Five young players have made their NRL debuts with the Eels this year, but opposing perspectives on these debuts have dominated discussions amongst Parramatta Eels supporters as post-mortems on a disastrous 2018 season have begun. Some have seen Brad Arthur as a coach reluctant to use young players until the injury list left him no choice. Others regard BA as a coach with a deep investment in home grown or developed players, who finally had both the players to use and the opportunity to do so.
Let’s begin with the facts.
Marata Niukore – from ISP to starting forward.
The players to debut this year for the Eels were Marata Niukore, Reed Mahoney, Jaeman Salmon, Oregon Kaufusi and Ray Stone. Of these, only Niukore was a Top 30 player. The former Warrior was recruited from the New Zealand NYC team for the Eels 2017 NRL squad and made a strong impression in his first year by winning the award for Wenty player of the year.
Why didn’t the Eels use Marata last year given he was doing well in ISP?
In fact, TCT was calling for his inclusion towards the back half of last season and certainly earlier this year. However, Marata himself was very happy to debut when he was ready. Speaking with the young Kiwi, he credits the coaches with developing his confidence as a player.
The remainder of the Eels debutants, with exception of Ray Stone, remain eligible for the Jersey Flegg Cup. Stone is in his first year out of the NYC and training full time on a Rookie contract.
Therefore, outside of Marata Niukore, none of these players had been eligible for NRL selection under the current rules. Only an injury crisis allowed for the club to apply for dispensation to use them.
Ray Stone – uncompromising middle forward.
For some supporters, this fact only seems to draw more questions. Why weren’t any of these players put into the NRL Top 30 to begin the season? Surely this is evidence of an over-reliance on older players and a reluctance towards using youth?
Let’s consider those players.
A case could be made for Ray Stone. He was given ISP experience during 2017 and proved that he could both mete out and cop heavier hits.
Was there a Top 30 spot available for a relatively unproven NYC player who played the role of smaller middle forward? You’d have to examine the Eels roster to answer that question. He was competing with the likes of Beau Scott, Nathan Brown or even Manu Ma’u for a role. I’d argue that he was targeted for a 2019 spot, replacing Scott who was mostly likely going to retire regardless of injury. Regardless, a top 30 spot for Stone would not have received too many objections.
That’s “Cash” Mahoney fam!
Reed Mahoney is the debutant to feature in most social media criticisms of team selections, with many supporters questioning his omission from the Top 30. It’s important to provide some background here.
A couple of years back, Reed was signed from the Bulldogs by Anthony Field. The Bulldogs wanted a young Eels rake – Joey Tramontana (now with Blacktown) – and Field thought Reed was a player of promise and a good prospect to get in return. In essence, a swap was made.
Reed debuted for Parra in the latter part of the 2016 NYC season, and went on to star off the bench for Parra’s grand finalist NYC team throughout 2017. Going into 2018, Mahoney was still under contract and eligible for Jersey Flegg (current under 20s).
As part of his development, Reed was given an NRL training deal for the 2018 pre-season. He met and exceeded every expectation from Day 1. It earned him a Rookie contract.
NRL rules prevented his elevation to first grade until Round 14 when injuries allowed the club to apply for dispensation to select him. At 20 years of age Reed has plenty to learn in such a key role, but he obviously possesses both potential and a brilliant attitude and is now a huge player in Parra’s plans. His selection in the Queensland 20s squad was a massive moment for him this year and a big indicator that he also features in the Maroons’ future.
Consider this – Mahoney has progressed from a still contracted Flegg player through to an NRL training trial and then to Eels NRL hooker by Round 14. That’s a massive transition over a quick period of time, regardless of the circumstance. All indications are that he has earned first choice status in 2019.
From “apprentice” to craftsman – Jaeman Salmon.
This time last year, Jaeman Salmon was a Sharks SG Ball graduate recovering from a broken neck. He is a talent, but anyone declaring that they thought he should have been on a Top 30 deal is straight out lying. Not only was he returning from a potentially crippling injury, he hadn’t even proven himself at NYC level. To be honest, signing him to an NRL rookie contract with the accompanying full time training squad position was a massive leap of faith.
