Parramatta Eels 20
North Queensland Cowboys 14
The Good: |
More like Darwon, amirite? Ok, ok don’t stop reading but we had lost 9 of our last 12 against the Cowboys, and as both an Eels and Blues fan Johnathan Thurston has haunted my dreams for many years. It just feels so good to get a win, not only this season, not only in Darwin but over the haunting hoodoo of the North Queensland Cowboys. How sweet.*
* – sweetness measured relative to the context of Season 2018. As an added bonus, throughout much of tonight I thought we looked both engaged and energetic, two words out of place describing the Eels game last week. Regardless of what happened in this game, Season 2018 has been and will remain an utter train wreck of a season, but at least we’ll be able to stomach all those NRL shows, segments, podcasts and water cooler conversations this week. No matter how bad it gets, assuming you can escape a game injury free, a win always feels good. Hey, a 3-11 record is much better than a 2-11 record, and miles better than a 2-12 record. Get happy. |
The Bad: |
Well, that last four minutes was pretty rubbish, particularly Jarryd’s miss on that Tuala guy souring his otherwise excellent game. I guess with a team like the 2018 Eels, getting the win AND a lesson in concentration could in fact be a benefit.
The 71% completion rates (15 errors) is also less than ideal, although apparently the ball was unusually slippery up there tonight. |
X-Factor: |
This game would have easily taken out the gold medal at the Near Try Olympics. Between Te Maire Martin’s forward pass, Michael Jennings’ dropped ball, Johnathan Thurston’s two forward passes, Justin O’Neil’s dropped ball and Josh Hoffman’s arm grab to deny Kyle Feldt a second time, this game was the Rugby League equivalent of my high school dating record; repeatedly so close but no cigar. I shudder to think what would have happened if a few of those near misses were converted … and in the game tonight, too.
Speaking of near missing conversions, what the hell happened on that first attempt Gutho? Don’t answer that, you’re probably not even reading this. This has nothing to do with anything, but for some strange reason Brad Arthur watched the second half head on from the cheap seats. Hey, whatever works, coach. And yes, we won, so you should definitely celebrate with an icy cold Coca Cola and a discounted purchase of sporting merchandise from the good people at: In this week’s Post Game Eels Deal all readers of TCT can get themselves an Eels Men’s Heritage Jersey (normally $170) for only $99. That is crazy value. Clink on the link, enter the code ‘TCT’ and buy yourself a great jersey for a cracking price. Click it below. Bernie Gurr discussed in our interview the possibility that this jersey might even become our regular away jersey. Getting it for $99 is ridiculous value, so get on it. Note – I’m told some sizes might need to wait a week for shipping. But good things, those who wait etc. Tell ’em Mitch sent you – I’m pretty certain it won’t make the slightest difference. |
The MVP:
|
Browny was good, Gennings slightly better; but tonight the MVP goes to the two try, two time, carry-over-welcome-back-champ Jarryd Hayne in a terrific return to form.
All aboard. |
8- Daniel AlvaroProp, Parramatta Eels A quieter offensive game from Polar Bear (11 runs for 79 metres, albeit with 2 tackle breaks) was once again offset by a monster 40 tackles in D. |
9- Cameron KingHooker, Parramatta Eels More important than anything Kingy did on the park tonight (1 run, 18 tackles) is this poignant question: Side note: Hey Cameron. |
10- Peni TerepoProp, Parramatta Eels You know I like 11 runs for 100 metres, 3 tackle breaks and 28 tackles as much as the next bloke, but … Stop the drop, Peni. Stop the drop. |
Interchange
16- David GowerInterchange, Parramatta Eels Gowie got through 9 runs, 82 metres of yardage, 2 tackle breaks and 24 tackles. You done good, David. You done good. |
A little something to celebrate over the long weekend, and a nice boost before our one and only 5 day turnaround in Season 2018.
See you Thursday night at ANZ Stadium, sport fans.
Go you Eels,
Mitch.
Sure we might not probably won’t definitely will not make the finals, but you know what’s almost as good? Making a discounted purchase from our sponsor Sportfirst Nambucca. Welcome to smooth segues and The Cumberland Throw.
Post Game Grades is proudly brought to you by for all your sporting apparel and NRL supporter gear needs. Readers of The Cumberland Throw get free shipping on orders over $100! Click the image above and use the code ‘TCT’ at checkout for 10% off all orders. |
Photos courtesy of the Parramatta Eels. Stats courtesy of Champion Data.
Stop reading this and go buy something from SportFirst – Nambucca, please and thank you.
Nice one Mitch. I know Corey was average tonight but his effort was good, which was what was missing a couple of weeks ago.
If anything, he tried his hand a little too much, but that probably happens when you’re low on confidence. Hopefully the win is a good thing not just for him but everyone.
It was ugly as hell but a win is a win and against as side that was just as desperate not to lose as us, we’ll take it I reckon.
Super impressed with the “thick little fella” (thanks Gaz) on debut and glad he got some decent minutes out on the park.
How good is that winning feeling!!! ✈️
Yeah I’ve probably been a little tough on Corey, but I was just hoping he’d respond to the absence of another recognised half.
