The Cumberland Throw

Post Game Grades – Round 20 vs South Sydney

Parramatta_Eels_logo.svg  Parramatta Eels 20

 South Sydney Rabbitohs 26

The Good:
Ouch.

Once again, our first half was pretty great, even after we fell behind early. Although we are now morals for the spoon, we still do have plenty of talent in this side, which you’d think puts us in good stead for 2019.

Other than that, however, tonight’s misery is best represented by:

The Bad:
After Manly’s capitulation against the Panthers, I decided to tweet this pre-game:

I must say I feel partly responsible for prodding fate like that.

In other news, although it’s difficult to talk trash after tonight’s loss, this was spotted on the train on the way home:

X-Factor:

 

Before you go and solely blame the refs for tonight’s loss, consider the Eels only missed 2 tackles and allowed only 2 offloads in the first half, before missing 21 tackles (with an additional 9 ineffective) and allowing 7 offloads in the second.

As a plus, despite the final score, I thought it was pretty heroic of the Eels to only concede the one try whilst Corey was in the sin bin. The momentum at that stage was tsunami-esque.

The MVP:
Tim Mannah was excellent tonight, I thought Reed Mahoney played a terrific game when called upon early, but tonight (for the first time ever), I’m giving it to Captain Crunch, Marata Niukore.

Hakuna Marata had his best game in Blue and Gold tonight, with 12 runs, 123 metres, 26 tackles and 3 tackle breaks. He also made several 1% plays like kick chasing smashes and pressuring the Bunnies’ kickers. You the MVP, Marata, you the MVP.

1- Clint Gutherson

Fullback, Parramatta Eels

Seemed the plan was to frequently swap The King with The Champ, with Gutho often finding himself out on the left wing.

Although you’d be mad to suggest he’s back to anywhere near full fitness, Captain Clint is out there busting his gut for every Eels advantage, best showcased by his sprint from 30 metres away to dive on a loose ball, running past 6 Rabbitohs players in the process. Sure his numbers (4 runs for 31 metres, 12 tackles and an error) weren’t great, but he also had a try saving tackle on Dane Gagai before one of the more confusing penalties you’ll ever see. ACLs tend to keep healing well after players return to the paddock, so I’m very much looking forward to a fully fit King in Season 2019.

2- Bevan French

Right Wing, Parramatta Eels

Dolly Parton famously said “If you want the rainbow you gotta put up with the rain“.

This is a helpful quote about our season in general, but not exactly how I want to think about our starting winger. Just the 3 runs, 28 metres, 1 costly error and 1 very costly missed tackle for Bevan tonight; and that’s more rain than it is rainbow.

3- Michael Jennings

Right Centre, Parramatta Eels

Even though the result didn’t go our way in the end, I thought Jet was pretty excellent in the first half. Despite all I’ve said about him in Season 2018, his ability was never in question, and we saw some of his best work tonight.

For the record this tweet was written before his first half try, and just after he bustled Alex Johnston back into his own in goal.

4- Brad Takairangi

Left Centre, Parramatta Eels

From just watching the game, did you have any idea that Taka ran the ball 13 times for 128 metres? Holy moly and good for him. With that said, I was strangely more nervous about our left side defence than our right (stop jumping for the ball Jarryd!) and there were still three or four occasions where I just felt he didn’t show enough urgency in defence, particularly in the final 15 minutes. To be fair, they were likely exhausted after the tidal wave of Bunnies ball.

 

5- Jarryd Hayne

Left Wing, Parramatta Eels

First half Hayne? It’s the remix to ignition, hot and fresh out the kitchen.

I heard one of the Fox commentators refer to Jarryd as our ‘marquee man’, which felt a little bit like repurchasing a one time favourite car after you’ve previously traded it in.

The second half was much more mixed bag from Jazz, and this game was very much over until Alex Johnston’s hand got in the way of his intercept try. Hey, that’s Rugby League, folks. Jarryd finished with 9 runs, 104 metres, 3 tackle breaks and 2 missed tackles and a very pretty four pointer. Whether it was scoring tries or defusing bombs, that first half was pretty special on both sides of the ball.

6- Corey Norman

Five-Eighth, Parramatta Eels

I don’t really blame him for the binning, and the 9-2 penalty count in the second half was interesting to say the least. Corey put in some pretty kicks in the first half, and walked away with 2 try assists (Gutho and generously the last pass for Jet’s do-it-yourself effort) to go with 3 runs for 22 metres, 10 tackles and 2 tackle breaks.

