Parramatta Eels 20
Penrith Panthers 12
Penrith Panthers 12
The Good: |
Well, that is certainly a big welcome to 2019! You ask me what’s good, and I tell you BASICALLY EVERYTHING.
Interestingly, only 7 of our 17 players today featured in our corresponding Round 1 clash in 2018. The nightmares of last year no doubt swam through the collective minds of those 7 players when James Tamou planted the ball under the sticks in the 65th minute.
But if Round 1 is anything to go by, this 2019 Parramatta Eels side is a different outfit than their 2018 predecessors. Because this year, we scratched, we bit, we clawed our way towards victory. Somehow, against all odds, we managed to hang on to our lead. In 2019, at Penrith Park in Round 1, we came away victorious.
There was plenty of good today. Plenty. Nonetheless, we do soon need to remember it is only Round 1. It is only Round 1.
As an aside, in the euphoric haze of victory, let it be remembered that the Eels had not one, not two, but three tries knocked back by the video ref today, and I dare say I thought all three (Ferguson, Sivo and Tepai) were tries on first inspection. As such, I submit we could have easily scored 30 or so points today. Thank you. |
The Bad: |
The reason I said basically everything and not completely everything is the absolutely devastating injury to the Cyborg Nathan Brown. What a terribly cruel start to 2019 for our pack leader. Here’s hoping it’s somehow better news than anticipated.
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The X-Factor: |
A footnote on the NRL official scorecard tells a (short and usually inspiring) story.
Inclement weather often means teams will play a tuck-it-under-the-arm style of wet weather football. As such, the conditions make it even more surprising that the usually conservative Parramatta Eels side threw a massive 13 offloads (to the Panthers 8). In fact, this puts us equal first in the NRL in all season openers (with the Tigers and Warriors), and the Eels only threw 13 or more offloads on 3 occasions throughout all of last year. Shout out to Junior Paulo in particular for his raucous support in the wet weather conditions.
Now here’s a completely useless stat for you: if trials were real life, the Eels would have won 40-6 against the Panthers in the past two weeks in the 150 minutes they were 17 on 17. As an aside, that meaningless stat was about 8 seconds short of 40-0. I know what you’re thinking – what a useless paragraph, what a ride. |
The MVP: |
I threw this question out to Twitterland, and I don’t remember ever receiving such a huge and varied number of responses. Mitchell Moses, Blake Ferguson, Shaun Lane and Tepai Moeroa were all excellent. Alvaro also got a couple of shout outs. The youth brigade of Dylan Brown and Reed Mahoney were also pretty great. But in what I dare say was close to the consensus, today I’m giving it to the Lion King, Marata Niukore.
Also, an honorary mention to that kid who broke an egg on Fraser Anning’s head. |
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1- Clint Gutherson (c)Fullback, Parramatta Eels |
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| Captain Clint Gutherson is back for 2019 and according to our man on the ground, was in absolutely everything today.
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A team high 24 runs, 199 metres, 1 tackle break and 2 tackles in the 2019 edition of Return of the King. Good to see him back out there, probing and generally running amok. |
2- Maika SivoLeft Wing, Parramatta Eels |
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| Oh how I cheered when he dove sky high over the try line, and I can only imagine the good people in Momi Village, Fiji did the same. Sadly it wasn’t to be, and actually surrounded one of the more ghastly momentum swings in the game (shout out to Isaah Yeo, hope he’s ok). Nonethless, Sivo was pretty great in his debut game in the Blue & Gold, with 13 runs, 106 running metres and 2 tackle breaks. I’d also argue the 2 errors are understandable considering the conditions, and I look forward to him finding his feet in the coming weeks.
Finally, if you’re yet to read this terrific yarn from Dave Riccio this weekend, immediately stop reading my half-baked nonsense and get on it. |
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3- Michael JenningsLeft Centre, Parramatta Eels |
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| I don’t care what you thought about Michael Jennings in 2018 (don’t worry, I thought it too), based on today’s performance, The Jet is back in a VERY big way for Season 2019.
