The Cumberland Throw

Whisky Musings – Round 22: The Fire Rises

Round 22 Drink Of Choice – Royal Salute 21YO

 

There is an almost unprecedented level competition for the wooden spoon in 2018 as the final few rounds of competition in the NRL boil down to a fascinating race to avoid last place on the ladder. The Canterbury Bulldogs, North Queensland Cowboys and Manly Sea-Eagles all lodged improbable victories in the last two weeks and thus the Parramatta Eels were left with no recourse but to overcome the inadequacies that have plagued them in 2018.

While you could probably rather aggressively compose a thesis on why the Eels suddenly decided to recall that they were a Top 4 calibre side in Round 22, there is no arguing that they answered the challenge thrown down to them by fellow spoon contenders in imperious fashion.

The 40-4 deconstruction of the St George Illawarra Dragons was everything that Parramatta fans were expecting of this roster coming into 2018. After absorbing early pressure through the middle from the vaunted Dragons’ pack, the Eels proved to be too fast, too strong and too slick for St George as the full seventeen man assignment of Eels came together to play a complete 80-minutes of football for their fans and their coach Brad Arthur.

I suggested last week that the hard fought victory over the Gold Coast Titans might signal a turning point in the fortunes of the Eels. Saturday’s result supports that claim but the run home for Parramatta is nothing short of brutal. A trip to Melbourne, followed by a trip to Townsville (Jonathan Thurston’s final home game no less) before hosting the Roosters is a helluva scheduling trifecta. The effort and execution shown against the Dragons has to be the standard that the Eels hold themselves to for both the remainder of 2018 and heading into the 2019 preseason.

The fire rises for the Parramatta Eels, let’s see just what has stoked the flames in this week’s edition of Whisky Musings.

 

Blue (& Gold) Caviar

 

Brad Arthur made one of the biggest roster shake-ups this week in his tenure at the Eels as he switched Corey Norman to fullback in order to open up the five-eighth role to boom rookie Jaeman Salmon.  The spinal switch placed greater responsibility onto the shoulders of Mitchell Moses as he was asked to take on the role of the dominant play-maker. Moses responded in compelling manner as he scored a scintillating solo-try and tacked on a further four try-assists in a man-of-the-match effort.

As much as Moses starred though, the new-look spine played so cohesively with each of the four players performing admirably in their assigned roles that it does beg a very intriguing question for the future…is this Parramatta’s best spine for 2019?

It has been well documented in the past that Norman prefers to play in the halves over fullback. Couple this with the dramatic nature in how his contract status has played out in recent weeks and I would not blame you for calling me a fool. Yet, the easy nature in which the Norman-Salmon-Moses-Mahoney combination clicked surely would have pricked up the ears of the coaching staff.

Salmon’s role in the rousing victory was equal parts excellent and understated. Happy to defer to his senior halves partner, Salmon’s role as link man and occasional off-play-maker resulted in far greater offensive fluency for the Eels. Thrice he was denied a maiden NRL try by the barest of margins but he did notch up his first try-assist from a sailing bomb that completed Hayne’s first half hat-trick. Add in 21 rugged tackles (0 missed) and some great off-the-ball work (seriously, check out who was hot on the tail of Moses during his big run) and you have a damn good first NRL starting game!

Throw in the sensational ability of Jarryd Hayne to moonlight at fullback from the wing and you have an exciting play-making core to develop heading into 2019. Of course there are plenty of questions that rapidly need to be answered first. How consistent can this combination be and where do the futures of Norman and Hayne lie?

 

The studded stud

 

The cries of whether Jarryd Hayne still has it in 2018 have quickly subsided and been replaced by curious call of just how good he can be again. The mercurial superstar continues to take strides back to his stunning best as he increasingly looks to be in rugby-league shape and touch. A first half hat-trick against the St George Illawarra Dragons catapulted him past Brett Kenny (110 tries) to second on the all-time try scoring list for the Eels with 112 – just 12 behind the record holder Luke Burt.

Easily the most impressive part of Hayne’s dominant showing on Saturday night was his recovery from a brutal incident early on in proceedings. Shortly after scoring his first try of the night, Hayne has studded in the face by Jordan Pereira from a questionably raised late-boot. For those that are curious to see the full extent of the damage, simply click this link, I do however advise those with fainter dispositions towards flesh wounds to avoid the image as it contains an impressive gash.

