The Cumberland Throw

Post Game Grades – Round 21 vs Titans

Parramatta_Eels_logo.svg  Parramatta Eels 28

 Gold Coast Titans 12

The Good:
I’ll be honest, our string of close defeats left me more dismayed in recent weeks than Alan Jones after he was snubbed by the Immortals panel.

But tonight. The indescribable moments of your life tonight.
The impossible was possible tonight.
Believe in me as I believe in you, tonight.

We got ourselves another win, tonight.

Did the Eels win tonight?

You know, I’ve been waiting all year to use that joke and it’s not even funny.

In other news, a quick shout out to the good people you run into at the footy. Eels fans are generally a pretty great bunch of people.

The Bad:
Eels fans no doubt felt a touch of deja-vu when Anthony Donn’s 90 metre intercept try brought the Titans within striking distance for most of the second half, and some interesting refereeing decisions (including the just-as-perplexing-as-Corey’s-last-week sin binning of Tim Mannah) certainly added to the overall drama of the clash. Thankfully that’s as close as it got on the scoreboard before Normy’s clinching try put the game to bed.

Oh and only 6000 or so fans at ANZ Stadium made me feel sad and alone. But hey, at least we won.

X-Factor:

 

It was more a case of little victories than it was statistical dominance for the Eels tonight (possession was 50/50, running metres 2055 to 1799, completion 74% to a pretty paltry 63%), but at least the scoreboard indicated we were all over the Titans in this one. I guess it was accentuated by Moses’ sharpshooting 4 from 5 and Michael Gordon not being able to hit the broad sign of a barn (0 from 3). Overall to me it nonetheless felt more a gutsy win than it did a comprehensive one.

The MVP:
Gutho, Browny, Moses, Terepo and George Jennings were all in with a shot, but I thought Kane Evans’ impact on the game was particularly meaningful, and to some extent almost gave Eels fans a reason to crack a smile in an otherwise drab Season 2019.

Sure it’s only one game, but Kane’s 13 runs, 135 metres, 4 tackle breaks and an offload is a mammoth return to the NRL from the ISP wilderness.

Sure it’s only one game, but Kane Evans might yet prove to be part of the solution to our forward recruitment plans for 2019.

Sure it’s only one game, but quit stalling and just make him the 14th Immortal already.

You the MVP this week, Kane. You the MVP.

1- Clint Gutherson (c)

Fullback, Parramatta Eels

As I said last week, 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, but his 2018 evidently still has plenty of life, too. Cracking game from the young captain.

PS – Oh and 3 linebreak assists, too.

2- Bevan French

Right Wing, Parramatta Eels

After a pretty dreadful game last week, this week Bevan came out and suggested he wanted a crack at fullback, and would be willing to join another team to do so. As luck would have it, tonight’s opposition, the Gold Coast Titans, quickly emerged as a possible destination.

Well making 5 errors (that is NOT a misprint) and getting hooked for a young debutant doesn’t scream “sign me”, but those Titans seem to enjoy players in the middle of a form slump (see Cartwright, Bryce), so he might have actually done his chances a world of good. Outside of his own personal error festival, Bev’s 8 runs for 75 metres, tackle break and a try performance in themselves were improvements on his recent body of work, and he made a great cover tackle on Sami after a Gordon linebreak, so that’s something, I guess.

3- Michael Jennings

Right Centre, Parramatta Eels

After he was denied a try in the second half, I enjoyed Jet’s aggressive impersonation of this guy as much as anyone.

4- Jarryd Hayne

Left Centre, Parramatta Eels

Other than the early drop on the left wing, over 100 metres, 3 tackle breaks, a linebreak, a linebreak assist and a try seems pretty standard affair for Jazz at the moment. What was Jarryd Hayne, our left centre, doing over on the right hand side giving the last pass to Bevan for our 3rd try of the evening? This and other unsolved mysteries, tonight at ten.

Sign him up for 2019 like a billboard in lights.

5- George Jennings

Left Wing, Parramatta Eels

Gorgeous George got down and dirty with 12 runs, 119 metres, a linebreak, 2 tackle breaks, 2 tackles and a try.

*whispers* Will somebody please also extend his stay at the Eels? Please and thank you.

