The Cumberland Throw

What We Learned – NRL Trial vs Canberra Raiders

Footy is officially back. That is always one of the biggest positives to come out of any opening trial and it still stands true tonight. The Parramatta Eels ultimately went down to the Canberra Raiders 22-20 following a bizarre sequence of events in the final thirty seconds of play but the ‘true’ score for the sake of critical analysis was 20-12 for the Eels at the close of the third quarter.

Canberra fielded a team largely made up of fringe first-graders and NRL hopefuls and to their credit they stuck around for the sixty minutes in which Parramatta fielded their strongest outfit of the night. The first trial of the preseason tends to be a time to evaluate individual play over team play in general (not to say that you should ignore obvious positives or negatives in team play) so that will largely be the theme of this post.

On that note there are plenty of takeaways to come out of the showdown at St Marys, so let’s get into the good and bad from tonight.

 

Junior Paulo is a bad, bad man

 

He won’t be the magical cure-all for everything that went wrong with Parramatta’s forward pack in 2018 but hot damn was Junior Paulo impressive tonight. The homecoming forward was a load for the defence all night with the ball in hand and practically offloaded at will. Encouragingly, he also played significant minutes across the three quarters of play that featured Parramatta starters. He even found himself defending a winger out wide at one point in the second half and promptly planted said back on his arse with a cracking textbook driving tackle.

I know it is but the first game back for the blockbusting prop forward but the signs are genuinely positive.

 

Brown composed, Moses mercurial in new looks halves pairing

 

The media hype surrounding the impending NRL debut of Dylan Brown is quickly approaching a crescendo but the young man himself looks ready to go about his business. Brown may not have dazzled in the trial against the Raiders but he handled everything that came his way with aplomb and poise.

Brown was willing to take on the line and threatened to break through on at least two occasions before scrambling defenders brought him down. He displayed a deft touch from the boot as the off-kicker to Mitchell Moses and perhaps most encouragingly, he looks to have struck up the foundations of a partnership with newcomer backrower Shaun Lane.

There will be mistakes made, lumps to be had and lessons to be learned for the rookie play-maker in the coming weeks and months but tonight was a solid start to his blossoming career.

Moses on the other hand had the form-o-meter fluctuating between hot and cold like a metronome at times tonight. He played a starring hand in Ethan Parry’s second try of the game with a sizzling run that split the line before hitting a pin-point cross-field kick to the rookie winger but he also struggled with rhythm and execution on a number of right-edge plays.

His lead up work to the Jaeman Salmon try was a microcosm of this with a poor initial kick giving way to a wicked follow-up kick and some sensational heads up play from Parramatta’s senior half. Consistency will be the name of the game for Moses as he takes Brown under his wing this year and we will probably get a better indication of where he is at in that regard in the Penrith trial.

One encouraging note between the duo of Moses and Brown was that our long kicking game looks to have been tidied up significantly. Tepid mid-field bombs were done away with tonight in favour of flatter, angled kicks.

 

EDGE stocks looks improved 

 

Second year starter Marata Niukore and new recruit Shaun Lane have plenty to prove this preseason as they battle for places in a congested backrow. They both got an early jump on their competition tonight with solid showings and now look ahead to the Penrith trial to really push hard for starting berths.

Lane has a superb feel for running lanes for a big man and I am not sure if the live stream captured it but on a couple of occasions he had pushed up in support from out wide and had the potential to make a big bust but the ball-carrier through the ruck didn’t see him in their peripheral vision. The towering backrower did have one bad error to his name as he lost the ball on the first tackle of a penalty set but the good far out-weighed the bad tonight.

Out on the right-edge, Niukore ran with power and authority and looks to have significantly bulked up compared to 2018. Unfortunately, Marata wasn’t featured in the red zone tonight as the Eels looked to attack out wider but if he can bring that power running option to the goal line it will be a massive boost for the Eels.

 

Parry poised to shake up the depth charts

 

Ethan Parry should be a familiar name to hard core fans and frequenters of my junior blogs over recent years but most fans could be forgiven for not knowing who he is. A two-try effort tonight will certainly catapult his name into the spotlight – even if both efforts were relatively straight forward. Rather, it is his prototypical athletic profile and single-minded competitiveness that I believe will see him emerge from the preseason as one of the real smokeys for a NRL debut.

Arguably his biggest highlight play of the first half involved him running near full pelt down the right sideline and almost impossibly reaching behind to somehow reel in a stray pass from Mitchell Moses. It was a display of rare athleticism and a glimpse at the intriguing potential of what a flanker pairing of Parry and Blake Ferguson could offer down the road.

 

Gutherson is finally back

 

ACL injuries are a mean business. The recovery time for elite athletes sustaining such an injury is ridiculous compared to an average human. Obviously the vast resources available to these athletes compared to normal people plays a role but the loads they put their ACLs under in such a short recovery period is insane. The flipside to this is that far too often these players are not anywhere near 100% in their return seasons from ACL injuries.

Look at Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in 2017, who was labelled as a bust for the Warriors as he battled back from his own ACL injury. Fast forward to 2018 and the dynamic fullback was born anew en-route to claiming his maiden Dally M medal. The same will hopefully be true for Clinton Gutherson in 2019 as he puts the #1 on lockdown and grows into the captaincy for the embattled Eels.