The improvised solution to stop the bleeding from Parramatta trainers was quickly dubbed the ‘hot-cross bun’ by commentators but Hayne’s efforts were far more sweeter than the popular seasonal treat.

There is one last major milestone to check off in Hayne’s storied career as he seeks the premiership that was cruelly robbed from him and his team mates in 2009. For all of their struggles in 2018, the last six or so weeks culminating in Saturday’s enthralling performance are a reminder that this roster should indeed have premiership aspirations next season. Hopefully Jarryd is one of the core pieces in that puzzle.

 

Forward thinking

 

Six Parramatta forwards broke the 100m mark on Saturday night while Tepai Moeroa (8 runs, 80m) and Marata Niukore (9 runs, 84m) were far more effective than their numbers may suggest as they both produced aggressive outings on the edges. It was a truly dominant performance by the pack and one that vividly evoked memories of the high-energy and up-tempo play-style of the Parramatta forwards in 2017.

In some ways it was potentially a curtain raiser for what the Eels might expect in 2019.

Siosaia Vave’s outstanding starting performance of 16 runs for 141m and 20 tackles (2 missed) plus the game-sealing try was something of a watershed game for the big man in his two-year stint at the Eels. Whether that performance and his general up-turn in form of late earns him a second contract at the Eels remains to be seen but that sort of performance is what I dare say the Eels will look to be drawing out of Junior Paulo on a weekly basis next season.

Even the change in the way that the Eels have used their backrowers in the red zone in recent weeks bodes well for incoming recruit Shaun Lane. While they may not have troubled the scorers recently Moeroa, Niukore and Brad Takairangi have caused plenty of mischief near opposition try lines as the Eels vary their point of attack via their big backrowers. Lane has proven to be particularly astute as this aspect of the game for Manly en-route to becoming their leading try scorer in 2018.

For the forward that took to the field for the Eels on Saturday though, each and every one of them deserves their individual plaudits. David Gower capped career NRL game #99 with a vintage effort from the bench while Peni Terepo continued his destructive vein of form as he equaled Jarryd Hayne with a team high 6 tackle breaks.

It should come as no surprise that Nathan Brown was a monster on the stat-sheets once more as he went for 21 runs, 186m, 30 tackles (1 missed).

Perhaps the most encouraging performance came from Kane Evans though. The towering prop forward has struggled heavily in his first year at the Eels but has, pardon the pun, stood tall in the last two rounds. 14 runs for 122m and 19 tackles (0 missed) along with 2 tackle breaks make for a productive night by any measure but Evans also played a crucial part in Jarryd Hayne’s second try and Vave’s try with his ball-playing ability. His cutout pass in the lead up to the break for Hayne’s second was particularly impressive.

Evans is also starting to channel his aggression in defence better since returning from his lengthy stint in the Intrust Super Premiership. Like Nathan Brown, Evans has shown himself capable of producing a timely big hit – a valuable defensive trait for sure.

Brad Arthur will need all this and perhaps even more out of Kane Evans moving forwards but as a fan it is just nice to see some consistent production from the big man after his troubled start at the Eels.

 

Rookie of the (quarter) year

 

Brisbane Bronco Jamayne Isaako is the runaway favourite for the Dally M Rookie Of The Year gong and for good reason after starring all season at wing and fullback for the fabled Brisbane franchise. I will be damned though if Reed Mahoney has not been the most dominant rookie across the NRL in the final quarter of the season.

Mahoney’s presence at #9 has been transformative for the Parramatta Eels and more than that, it feels a gaping roster hole at arguably the most important position in the team. The young rake has erased the handful of errors that crept into his game in his first two caps and has since been clinical at dummy half for the Eels.

Although it is admittedly easy to oversell it slightly with my Blue & Gold glasses, Reed’s slick service and ability to punish lax marker defence has been hugely refreshing to watch and I dare say has aided Mitchell Moses, Corey Norman and Jaeman Salmon greatly into jolting the Eels back into life.

5 runs for 48m and 32 tackles (2 missed) make for another rock solid night at the office but more than that you can see the young tyro slipping into an on-field leadership role that befits the player that handles the ball more than any other.

 

The Final Word

 

It is hard to criticise much of anything from that performance. Even the Dragon’s sole try came from a pin-point bomb and a great take from Luciano Leilua – something that is pretty hard to defend against.

The Parramatta Eels were just ‘on’ against the Dragons. Stellar hustle in defence, off-the-ball work and a rugged commitment to the defensive mantra of bending without breaking stymied the early assault of the St George pack and paved the way to victory.