Salmon’s progression this year has been nothing short of sensational. To miss the first four rounds then transition through both Flegg and ISP to a starting NRL spot, is a credit to him and a nod to BA for having the belief to play this inexperienced 19 year old in the halves.
Finally, Oregon Kaufusi isn’t in the Eels full time squad this year. The Flegg prop, who only just turned 19 on the 20th of August, has progressed from under 20s to being one of the most consistent ISP players in 2018. Arthur has been very keen to give the young tyro a run this year and injuries finally provided the opportunity. Though it required injuries, elevation to regular ISP at 18 years of age was an indicator of the plans for Kaufusi.
Oregon Kaufusi – Go Oggy, go you good thing!
Anyone who thinks players can just be elevated straight from Flegg (20s) to NRL, should try talking to the young players about what it’s like jumping to ISP, let alone NRL. The jump to ISP is all about the heavier hits. The jump to NRL adds the pace to that.
Check out the current Eels Flegg players who were elevated to the Wenty ISP team later in this season, despite their team’s impending participation in finals football – now work out why they would be there. The plans involving young Eels talent and their transition is obvious.
In my opinion, the successful transition of young players into first grade was always planned, though the opportunity to blood them came sooner than expected.
But there’s more that TCT can share with you, and it involves the pathways to NRL.
A number of weeks ago, a group of around 8 or 9 Flegg players commenced training with NRL staff from 5:30am a couple of times each week in preparation for the upcoming pre-season. Their needs might be different, but the discipline and dedication to become an NRL player is a big lesson to be learned. When these players take the next step to NRL training, they will be more likely to hit the ground running.
But the resources aren’t just going into the players about to rise to senior football. The expertise of the NRL staff, and ETC resources, are being provided for Eels JETs (Junior Elite) under 16s players. Each week this group of boys work with NRL coaches and trainers as they learn about correct techniques in addition to receiving specialised coaching.
Outside of that, the Harold Matthews and SG Ball program is likely to be expanded via the club’s participation in the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups in 2019. This means players in the extended 16s and 18s squads will get game time in Eels colours in these country rugby league tournaments.
Moving forward, I’m hoping that the NRL changes the rules surrounding the Rookie contracts. There has been speculation that squads could effectively become a top 36 with Rookie contract players being eligible for NRL selection. As things stand, the current rule surrounding these players is somewhat detrimental as it prevents development within a season from being rewarded. For Parra, this season began with only one of the debutants in the Top 30. What became obvious during the season was that a number of players developed from being nowhere near NRL ready, to being preferred selections. The system must cater for such growth.
Clarification on this rule is important for all clubs as it will determine decisions around Top 30 positions. Regardless, I expect the Eels to name a younger squad in 2019.
It will be by design.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Always good to read informed and accurate data Sixties. Some of this detail is not visible to many so putting it out there in plain English will help many people understand the why’s and why nots for the young guys who are either ready or nearing readiness to transition into the top grade.
I guess the unfortunate point is that this doesn’t stop the uninformed or the chaos makers or the fake fans from broadcasting their own lack of understanding and knowledge.
Cheers mate. It’s not such a straightforward process, and I think the issue for Parra has also been that this group of talented players are of a similar age, and we were always going to have to be patient about when they hit the Top squad. It does get frustrating to see blanket statements about lack of faith in juniors when knowing how much time and development has gone into this current crop.
Great insight, Sixties!
You’re welcome Pete.
Once again we thank you Sixties for such a clear explanation of what can be a bit perplexing at times. Hard as this footy season has been, it would have been even harder without this site to retreat to for some balanced perspective.
Thanks Anon. I have some criticisms that I will make when I write a season review – how can you not in such a season. However, the ambition for the club and for BA has always been to prioritise Parra developed and Parra aspirational players. This group of players will be the start of a production line.
An Informative and factual article , to many people pass judgement without being in possession of the facts , i reckon this and i think that ,if only it was that simple , all clubs are bound by the same rules and until the nrl realises their hampering junior development and the game in general we may all be upset at the restrictions but we all have to abide . As sixtys stated there is a move afoot to change eligibility rules for development players that looks like being implemented ,long overdue but extremely welcome .