Gutherson ran free and easy against the Raiders tonight and showed his play-making chops with a brilliant bit of vision and execution down the left-edge short side. After diagnosing that there was no fullback in play, Gutherson took the ball down the short side and placed a perfectly weighted grubber kick ahead for a flying Michael Jennings.

Parramatta’s young spine needs everything it get from ‘Gutho’ and the signs were good tonight.

 

Reed runs off the rust

 

Reed Mahoney was one of the few genuine bright spots in 2018 and fans are eager to see the exciting rake take his game to new heights in his sophomore season. However, the preseason rust cares little for any player, superstar or substitute, and that was evident tonight with Mahoney lacking timing and polish with his distribution around the ruck. I am far from worried though and I am tipping this to sort itself out quickly.

On a positive note however, Reed showed that he hadn’t lost his incisive running game – running at key moments to earn good metreage and penalties.

One thing that might be concerning is the depth behind the young rake. Mahoney played out the entire three quarters of play for Brad Arthur but with Will Smith and Kaysa Pritchard unavailable due to injuries, almost everything rides on Reed’s young shoulders.

 

Finding your centre

 

The Eels need to find their centre, almost quite literally. Jaeman Salmon is the popular choice to fill the gap at right centre but Josh Hoffman ran out as the starter tonight in a less than stellar endorsement of the young centre. Salmon would go on to score an opportunistic try and worked hard rucking the ball out but I don’t think he has the position on lock down at this stage. Brad Takairangi looms as a potential stop-gap solution but his issues with lateral defence and defensive freelancing wouldn’t exactly inspire fans.

It will certainly be one of the most important subtexts to the upcoming Penrith trial.

 

So what were your takeaways from the 22-20 (20-12) result? I know some fans will be upset by some of the jankiness on display in our first outing of the preseason, especially given how high tensions are heading into 2019 but putting that aside for the moment – which players caught your eye and who and what are you excited to see against Penrith?

If you liked this article, you might consider supporting The Cumberland Throw.

108 thoughts on “What We Learned – NRL Trial vs Canberra Raiders

  1. !0 Year Member

    Thanks for the overview Forty20. I watched the game online, it is great to have the footy back. You have provided a balanced overview, I would like to point out two negatives, which may hurt us during the season.
    1. Playing against a B-grade team, the opposition were able to get the ball out with 3 of our players in the tackle, this hurt us a lot last year and looks like we still have a lot to learn about how we communicate to lock up the ball in a tackle
    2. I will call it the Wombat, we must stop this, it is where our player has made a tackle and is going in for the wrestle and trying to dominate the ruck. They are caught out of horizontal position in the tackle, with their backsides facing the opposition goal. They try to get into a dominant position by burying their head into the player on the ground and rotating 180 degrees trying to dominate and getting up first. This will not serve us well and will not pass the test in the NRL.
    The above two points concern me greatly, these were massive deficiencies last year and we seem to not have learnt anything. Basic fundamentals.

    1. Forty20 Post author

      Fair points mate. Both have been issues for the Eels for a considerable time (dating back even before Arthur) and they make things particularly difficult for the defence.

      Ruck interpretations are wildly inconsistent official-to-official, season-to-season, week-to-week, team-to-team. We have tried a couple of different things in the last few years, although the specific technique you reference was something introduced in 2018 if I am not mistaken (for all the good that did us).

      I don’t have the answer to the legitimate conundrums you propose, hopefully the team does though because plenty of people have a lot riding on this season.

      1. !0 Year Member

        I heard there was a vote today, could not find any information anywhere. The Fitz had his say, but I have no respect for him as he did not have a succession plan in place, he was no Uncle Nick.
        I appreciate TCT is a positive fan site. I want a team that wins and wins often. I am sick of having the most spoons of any other team.

        1. sixties

          Bit of a general vent 10 Year? The vote was a Parra Leagues Club Constitution vote. A group of members wanted to remove Max Donnelly and have a full election for a new board. That was defeated.
          We can’t return to the past. That’s been Parra’s problem – worrying about the past when we need to plan for the future. From a football perspective, surely you can see the model of developing and promoting Parra system young players that is now in operation. It’s tough to suggest that it needs time, but with youth it does. That said, such a system has to work alongside astute recruitment and I think Parra has recruited well for this season. We will improve and win more often. I’m waiting for the final trial before I make a season prediction and even then I’ll still rely on early rounds to have a better guide.

          1. !0 Year Member

            lol, yes, 100% vent. Your post is the most informative of the subject and that I have learnt about the AGM, thank you for that. Also glad it was shot down, whilst I am already over the current admin, agreed it is still better than any other current option. I guess we are finally having the right people turning up. I will be there in the next 3 years.

  2. Billy

    “One thing that might be concerning is the depth behind the young rake. Mahoney played out the entire three quarters of play for Brad Arthur but with Will Smith and Kaysa Pritchard unavailable due to injuries, almost everything rides on Reed’s young shoulders.