6- Corey Norman

Five-Eighth, Parramatta Eels

The overarching storyline for our halves in 2018 hasn’t been particularly pleasant. We aren’t scoring points or converting opportunities, and our halves aren’t taking the line on combining like they once did. For most of Season 2018 you wouldn’t have followed either one of these blokes in a conga line with any sort of confidence.

However, the first half felt right tonight. For a side often known for defending in packs, tonight we finally started attacking in a pack, too. Moses, Norman, Gutho, Hayne, Taka. They were like a hungry pack of velociraptors out there, hunting their helpless prey. And it felt good.

Both our halves were pretty good tonight, Normy vocal in his organisation, Moses particularly apt in both involvement and execution (for the most part). Both had 6 runs for 50 something metres, Corey had 6 kicks to Moses’ 9, 20 passes to Moses’ 28 and 1 tackle break to Moses’ 2. Like twin brothers, I really shouldn’t compare them, but in this climate I do and I will. It was Moses for mine tonight, but talent has never been an issue for either of our halves, we’d just like to see it consistently.

7- Mitch Moses

Halfback, Parramatta Eels

I just want to add, I thought Moses was pretty excellent in defence tonight, and it’s nice to see his pinpoint conversion rate return in recent weeks.

8- Siosaia Vave

Prop, Parramatta Eels

We won! Viva la Vave!

 

9- Reed Mahoney

Hooker, Parramatta Eels

A full 80 minutes, a clever little kicking game, 108 passes, 0 errors, 45 tackles with only 2 missed?

That’s Cash Mahoney, fam.

Thought for the day: Reed Mahoney has played in 5 games this year, including 3 wins and the “we should have won that” loss against the Bunnies. Somehow in a dreadful season for the Eels, he’s somehow almost 4 from 5.

PS – There was an article today that sort of suggested Reed wasn’t under contract in 2019. That is not the case, he is under contract next season. Rest easy, Eels fans.

10- Tim Mannah (c)

Prop, Parramatta Eels

I thought Tim Mannah was the nice guy? The Big Easy got sin binned for the second time this season (and for his career, mind you), and it’s starting to feel like a buddy cop story starring nice guy Tim Mannah and bad boy Nathan Brown is a film the world has been unfairly denied.

11- Marata Niukore

Back Row, Parramatta Eels

Crunch’s defensive game is almost as dangerous to mankind’s future as climate change. Something or someone has lit a fire under Hukuna Marata in recent weeks as he was particularly ferocious again tonight; running 9 times for 86 metres and making 22 tackles without a miss. CRUNCH.

12- Tepai Moeroa

Back Row, Parramatta Eels

If Tepai were a cricketer, his ability to somehow find the grass in the middle of that first half linebreak would be applauded by the Members Stand; it was quite extraordinary.

It’s a shame it was during a game of Rugby League, however.

13- Nathan Brown

Lock, Parramatta Eels

Cyborg run hard, Cyborg play good.

Browny went off for 20 runs, 191 metres, 2 tackle breaks, 1 offload and 33 tackles of his own. Probably deserves MVP, but he’ll have to wrestle it off Goliath Kane Evans.

PS – how about that run back off the 28th minute drop out? It left me with chills.

Interchange

14- Jaeman Salmon

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

The Apprentice’s first grade debut went off without a bang, but at least the pretty faced new bloke left ANZ Stadium tonight with a perfect win loss record.

In limited run, the new bloke went for just the one run for 11 metres, and 7 tackles without a miss. Tidy.

PS – If you missed my preseason Watch List preview on Jaeman, you can read it here. Note the embarrassing air of confidence about Season 2018, and then immediately disregard it.

15- Kane Evans

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

It’s funny that the Post Game Grades format makes Kane Evans’ picture look so small, because in reality he’s so big it’s like he could eat me for breakfast and still have room for toast. Speaking of toast, Kane Evans had his way with the Titans tonight, and that sort of performance on a consistent basis does wonderful things for our 2019 outlook.

16- Peni Terepo

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

After an absolute screamer of a game against the Bunnies, The Butcher didn’t shy away from some huge runs and even bigger defensive plays in back to back weeks. Tonight the Torpedo went off for 10 runs, 98 metres, 4 tackle breaks and a line break. I love that we’ve extended his contract for another two years.

Feed ’em, Peni. Feed ’em.

17- Brad Takairangi

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

Taka had 10 runs tonight for 94 metres, which is only 4 metres less than Peni Terepo made from his 10 runs. Just let that marinate for minute.