As a footnote, the sin binning was more unfortunate and accidental than I think it was deserved, so I’m not holding it against him. Neither you nor the NRL Judiciary should either. |
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Jenko’s 13 runs, 123 metres, 4 tackle breaks, 2 linebreaks and 2 tries were simply sublime and you could tell he just loved giving it to the Panthers faithful. More of this please, sir Jet. |
4- Brad TakairangiRight Centre, Parramatta Eels |
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| I thought Taka looked more composed, more in control and more comfortable in the centre position today than he did at any point in 2018. I’m not calling for his permanent shift back to the centres, but if he can reproduce that form on a regular basis, it’d make a huge difference to our outside back depth chart.
PS – What a weird little kick he put in for Marata’s try. Hey, it worked. |
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5- Blake FergusonRight Wing, Parramatta Eels |
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| In his first game for the Blue & Gold, Fergo had 20 carries, ran for 158 metres, and made 2 tackle breaks. In short, Fergo’s running game today was so hot school students began an impromptu climate protest.
Other than the set starting runs, it was great to see him continue his reported pre-season leadership role, constantly yapping at his new teammates, spotted running across field to mentor Maika Sivo on a few occasions throughout the match. |
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6- Dylan BrownFive Eighth, Parramatta Eels |
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| After many moons of anticipation, he who the football gods call “Dylbags” finally made his NRL debut. If you’ve been reading The Cumberland Throw (or any of the million articles in the mainstream media) before today’s game, you probably noticed one word that kept coming up – composure. I can’t think of another word that better describes his game. Taking the line on, a terrific late game kick that allowed Jenko to push DWZ over the side line, straightening the attack for our final try.
The stats don’t really tell the story here, but if you somehow missed it, know that he had a very, very solid debut. |
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7- Mitchell MosesHalfback, Parramatta Eels |
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| The Prince of Egypt was the rugby league equivalent of a walking headline this afternoon. For someone often targeted by critics in the past for his defence (I firmly include myself in that descriptor), Mitch’s double defensive play to deny RCG and then Waqa Blake’s almost try was the definition of my eating the most satisfying of humble pie. Let it be known, I’m more than happy to have a second helping whenever he’s willing to dish it up in future.
The missed conversions (he kicked 2 from 4) weren’t ideal, but overall a very promising start for the new Mitchell Moses. |
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But it wasn’t just his 24 tackles and defensive moments that stood out, Mitch was involved in some huge moments in the game. It was also copping a momentum-shifting push in the back from Waqa Blake, his |
8- Daniel AlvaroProp, Parramatta Eels |
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| Polar no doubt felt right at home in the cold and wet conditions, surging his way through 18 hit ups, 134 running metres, 27 trenching tackles and 3 tackle breaks. However, I must say I was surprised to see him credited with 5 missed tackles. Now, I don’t mean to single him out, because it’s very un-Polar like, but a lack of intensity on the James Tamou try did cost us four points, and it’s not all that hard to imagine how moments like that (from any of our players) could easily cost us two competition points. | ||
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9- Reed MahoneyHooker, Parramatta Eels |
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| Sixty-eight minutes of clever little darts and scurries around the ruck, crisp service, and constant nipping and sniping at opposition big men; 31 tackles, 2 tackle breaks and his maiden NRL meat pie. What a terrific performance from the nuggety number nine.