    So what injuries does Will ZSmith and Kaysa Pritchard have.
    Was Smith and Pritchard even there tonight.?
    Why didn’t young Schneider get a run.?

    1. Forty20 Post author

      Couldn’t tell you specifics Billy but they have been in non-contact colours at training for most of the preseason per the club’s photo galleries.

      I am a big fan of young Kyle but throwing into NRL trials at this point in his development would be akin to trying to ruin his career. He won’t be able to handle the physicality of the grade. Best to let him development across the Flegg and ISP this year.

      1. Billy

        I think that is a fair call regarding the kid. But last night was an ISP team that Canberra fielded. Didnt he play the first ISP trial game. So really this wouldn’t of been any different.!

        1. sixties

          Kyle was part of the group of Parra contracted players that went to the NT. The Canberra trial began with Parra NRL players and concluded with Wenty contracted players. Obviously Parra didn’t see Kyle as a Wenty contracted player. To my way of thinking, they won’t throw him to the Wolves and equally they won’t play him with RM Cup players. His development at 19 after a shoulder injury is too crucial.

  3. Anonymous

    Perceptive summary.

    The bad: Moses – even the couple of whizz bang things he did seemed fortunate, and just after he made some other mistake. Then there were his straight out mistakes. The least he could have done was play a no frills game with no mistakes. I’m not sure he is capable, he seems too sure/unsure of himself.

    Mannah – As sincere as he is, he makes crucial defensive mis-reads or gives away pointless yet pertinent penalties. They would be better to blood a younger prop earlier.

    The Mannah problem can be rectified. The Moses problem is trickier and I’m not sure there is a solution in 2019.

    I think Will Smith ought be trialled at centre if he’s fit.

    Mahoney was okay but I thought he would be better. Getting another 1st grade hooker in next couple of weeks might help.

    The good:

    Brown, most everything he did.

    Agree about Paulo and Lane – even Lane losing the ball could have been called a strip.

    Gutherson and a number of other solid performances.

    Hopefully Sivo starts the year.

    1. Forty20 Post author

      The difference between the best and worst of Mitchell Moses is often too stark. When he is on he is electric and as good as any play-maker going around but his lack of consistency can be a killer. Make or break year for him no doubt.

      If either Oregon Kaufusi or Stefano Utoikamanu are hungry enough this year, the opportunity is right there for them to kick down the door. It would be amazing if the Eels could channel the Broncos and be able to build around a young core in the middle.

      I am definitely looking forward to seeing Sivo in action. There is a certain magic between Fijian backs and the Eels. Ethan Parry is providing a good sort of problem for the coaches at the moment but I am all for Sivo throwing down the gauntlet heading into the back-to-back Penrith games.

      1. Glenn

        This is yet another peeve I have with BA, the roster. From having only one centre to offering 2 spots to players, Andrew Davies and Gower, who’ll in all honestly not get a game unless we have a horrendous injury toll. Those spots could’ve gone to Parry, a recognised centre and a standout so far, and Stefano. You can guarantee BA will pick Mannah before Kaufusi or Stefano (if in top 30) yet again for the first game.

        I’ve only read the reports but we should have beaten a Raiders reserve grade team by much more. Sounds like our defence is fragile again and I’m starting to worry about the coming season. Hopefully Moses gets his shit sorted by the first game. In BA we trust?

        1. rowdy roddy

          What do you think about Trumps Wall? I suspect you haven’t been there to have a look at the problems that thousands of illegal refugees can generate. We could have left Gower and his experience just fade into the nether like you say and picked one of these fleet footed desert runners and wall climbing athletes to play in the centres for Parra! I’m sure you’ve only read the reports but that hasn’t stopped you making silly calls about other serious issues Glenn.
          Depending on which reports you’ve read? It could another terrible humanitarian crises like the sick bludgers on Manus or Nauru? In that case they’d be no good in centres or the backrow eh?

          1. Colin Hussey

            Good reply Rowdy.

            I watched the whole match on live stream, sure there were problems with aspects of the game, not hard to switch off as the half time hooter was about to sound, and the movement to score at that time was in some respects a soft try, yet it showed a quick think and jink from the Canberra player to score.

            Other aspect for the next section was the changes to the team as it comprised primarily ISP and other jnr players, that meant a lot of players coming together basically for the first time together. It took the run away try for Canberra to win, and a marvellous conversion from the side line for Canberra to win, thing is that they also were awarded a try which was not one, as replays showed that the ball did not touch the ground.

            While the eels had a stronger team in the first half, the still had a lot of experience out, including injured.recovering players and 3 on rep duties. In the end there is enough positives to take forward and to me good to have 2 trial games as against the one only last year, more to learn from this one and the next ready for the real stuff next month.

        2. sixties

          Firstly, any criticism of Gowie is way off the mark. The mentoring that he does of the younger players is important to their development.
          As for younger players on the roster, I’m on record as a huge advocate of these blokes. However, you need balance in your team. We are already a very inexperienced roster. That said, I expect players like Stefano and Ethan to make their debuts at some stage this year.

      2. Burty

        Oregon, 50/50, runs hard, but doesn’t have a dominant tackle in his game. 1-2 years away.