Taka also made 2 more tackles than the Butcher, but only had the single tackle break. It’s still Peni by a nose, but with several people suggesting Torpedo for the MVP award, Taka’s evidently had a pretty good night at the office. Like the rest of the NRL world, I much prefer him as a rangy, offloading (2 tonight) utility forward than I do a centre. Also probably deserved a try assist for the Jenko denied try.

We want to apologise to everyone who came to our Jarryd Hayne autograph signing session during the week. We didn’t realise people actually expected him to attend, and maintain our belief that Forty does a pretty good impersonation of his signature.

 

So it’s the :hot and cold, are they really choking Dragons” again next week. Maybe we should try let them get in front early and see if we can flip the script on them this time around.

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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68 thoughts on “Post Game Grades – Round 21 vs Titans

  1. Anonymous

    Not dissagreeing with your report or the grades. You wrote Mahoney 0 errors i think the 3 wild passes that found the ground and not a player, I would classify those as 3 mistakes. He had 2 kicks, 1 was never an option with poor execution and the other was fantastically executed into the corner. I though reed’s defence was very good all game and showed allot of enthusiasm. I would like to see him kick a little more whether its long or short and be a little more creative around the ruck.
    All in all a great game bye the young buck.

    Salmon really didnt do anything at all so very hard to give him an accurate grade.
    Gutho worked hard but still does silly things in a game. Gutho speed is gone.
    Bevan was once again very dissapointing, Time for a change i think.

    Hayne once again was outstanding, Fingers crossed he is back next year either full back, Wing or Center.
    Mosses is the worse of our halves, If we loose anyone id prefer him to go over Norman. I still think Norman would make an outstanding full back.

    Congratulations on the win

    PS – I hate the new celebration team song.! Nearly as embarrassing as our performances this year

    1. mitch Post author

      There’s plenty to digest in that comment, but I can see what you mean for each of them. Gutho’s speed is still very much a chance of returning to where it was, ACLs take time to fully repair, and preseason should be about the best indicator of where he’s at. Agree re Salmon, but 15 minutes seemed long enough to make a call for mine. Disagree re Moses’ game tonight, thought he was the better of the two (although Norman has owned the previous 4 or 5).

      Oh the new sheds celebration song? Punch the sky with bloody fists was all time! I hope that’s brought in instead of Click Go the Shears (sorry for the Shears fans out there).

      1. Kaul Pent

        Miss cued passes because your halves aren’t where they need to be on 5th tackle options aren’t errors. Simply miss communication by both party’s.

        1. mitch Post author

          Yeah I thought his service was excellent, but its hard to tell at ANZ the nature of the passes that went to ground.

    2. Jimmy Corbo

      Great to get a win but geez we got the wobbles again in the second half, luckily the Titans were off the boil.

      Reed continues to play well which is a great sign for the future, that consistent output at his age is a great pointer to a good career, up to him now how good he wants to be. I note your comment about our win/loss record when Reed plays and relate that to a comment made by Nathan Brown a few weeks ago on NRL 360, I paraphrase but it was roughly “show me a dumb dummy half and I will show you a dumb footy side”. A bit harsh on Kaysa and King but nobody touches the ball more than the dummy half, he just has to be good for the side to go well. For someone so young he seems to be making good decisions and backs that up with crisp ball to the halves. You could also see a lift in his confidence levels and want to do more by a couple of kicks from dummy half.

      Marata continues to play well and hit the line with gusto, I like him. Brown is just a freak, every week he turns up with his A game and how do people continue to knock Mannah, look at his stats, they are good every week. I thought Moses was very good, he looked to run a few times and most importantly did exactly what all fans cry out for from their halves late in the game, he controlled the game beautifully with some kicks for touch which took the sting out of the game. Not sure why we didn’t take the gimmie two points at the end, odd decision. As per my comments above and last week on Reed, I’m a wait and see with Evans, he needs to produce consistently, played well but do it for three weeks straight and them I’m a believer. On the flip side Vave must go in the coming clean out.

      What can you say about Hayne, he is more polarising than most but how can you not sign him on what he has done in the last six weeks. The media reporting of his form this year has been very poor on facts, he played 3 maybe 4 games (cant recall) before being injured, went ok, came back for 1 game we he lasted 10 minutes but threw the last pass for a try after beating his defender and than has come back for this run of form, how can you fault him. The selective reporting on facts from the media is so poor, frankly bordering on unethical on most topics to suit the agenda. I digress but Kudos to Warren Smith on Twitter for calling them all out on their reporting of the ref issues.