I’m keeping my fingers crossed Anon – for Parra, for the players and for the code itself.
Great read Sixties, and it fills in a lot of spaces, its something that should be put on the other site so the experts there get to know the answers to their why’s.
I await your next post to share about the other promising players, next year really cannot come soon enough for me as I look to the changes in the squads with new signings from outside and those being elevated from within.
I still have another post about ISP and a season review on my priority list Colin. Have to finish some research on it, and find the time!
Im pretty sure we started the season with 28 positions filled of our entitlement of 30. We then lost Scott and Williams for the season along with Edwards. Im not sure how the logistics of all this works 60s but it does raise questions about promotion of some of these kids into the top 30 during season 2018. Are you more informed on how this has been handled?
Thanks
Hey Gazz, I hope Sixties doesn’t mind me answering (I’m sure he’ll add to my response) but despite what many people think the Top 30 is determined by salary, not selection. Therefore the loss of Scott, Williams and Edwards did not actually “open up” positions within our Top 30 as their already paid salaries contributed more than the players below them.
So hypothetical numbers – if Player X is on 500k and plays half a year (remember years start in November, not kick off for Round 1), his 250k still out ranks Player Y on 80k who is outside the Top 30. Therefore Player Y remains outside the Top 30, despite a spot appearing to open up, and Player X remains part of the Top 30 (even though he might be out for the year or even at another club).
Wow! Had no idea. Definitely explains the lack of replacements for Kenny, TRex and Beau. Thanks for that. Makes perfect sense. That said. Do you know who took positions 29 and 30.
Cheers
It’s my understanding that Parra weren’t able to replace retiring or departing players and we had to show them on our books.
Mitch has provided the rationale behind that above.
Cheers. Ta 60s.
Thanks Sixties. Nice to keep us up to date with factual reports. Be assured the real fans appreciate it.
Thanks mate. We also appreciate the support given by readers. Many of the arguments between Eels supporters essentially come about when blanket assumptions are made. It’s hard not to in seasons like this and when there are so many technicalities around NRL rules.
Good to read the detail and facts about the rookies, this Top 30/Rookie thing is a grey area that few outside the TCT seem to understand, many thanks.
The benefit of hindsight suggests the Eels squad in 2018 was aged and arguably injury prone but I think the other crucial ingredient was the squad was complacent in its’ attitude. The injection of rookies has added enthusiasm and hunger and coincidentally seen our win/loss ratio improve noting none of the rookies have had a man-of-the-match performance – yet. The inclusion of the rookies in the playing roster it’s important but it’s no silver bullet, it requires a balance between injecting youthful exuberance and the senior players in team playing to their potential whilst the rookies find their feet.
And great to hear the rookie production line is flat chat.
Excellent point about the balance DDay!
In 99% of cases Every junior that comes into your team brings the one ingredient you cant do without ,ENTHUSIASM!!!!
well said. Reed and Salmon have been at least that in each of their games (and more).
Great read!! Only thing you sure Salmon isn’t top 30? With French playing NSW cup, surely the NRL wouId make us use him first ?
Position comes into the rules josh
of course, but we can move Norman to the halves and bring French into the side at either fullback/wing ( Hayne / gutho to fullback)
Picked it
Josh Colin Hussy and myself have been saying this for sometime. The Eels are required to fill the 30th spot by June 30, nobody was recruited to that spot so it had to be filled internally.
My assumption was either Reed or Jaeman. Agree with you that it is most likely Jaeman.
Tks Sixties,great read, I need educating, i’ll move on from Presidents Cup, Thirds/U23, Reserves, Firsts.
It will be interesting to see how our young players figure in the 30 for 2019. Plenty of scope to freshen the squad with keen young blokes. Niukore and Mahoney have added something already, and Salmon looks like a composed footballer whose strengths will emerge with game time. Stone and Kaufusi are lining up. From the process you describe, those 5 may be included with others recognised through rookie contracts.