To further push the point, no one reflects “it was a game of two halves” like the cheekier of our two halves. Here’s a stat to think about: Corey passed the ball 40 times in the first 40 minutes, compared to just 7 in his sin bin affected second half. Normy also kicked the ball 9 times in the first, and just 2 in the second; whilst also giving away both of his penalties in the second stanza. Yikes.

7- Mitch Moses

Halfback, Parramatta Eels

The Prophet seems to be forming some great combinations with Tepai Moeroa on that right edge, but that late bomb out on the full was the moment we sorely did not need. Mitch was otherwise feeling it from the boot tonight, slotting 4 from 4; including a couple from the sideline. It was however a bit of a shame the club managed to get the date wrong on his 100th game jersey.

Shout out to Jason Carter (@JKC1972) on Twitter for the pic.

8- Daniel Alvaro

Prop, Parramatta Eels

Credit to the hypercarnivorous polar bear for making his way back on field after a dreadful looking head knock with Sam Burgess. The Polar Express finished with 12 runs, 112 metres, 23 tackles, a tackle break and no doubt a very sore jaw.

Ps – Can anyone confirm whether Dan picked up a late knee injury? Let’s hope not.

9- Kaysa Pritchard

Hooker, Parramatta Eels

I do feel for him, but surely his body is telling him something about his playing style needs to change. Hope he’s back on his feet soon.

10- Siosaia Vave 

Prop, Parramatta Eels

The Big Fella came back early from his sideline stint thanks to the aforementioned blunt force trauma injury to Daniel Alvaro’s jaw and finished with 8 runs for 70 metres, 2 tackle breaks and 20 tackles. Viva la … forget it.

11- Marata Niukore

Back Row, Parramatta Eels

You hear that?

CRUNCH.

12- Tepai Moeroa

Back Row, Parramatta Eels

I thought Tep played a strong game, and finally the stats agree with me. His 9 runs for 97 metres, 31 tackles and 1 tackle break certainly place this performance on the sweeter side of the ledger.

13- Nathan Brown

Lock, Parramatta Eels

Nathan Brown just quietly went about his business tonight, slowly dimming the life expectancies of several key members of the Rabbitohs pack. The Cyborg had 15 runs, 147 metres, 32 tackles and 3 tackle breaks, missing only the solitary tackle in defence.

Interchange

14- Reed Mahoney

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

When Kaysa went down with an injury (*drink*), it was once again Reed’s turn to deliver for the Eels.

Despite the end score, deliver he did; with 34 tackles, timely scoots from dummy half and wonderfully crisp service from each and every ruck. With the failing bodies of King and Kaysa, the Eels have struck gold by uncovering cold, hard Cash Mahoney.

Well said, ParraPodcast.

15- Tim Mannah (c)

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

The Big Easy could have easily been tonight’s MVP, getting through a ridiculous 157 metres from only 14 carries, 20 tackles and 3 tackle breaks. Apparently a year into his retirement, Tim Mannah is like a fine wine; sought after by lonely housewives.

16- David Gower

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

In a performance about as interesting as this comment, David Gower made 15 tackles and ran for 15 metres total. I still love him like a brother and hope he lives forever.

17- Peni Terepo

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

The Butcher changed the game for the Eels in the first half tonight, and I’m glad he’s sticking around. His 15 runs, 103 metres and 18 tackles typified why forward pack variety is of vital importance in the modern game. He also provided a terrific offload for Jarryd’s four pointer.

He did happen to sneak a couple of errors into an otherwise solid outing, however.

Hey, if you don’t like my Grades, just tell me in person or comment below. There’s no need to get my mother involved.

 

Next week we take on the might of the Gold Coast Titans.

Whatever happens, we’ll be here.

 

Go you Eels,

Mitch.

 

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Photos courtesy of the Parramatta Eels. Stats courtesy of Champion Data.

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77 thoughts on “Post Game Grades – Round 20 vs South Sydney

  1. Gem KM

    Sighhhhh. I’m so tired of this feeling and I can’t wait for these last 5 games to be over.

    For the most part we were the better team. Our second half got a little sloppy but it wasn’t as bad as some fade aways we’ve had in the past.

    We made a few errors but man we could not buy a penalty to save ourselves. Really disappointing.