So compelling was the team effort on Saturday that I have even neglected to mention the excellent efforts of Clinton Gutherson and Michael Jennings in the centres. Jennings did have one unfortunate error to his name in the second half but both were outstanding on either side of the ball for the Eels.

Brad Arthur and his men now stare down the barrel of the hardest run home in the competition but there is good reason to believe that this team can take all comers to close out 2018. I completely understand any fan that is bitter that this resurgence, or rather realisation of the team’s potential, took so long but I suggest we all just enjoy what is left of the ride as Parramatta look to develop several key pieces in their push for a premiership in 2019.

 

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

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20 thoughts on “Whisky Musings – Round 22: The Fire Rises

  1. Rob

    I wish I had your confidence that this form will continue for the rest of the year and, damnit, into next year.

    I LOVED watching their dominance over St G on Saturday, but I’m terrified of a reemergence of the utter dross we’ve been served up by our beloved team for most of the rest of the year.

    I think Melbourne Storm in Melbourne will be every bit as challenging as Cowboys in Townsville for us these next two rounds. In my head I’ve already put a ‘L’ in the win/loss column for the Cowboys game due to the fact that it’s Thurston’s last game and last home game and we all know how the NRL loves to celebrate its heroes, be they deserving or not… I really hope I am wrong and that we smash them and shove our victorious fists in the faces of the media.

    However, now that that’s all said, what a performance it was from our boys. Mahoney, especially stood out for me, he is an Origin-calibre hooker in his current form, and I put the great majority of that belief down to what’s going on between his ears not his physical attributes and skills, which is not to say they are lacking. He’s mentally tough, plays smart and keeps an upbeat vibe to his game. This may be the spillover of youthful exuberance but I like to think it isn’t and that there’s a maturity and intelligence to his game that can’t be taught. I think he’s our best option for “9”, even though I truly admire Kamikaze Kaysa’s bravery and aggression.

    Another thing I’d like to say is how maturely Hayne played his part for the team. I was more impressed with that than with his three excellent tries, it was good to see him popping up in wing, centre and fullback positions as needed and just generally playing his part well. I think that reflects a growth in him that may not have been there previous to this season.

    Eels forever!

    1. sixties

      I agree about Hayne. There’s something very different about him this year. He has a genuine determination that is not so much manifested in flashy plays, but classy finishing, intelligent play and involvement in tough carries.

    2. John Eel

      I think Haynes reading of the game was outstanding on Saturday night. His positioning off the ball was perfect for the first try. In terms of scoring that try it was nearly as good as the cut out pass from Moses.

      I will be disappointed if we do not see him back up again next year.

  2. Anthony

    This time last year, fans and coaching staff alike were jostling between the merits of King and Pritchard as the preferred 9. Fast forward 12 months, and I am of a strong opinion that both of them will fill the void that Reed has left in the reggies. He has grown in confidence and stature each game he has played and I for one see him as a solid and vital member of the spine in the foreseeable future. Whilst watching the game on Saturday night, I did declare him my new favourite player.

    I loved the new look backline and new look spine, but as has been mentioned, the longevity and sustainability of these combinations is uncertain. Gutho is a strong centre, and giving Norman a bit more room at the back and allow him to control when and where he appears provides greater opportunity. Moses clearly relished the chance to control and lead the team. The other factor is when Hayne starts to roam, and with Norman starting pop up anywhere, the defences now have to ask themselves many questions, which is an attacking advantage that not many teams have, and one that I hope we are able to consolidate and build on.

    I know it’s only a 1 game dominance, but we’ve been seeing glimpses of this throughout most games this year. Glimpses that belie our position on the ladder. I’m quite buoyed about the coming games and the off season reset.

    1. sixties

      The thing about this game was that it was always possible with a full 80 minute performance. I’m torn between trying to look too far into the future and just appreciating the players getting reward for effort in the now.

  3. Longfin Eel

    I think the change to the team throughout the season with the injection of youth has been the catalyst for the better form of late. It’s understandable that the club couldn’t roll out the likes of Mahoney and Salmon earlier in the season due to cap restrictions, but you can clearly see their confidence building. Also the fact that Hayne is back to full fitness must not be understated. He even looks like a rugby league player again, something we have not seen since 2014. The team has a good mix of experience and youth, and I am excited by the prospects of 2019 and the future, but obviously there is much hard work ahead.