      Mitch, if your mate Peni goes another 80 without dropping the pill, I will jump on the Peni train because to be fair his running game has been outstanding at times. Too early to make any calls on Salmon but I hold hope because he is obviously talented but most importantly he is a big body. He wont get roughed up and I liked the confidence in the kid to attempt a Gidley flick so early in his career, off the live view only I thought it was and touch and go and may well have been allowed in many other games this year.

      The best part of the night for me was the French try, that was a good football sides try. When a side can make a break and then next play set up the backline to pull of a play that includes a decoy runner (Jennings) and pass out the back to Hayne who drew and passed to an unmarked winger it shows a side who has some very good football in them and dare I say I it, well coached.

      Bring on the Dragons, they are vulnerable.

    3. Rowdy

      Annie-moose? what a ridiculous PS!

      At first I could not understand why you had received so many thumbs down as I agreed with quite a bit of your post.

      Mate, as a Parra fan we need to understand not just the “what” about things pertaining to our team. We also need to consider the “why” the team song was changed and the “how” it might impact the boys “who” are really the only ones that the victory song is sung by and created for!

      I loved it for those reasons. It was a privilege to be invited into “their” inner sanctum, to watch the boys delight in it and hear their enthusiastic rendition.

  2. John Eel

    Damn it was good to get another win. But it was also good to see the Big Fish swim in the Big Pond. Done nothing wrong and played with confidence. It was good to see Kane Evans play to the level that the club believe he is capable of. Great to see Peni get back to his best.

    On the down side I heard at the game that there is other interest in our unsigned George. Had to happen.

    How good is Gutho. A good effort tonight and after a good off season and he will be back to his best

      1. John Eel

        Cant answer that. It came up in a conversation on why he had not re-signed. Does the comment have credibility I don’t know but he mentioned a few things that suggested he had some information. I think it makes sense but there are a few things keeping him at the Eels.

          1. Colin Hussey

            Another utility player who may come on the market! currently on $650k for this and next year.

            May be a good pick up especially as he’s still young.

          2. mitch Post author

            Munster and TPJ are my dream (1 in a million chance of either) signings. Corey Oates wouldn’t be too far down that list of preferences for me either.

      2. MAX

        Mitch I heard similar that the Dragons are interested in George as a replacement for Nightingale. His preference is to stay at Parra, but the signing of Siva may impact on this.

        1. mitch Post author

          And no, Siva won’t impact it IMO. Good signing but I think people are going off a little early on the 24 year old.

          1. Colin Hussey

            I think Siva shows a lot in those video’s of him but, how many of those sort of displays have we seen in the past? Remember a #7 from near the Border coming here to trial and the amount of videos that came out promoting him.
            Siva has size and real potential but with George we know what he can do, & if his positional play can be improved he is a VG winger, with both George and Siva in our side they will be giving each other good competition for one wing spot.

  3. Michael Formosa

    It’s great to get another win!
    On the subject of re-signing players (George Jennings, Hayne or anyone else) its hard to know what’s going on as the club have taken the silent approach and are not announcing anything. Outside of Ferguson and Paulo the club is saying nothing. It’s been reported by others that we have re-signed Peni Terepo and signed ShaunLane and Maika Sivo but nothing from the club at all.

    1. mitch Post author

      Yeah not sure, Michael. It has certainly been radio silence from the club regarding good news signings like that though.

      All three (Peni, Shaun Lane and Maika) were quoted as saying they’ve signed with the Eels, so it does seem fait accompli.

  4. Billy

    Wasn’t it good to finally see the reason we recruited Evans come to fruition? Loved him, Peni and Marata carting the ball up, and hitting in defence too. (Browny should get a mention there, but it’s just expected from him). And I do like Taka in the forwards, he just really needs someone to be running off him consistently to collect that offload he’s always aiming to give.

    And Mahoney is definitely looking the goods, at this early stage. Any whispers on us either re-signing one of KP or Kingy, or else going to market? The last few years are telling us we need three competent hookers in the top 30 (at least if KP is one of them – he’s bound to miss a few weeks).

    What was really noticeable tonight at the game was that our post-contact metres were much better than the Titans’. Our kicking game still frustrated me – the low kicks almost all had positive outcomes, the bombs… to quote Corey – yeah, nah.

