia Matagi
16. David Gower
17. Marata Niukore
18. Nathan Brown
19. Kirisome Auva’a
20. Jaeman Salmon
21. Kane Evans

 

Intrust Super Premiership Team List

 

A disappointing 16-10 loss to the North Sydney Bears means that Wenty have slipped out of the Top 8 coming into this week’s game. There isn’t much new to report for this week’s TLT. Josh Hoffman will likely be missing for the Magpies this week meaning Nathan Milone will deputise him at fullback.

The Magpies will be keen to post a win over the 8th placed New Zealand Warriors at a rare ANZ double-header for the Blue & Gold faithful. Look for bounce-back games from Reed Mahoney and the unnamed Jaeman Salmon after both turned in season-worst efforts against the Bears last week. Young bulls Ray Stone and Oregon Kaufusi continue their steady growth in the ISP and will likely be crucial to Wenty gaining ascendancy through the middle.

 

Wentworthville Magpies side
1. Nathan Milone
2. Atini Gafa
3. Nathan Davis
4. Dane Aukafolau
5. Eddie Aiono
6. Dylan Izzard
7. Arana Taumata
8. Magnus Stromquist
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Matt Woods
12. Piki Rogers
13. Ray Stone
Interchange
14. Haimona Hiroti
15. Yileen Gordon
16. Daniel Dole
17. Kurt De Luis

 

Jersey Flegg Team List

 

The only grade to win for the Eels last week did so in style as they laid on plenty of pain to the North Sydney Bears in a 46-14 rout. Outstanding young bookend Stefano Utoikamanu scored a double including a cracking 60m solo effort but he will unfortunately not be backing that performance up this week – presumably due to injury.

The victory also marked Steve Dresler’s return to the grade after a long injury layoff and the firebrand prop hit the ground running with a bullish effort stamped with his trademark aggressive play-style.

Our young guns are also battling a mounting injury toll but to their credit, they are still finding ways to win and keep with-in chasing distance of the competition heavyweights. Dylan Brown will miss his second consecutive game as he battles to regain fitness from an undisclosed injury but on a positive note the Eels welcome back powerful forward Michael Tupou.

Hulking backrower Salesi Faingaa covered the pre-game loss of Brown last week but with a week of preparation ahead of them he now slides back to the backrow while Jaydn Field takes over the #7 responsibilities.

A win over the 11th placed New Zealand Warriors could potentially land the Eels in the Top 4 at week’s end if the Roosters drop their game to Penrith.

 

Parramatta Eels Jersey Flegg side
1. Sione Fonua
2. Haze Dunster
3. Tuimavave Afualo
4. Noel Aukafolau
5. Taufu Afu
6. Todd Sapienza
7. Jaydn Field
8. Sean Keppie
9. Ayden Carling
10. Michael Tupou
11. Dylan Clifford
12. Salesi Faingaa
13. Jesse Cronin
Interchange
14. Nick Okladnikov
15. PJ Vaigalu
16. Steve Dresler
17. Bruce Ward
18. Beni Valu
19. Valance Harris
20. Austin Dias
21. William Kei

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13 thoughts on “Team List Tuesday – The Long Kiss Good Knight Edition

  1. Colin Hussey

    I do not recollect seeing Norms affected by any injury last week, in fact he seemed to have lifted at the back, a position he did not want to stay in at the donkies and why we were able to sign him to play 6. As a devils advocate and I don’t like that tag, I wonder with the rumours flying that Norms could be on the move, that the injury is perhaps a convenience??

    I sincerely hope that Brown is ok to play, who to drop, it would have to be either Matagi or Vave, and maybe last weeks stats may be the decider, with Peni taking back a props spot. Hopefully if Brown plays he can get some time on the bench as he’s likely down a bit in condition, however he will be very keen to get back and show what he can and help in a win against the knights.

    Bevan, really has the chance to show he is right for his coveted #1 spot, and if he can lift big time to show all and sundry the player we know he is, then it should be an awesome night.

    The 9 spot has been a real bummer since Kaysa’s injury and if he is fit for the next round then both King and Smith will need to be very much on their best behaviour and ability demo’s if they can keep their respective spots, what needs to be done is ensure both of them play enough time that they do not tire, that seemed to be a problem last match as the rotation was dragged rather than playing only enough time that both can retain their fitness for.