As a side issue, I still think we need some bigger forwards in the 30, or the 25 after the above. Does anyone think that Tony Williams is worth another year? I haven’t heard about his rehab, but he was surprisingly good at time of injury. Too risky, move on?
Saw T Rex at training today and his rehab seems to be progressing well.
I think Utoikamanu will feature in some way next year and he is a big unit.
That NRL rookie rule is crucial – it will determine some of the Top 30 decisions.
A top 36 makes a lot of sense and as I have posted before all clubs would have 6 players on rookie deals and all clubs would be under the same salary cap restrictions and therefore it gives no club any disadvantage should the rule be altered to allow a squad of 36.
The other point worth considering is how many teams this year have used in excess of 30 players in the season?
The other point I would like to make is that a team that is struggling as the Eels have done this year cant expect Rookies to turn their year around when seasoned players are unable to achieve it. Maybe getting a few in for a few games will give a short sugar hit but it is not the recipe for turning a struggling Eels team around this season.
I have seen Eels fans clamouring for wholesale changes and a massive introduction of juniors to fix our form slump this year. The few that have been added have done a good job but we are still likely to get the unwanted trophy. Niukore, Mahoney and Salmon have all been good and will benefit from their experience this season. Some of the other names I have seen thrown up are clearly not ready.
Absolutely correct John. It was my point about the players that have been used. I believe that at the start of the season you could only make a case for Marata (top 30) and Stone (not top 30) to debut. The others have exceeded expectations and have had that opportunity to get exposed to NRL earlier than expected – though they were on the path.
To debut someone before they’re ready, or to give them a regular spot, is a risky proposition. It can be damaging, but it can also be their making.
Just as you say that we need the right players around them in first grade, so too do we need the right players around them in ISP. Hence my Wenty stance.
Your Wenty stance is on the money and I for one will be disappointed if it does not happen.
Not wishing to labour the point too much but an example of how to introduce someone to NRL is Daniel Alvaro. BA did a great job of introducing him to grade and the results are there for all to see. Of course not all players are the same so you modify to suit the player. The secret however is not to rush the player before he is ready.
Good read i believe whats holding back our development pathways is wenty if you look at the constant teams in the ISP they are clubs like the tigers/wests dragons/cutters penrith/penrith Bulldogs/Bulldogs
They have a clear connection to the 1st grade team penrith are known to give decent cup contracts so that the squads to the point that cup players can train regularly instead of part time and do more opposed sessions.
connecting coaches is another factor ie tigers Hodgson is the cup coach snd serves as a assistant to grade, i was talking with a wenty plasyer who said some weeks he doesn’t know if hes playing cup or Massy till game day.
Add to that the amount of grade/cup standard players in the squad playing along side massy standard players its a wonder were competitive.
Id have less focus on flegg and see asca breading ground if a player excels ie.. Oregon move them straight up to the cup squad sink or swim.
If you look at the tigers again they have a young cup squad that has done well considering how many have hot called up and they lost there half drinkwater mid year. Yet look at the flegg team results are poor but the best flegg eligible players are playing cup.
Obviously panthers are the benchmark and we should be at that level considering resources and talent pool.
Offside, as you know I’ve written two dedicated posts on this subject. I can assure you that the only gain from the partnership with Wenty, for both, is financial and venue.
I will be writing a third post soon.
Preaching to the choir
Another great read thank you.!
You wrote this.!
A number of weeks ago, a group of around 8 or 9 Flegg players commenced training with NRL staff from 5:30am a couple of times each week in preparation for the upcoming pre-season. Their needs might be different, but the discipline and dedication to become an NRL player is a big lesson to be learned. When these players take the next step to NRL training, they will be more likely to hit the ground running.
A few questions –
Who are the 8-9 players.?
Are these good players and are any of them legit Nrl prospects.?
Who are the ones to keep a close eye on.?
Are these players identified bye just Parramatta or have they been identified bye Nswrl or Ausrl.?