    French needs to spend the off-season building up strength and working on his technique when trying to tackle a try-scoring player – he’s a slight build, and it may ultimately prevent him fulfilling his potential, but I’m sure he could be better defensively with better techniques and smarts (eg play at the damn ball). Before we write him off, remember, the kid is only 22, he’s still growing and learning. He did pull off the play that led to Mannah’s try in the repeat set – chasing the Moses kick at full speed and pushing his opposite number into touch. I wouldn’t be averse to a few weeks in Wenty for him, but not if his replacement is Hoffman, I can’t see that as an upgrade.

    Oh, and if anyone else was listening to the ABC radio commentary at the game – how the hell could they not tell the difference between French and Jennings? I know they were switching positions on the field, but seriously, it was the other end of the filed from me, and I could tell the difference. I think the real corker was when they called Moeroa as Gutho…

    1. mitch Post author

      As you can probably tell from my comments, I’m salivating over Kane’s performance last night; thought he was outstanding. Taka added a real different element from our forward pack tonight, something that couldnt be necessarily said in recent times he’s played there.
      The hooking position is interesting as you’d think we’d only have Reed and maybe Will Smith on the books at the moment.

      1. Colin Hussey

        Mitch, I would be very concerned if we head into next season with only Smith as the back up 9. He did ok last year but from what I have seen this year he is not a viable option as dummy half alternative.

        I would seriously like to see Kaysa given another years contract as back up for Mahoney.

          1. Colin Hussey

            Rev. I know you don’t like KP but for me if Mahoney continues in the same form he has shown so far, then we don’t have a lot of worries, thing is who then do we have as a backup for him?

            Mahoney is, how old? 21 next year, if a player as young as him and with relatively little NRL time so far does not have a back up, and unless someone here can tell us who is the next in line for the 9 spot we do need one, the Flegg side that beat the chooks on the weekend had the following person as their 9
            L. TAPAATOUTAI, never heard of him, last weeks Went’s 9 had Rhys DAVIES as their 9. Are either of them capable as back up? I have no idea on that.

            Unless we are going for someone to be the primary 9 which puts Mahoney’s spot in question, we only have the likes of King, Pritchard or Smith as back ups. Having seen Smith go backwards this year and certainly behind the other two contenders, it does not bode well for next year if the other two are punted.

            Out of the three, Pritchard is the pick of them and outside of his injuries he has shown improvements in his play as against the other two. As I said, a one year extension for Pritchard is our best option, as he’s still young. King is 27 going into next year, and just as injury prone if not more. Smith and Pritchard will be 24 next year, while Smith is listed as a fullback in the eels profile page and is lighter than Pritchard, but he’s a few CM’s taller.
            The only benefit of Smith is that he was signed to a 2 year deal which ends in 2020 a big gamble and has gone backwards since resigning.

          2. John Eel

            Colin I was hoping they may chase Farrah. Having said that there was probably never a real chance he would come across. Would have been a good option to mentor Mahoney for a year or two.

          3. Colin Hussey

            John, the way I hear and read things is Farah is wanting another year at the tigers. Other news bits have had an indication that Cameron Smith may also leave the Storm.

            I watched a fair bit of the Storm game on the box the other night and he looked a fair bit subdued compared to other times, that’s not saying he did not play well.
            I honestly see Mahoney being our long term 9, but a back up is needed, the thing is that I doubt a recognised 9 would come cheap but, could be worth it say in the case of C Smith in being someone who can help any of those we have in playing as a 9.
            Can’t see it happening though.

          4. mitch Post author

            Are you suggesting Cameron Smith could leave the Storm for us? That won’t be happening mate.

          5. Colin Hussey

            Mitch not suggesting, just something I read elsewhere, could not see it happening while Bennett is coach, unless there are issues down there.

          6. The rev aka Snedden.

            It’s not that I don’t like KP it’s just that he spends more time watching 1st grade then playing 1st grade. King well his really gone backwards n fast. Smith is not a DH but he will do for a wile n Mahoney will make this year as a good learning curve leading into next year. I was hoping king would have a good season but all our DH are injured or old of form except reedy.