        Stefano, NO, too young runs great, will end up getting hurt, has no dominant tackle in his game either, he is about 2-3 years away, give the kid a chance to fill out.

        Just about every young middle forward that parra have promoted over the years, have ended up injured or nowhere. They have no foresight into how their young forwards will end up, they just pick the wrong ones and other clubs then pick up our rejects that become regular first graders, State and International players.

        Sorry, Mannah’s passed it.

        1. Milo

          Burty how about we see how they end up- Alvaro and Tepai have gone ok thus far albeit normal injuries; and Marata had a decent introduction to NRL, albeit born in NZ.
          Mannah’s stats do not necessarily say he is passed it.

  4. Soren Lorenson

    Since we are talking individuals, anyone have anything to say about French and Fergo in the All stars match? I didn’t see the game.

    1. Milo

      Sorry didn’t watch it. I find those games a little hard to get into. And after reading former AUSTRALIAN player Mal Meningas comments I wont say anymore….

  5. Anthony

    Unfortunately after driving around for parking for close to 30 minutes, we decided to turn around once 7 o clock came and watch the stream. However I take that as a positive with the number of fans eager to go and watch what amounted to a blowing out of the cobwebs. I wanted to see how Brown went, and with what I was able to see, I’m confident that he can develop as a quality half 5/8 for us going forward. I’m glad that we have forwards that can bend the line, just need to keep them injury free. The Penrith trial will be the key when we have NRL combinations and players ready to go. But I was buoyed by the talent and eagerness of some of the young guns coming through. I can’t recall, was it Davis who dropped the ball for the final Raiders try? Whoever it was, dropped quite a few that quarter, so I suspect we probably won’t see him in grade anytime soon.

  6. Peter Zuccolotto

    With the prospect of the sharks having to part ways with one or two players it sounds like a hooker and centre are a must. Another prop in the Fifita mould wouldn’t go astray.

  7. The rev aka Snedden

    Lucky for Canberra there was not video refs. That try under the post really I watched it over and over again later n still couldn’t see were the ball touched the ground 🤔

  8. Anonymous

    My biggest concern is more team orientated rather than individual performances, we seem to be going with the same attacking structures as we have for the past few seasons, these same structures failed us badly last year yet we are rolling with them again, this is a massive fail from the coach as far as I am concerned. Also, we seem to have the same old issues with discipline, giving away penalties in our first defensive set seems to be our thing, soft tries on our goal line is another, an inability to get repeat sets, the same basic out the back block play when attacking in the red zone, not having our edge forwards hitting holes in the red zone, we might as well play with 5 middle forwards. In my opinion BA should have been sacked last season, if you get the wooden spoon in your 5th season as head coach at the same club it’s time to go. I really hope BA can turn things around quickly because he needs to for his own career sake but also for the sake of the club and it’s very loyal but weary fans.

    Individually Mannah was extremely poor and on last nights performance he would struggle to make an impact in reserve grade.

    Alvaro is a poor mans Aiden Tolman, works hard but has little impact.

    George Jennings was very poor last night, hopefully it was just a bad night and not a sample of the season ahead.

    Moses while he did pull off some spectacular plays you have to ask is that what we want from him?, he needs to step up into that cool, calm, level headed game organizer role. The flashy stuff is good but it is also very hit and miss.

    We desperately need another big front rower to replace Mannah, a right centre and a first grade hooker, Kaysa and Smith are not up to first grade standard on a consistent level.

      1. Anonymous

        No. It seems criticism isn’t welcome on this site, lets all just cover everything in fairy floss and call it sweet.

        1. Forty20 Post author

          I mean your comment is right there in plain sight, not deleted or shadowbanned…I am not sure what more you want?

          Legitimate critical discourse of the team is always welcome on TCT. I have always advocated that this team has strengths and weaknesses – even in our great run in 2017. Character attacks against fans, players and coaches and mindless parroting of tired rhetoric however has its place on other platforms rather than here.

          Obviously your first comment isn’t guilty of any of the above hence why I am happy for it to be part of the conversation but don’t start whining about fairy floss (or the ever popular ‘unicorn’ schtick) because that is certainly an example of the tired rhetoric I mentioned above.

          From the head coach and right through the player ranks, there are plenty of individuals that have a lot riding on 2019 given the status of various contracts. If they don’t perform they will suffer for it. If we aren’t a competitive outfit this season you best believe I will call it as I see it but we are one trial deep in the 2019 preseason and yet fans are already in mid-season form.

          1. rowdy roddy

            Excellent adjudication Forty.

            We all want to hear constructive criticism as well as credit where credit is due. What we don’t want is mindless mumbling of character assassination of individuals who can’t defend themselves against keyboard warriors who do not appear to be anything that you might call a Parramatta supporter!

          2. Anonymous

            Your comments are ridiculous, only a keyboard warrior would call someone a keyboard warrior and not a real fan.

          3. Colin Hussey

            Forty, good post, I saw stuff in the match and commented that way in my first post, we all have opinions and views, just like we all have backsides, and generally different even though they all have a common purpose and great to be rid of the load when it comes out, then wipe it away and flush for good.