    Majority of our forwards were outstanding. Bevan is so so disappointing right now, it hurts to say.

    I guess we just go again next week and see what happens.

    1. Anonymous

      Bevan hasnt got it mate , just plain lazy ,jared found plenty of work from his wing but bev managed 2 runs for13 m 1 penalty 1 error and ofrm 2 bomb defusions not mention ineffective defence , that im afraid how his stats read every week , not nrl qualiity ,time to go ,wont make side next season .

      1. Anonymous

        Need to let him go to play fullback the only problem is I don’t know who’s take him as a full time fullback.

      2. Parramatta Tragic

        I would not be surprised if the shoulder he injured weeks ago is a lot worse than thought and he is being nursed along until the end of the year. You’re hamstrung in every aspect of the game with a bung shoulder. If he’s not playing injured then it’s just not good enough but I suspect the former

        1. mitch Post author

          Gees you’d wanna hope so Parra Tragic. It’s a phrase that gets thrown around a lot in Rugby League circles, but he has definitely gone backwards in 2018.

    2. mitch Post author

      I have a fear. I fear we have a little of the Knights of 2016-17 syndrome at the moment, where average players playing at an average level look great compared to the rest of our team. Ross, Lamb and others looked amazing the last couple of years for Newy, but when actual NRL talent started to show around them, were exposed as pretty second class. I hope that’s not the case for us in 2019.

      1. Longfin Eel

        When you look at the way the top teams play you see that Parra are a long way off the pace. It’s natural to see positives in our team for 2019, but I fear that we just can’t match the way these other teams play. I don’t know if that is talent or attitude, but something we need to get right over the next couple of years. The number of times one particular player has had a great game followed by a dreadful game is astounding. This lack of consistency across the board is killing our season and we just can’t build any momentum.

  2. Anonymous

    Really proud of the boys tonight! Shows they can match it with the big guns but lack of confidence shows when trying to close out games. Could’ve quite easily packed it in for rest of the season. Hope BA is there next season!

    1. mitch Post author

      Agreed mate, you could look at this game through two lenses. To be clear, I’m not even remotely satisfied with losing, but I don’t think this is the time to make decisions which will haunt us in years to come. It was a good showing against a quality opponent.

  3. Paul

    I think this is a fair grading.

    A few points that i thought I could add to the conversation

    – Our middle is possibly the worst in the comp. To let a team go the full length of the field on every set is disgraceful. And to add to this we didn’t make a single dominant tackle all night. Every single play the ball for them was a quick play the ball. I haven’t looked at the stats but someone in our middle must have a large missed tackle/ineffective tackle tally.

    – One of the oldest sayings in the book is that the most important set to complete is the one after scoring points and that was true tonight. Peni dropping the ball (bit of an unlucky call) was the big turning point in the game. If we complete that set and kick long its a different game. But in typical Parra fashion we lost all the big moments in the second half

    – Our goal line defence was as bad as I have seen this season. Every single set they looked certain to score and would have if not for some big efforts from Guth and a couple of lucky plays from Hayne they would have put alot more points on us

    Overall I think it was a better performance than alot our other games this year but still very disappointing and frustrating to not get the win.

    1. BDon

      Point 1: 2 Burgess hit ups, 3 passes wide to Sutton, super quick play the ball, Cook runs. They did it 6/7 times in second half with all the ball and had eaten up 50 metres by 4th tackle. But just about all of their red zone plays came off the back of penalties/errors.
      2: Burgess conned the ref with Peni knock on. Moses kick out on full another big moment. Hayne no-try, only a finger tip in it.
      3:The way the 2nd half went, Souths were able to fire at will, we hung in the best we could, but they did keep creating the threat out wider.It was something like 190 to 80 tackle count and 9-2 penalties. Never going to be pretty.

      1. rayt

        I wasn’t able to watch game, but listened to the ABC radio broadcast & agree that sounds like a good quick summary of 2nd half. Referees seemed to make a few questionable decisions against both teams (according to commentators)

    2. mitch Post author

      There was a point in the first half when Terepo came on and he actually bent the Bunnies defensive line AND got a quick play the ball. It was so foreign to our play in 2018, it made me stop and consider what it meant for a moment.

      To say we need forward reinforcements is an understatement.