Having endured such a wretched year any win is worth celebrating as a fan. I think it will help the players also. Having said that the heomoraging of those two try’s at the end was disappointing.
Apart from the great play (for the most part) from JH was the good debut from Mahoney, I thought he was good. I am not sure all the players were on the same page when he put the kick up but it showed confidence. I also thought Gutho was better tonight as well.
I think that the find of the season for us is Gennings he is really playing well at the moment and his confidence is sky high. Apart from his speed his running is strong. Well don.
George Jennings has grown an extra leg since coming up from Wenty. Outstanding fine and another terrific performance. Other than that out of worldly bad miss on Peta Hiku against the Warriors, he’s barely put a foot wrong IMO.
The Good players grow with quality players around them. Example SOO, it brings them to the next level. Sometimes you see players with better stats in NRL than in ISP, that is another example.
Agreed mate, hopefully he continues his ascent.
George Jennings is almost on par with Guth and Brown for me. Happy with his performances pretty much every week. Crucial we resign him.
One thing I did notice on the broadcast was BA ripping into Hoffman after the match. Looked furious I’m guessing over the last tackle attempt from he and bev
Good! That’s his job to rip in, and it’s nice to see that side of him (which was always present) get some air time.
He and Hayne **. But yeah was good to see.
Good to see I was right in my mom award … Something told me he (hayne) was in for a big game. I need to watch the game b4 I agree or disagree with ratings sixties. I didn’t watch the game as I was with my cancer stricken mother in hospital.
#Eels4life#
Praying for your mother mate, hold she’s on the improve.
Thanks Mitch as we know with cancer it doesn’t choose what sex age or race we are …. It’s shocking to watch someone you love suffer its heart breaking …
The Cows did an Eels on the Eels (ref calls and all), the frustrating part was that we did our best at times to match them, but stayed in the match.Maybe blame it on the humid conditions. We rarely had to defend repeat sets and Mahoney, Gutherson and Takairangi all pressured JT enough to blunt him, although he did create 4or 5 good chances. Other than the last 3 minutes, my ‘oh no’ moment was when we went to 14-4 with 20 minutes to go and proceeded to error up in 3 consecutive sets. Composure would have seen us put them to the sword early, fortunately Hayne plucked one out and did the job belatedly.
Mitch, I thought Brown and Gennings clocked on for 80, Jarryd 79.5, so same 1,2,3 podium but different order. Saw JH shaking his head after final whistle, he knew.
I did hear Jarryd say post match that the ball was very slippery (makes the catch in the second try all the more crazy). Thought Mahoney was excellent.
I agree with all the grades. In truth I wanted to see effort, pride and some determination. The fact Norman looked annoyed when he made mistakes is much better then what we witnessed in the Warriors game. I personally thought Brown was MVP, he is so aggressive in defense. I am also becoming convinced that Jarryd genuinely cares about Parra, he showed lots of effort and encouragement last night.
As good as Brown and Jarryd played Bevan gave me the most joy. To see him smile and look like he was having fun and talking in defense was a far cry from the player we have seen all year. To quote a classic Aussie movie ‘ It was the vibe last night’ that pleased me. Execution far from perfect but commitment can not be questioned last night.
I reckon you’ve found the title for your post this week Shelley – the vibe!
Thanks Shelley. After watching the game back, I’m thinking I was a little harsh on Corey; it’s just that mistakes stand out so clearly when the spotlight is on you.
Oh Jarryd definitely cares. If we can get him fit he’s surely a lock for a contract in 2019.
Well marked Mitch. How you were able to split the 3 Amegos is a credit to your scholastic pugilism. You certainly show all the hallmarks of an accomplished “school teacher”. Which brings me to an equally puzzling tag I received recently when I gave a colleague my hand written prep notes for a report/proposal I was in the process of. His response? “You write like a girl”! I wasn’t sure how to take that, “Teach”!
I was not surprised though, to see the team perform with such confidence last night, in-spite of the many forced and unforced team and positional changes. After all, Parramatta’s two most outspoken advocates of our Lord Jesus Christ returned to the fold together tonight to inspire their teammates to an unlikely victory. The scripture does say “Where two or more are gathered in My Name, there I shall be among them”. That’s pretty awesome help in anyone’s language!
To write like a girl is a compliment – their handwriting is always more legible!
A teacher needs to be able to find a way of assessing.
Tim and Jarryd share something that is also important – their passion for the Eels jersey.
I think I’m going to getting “scholastic pugilism” written on my gravestone.
I thought both players you refer to were excellent, and I definitely sent up a couple of prayers of gratitude at the full time siren myself.
Lots of positives mostly Reed and the teams defense up untill the final 5 mins. It was a bludger of a game by 2 bottom of the table teams but a win is a win
I’m pretty sure nobody is oblivious to the number of errors. We agree there Offside, take the win any day and look to take confidence from it.
Oh man, it was brutal (although apparently the ball was incredibly greasy) and any of those called back Cowboy tries could have easily changed the result. With that said, I don’t care. We won and I think we were owed some of those wins based on several of our losses this year.
Reed was a terrific addition. Assuming we are chasing another hooker for 2019, I wonder if his performance in the next couple of games will allow us to concentrate our recruitment in other areas.