            As we have 19 odd players of different standards and playing abilities many of whom no doubt will be wanting to play on, some will finish their careers, others will have to look elsewhere to continue playing, some will be resigned so out of all that, each who want to play on have this year to showcase their abilities either to stay with the eels or will be picked up elsewhere or fade away.
            .
            The saying that the ball is in their hands has never been truer.

          4. Anonymous

            My comment wasn’t directed at you it was in relation to the thumbs down tags that all the negative posts receive and Bob Jay asking if i’m Snake and quite clearly my wording is nothing like snake would use.

          5. sixties

            Firstly Anon, I want to repeat Forty’s response. The fact that your criticism has remained is quite clearly evidence that criticism is found on this site. Personally, i regarded it as quite a hyped up criticism given that it was a trial. Straight into the BA & Tim Mannah bagging was probably unfounded. I couldn’t find a basis for ripping into Tim for the trial. It’s not that criticism can’t be found. There are definitely areas to work on, especially against the dummy half tries.
            Also, on Twitter I said that I wanted to see the forwards attempt to execute some of the plays that they work on at training. We saw Lane push up into holes a few times without receiving the ball. Hopefully, this sort of play finds him with the ball in his hands more often as the combinations get more experienced.
            We will carry relative inexperience this year. Brown, Mahoney, Salmon, Kaufusi, even Marata have minimal or no NRL experience. Parry showed he is an NRL player in the making. This is a team who will grow into the season and I saw evidence of that from those individuals, and plenty to like from others like Junior and Mick Jennings. The second phase and expansive play from it was a big change from last season.
            This was a trial. Consider it an extension to training – like a bigger version of an opposed session. There’s some indicators of things to work on and things to tick off as being on track.

          6. !0 Year Member

            In the end, this site belongs to the founders, they can filter or remove any comments they want, it is their site.
            Am I dissapointed my comments of Enimen were removed? of course I was. can I be called a keyboard warrior for the comments, absolutely. I stand by them as I think they were valid. I also stand by the founders of TCT removing them.
            I really only want the best for my team and sometimes I may stray over the TCT line.
            But let me tell you one thing, this site is evolving from a rose coloured site to a mature site were critique is accepted, but I also understand a line must be drawn in the sand if the moderators believe that critique has crossed over to the personal, we do not need that. We should focus on performance and on how we belive we can improve.
            This site is 1000000% (not really a percentage, but you get my drift) better, more informing, than any other site on the internet in relation to the mighty mighty Parramatta Eels. It is also why in my 10 years as a member, I have become a seated member and have joined Parra Leagues. I want to be involved and I want to have a voice. Thank you TCT.

          7. sixties

            Thanks for your feedback 10 year. I’m not sure what the Eminem comment is. I haven’t removed anything like that. Was it an entire reply or a line?
            Moving on, I’m really pleased to hear that you want to become involved. It’s how we ensure that we get the type of club that we deserve.

          1. John Eel

            Phil would have made a good defensive coach. Tackled with a lot of aggression. Good communicator.

  9. Parra Pete

    Ethan Parry..the new Patty Richards…Liked the look of Mick Jennings ..he appeared fitter and keener than previous seasons..Fergo and French were good in the Melbourne match also.

  10. Colin Hussey

    A good round up forty. There was a lot to like in the match, but I just hope our injured players are ready for the next trial which should show more.

    I am a bit concerned with the goal kicking again, ok early days but MM was a bit off, who else do we have though? Gutho, Fergo? I liked Jnr and others need to be running nearby and get his passing skills to continue the attack, which takes me to Tepi, he is not a middle forward and could be much better utilised as an edge player running of Jnr and work on that combo.

    While the last 1/4 showed up the squad poorly, what it did show is that speed men can win a match, along with a good goal kicker. That winger was fast and no on really gained on him except to stop him from going closer to the posts, but when one has a class goal kicker that’s of little concern.

    While I liked what I saw with Mahoney, I wonder if he is able to go a full 80? hopefully Kaysa may be available against Penrith as well as the others in the orange.

    Watched the other rep game last night following the trial, and I hope to goodness that Fergo does not try his terrible aerobics again as he was seconds off being a paraplegic with his role over.

    1. Steve

      I’ve been saying that for the last few years, that Tepai must be kept out of the middle. He’s potentially an effective hole running edge back rower, but we need to find his role in the team quickly. To be honest, I’d rather he have a run at centre than play in the middle, so innefective is his go forward and disposition for head clashes.

  11. Fathead

    I believe the best thing for the Eels would be to look at a Fergo / Mennings centre combo and then place Sivo and Parry on the wings.
    Fergo is our best outside back and should be closer to the action and played centre most of his junior career there.

  12. BDon

    Big picture for me, showed improvement in some (not all) key areas. First 40 indicated this but 3rd quarter when critical to turn 20 points into 30 vía best roster looked a little ordinary. Raiders lifted, reduced errors, we stayed competitive but consistent errors killed off our ascendancy. No points final 40.
    We conceded in the last 30 seconds of each half, always a worry.
    2 Raiders’ tries from changes of direction near line, another worry.
    Kicking game looked better.
    Nathan Brown and Ferguson will add a lot, but geez Raiders had some talent watching on.
    Reed Mahoney saved a try with on line desparation but ref didn’t reward it. He also, as marker, got (intentionally) jammed against the goal post on another but these 50/50s go both ways. His energy will get rewarded over a season.
    If Ethan Parry is a centre, we should start building him now.