      1. BDon

        Mitch, I try to observe, not criticise, NRL has more to it than non believers would ever think. Souths were getting Sutton to run wider at our sliding wider defence. I think we were sliding to hold shape and not make bad decisions. Using his weight, height and step on smaller defenders he consistently got half through then milked the quick play the ball. Cook then milked untidy markers and retreating line. Late in the game Marata was out wider and Sutton got buried. Slower play the ball, Cook got nailed by marker. He had been so used to the play working he screamed for a penalty. Yes, some bigger mobile forwards will be great.
        Shaun Lane went pretty well yesterday, but maybe leave that game alone, Manly had a siesta.

  4. Big Pete

    Mitch, very fair review. I enjoyed the first half and felt we showed some confidence as a team, at last. My highlights was Clint’s 30 mtr dash across the try line to collect that loose ball and Jarred’s continuing return to form. I must also mention Tim M great contribution off the bench. I love it when they try as a team. Bring on the 2019 season

  5. West Coast Eel

    The good – There’s only 5 games left.
    The bad – The refereeing. Yeah, we were below our best in the 2nd half, but Cmon…..
    Really gutted for the team tonight. Thought they deserved to win.
    The spoon….. who cares! I just hope they can win a few more games before the years out.
    PS I think Mahoney is a goodun’

    1. mitch Post author

      This reply is as much for the contributors above as it is for you West Coast, but what a bunch of legends we have reading TCT. Your ongoing support of the Eels in a dreadfully disappointing season is so very much appreciated, even simply on a personal level because I feel like dirt after last night’s loss.

      Ps Agree on Reed. He’s a terrific find for us in a crucial position.

      1. West Coast Eel

        Thanks for the kind response mate. Love the site. It’s just good to know there are other fans out there taking losses as hard as me. I’m hoping to bring the family over for the opening game of the new stadium. Be good to catch up with you guys and have a beer!

  6. Sack Brad Athur

    I do not understand this statement.
    “Although we are now morals for the spoon, we still do have plenty of talent in this side, which you’d think puts us in good stead for 2019.”

    Same team and coach replicates 2018. Arthur has picked a poor roster and game plan. You can start with our no go forward and predictable attacking structures.

    We either overhaul the team (which we cannot afford) or coaching staff. Arthur has to go.

    There is talk of Cameron Ciraldo being linked to the club. Give it a go . What is there to lose…. a wooden spoon?

    1. Colin Hussey

      Its well and good to call for the coaches sacking, but has it worked in the past? & by how much?

      He is contracted for next year, and so far 3 fair signings to add to the team, there will be new faces, and I believe the review into the club should take us forward into the future. I for one am prepared to wait and see what happens and what the review finds and then we can asses the future with reality beside us.

      I have seen too many W spoon awards for the club in my time but like all good and real supporters I take the good with the bad and always will, one of the first advertising items sold to eels supporters years back was a window sticker, that most put on their rear windows for those following to see. It said
      I’M A STICKER FOR THE EELS. Was then and still am.

      As for Bevan, I feel for him and wonder how he also must feel and if he is still carrying his injury, he needs confidence and perhaps that could be found in ISP, but I actually wonder if it will help him, he seems to making poorer calls this year than last, but he’s not Crusoe in that dept, and there’s a few man Fridays in the team with him. If there is a winger in the lower grades then time to blood one if good enough, Greg L could be one but his defence worries me.

      The other aspect is with the refs, not seeing, hearing the game & not knowing who they were, but for me its time the NRL and refs rather than falling for the arms raised and yelling by players to get their side an advantage, go back to some of the old time refs who would penalise those trying to do that sort of thing, by saying they were intimidating the ref, if it continues – Bin the players.

      1. Milo

        Agreed Col, i gather these people who want BA sacked were the same ones singing his praise in 2016 during cap debacle and also last season.
        Fair weather fans i call them. Yes our attack has looked stifled and one dimensional but I back BA to get us on track.
        Cameron Ciraldo? Everyone has been linked to the team and it all seems like more myth and dribble.

        1. mitch Post author

          New coaches aren’t the automatic fix all, sometimes they work (see South Sydney) but sometimes they just cause ongoing disaster worse than what you had before (see Titans and maybe even the Dogs, depending on your definition of ‘worse’).