I’ll list the players that I can confirm, and I reckon that will answer your other questions:
Oregon Kaufusi
Stefano Utoikamanu
Dylan Brown
Haze Dunster
Ethan Parry
Salesi Fainga’a
Steve Dresler
Kyle Schneider
Do they look legit to you?
They look legit to me.
I’ll nominate Kaufusi, obviously, to get good game time next year. I’ll name Utoikamanu and Brown as my tips to debut at some stage.
And yes, these boys have been rep players as juniors and Schneider was in Fittler’s emerging blues squad. Injury robbed him of 2018.
Thank you Sixties. The main reason i asked is i am not familiar with the juniors coming through. I have been an Eels tragic for 45 years now and i am hopeful good things are around the corner.
The only name i an familiar with is Kaufusi who made his Nrl debut.
What positions do the other players play.?
Going off your reply and the the comment. I am guessing you rate them all.!
Hopefully we have a few in key positions that we could use down the track.
For mine going forward
A Backrower
Frontrower
Hooker
Half
Would be great in these boys.
Thank you for the feed back
Go Parra
Hey Anon, I’ll answer this one for Sixties.
Stefano Utoikamanu – prop
Dylan Brown – halfback
Haze Dunster – winger/centre/fullback
Ethan Parry – centre/winger/fullback
Salesi Fainga’a – second-row/prop
Steve Dresler – prop
Kyle Schneider – hooker
Thank you for your reply Hamsammich
Yes, Hamsammich has answered the question, and I think the positions cover the needs that you raised Anon.
Good read sixties and helps some understanding of the top 30. It seems to me though Mahoney must of been elivated to top 30 as other wise King would be playing and Reed would not get a run this week, is this the case.
i’m keen to see what happens on match day.
Sixties, great stuff. I have been involved with the Parra junior system for a few years now and have watched Salmon for the last five years and have known a few of his coaches. Let me give a bit of a run down on his background: Played Matty’s Cup – a year young. Next year Matty’s Cup – Grand Final Man of the Match (against the much fancied Parra team). Same year, State of Origin Under 16’s – was the best player for NSW in a losing side. Next year, SG Ball a year young, then selected in the NSW 24 Man squad a year young – only one of two Sharks, the other being Issac Lume Lume – a Shark’s team that included Kyle Flannagan and Blake Brailey. Played SG Ball his own age. Nearly beat Parramatta in the Grand Final on his own. BA would have watched this game, if not the Matty’s GF two years earlier. Played NSW 18’s. Was elevated from SG Ball to the NYC at age 18, and would have walked into the Aussie Schoolboys side on one leg but broke his neck. The Sharks tried hard to keep Salmon, but he must have thought his path to First Grade was quicker somewhere else – he was right. The word is he had the choice of a few clubs – Gus was driving hard at Penrith – but Salmon liked BA.
People seem too quick to judge Salmon. Looks like a really composed player to me. Composed usually means low errors and good decisions. He’s also playing in the team running last with personnel chopping and changing. I reckon he’s got a good sense of role and has been playing to not let the team down by not overplaying his hand, hero plays not on his agenda.
Shelley, great article, hard to know where the circle starts, but people, attitude and commitment is a good starting point.
I was always impressed with Salmons game sense. Seems mature for his age.
Shelley dropped a great “From the Stands” post this week. Well worth a read.
Tks sixties for not calling my dementia. Was multi tasking, waiting for my grandson and catching up on TCT, and forgot which blog I was on.
Bdon, you are spot on. Salmon actually likes to run and rarely makes mistakes. Your summation is right on the money. He’s been thrust into a desperate side and is not overplaying his hand.
Johnny, thank you for taking the time in providing such a detailed response. We watched that SG Ball final last year and then noticed Anthony Field congratulate him on his performance.it was well deserved.
We were very impressed when we heard that Parra had secured his signature.
Nearly beat Parra pn his own.? You seriously believe that.? Both Salmon and Metcalf were made to look ordinary bye Dylan Brown and Joeseph Tipari in that grand final. Parra took a huge lead and were all ways in control of that game. Salmon Played for Nswccc and played ordinary in the Aus championships even if he didnt hurt his neck i doubt he would of been selected.. Who were they going to drop.? Dylan Brown who absolutely killed Salmon in the 1st game of the tournament in which Nswchs won bye 40.?