  13. Brian

    I loved big Junior Paulo and his off loading. And thought both Moses and Brown aimed up in defence, a sign of commitment. That was the one thing I was looking for and both showed it.

    It was just a trial but was happy with what was produced.

  14. Big Derek

    is there an answer to the question that was asked several times, and I believe needs explanation. Our attack coach is Steve Murphy, well what is he coaching, we have been poor in attack and clunky for the 4/5 years he has been at the club. If he isn’t the problem or at fault, what or who is?

    Whilst ts only the first trial, there seemed no difference in shape or system than the terrible efforts last year. A big shift in attacking style when in the opposition half is a minimum requirement, the roster has been built in the shape of the coaching staff, ummmmmm.

  15. Pou

    I think Hoffman is a genuine chance of taking that right centre spot for two reasons – lateral movement is one of his strengths, and he has nealry 180 NRL games under his belt. Experience is exremely valuable, especially for a young team that doesn’t have much to begin with.

  16. John K

    Yes it is a trial game after all but our line defence requires a lot of attention.
    That was the most alarming thing for me.
    The problem is that these type of things collectively become habitual.

  17. rowdy roddy

    Good summary of what I witnessed and what I missed from my ground level vantage point at the north end of grandstand 40/20.

    While it is early days for our team and especially the new spine, I thought the boys showed great promise across the whole team up to halftime. IMO many of the issues that subdued our 2018 campaign were addressed in the fluency of our attack between the halves and three quarters. The forwards also backed one another by support play in the middle and on edges often including 2 or 3 times where Lane ran some great lines into gaps but didn’t get the ball.

    Our defense up the middle was an improvement on last season but still needs quite a bit of work which is something the coaches would have seen if I did.The forwards did lay a trivic platform for Mitch and Dylan to run off the back of and created some good ops with their running, passing and kicking games IMO.

  18. Anonymous

    Our online defence was garbage. 2 soft tries by the Canberra reserve grade. It looks like our 2019 season is to be a copy of 2018. Why we keep picking George Jennings is beyond me. His drop ball with the line wide open is typical of this dope.

  19. The rev aka Snedden

    Off topic question. Has anyone heard anything about Robert Jennings.?
    From what I can tell is that Benny won’t be signing him with all these other signings going on around him.

        1. Forty20 Post author

          I am not too concerned if we miss out on Robert Jennings. We are skinny at centre but he has only really enjoyed success at wing in the NRL and even that came on the back of an excellent attacking outfit under Seibold last year.

          Personally I think now is the time to invest in players like Parry, Sivo, Dunster and Salmon and look to the player market to find a difference maker in the front-row or a solid centre.

  20. Darryl Wets

    My only concern was the repeat penalties given away. If you eliminate a penalty, you take a tackle set and either points or a position advantage from the opposition. Last year, I would watch just hoping a penalty wouldn’t be given that would allow the other team easy downfield metres. They can’t be perfect but no soft penalties for 2019

    1. Forty20 Post author

      Discipline and responding to the adversity that comes with conceding penalties was a huge issue in 2018, so that is certainly a sapient point Darryl. I thought we defended pretty well by and large until the penalties crept in and that is what paved the way for the Raiders to score their two tries.

      Hopefully they keep on top of that this year.

        1. rowdy roddy

          I don’t know why I’m inviting more criticism from you Anonymous but I suppose for the love of our club and our mutually frustrated supporter base I will offer this. As an average schoolboy and up to A grade park footballer. I thought I should attend trials for rep footy (from Presidents Cup to the Old NSW Cup Second Division. I made a couple of these sides). I did this every year in the hope I could maybe one day get recognized as having what it takes to play one game with my beloved Eels.

          To sit in the sheds with blokes who could play a bit I was always amazed at how much trials meant to them too, not just me and the other “would be” hopefuls. Everyone played their guts out. Pride is a great motivator. They all wanted to play that one game or another game for their beloved clubs too. If there is a bigger Number than 100% to express the degree of effort everyone intended to put in I’d use it! Of course there are exceptions, but the game is too hard, tough and demanding to give anything less than 100% in trials. I hope this gives you another perspective to consider Anon.

          1. Milo

            That was very well said Rowdy. Well put. And then there are the other 99% of us who never had the talent or chance to even do what you did……i could go on. Then there are the keyboard warriors on other sites who have never played and dribble! ha i could go on…

  21. Chris eels4lyf

    Thanks for the post pretty much summed it up Junior was strong and brown did his job. A few things though, thought Mannah looked strong when he came on think he might be better than Alvaro starting? Also thought
    Tepai and Terepo made a good case for themselves, do you think Nathan Brown being injured has earns the right to start at lock ?