Shout out to our boy Forty20 for this gem. |
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Sure, some might call him The Terrier, but here at The Throw, that’s Cash Mahoney, fam. |
10- Tepai MoeroaProp, Parramatta Eels |
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| In some ways, Tepai’s transition to middle forward reaches completion with this Round 1 start in the 10 jersey, and it was less than ideal to see him get slammed on his backside in the opening hit up of the |
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11- Shaun LaneSecond Row, Parramatta Eels |
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| I must say, I was very impressed with the new bloke. I’ve always appreciated his game, but anyone in a Manly jersey is automatically less likeable than that bloke from NRL Memes. Nonetheless, the Blue & Gold seems to suit him just fine; 12 runs, 110 metres, 25 solid tackles (one in particular on everyone’s favourite pest James Maloney) a try assist and a tackle break. His reach and offload will no doubt continue to come in handy in future weeks, I mean the bloke is so tall I hear he changes lightbulbs sitting on the couch. | ||
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12- Marata NiukoreSecond Row, Parramatta Eels |
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| Hakuna Marata ran with venom at an unsuspecting |
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13- Nathan BrownLock, Parramatta Eels |
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| bittersweet |ˌbɪtəˈswiːt | adjective : An incredibly gutsy opening round victory over our western rivals marred by a gutting injury to our pack leader.
Early returns aren’t good, but I’m just praying it’s not season ending for the Cyborg. No doubt Eels fans will have all their fingers and toes crossed, hoping for the best for the hydraulic powered footballing machine. God speed, my man.
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14- Will SmithInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| Will Smith came on late, spelled the Terrier and done good. No hassles, no mistakes, 2 tackle breaks and only a couple of measly missed tackles.
Hard to give him more or less than a B minus, and besides, the kid’s got Bette Davis eyes. |
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15- Tim MannahInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| Father Time might very well be undefeated, but at the very least Tim Mannah is sending the game to Golden Point. After the loss of Cyborg, Mannah was forced to play a huge 53 minute stint, and managed to get through a whopping 16 runs for 133 metres, with 19 tackles and 2 tackle breaks of his own. He may not be what he used to be, but neither is Michael Jordan. Hats off to you, old man. | ||
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16- Kane EvansInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| If Tim Mannah can run for 133 metres, how does a younger, taller, infinitely more athletic prop only manage 3 runs for 26 metres? In his defence, Kandy spent a lot of time tackling, making a solid 12 tackles without a miss in his 19 minutes. I saw some good out there, but I’d like to see a lot more of it. | ||
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17- David GowerInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| Listen, and understand. The unstoppable Good Doctor helped himself to 8 runs, 69 metres, 2 tackle breaks and 21 tackles without a miss. If you don’t love David Gower, you don’t love rugby league. |
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What a terrific start to the year for the Blue & Gold. Excuse me whilst I go and watch a replay.
Join me again next week as we take on another classic rival and my least favourite team in the NRL; the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs.
See you then, sports fans.
Go you Eels,
Mitch.
Photos courtesy of the Parramatta Eels. Stats courtesy of Champion Data.
Brilliant. There was so much to like about today, and the little areas we need to improve on will only make us even more enjoyable to watch.
I thought we did really well considering the weather – in dry conditions I have no doubt we score at least 2 more. Bring on the flogs next week!
And what about the early season injury toll! Brown, Junior, Gennings, Manu and for other reasons Peni – that’s 5 expected top 17 players basically out for Round 1!
Don’t forget Salmon in that list (great report btw).
The Fish! Of course!
What an afternoon! So happy for the team. Nice to get the first W at Penriths expense…
I’d love a back to back start to the season, but we’ll see what comes next week. For now it’s neverending replays of Round 1.
I can’t see Marata giving up his starting Edge spot any time soon.
Or Lane for that matter. Marata was something else today.
Can’t wait to watch it again.
So nice to read the joy in your article! Been a long off season for us all. Onwards and upwards!
The joy is real, Anthony. Thanks for reading mate.
Great read as usual .
Great pity about browny, the bloke is def down on his luck.
Eels forever.
Devastating injury, hoping for some good news. Thanks for reading John.
Hi M
Nice return for the Eels and yourself with the grades.
Personally I reckon you’ve been a bit kind to MJennings. I swear I was stuck in a Delorian when he got binned!!!! Accidental yes, nerve breaking YES!!!!!