          1. Poppa

            In support of the concept of the coach, it should be accepted that Parra has an abysmal record with coaches, I can critique BA and I do when I feel justified, I like a lot on here probably see his weaknesses as well.
            But the man is Parra, I refuse to believe he doesn’t learn by his mistakes and I can see no one better to replace him without the same old punt taking place.
            I think his biggest mistake this year was being too autocratic and the administration being very happy with his results in accepting that he had everything under control. He didn’t and hasn’t when the shite hit the fan.
            Contrary to what is believed and talked about, I do not blame the administration for this. The knives out for Bernie Gurr and Max Donnelly smell of conspiracy and agendas.
            I really believe that he needs a strong and knowledgeable GM Football to work with and help him in those defining decisions that WE BECOME CRITICAL OF, in saying that, finding that knowledgeable person is has hard as finding a coach in the first place.
            That person can be one of 2 types, an out and out administrator to look after all levels throughout the club or a single operator who would tacitly provide advice and guidance i.e Sterlo type.
            The former being more a Parr type.
            Who ever this person is he has to be over the coach, because it will be his role to create succession plans, manage players at levels outside of the coaches authority and report back to the CEO and Board.
            I am sure that both Gurr and Donnelly are aware of these needs in hindsight.
            It maybe this is the season from hell but it maybe all defining as well, as it brings out into the open all the shortcomings we maybe thought were over but in fact were only “bandaided”.

  7. Michael Formosa

    Great performance by the Parra and should have won them the game. In the end they lost because the refs were so scared of Sam Burgess! I’ve never seen anything like it before where a player held another player down and yelled at the ref non stop until he got the decision he wanted. That was the first of many bizarre decisions to follow. Can anyone tell me what that last penalty was for?

    1. Colin Hussey

      Burgess is the new Cameron Smith, and a worthy Winging Pom of the highest order. He also is getting a good go from the refs and MRC with his high shots, wrap around the neck/chin with his arm

    2. Trapped in the 1970's

      Michael, I’m with you…I had no idea what that penalty was for. I watched that bit of the replay several times after getting home from the game and still don’t know.

      1. BDon

        The 2nd half square up was a joke. Norman got pinged for flopping when replay clearly showed he was always in the tackle and completed it in one continuous effort. There was absolutely no flop. What are you supposed to do a metre from the line? Just stop your tackle? No early held call that made it slow release. Was called flop not second effort. Really poor call and no feel for the situation.
        In the first half, Souths did what confident teams do, just kept their line speed tempo going in own 20, probably 2 metres offside every ruck and paid the price. In the second half, the penalties were a mixed bag of finding fault, dud calls and maybe 50% OK.
        We scored 20, they scored 26 and a finger tip in the Hayne no-try. They are a strong, well balanced team and just managed to run their luck a touch better than we did ours.

  8. Anonymous

    Honestly Kane should be on the bench instead of Gower. Need to see if Kane can prove himself before the year ends.

    1. mitch Post author

      Yeah I haven’t been Kane’s biggest fan, but he was easily the best player on the park last Sunday at Ringrose. I love Gowie and am indifferent to Vave, but a big young Kane Evans is surely worth a punt to finish the season.

      1. John Eel

        Mitch, Gower has been great for the Eels since being brought in from Manly by BA. This was done at a time when player stocks were low in quality at the Eels and the place was hardly a club of choice for good NRL grade players but don’t tell the narks

        However I thought at the beginning of the year BA had retained him one year too many but he has proved his value as a backup yet again.

        Having said that I think that he is now standing in the way of young players coming thru and it is time to turn him into a first class coach

  9. Big Derek

    Grading system are pretty much spot on, but Frenci is surely an F again this week. Hardly any noticeable contributions, that last attempt to come in and close down the attack, gets to the player and falls off after making contact to let in another try. Awful.

    As for the refs, whilst feeling a little sorry for them giving the leadership from Toddy and Sutton. To adjudicate the game with what looked like fear after copping a spray from Surgess on 50/50 calls was so obvious. My wife who is no technical viewer, but has a feel for the game through watching her son play Parramatta junior reps, coach Div 1 winners, and grandsons still playing Div 1, she just said after 20 minutes of the second half ” can’t watch this anymore, decisions are ridiculous where nothing is happening, how is that fair and allowed” . Off she went to do something else.

    Still have to defend etc, but after the confrontation from Sam , penalties went something like 8-0, and Corey in the bin for something made up.