      1. Rocket

        Also don’t understand the criticism of Mannah.
        Hardly ever gets put on his back and has a quick play the ball. When he started a match we normally held our own in defence. When he was replaced we normally would start to lose the middle.

        1. Poppa

          I will tell you why, human physcology is so suggestable that people start believing what they read. There is a definite undermining of Mannah for some reason. I was critical the year before last when he was getting all the head knocks, but he did a good job last year and I saw no difference in that trial.
          This same process has been applied against Moses and French and it is disconcerting to understand how easy it is to lead some of our so called supporters, who then repeat it because they don’t watch a game, only read about it.
          Good example is Moses is supposedly weak in defence whereas he has been very good since coming over from Wests and having his technique changed. The other one is French is too short, his defence weak and is rag dolled 3 or 4 times a game.
          Actually his defence is technically near perfect, the reality is put in front of a rampaging forward and he will be run over, just like most of them.

          1. John Eel

            Poppa I agree with you in regard to Moses and Mannah. With French however I believe that he is suffering a crisis of confidence since his knee injury.

            We know how talented he is but he needs to get back to his football best, shine in the effort plays and put pressure on BA to pick him.

            I also believe his days as a winger are over and his best opportunity lies as a Fullback.

          2. Colin Hussey

            Agree on each count John, Bev just needs to get his confidence back, and that can only happen if he starts running and other leaps without any problematic twinges or the like, once he knows his op has worked he should then rekindle his best days.

          3. John Eel

            I think i got i a bit wrong. He did have surgery but not a reconstruction. I think he may have had the ligament removed. I am sure someone on here will know.

            Think his was medial ligament

          4. Anonymous

            But where does he belong? I would say the right wing like 2017. I think he needs to spend a few seasons there. In 2018 playing in that position, I hope is was injury rather than attitude, if it was attitude, he can go like Sandow. Dont get me wrong, love Bevvy, but he needs to put the team first and the riches will follow.

  22. Milo

    Good result for the 60 mins.
    Forwards need to play as a unit and they did ok.
    We need to look at hooker for depth.
    Halves did well and need time to gel. brown is v good. Moses has to step up – simple.
    Good to have Junior back and Lane is good.

      1. Milo

        Agreed mate; i have faith in the forwards and the depth looks good. Centre could be an issue but give Parry / Dunster etc a season to learn and Salmon too. We just need to strengthen halves and hooker.

  23. Phil Mann

    I was reasonably pleased with some individual performances, Junior was a standout.
    The collective team performance overall was ordinary. Irrespective of who was on the paddock a team with any footy intellect would have worked out that; with ball in hand and less than a minute to go, even in a trial, we should be practising closing out the game. Long way to go in the brains department.

  24. Ajax

    You know who I love? TEREPO!!!! He really has improved over the last few years. He was always good for a few dropped balls but that wasn’t the case recently and he was one player who left nothing in the tank. Prediction: he will be our best forward in 2019!!!

    1. Colin Hussey

      Ajax, agree re Peni, only aspect with him is his size that concerns me is his size, although he does play well above his weight and for me is going to be hard to keep out of the top squad, in this years gallery he is shown to be 108Kgs a bit up on last year which should help him.

      Other player I like and hope over injuries is Ma’u who is a bit light but another who can play above his weight. Injury free he can be a force again for the team.

      1. Poppa

        I don’t see a problem with his size at all Col, he is no lightweight, bigger than De Bellin (107k) and Matt Scott (106k)……that is well over 16 1/2 stone in the old weight, which puts him bigger than many of the Parramatta greats of the past.

        1. Colin Hussey

          Pops, I guess that his appearance is a bit deceiving as far as his size is concerned, I just did a conversion and 108kg actually came in at 17stone which also is shown as his weight on Wiki, so I withdraw what I said re his size but he certainly looks to play like someone much bigger.

          Happy to be wrong though & IIRC the Bear was only in the 16stone territory.

        2. Colin Hussey

          Pops, there’s a new gallery set of pics of the training this week, about half way through them there is pic of Peni between two others & when you look at his build, I’m blowed if he looks 108Kgs, but he certainly looks fit and has determination written over his face.

    2. John Eel

      Terepo is one of my favourite players also. So agree with both comments. I also have a view that Marata will stand up in 2019. I thought he was good on Friday and did his future chances no harm

      1. Colin Hussey

        John, I believe there will be a traffic jamb in the forwards with the options available. The one area of concern that I really have is with the centres, atm I am not convinced that Salmon is ready for one spot, there has been a lot of silence from the NRL regarding his recent conviction, the decision and penalty could be coming after the next trial though.

        Based on the trial match against Canberra, who fits as replacements for the second centre spot? Taka, has recent experience, as well as Hoffman, both have good experience but both have poor records there.as well, perhaps an option would be to trial Marata and Peni in the spot. Both have the physical abilities. with Marata coming to the eels as a centre.

        At least the defence would be stronger also provide impact in attack.

          1. Colin Hussey

            Wasn’t aware of the suspension, although I expected it along with at least 2 weeks.

            Its a void still for the other centre spot though, I would like to see Salmon and potential other centre play 40 each way against Penrith.