MVP for me was Lane. He threatened the line constantly and there seems to already be a nice combination forming with “Dylbags” (please tell me you’ve got something better for the kid than that).
I wonder how different the result may have been with Junior out there today. All round though a pretty solid start. Heaven knows we needed a round 1 win. I hate to think what a loss today, especially if we were run down from the front, would have done to the teams confidence levels and my anxiety!
Looking forward to many more positive discussions through out the year.
PS- get back to the drawing board and find Dylan Brown a more “composed” nickname pleeeease!
Dylbo? Not the biggest. Not the fastest, But tough, sneaky and stays composed. We need him to gets us a ring
I’d like to sarcastically put ‘DBro’ forward.
Dylbo baggins lol
Hey, Dylbags is not my own making, but his instagram name and official club nickname. Get Bernie Gurr on the phone, Jon.
https://www.parraeels.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/parramatta-eels/dylan-brown/
Worried about the superlatives for young Dyl. The pressure will be immense for an 18 year old.
Thought Fergo was fantastic!
Egg boy .. sorry mate. Will never condone behaviour like that by a punk kid – even on a racist buffoon like Anning.
Ha and here I thought my Grades were going to be the most controversial part of this post. I’m ok if you’re not a fan of eggboy.
But both Fergo and Dylan were pretty excellent. Good signs ahead.
lets talk footy !
Very worried about our forward stocks – which just highlights the dumb play by Peni .. he has really let the team down.
Dylan was great by the things he didn’t do – totally underplayed his hand and didn’t crowd Moses on the set ups.
As you highlighted I thought the jewel was definitely Maranta but I thought you were a little stiff on Lane – he was excellent! Having two hard running second rowers makes all the difference to the attack.
Youre right re Lane, looks like we may have robbed Manly there. To be fair to our forward stocks, we were effectively down 4 top 17 forwards yesterday (Manu, Peni, Junior Brown) so it really is a pretty unusual situation. Who knows, Davey might even get his shot soon (although Oregon next in line)
Add Junior and Munz to that effort (and what would have been Peni…) and I firmly believe we’d have tallied more points from our first half possession. The future looks bright once they return.
And poor NBrowny.
Reading this with such joy! All good rating as that should be, I cannot think of a bad player today and your note about Penrith only getting two tries when we were down a player in two games also didn’t go unnotice by me. We are splitting hairs but Lane had to be an A. He was outstanding.
Yeah a lot of Lane love over on Twitter too, I don’t think you’d be out of place. Very pleasing debut from the 80 minute edge.
How good is this feeling? I agree with the assessment of Eminem, I am not a fan and one swallow does not make a season, but the boy done good today, actually, bloody fantastic. Overall team performance and game management was a site to behold.
Yeah overall very pleasing game, but keen to see something similar next week.
Pretty close on ratings mate , do yourself a favour and dont bring politics on website , egg head was assult and buffoonish behaviour , stick to footy mate ..
Ha, thanks for the thoughts Bob, but I’m afraid Post Game Grades is a menagerie of cultural references.
I waited all off season for your post Mitch and it was worth the wait.
You’re too kind, Trouser Eel…
There’s a sentence I never thought I’d say.
I watched the match on the box, and no one was picking the eels to win. I forget the margin I picked for the win as thought it would have been a very close match, the final score indicated that but, it could have been more had MM kicked all conversions.
The win however was a real tonic, hopefully Cyberg will have better reading results for his injury as losing him will be a blow;
A couple of observations from what I saw, and one was the refereeing overall, and getting a fair shake from them especially Klein was eye popping to say the least. Goal Kicking and not going for the 2 points when penalties are given is still a gripe for me, I lost count of the penalties in front, that could have made up for the lost conversions and the better for and against scores could be telling later in the year. MM, is having a bad rate of successes in the goal kicking area.