    1. Jimmy Corbo

      Another game, same old Parra, we beat ourselves again. We are very frustrating to watch, so good at times, yet at others make the most basic of errors. I don’t mind getting beat by a better side but to continually lose games of our own volition just gives you the shits.

      Plenty will jump up and down and blame the refs but we need to look at ourselves first. 20-4 in front then Peni drops the ball first set after points, they score. French makes a pathetic attempt to catch a bomb, they score. Moses kicks out on the full, Norman binned, they score. The refs play no part in that, I agree they were bad but they were bad for both sides. In saying that, its amazing how many 4-5th tackle penalties were given, both sides seemingly faultless in tackles 1 through 3.

      We are getting fundamentals wrong, first set after points you just tuck the ball under your arm, run hard, kick long, chase hard and start again. A game doesn’t go by that we dont make an error first set after points. Peni is another Kenny Edwards for me, does plenty of good, but just has too many errors in his game and basic ones at that, you don’t win premierships with those errors in your side.

      You could write an essay on how bad we are, Moses (what has happened to him), French ( a passenger in 2 out every 3 games), Peni ( Sir Dropalot), you could go on and on. I will try and finish on a positive and say Mahoney looks promising but he needs to keep it up. All too often we get excited by a player off 1-2 good games and they fade away to obscurity.

      1. mitch Post author

        Good read Jimmy. You should write the Grades mate, get rid of this ‘Mitch’ pretender.

        Always good to get a diversity of opinion, particularly supported by reasons why.

        1. Jimmy Corbo

          Thanks for the wrap, love your work. I have been a bit a quiet this year on your site simply because I hate being negative but unfortunately it is our reality, in simple terms just gives you the shits they way we lose games.

      2. Michael Formosa

        Peni didn’t drop it Sam just intimidated the ref into making that an incorrect call. Everything else I 100% agree with.

    2. Poppa

      Spot on Derek, it was blatant, no saying it was corrupt or conspiracy orientated but a blatant square up of a proportion that they seem to have got away with.
      If there is anyone on the referees review board brave enough, it needs to be held out as an example of how not to have a game refereed.

  10. Milo

    We were at the game and it wasnt pretty; and tbh i will start with our attack – the good thing in first half was we were patient and we had a glut of ball; some options at times were good and some avg. Some one out running is not working and yet when Brown plays two passes wide we put doubt into opposition.
    Taka i think cost us a try to Hayne early on when he did not give the ball.
    Some defence on the edges and wing was questionable and again i come back to not being able to slow the ruck enough…..both wingers were left stranded and or made some wring calls in defence.
    We made some errors in the second half.
    At halftime we all said the said the refs will even up the game and sin bin a parra player. No joke; we all said it and one was a souths fan. Some penalties were worthy but some were terrible.
    It’s a long trip back to the coast after a loss…..albeit its a long trip anywhere.
    Burgess is Smith 2018.

    1. BDon

      Milo, I’ve thought all year that trying too hard to be on the right side of penalty counts makes you quicker to release the tackled opponent and slows your line speed. One of those confidence things when you’re not going well. Watch all the top sides line speed on own line, there is usually an edge forward and always a centre offside most plays, even in the early season crackdown they kept on testing the refs. Coaches know if you get away with it, it’s a big advantage.

      1. John Eel

        BDon I really noticed that last week against the Dogs. Good analysis and as you say basically caused by the lack of confidence our team is feeling this year

      2. Milo

        You are possible right BDon re: getting off the tackled player fast; Souths had 2-3 physically bigger players than us and used them v well; 2 passes wide for some running or second phase. Parra worked a lot with the refs during pre-season and maybe they have worked too hard on this.
        There is more that can be mentioned but i will refrain…..

  11. Shelley

    I can handle mistakes, bad reads, bad decision making as long as there is collective effort, desire and passion. Reason being you can surround effort, desire and passion with a few smart recruitment pieces and turn an average side into a very good side but a team that has little effort or desire is hard to fix without blowing it up. Blowing a team up is hard with the salary cap. The boys tried all night and are playing better. It’s not enough long term but an improvement on many games I have watched at ANZ this year and it is a good place to start. Our lack of a big outside back to start the set and some big bodies in the middle to slow the Rabbits play the ball hurt us again last night but that can not be fixed with the squad we have.

    I was proud of the boys last night. I will leave my thoughts on the referees in my mind for the moment as this is a respectable site and I have nothing good to say on them at all.