          7. Colin Hussey

            Rev, I think that Kaysa has been the most unfortunate player that I can think of ever playing for the eels, he has so much energy and want to play for the eels he really deserves to get a better run on the field to really show what he can do, at least consistently. His injuries have been terrible, with most basically accidents, the old saying about that person being an accident looking for somewhere for it to happen seems in some ways apt for him. Last year was exactly that for him.

            I really would love to see him sign on for another year for 2019 and not get one injury through the whole season and I think he would surprise many as well as himself. I am of the firm belief that we need a couple of real pro’s in the training dept that get alongside him and point him the right way to avoid injuries. Gotta be beneficial for the whole club really.

        1. mitch Post author

          Yeah I think there’s a couple of things in the works. We will have more 9s than just Reed and Smith on the books in the Top 30/36 though, don’t worry about that.

    2. rayt

      Thanks,i was listening to ABC broadcast,explains why it was confusing at times listening to their rambling on

  5. West Coast Eel

    Agree with your thoughts on Kane Evans. We saw a tiny glimpse of what he is capable of. I think Bev needs some time in wenty, just to give the poor bloke some confidence. He has none at the moment. We were very impressive defensively tonight, although I did think we were gonna get run down in the 2nd half. I’m just glad we won. Bring on the Dragons!

  6. Tim

    One thing I’d like to say, and this does not relate to just last night’s game, can we please get moving quicker on penalties. Oh, My, Gawd, we are so slow. We have a committee meeting before kicking for touch every time. Only once did Jarryd just grab the ball and tap it and go. It’s a symptom of the lack of energy we’ve displayed for most of the session, lets get the opposition on the back foot. Someone just grab the ball and go!
    P.S. We should have kicked for goal with 2 seconds to go from right in front, 30-12 would have looked much better.

    Also thanks Mitch for the insights last night. Great to catch up.

    1. mitch Post author

      Yeah 30 would have been nice, I wonder if the Titans being a man down changed that idea.

      Yeah it was great to catch up mate, get in touch any time. Hopefully we’re sitting near one another again next year. Regardless, you guys are always pretty easy to spot. Thanks for reading.

  7. BDon

    Each week shows that Niukore and Mahoney are improvements to the team, well done and welcome to first grade.Was good to see Tepai come back on, the guy has had a stop start year with HIA and suspension. Loved the way Norman iced that game, big lesson there, one of our strengths, short kicking/repeats not seen in second half because we got the possession wobbles. Right on cue the Titans got the yips when Mannah got binned and we started to do the basics better. Good thought fodder Mitch, Evans/Brown, Moses/Norman, the discussion matters more than the verdict.
    It’s a bit like Brown(also Hayne) is a Stawell Gift back marker. I thought Moses needed more patience in the 2nd half wobble but overall was positive and energetic.
    Mannah binning- put the stopwatch on the tackle completion and release, it was dead set par 3 seconds.

    1. mitch

      Loving the contributions of both Reed and, particularly in recent weeks, Marata too. Hoping we can get another good week out of Evans to really give us some hope.

      1. Salty Pete

        I’m with you Mitch. I’m loving Reed’s enthusiasm. Reminds me of Michael Ennis – a little cheeky, which is a quality all hookers need. A very telling, but great sign – have a look at the two players who were first to Cory Norman after he scored: Mahoney and Salmon. Now I’m not saying that Salmon and Mahoney are going to pick up and run with NRL straight away – that’s a long road to become established – but the team needs their youthful exuberance. Don’t tell me the older players won’t feed of that. As for Reed, I can’t believe how well he is doing in the top grade. And if Salmon follows suit, it’s all upside.

  8. Glenn

    What can I say, but a win is a win. Thought we played really strongly in first half with the whole team playing at speed. In second half played like Parra. Really are we a 40 min team? It always appears we can only garner one decent half of footy each week. Although our second half was good I didn’t think it was as good as the first.

    1. Billy

      Probably a lot to do with the farcical second half penalty square-ups that seem to happen in most games. I think we won the first half count 6-1, but if felt like we couldn’t buy one in the second half – not sure what the final stat was.

      Plus, whenever we’ve had to work hard in defence, it seems like we try too hard to do something fancy in attack to relieve the pressure, which leads to a mistake, which leads to more defence, which leads to more attacking errors, which leads to… yeah, you get the idea.

      1. mitch Post author

        I thought we were alright attacking wise in the second, just the swing of possession for large parts was ridiculous IMO.