    1. Poppa

      Good read, thoroughly covered.
      I would like to be proactive and go back to the beginning of this year.
      We all knew that we were light on in the forwards and there was something about our defence that raised question marks, even for the whole of 2017.
      History say’s it all now and no point in harping on it.
      There is no question that this years competition is one of the most even ever, confused by so many one sided games.
      Watching St George was like watching Parra in the mirror for the first 3/4 of this year…..all based on confidence and the luck of the referees whims. I am not being cynical here and I will say unequivocally this season is the worst referring I have ever witnessed, on the field and in the bunker. I cannot believe it is the individuals, but the leadership from Greenberg down to the referees boss……to not delegate to the refs that they have a direct responsibility to the spectacle of the game and say to them in turn that the best decisions you will make, is not making a decision at all…..is a no brainer!
      A penalty goal exists for a reason, sending players to the bin because of 3 prior penalties is rubbish…..let the ref “play on” and then penalise if the advantage has not been taken.
      It must be disheartening to play a game and effectively have it taken away by irrational and whimsical decisions on and off the field.
      The other standout with Parra in this latest raised effort to me was how much stronger our side looked ……that’s physically stronger…..hindsight can blame the aerobic style AFL training (no ones fault..just looks like it didn’t work).
      I have read that the strength and conditioning staff have been replaced (don’t know how true that is) but we definitely look fitter and stronger.
      Maybe the time of the pre season torture trips has to be put into a different mode, because what ever training they did in the preseason didn’t help one iota in the early season heat!
      I think with the recruiting we have made, that the addition of one more significant forward is enough to say we will be a genuine premiership threat next year. 2019 was always going to be the year, 10 years after our last grand final and 3 years after the last admins “shitstorm”.
      PS Looks like we have a hooker!

      1. sixties

        Hi Poppa. Lachlan Wilmot is still with the Eels, with former Storm/Panthers trainer Adrian Jimenez. You comment on how we look to be more competitive in the forwards, more physical. I’d also say that the refs are now adjudicating completely differently. All of the stop/start from the start of the season from refs blowing dozens of penalties seems to have changed. The stop/start advantaged bigger packs. We have made and continue to make changes to training this year. But more than anything, I think the players mindset has changed and this is the reason for late season improved form.

    2. sixties

      Longfin, I’m wondering how much is the enthusiasm and how much is team balance. The introduction of Salmon has changed the spine from having two halves demanding the ball to one half taking the dominant role. Mahoney has a mix of service and running in his game.
      Hayne with a proper pre-season? We need to extend the contract soon.

  4. Jimmy Jnr

    I think you need to take off those blue and gold glasses. Cause i personally think your over exaggerating the hype around Mahoney. I do not dissagree he has been a breath of fresh air. To think he is even close to rookie of there year after 5 games or to suggest even after you yourself admitting a few mistakes crept in early in his first 2 games. The claim he has been the dominant rookie the last quater is also bias. Considering the amount of fantastic rookies out there. If the kid was making breaks or scoring tries or been creative in attack or kicking game i would understand and justify your hype. The kid has potential but i dont think he has been that outstanding. He is enthusiastic is defence and his service the last few games has been alot better than the first few. He likes to run the ball. But he lacks a few things. Not creative enough around the ruck. Never addresses the markers. Doesnt kick very often. Last game 0 kicks. Previous game 2 kicks. 1 outstanding the other very ordinary. If you look at his defence he tackles legs every single time. That’s great and effective for him but not great when the opposition get to there front and a quick play the ball. Not once has he tackled up top. Cause he cant. If he wants to be our number 9 going forward he needs to work hard and have a well balanced game in every facet.

    Good thing is he has time.

    Remember we are comparing him to Pritchard and King who both were not the greatest of hookers. So anything is a step up from those guys.

    I’m just an honest person who speaks there mind. Only my opinion.
    If it was me i would be buying an experienced hooker to help him out.

    I also dont see the hype around Salmon either. He had 1 kick which we scored off, but lets be honest the kick was lucky and allowed to bounce. What else did he do.? Not creative at all. Poor running game, No other kicking game.

    I get we are excited to see a few young ones make there debut But if Parra want to win a premiership sometime in the next 10 years these 2 players will both need to improve alot.