    Look forward to next week. I can not help but laugh when thinking about how long before the headline about Hayne playing his old team appears and appears and appears again in the press this week.

    1. mitch Post author

      Losing sucks, I don’t like it, I won’t rest on it and we need to do something to fix it. With that clearly stated, I completely agree. There was loads of effort last night and just poor execution.

      1. Jimmy Corbo

        Effort week to week cannot be argued but this is professional sport and effort should be a given. Effort is something I need to squeeze out of my sons U6’s side because they are just learning about sport and life and the concepts of reward of effort and giving your best. At NRL level it’s not enough, as you touched on, it is about execution and making the correct decision under pressure and fatigue, hitting your lines, playing your role in the side etc etc. We are simply not doing that and at this level of sport cannot satisfy ourselves that they are “putting in”.

  12. The rev aka Snedden.

    Call me mad or what ever but I’m seeing good signs for next year.
    Hayne – Looks trimmer n fitter n in good form. Should better with a injury free offseason.
    Tepai – after his 3 game on the side lines has found some form.
    Peni – apart from the restart after pen kick his been bending the line n running hard.
    M. Jennings – look what a week in Wenty does.

    Maybe just maybe 2019 brad will have a sharper n leaner back line with a monster pack.

    Like I have always said Hayne n MJ need clean n early ball.

    French needs time in Wenty. I thought George was unlucky to not play. French has to stop running off his wing.
    His time in Wenty will do him good ask MJ.

    Brad will have a good offseason with our new buys. But I hope he re-signs Hayne George Jennings.

    I hope we make reedy our 1st choice DH next year he looks really good I hope he has a good offseason put on a little bit more weight n added speed n he will be in 1st grade for a good 5/10 years.

    Good ratings otherwise Mitch.

    #Eels4life#

    1. mitch Post author

      There are positives, but still plenty to address. As touched on above, I suspect the playing roster needs a bit of a clean out before 2019, both contracted and non-contracted players. But that’s me.

      1. Jimmy Corbo

        I agree a real roster overhaul is required but easier said than done with contracts and the salary cap.

        1. mitch Post author

          I might be easily pleased but I’d be happy with a couple of pretty simple moves to be honest. If we can swing another classy forward and move a couple of under performers I’ll be more than satisfied.

          1. Rowdy

            You’re sooo easily pleased Mitch. No wonder you are a Parra fan. I’m a little bit harder to please mate. I just don’t want another wooden spoon! Maybe getting the Titans after a big, well deserved night on the drink? I mean a big, well deserved win could be the right formula for another win?

            Go Parra.

          2. mitch Post author

            I don’t care if we win or lose another game this season … as long as we don’t get the spoon. Obviously we’d need to win, and I think with close losses to the Dragons, Knights and now Bunnies I think we’ve wasted our chances. Hope I’m wrong.

          3. Milo

            Yes we are close mate and i think we need at least 3 wins! That will be something.

          4. MAX

            Guys that was an effort that I think we have all been wanting to see, but gee we cracked under pressure when the Bunnies started to come at us, our halves seriously went to water recalling our erratic rudderless game plan for the last 20. With that said I think a new cult hero emerged in Murata Niukore, I hope we have locked him up for a while. I did hear strong talk over the weekend of Cameron Ciraldo being linked with the Eels, any other reports on this!!!

          5. mitch Post author

            Agreed re Marata mate, thought he had easily his best game in the top grade.

            Where does one go to hear strong talk?

          6. MAX

            Cheers Mitch, I also heard that we are chatting with Corey Oats, have you heard this? He would be a worthy acquisition if this is the case!

          7. Milo

            One more big outside back / and another quality forward would be good. I assume Parra scouts are also looking at 19/20 yr olds too.
            Mitch can we expect some more younger players in Wenty to be given a taste before the end of the season? seeing we only have Mahoney as DH (possibly Smith back).

          8. mitch Post author

            I’m told Dylan Brown and Haze Dunster will continue in Wenty for the rest of the year, but outside of that I’m unsure of any other upcoming promotions.

  13. MattL

    I know it’s really disappointing (again), but a couple of decisions go the other way & we beat one of the premiership favourites. Just saying.

    1. mitch Post author

      No need for the just saying, I’m with you mate. We could pretty easily be on a four game winning streak if we hold on against the Dragons and Bunnies and finish the job against the Knights. I’m with you mate.

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