    I certainly hope that Marata gets some more time also. He had extended time last week, compared to his first hit out, this week would like to see him get a run for at least 15 minutes each half.

    A pointer to the future with Salmon named on the extended bench.

    Eels by 13

    1. John Eel

      With Salmon named on the bench, presumably he is right to play if required. I am guessing he would only get a run thru injury.

      Do we know the status of the top 30 given June 30 is fast approaching?

    2. JonBoy

      I recall seeing Normy appear injured during last weeks game on possibly 2 separate instances but he was up and about again pretty quickly. BA certainly mentioned it in his presser post game, but I agree Colin it has an air of suspicion and will definitely add to the rumour mill and media circus.

      I really hope Frenchhy has a good game at the back or it may put further speculation about his future on that fire too.

  2. The rev aka Snedden

    I don’t like this line up its poor. Bevan is a winger n winger only. I just don’t see him being a fullback. All he has to do is look at JAC his won a SOO selection by playing wing n scoring a lot of tries for the storm.

    40/20 have you heard the rumour going around about about a coach merry go round.
    Belly to bronco’s
    Brad to storm
    Barrett to Penrith
    Dessy to manly
    The panthers coach to parra n Bennett to hang up his clip board.

    I heard it yesterday on triple M make of it at your own peril.

    I think we will see the last of Norman yes his running metres where good last week with 146 running metres. I will be happy to see the back of Norman.

    I’m hearing sueasue sue is not happy at the tigers he wants my playing time n I’m told by a mate that brad is looking at signing the big prop.

    What’s the goe with Aaron woods the mole is saying we are going after him if so what do you think 40/20.

    #Eels 4life#

    1. Colin Hussey

      Rev, my thoughts are that Bev is a bit down in confidence at the moment and that is affecting his overall game, not just for the 1 position, but also on the wing. I believe that his injuries have had an impact on him and he just needs to get one good game back under his belt.

      He is not producing the runs even on the wing this year especially the freakish ones which were part and parcel of his game last year. I think he just needs to persevere and get his body right.

      Seems that there are just too many death knell rumours doing the rounds ATM for me

  3. Kual Pent

    61 tackles and 250 kick metres doesn’t sound bad for Mahoney?
    What part of his game was off on the weekend?

    1. Hinto

      Yes totally agree..anyone else come close to that tackle count…sounded a pretty good game by stats

      1. Kual Pent

        Nicholas bears front row had 52 and the next closest was in the low 40s for the whole comp
        Stone had 44 which was the next highest in the Wentworthville team

  4. Longfin Eel

    I’m not sure I believe the hype that French is sulking because he is stuck on the wing. He has certainly not shown that he is demanding to be selected at fullback, and I am sure he is smart enough to realise this. Agreed that this is a big game for him. If he, Gutherson and Moses have huge games, that would put the pressure on Norman to reach his best or be looking for another team. From what we have seen however, Bev can’t stay at FB and will be back to the wing as soon as Norman comes back into the side.

  5. Milo

    Team effort for 80 mins is what we need; minimise errors and penalties – halves take control. Our fwds have been ok imo lately. Kicking game has to be good and Moses to lead from front. Guth will not let us down and Bevan to play what he sees in front of him. Keep it simple. Our win this week.

    1. John Eel

      The other factor coming into play next week to complicate the situation further will be the return of Hayne. This is obviously a good thing but it will put further mystery on how the backs will line up.

      It would be nice to see Jenko back to his best on Saturday night. He just needs a bit of luck to go his way for a change. Also hopefully Nathan Brown will be in the 17 against the Knights.

      This game against the Knights is crucial for us if we are going to make any sort of run during the second half of the season. Having said that I believe that we have been building to a big game with our improved form last week.

  6. John Eel

    If the Eels were a chance of still making the eight then BA I believe would have to take a good look at Farah, he is still playing good football. It may well be hard to get him away from Souths given that they will be playing finals football

    What is with the Sharks, they put 48 points on the Knights last week but they are struggling against the Bunnies minus their best 4 players.

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