Mahoney went well and for me, I believe he can play the full 80, so not the need for a backup if he continues the way he has developed so far.
Next match has Salmon back could that be a blessing or not? Evans did not do a lot but was a bit of a lift on last years performances, I would hazard a guess that with Salmon back possibly Taka will end up back in the forwards but would prefer him to stay in the centres personally. Brown and Replacement, to me I would be looking at Kafusi for the 10 spot, and Tepai back to edge forward. Lane is a value signing for me, and Marata is definitely an NRL player as well.
I would like to also commend the two old forwards, Tim and Gowie, neither shirked any work and on one occasion Tim had 5 or 6 panthers players on him to stop him from making metres in the tackle Gowrie is ever the Mr reliable and no doubt he still is good enough for the NRL.
Lastly, I have to commend Dylan Brown, a young bean pole of a player in the halves played as if he has been there for some years, rather than in a debut match. The pass he made to set up a try was tops and from a kid. He has one halves spot in his keeping, and hopefully that will be for some time to come
I thought (and screamed at the tv) the same thing! Kick the penalties!!! Take the two!!!!!!
Colin it is Cyborg not Cyberg.I know this because my 5 year old grandson accesses the Netflix. Otherwise I am clueless.
I have not watched the game yet but thinking about Browny’s replacement in the past BA has used Tepai and Peni so I am thinking Tep. I can’t see either of the Edge forwards being changed. Tepai would be a straight swap with Jr coming back.
The Salmon conundrum will be interesting. He might give him a first up start for Wenty?
I suspect he’ll play centre with Taka, now that Jenko is out.
After we signed him, watched Lane at Manly, thought he lacked urgency, Anyway, scratch that, played with energy and skill, a B+ maybe Mitch? Niukore and Ferguson were really strong. Both Moses and DBrown delivered inspirational plays and between them, there was a kicking game. Big things for me were the formula for going forward was there, defence looked organised, red zone attacking plays looked OK, key foundations to build on. Penalties heavily our way, always handy.
Did anyone notice Ferguson almost bust right through the middle with 15 seconds to go? I reckon he was thinking ‘ switch off and you”ll pay’…competitive that lad.
Loved the difference Fergo and Lane made. I wonder if we’ll actually be full strength at any point this season. Junior Salmon Brown Gennings Manu Peni all to come back. Crazy injury toll and we’re not even in Round 2!
Plus now it looks like Mennings one week. Can’t see us leaking players to Origin, so maybe karma turns our way come May. Won’t be long however before Kiwis latch onto Niukore.
After seeing our under strength pack named on Tuesday I was a little bit worried. The when Brown went off I was extremely worried. I shouldn’t have been. The boys held their own. Alvaro just doesn’t stop and finally Moeroa might be living up to expectations this year. He looked really good (and should’ve scored a try). Throw Paulo into that pack and I’m quietly confident for next week. It’s only round 1, but a good start. It’s good having a smile on my face after a Parra game again!
Tell me about it mate. Huge start to the year, but it will almost meaning nothing if we get beaten next week. Hoping for 2 for 2.
We’ll be right mate. Parra always win the games when they’re favourites……. oh wait.
Now for consistency
After a great start
That’s a fair comment in round 1.
The positives – we needed to begin the season like that and it also backed up everything they’d worked for in pre-season.
Indeed Dave. All means little without a follow up next week against the Dogs.
A great first round result from an emerging team. Grade gave a very fair indication of the effort and very sad to hear Brown maybe out for some time.
On a positive note enjoyed the team effort and offloads. Thought Moses had a good game but still a bit off from the boot.
Well said BP, thanks for reading mate.
Is it Peni, sitting behind Gennings?
It most certainly is.
How refreshing to read these game grades with a round 1 win into the new season, especially after the nightmare that was last yr. Lets hope we stay on the positive side of the win percentage leading up to our first home game at the new venue!
Phatz? As in used to sit with you at Parra Stadium Phatz?
The one and only!