    1. sixties

      Thanks for your reply Jimmy. And let me now admonish Forty – shame on you Forty for showing any bias on an Eels supporter site. Give yourself an uppercut mate!
      I dont think Forty or anyone regards Reed as the complete package yet. I wouldn’t want him to do much differently defensively. He’s not tall and the work he does in chopping down the big boppers with someone coming in over the top is ideal in my opinion.
      I see Reed bringing in elements that we had in Pritchard and King, but together in his game. King at his best is intelligent in his service. Pritchard at his best is all energy.
      Reed has to harness some aspects of his enthusiasm, but his developing game sense was evident in that one on one steal. I can assure you, he’s often last to leave the field at training as he works on his kicking game.
      I’m not sure how much of Salmon you’ve seen Jimmy, but I’d hope you’re not judging him on his first game where, to be fair, he helped to provide much needed balance to the backline.
      His junior rep days would suggest he has more to his game than youre given credit for.
      I won’t hype these players. I’m simply not agreeing with the knock you’re applying.

    2. Arc

      I’m genuinely confused as to how you can death ride both Mahoney and Salmon as much as you have..? While I agree that Pritchard, King and even Smith aren’t benchmarks within the grand scheme of things at hooker, the level at which our ruck and line speed increases when Mahoney gets on the field shouldn’t be understated. In 5 games, we’ve looked more controlled and our halves actually have space when he’s on the field in comparison to any other point he wasn’t – all you have to do is watch the 20 minute period Smith was on against the Dragons while Mahoney was off and you can see the difference.

      You criticise his tackling… the dude barely misses a tackle and stops the biggest blokes in their tracks. You’re suggesting he should tackle higher around their chest, he isn’t a massive guy so going low is ALWAYS the way to stop someone larger, going high in tackles is a good way to slow people down, not to stop them. If you’ve ever played any sort of football, you’d know that.

      As for Salmon, there isn’t anything in his performance against the Dragons to be upset about, he isn’t the dominant half – you shouldn’t be comparing him to Norman nor Moses. He did a fantastic job at playing the link man and supporting players/runs. The guy almost scored three tries but was denied off unlucky bounces. He supported Moses without getting in the way which is exactly what you’re supposed to do when you’re the supporting half. It’s essentially why we’ve faced issues in the halves this year with Moses trying to lead and having Norman demanding service.

      I can understand you’re skepticism – but considering the minimal games they’ve both played – thus far they have done far and above the expectations from rookies, particularly Mahoney.

    3. Hinto

      We’re you watching the same game Jimmy.sure it’s only your opinion but perhaps you can keep that one to yourself..the young fella is still green and will earn his strips, as times goes on.I don’t believe a hooker is a try scorer at any level.they are game manager’s and he does that we’ll.

    4. Salty Pete

      Jimmy, I think you’d better watch that game again and see how involved Salmon was off the ball. This is not a seasoned veteran, this is a 19 year old kid playing his first full NRL game. As for Reed, he has the courage of a lion. As a first man in, he has to tackle low. That’s just good technique. Didn’t see too many offloads from his tackles. Now Jimmy, after you watch the replay, go to the mirror and take a long hard look at yourself!

      1. Jimmy Jnr

        Wake up to yourself idiot. Have you ever played the game, Or are you another guy who was allways last picked at school sports. Players are taught and coached 1st in wrap the ball up. Will see how far Salmon and reed go in the coming years. Then we will have this conversation again. I hope they both prove me wrong. Time will tell

        1. Salty Pete

          Actually, I think they’ve proven you wrong already – they are both in the NRL. And the fact that you have to get personal really means that you really don’t have much to offer but a grandstand opinion. “Jimmy’s getting frustrated!”

  5. BDon

    Forty, you mentioned Shaun Lane, i’ve been watching Manly games to gauge him. He is running into some good form after an injury-checkered 3 year stint in NRL. The Dogs rated him but got impatient, he seems to have a style that looks like he has no urgency but the thing I’ve noticed is that he doesn’t get lost, he looks for involvement and his carries are getting stronger and better which is showing up in tries scored. His defence looks OK but this is where the urgency thing may count (although Brett Kenny never looked too urgent). If he can stay fit and well, Manly may well have tuned this bloke up for us. He’s got better leg drive and hurts tacklers more than Kane Evans, who I reckon should do a Dennis Lillee and re-invent his run up( this would take Evans to another level). Funny thing, I reckon Evans was working nicely on his point of impact strength when James Graham’s head bashed him back to old habits(not funny ‘ha ha’, not that head).

  6. John Eel

    Forty great read again. Also enjoyed the Podcast, any chance you can post each week. I am not on Twitter so it is an opportunity to hear it.

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