    2. mitch Post author

      It wasn’t as good as the first, but Tepai’s pass off a linebreak and the Moses intercept were unfortunate moments that could have easily gone the other way. As Billy says, the second half penalty count was brutal, too (at one point 7-1, ended at 7-4).

  9. Billy

    Any thoughts on the 6000-odd crowd figure? There seemed to be a ripple of amusement at the ground when it was announced. I’ve been there when the crowd looked as sparse as that, and they’ve announced figures several thousand higher (which I thought were garbage). It was noticeable that the away bay was empty, which is hardly surprising, that’s been the case with most Titans games I’ve been to.

    1. mitch Post author

      Yeah it was pretty poor. Titans games are always hard to fill (even in our successful seasons), then add in the fact that we’ve been terrible. I spoke to someone in the club yesterday and they almost predicted the crowd figure to the man (they said 6,180); so I guess it was expected.
      I’ve never been one to hack on ANZ in these last couple of years, it’s just what had to happen to get our new stadium, but I am very, very much looking forward to heading back to Parra.

  10. Shelley

    For me best and most impactful player on the field by a country mile was Nathan Brown.

    However the two players that pleased me the most with performances, energy and simply looking like they wanted to be on the field- Moses and Evans. From the outset Moses looked energised, happy and was taking on the line. He made many good choices. I have not been a fan of his but possibly with the club making some choices on players to keep and move on it has given him some certainty. Whatever contributed to his performance last night I don’t really know but he was controlled and decisive and I liked what he did. When he thinks run first he is so much more dangerous. Evans was really good, in one set of six he took 2 hit ups and made ground, I was almost second guessing if it was really him. Far cry from what we saw earlier in the year.

    1. mitch Post author

      To be honest, as I hinted at Browny probably had the better game, but I was just so impressed (surprised) with Kane’s game I just gave MVP to him instead. Nonetheless I guess it’s a case of his terrific game meaning more to me than simply another terrific game from Browny.

      I also thought Moses was terrific, and again, just want those sort of games consistently. Other than Bev, I can’t really think of a poor performer.

  11. The rev aka Snedden.

    Mitch I think the club can stop looking for a DH n 5/8 we already have one in reedy n salmon they will only get better with a good offseason under there belts.

    I didn’t see the game but I saw Kane Evans stats I had to double check. This the same Kane who was having a really bad year n dropped to ISP.

    Plz parra re-sign G jennings. His only getting better. As for French I’m happy to see him go. His always running towards the sideline n getting pushed into touch. Fergurson n G Jennings on the wings will do me. Hayne n michael jennings in the centres.

    #Eels4life#

  12. DDay

    What a breath of fresh air! Good to see the “A” grades and all thoroughly deserved; Guth, Hayne, Brown & Evans were terrific – I’d include Peni in there too.

    The Forwards were great tonight, good defensive intensity, hard running with a few off-loads. The halves contributed, straightening the attack with smart kicks – for mine the best game from the halves this season. Great to see the intensity maintained for 80 mins.

    It feels a bit like the Roosters season from 2016 when they blooded Latrell, Manu & Matterson, they played without confidence and lost 8 games by < 6 points – the Chooks went onto finish 2nd in 2017. We've introduced, Gennings, Mahoney, Nuikore and Salmon, lost 7 games by 6 points or less and "hopefully" laid the platform for 2019.

    That should give them a shot in the arm for next week against an out of form Saints.

    1. mitch Post author

      Man, we’d have to be right up to the task and on for 80 minutes to take the Dragons next week. Surely with Manly and the Dogs getting ridiculous victories in recent weeks we’re due?

  13. Milo

    Fair marks Mitchy:) we will need to be on next wk to beat saints. It’s the game I think we need to win to try and avoid spoon as Cows last game will be v hard to win.

  14. Longfin Eel

    I didn’t get to see the game unfortunately. Did anybody notice what position Salmon played? If that was in the halves, did that mean a backline shift?

    1. mitch Post author

      Ha yeah mate, we noticed with interest. It went Bevan off, Gutho to wing, Corey to Fullback, Salmon to the halves. Plenty of interest in all four of those moves IMO.

        1. mitch Post author

          It did seem an odd combination, like they were giving Gutho a bit of a rest or something. But why not just put Jarryd back there? (Maybe he was tired himself). Evidently BA was keen to see Salmon in the halves and maybe it’s as simple as it was better than either taking Corey off or putting him on the wing.

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