There is no doubting Salmon is a good player but please dont exaggerate things.! Salmon is not a 6 or 7.. He played majority of his football on the right edge in the 2nd row.
He is now more a centre. Dylan Brown runs rings around Salmon all day every day.! Simple
Jimmy, it would probably be more accurate for Johnno to say that he dragged his team into the contest late in the game – which he did. Brown and Taipari were the standout halves pairing of the SG Ball competition. Unfortunately, injury stopped Joe’s season this year. Dylan will play NRL next year, I’m certain of that.
I too see Jaeman moving away from the halves in the long term. I’m happy to have such talent together at Parra.
Sorry Jimmy. I never like to say more than what is necessary but you have forced my hand. I have been a selector for the Aussie Schoolboys team for nearly 7 years and Salmon was picked before he ran on the field. And not just by me. He’s an absolute competitor. Be that as it may, I like Brown and look forward to them both flourishing.
Thanks again Johnno. That comment about Salmon being a competitor is very apt. It’s why he kept fighting in that Ball Grand final. Salmon absolutely threw down the gauntlet from his first day at Parra training, even though he was rehabbing.
As I said, happy to have young players like this at Parra, and not opposing each other.
Thank you Johhno, Appreciate the honesty.. I am not doubting Salmon is a great player. Will be interesting to see where his future lays position wise going forward.. Do you have an opinion on that Johhno.? While your at it, Mind if i ask. Who are the players we should keep an eye out for who played Aussie school boys the last 2-3 years. Players you think are potential superstars.? Thanks
No worries, Jimmy, and please don’t misunderstand me, I’m a big Brown fan. He’s going to do well. There is some obvious standouts at schoolboy level, and those guys are now playing NRL or at least knocking on the door, Lomax, Curren, Haas, Graham; however it’s really difficult to predict as players often mature physically later so we are going to have some bolts from the blue so I wouldn’t want to write anyone off. But there is this undefinable competitiveness that all the driven players have (Thurston has it in spades). Salmon has this, and so do the above players. That’s why the Storm signed Curtis Scott – another Shark junior – he just loves to compete. So I guess it’s a combination of skills and competitiveness that make up the stand-outs. From what I’ve seen of Brown, he too is a competitor. I thought he performed great in his first game at intrust, as this competitiveness is reflected in not only being on the ball but being able to defend. Take a look at Salmon’s tackles against the Storm on Kaufusi and Bromwich – both try savers. Now that’s competing.
Thank you so much, Even though people have differing opinions its actually nice to understand what others see in certain players. There is no right or wrong answers its just someones opinion. But i love the fact how you have explained things & put them in a different light which i agree with.. Can i get your opinion on some Parra juniors coming through. Iv done a bit of reading and some players names keep coming up. With out any pressure and keeping things very simple can you tell me your opinion on a few please. Its great getting an opinion of someone of your experience since you have been around that level for some time now.
Parry
Brown
Utoikamanu
Schneider
Dunster
Dressler
Toupou
Keppie
Thank you
Sixties, it’s understandable that these guys were still quite a way off being granted a top 30 position at the start of the year, but does this mean that there has been a gap in previous years of juniors? Ideally the club needs to have a constant flow of juniors that have a chance to progress, but it seems 2016/17 didn’t produce the players that were ready to step up. To ask another question, does the club have the next lot of juniors ready to progress to take the positions of these 5 who will now most likely take a top 30 position next year?
I’ve written about the dearth of youth available from NYC over the last 8 years. The last significantly large talented group was the 2008-2009 teams.
There is already a group of S G Ball players who have moved into the Flegg Squad in the latter part of this season. In fact, Stefano Utoikamanu progressed from Ball to ISP and not far off an NRL call up.
Tasipale, Hollis, Hughes, Schneider – all of these young forwards were in the under 18s this year.
Underneath that, you have the Harold Matts squad who were unlucky runners up this year.