  25. Micky

    Great report forty. This is my 1st time on TCT and I enjoy the the honesty that members show.. To be able to come on here and give an honest opinion without being shot down is a blessing. Only watched parts of the trial but what I got out of it was enough to satisfy me that 2019 will be better than 2018, by how much who knows. Jnr was good, Brown WILL be a superstar half in the next 2-3yrs, guaranteed. Moses didn’t overplay his hand and his defence was good. Lane showed glimpses of what he can bring to the table and Jennings is in for a big year, he was back to his “best defensive” centre game. Contrary to what others, not here, have suggested, I thought Mannah played well, as was the case last year I believe he needs to be on the bench to start. To me the turning point was the dropped ball by G. Jennings with the line wide open, that would have put us up 26-6 and we more than likely run away with the game, but it doesn’t take much to change the momentum of a game.

    1. Milo

      Well said Micky, i can see your point of view on this and more.
      i would not put those expectations on Brown but can see your excitement and he needs good time and development imo.
      I keep saying that our fwds should be ok; and our halves and hooker need to be fit as back ups could be v tough to come by.
      Parra need to cut out the errors / increase their discipline without the ball and get the defence back.

    2. sixties

      Thanks for getting involved Micky and welcome to TCT. I agree with most of your observations and in particular the improvement. Trying to predict just how much the Eels will improve is still too early to tell, and injuries as always will play a role.

    3. Colin Hussey

      Micky welcome to TCT you wont regret being here and your post is well put.

      Re the knock on by Gennings, I don’t entirely knock him for the error as bad as it was, the reasons being simple 1: he did not read the play early enough and was not positioned for the pass, 2: The pass itself was ill directed and in in the front of Gennings, and it only got to his finger tips with him stretching for it.

      End of the day both he and the player passing the ball equally are at fault and that includes lack of communication between the two of them.

  26. Terry

    My 2 bobs worth….

    Dylan Brown is a talent, but will be worn out from all those big bodies that will be targeting him.

    Mahoney is not the answer at Hooker, yes his all heart but a liability in defence on the line. No attack from him whatsoever.

    Paulo and Lane big inclusions both size and skill wise both can offload and that’s a advantage.

    This next game against Penrith will be the one to show if we have improved. Thought the Canberra game they switched off at halftime BUT still should have held on.

    Those two early penalties against us in that game brought back memories of the 2018 team.
    Hope I’m wrong but it doesn’t look good.

    1. sixties

      Terry, the players on the field at the end shouldn’t have lost but it was the Wenty RM Cup team.
      I’m trying to not overhype Brown but I guarantee you that the defence won’t faze him.

      1. Terry

        It would be nice if you can have the names that ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ the posts. I’m guessing it’s the same culprits.

        1. rayt

          I’m one that occasionally adds a like/dislike as sometimes I agree with a post & with the disagrees I just couldn’t be bothered replying to most of them (so sometimes I just vote down). Guess I’m a getting bit lazy
          😒

          1. rayt

            Also meant to add I was not one of those that voted down Terry’s 2 bobs worth, seemed a reasonable post.

        2. rowdy roddy

          See above. Insufficient symbols to choose from. Not sure you would get many responses if a name had to be attached to it though.

    2. BDon

      My gut feel about Mahoney is that Arthur wants the ball in Moses’ hands at this stage. I have some doubts like you, only because I haven’t seen enough, but Mahoney has a big motor, is a smart footballer, is no smaller than a few other top rakes(Farah, Friend, even Cam Smith) and is a Queenslander. No tries v Raiders were defensive blunders by him. Warea-Hargreaves picked him out last year, wasn’t pretty but I thought he went OK, the Queenslander in him kept saying ‘do your best big fella’.

    3. rowdy roddy

      I’m one of the people on here who like to use the “like” and “dislike” Terry, but sometimes a comment is more appropriate as there are occasionally posts like yours where I agree in part and also disagree with other aspects of your stated position as in this case.

      I would warn you the individual being dismantled is more important to some than the substance of the attack. Mr Money is one whom I have grown to admire since after blaming him for us losing the U20’s a few years ago with a brain explosion not unlike Will Smith last year wanting to wrap up our lead against Saints and kicking out on the full from dummy half which brought Saints back into the game.
      So to clarify my view paragraph by paragraph.
      P. 2 agree. P. 3 disagree. P.4.agree. P. 5 agree, agree and agree. P. 6 didn’t notice so didn’t have those recollections therefore disagree. P. 7 disagree.

  27. Jim

    Just a quick question regarding the way we played people have said it’s the same style we have played for years nothing new. However if you were a coach in today’s modern game would you not save a new style for round 1 ? Do we want the panthers see our new moves?
    Just a thought…

  28. John Eel

    It would be nice to have George Burgess line up in the next trial. Would give the Penrith trial a bit of spice

    1. rowdy roddy

      Our revitalized interest in Big George tells me our coaching staff are on the ball and clearly astute in the areas we need to strengthen on field. Having missed out on Kapow from manly and having watched the benefit of a big forward leading the charge against Canberra? They didn’t change their focus and go looking for another half or centre. It also shows Big George was wise to knock back our first offer and wait for the money!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

%d bloggers like this: