As an Eels supporter site, The Cumberland Throw has become part of the NRL social media family. First and foremost, we are Parramatta supporters, so when the time comes to report or comment on issues in the club, we are always conscious of who we are.

This doesn’t mean that we bury our heads in the sand. We’ve criticised performances, and tackled the club on issues such as the Centre of Excellence and the relationship with Wenty.

However, we have an ethos, if not a responsibility, to respect our players and our club.

Mainstream media will always look for the headline. It’s part of the business.

League Life filming at Giant Steps

This week, Dylan Brown learnt about throwaway lines. He learnt about how some supporters can be quick to judge. Unfortunately, he also discovered how past players, who should know better, will add fuel to the fire with their opinions.

We’ve also seen the power of the media to bring good news stories. The League Life program provided the type of exposure to Giant Steps School and their relationship with Parramatta that TCT could not. Congratulations to them on a wonderful segment.

Here’s how the week has gone down.

Friday

The media and Eels supporters begin to respond to newspaper reports that Dylan Brown would go “fishing” for contract offers at season’s end. Brown rings BA to explain what was said.

Ever since Brown’s management was approached by the Warriors during the pre-season, the media have continued to focus on his contract situation despite him being locked up till the end of 2020.

Brown was honest when questioned by Paul Crawley. He said that he didn’t like the frenzied attention and shut down his social media.

The Dylan Brown that I know is loyal, tough, level-headed, confident and funny. He has a quirky sense of humour, but I guess he’s learning why many NRL players answer in cliches. It will be a shame if his individuality is impacted as he’s a genuine character.

Saturday

The Flegg and NRL teams wrap up their Captain’s Runs at Old Saleyards. The Flegg squad have a wealth of eligible players unavailable due to their elevation into the full time squad – Brown, Salmon, Kaufusi, Dunster, Utoikamanu and Parry – along with injured players such as Joe Taipari and Noel Aukafolau. William Kei looks like being a late withdrawal.
Media call duties are completed by Arthur before the NRL team take to the paddock for their Captains Run. There’s a bit of banter to go with the serious work. It looks like there’ll be no late changes and the team is ready to go.

Sunday

It’s a massive day for supporters and staff with three grades in action across two venues. The Flegg match against the Bulldogs has been switched at the last minute from Saturday at Belmore to the NRL curtain raiser. The Canterbury Cup clash between the Bulldogs and Wenty is staged simultaneously at Leichhardt. Go figure!

There are staff involved with the club who can’t be in two places at the same time, but the days of a venue such as ANZ Stadium hosting three matches on their turf on the same day are long gone. With Channel 9 broadcasting the Wenty clash, I’ve got the recording programmed on the set top box and it’s off the Olympic Park.

After a promising start, the Eels Flegg team struggle to complete their sets and the Bulldogs duly deliver a 36 to 10 thumping. Officially the completion rate is just over 50%. Oregon Kaufusi was a late inclusion with Moeroa taking his place in the NRL team. With the dropped ball reaching epidemic proportions, it became impossible to assess individual performances.

Across town, the Wenty boys held on to defeat the Bulldogs 24 to 22. The 2018 ISP champions were expected to be far too strong for the Magpies, but the boys in black and white were tenacious in an encouraging result. Ray Stone provided a timely reminder of his credentials, and he was ably assisted by Salesi Fainga’a and their unheralded Wenty contracted team mates.

On the left side of the field, Ethan Parry didn’t shy away from the big collisions and Greg Leleisiuao came up with two tries on the back of his explosive charges.

In the main clash, Junior Paulo made his long awaited return in Eels colours. The Bulldogs did what most expected – come out with all guns blazing for the opening twenty minutes. With their high completion rate and around 70% possession, they had the Eels on the back foot and ten points in arrears during that period.

But footy is renowned for momentum swings and the Eels were composed when possession came their way, hitting the lead before half time, then kicking away for a 36 to 16 victory.

It was difficult to fault any player for the Eels, but Mahoney, Ferguson, Lane and Gutherson were ultra-impressive. Brown provided another example of his talent with his first NRL try, whilst the two veterans, Mannah and Gower, did what they do best – the hard yards.

Can we look at that Brown try one more time!

How sweet to begin the season with two wins!

Monday

The competition table shows the Eels in second place behind the Tigers. It’s early days but supporters are enjoying the promising start to the year.

That winning feeling

Further good news comes for the Blue and Gold with no charges from the match review committee and no major injuries reported.

It’s going to be a quick turn around for the Eels as they have a Friday night appointment with the 2018 Premiers, the Roosters.

Mitch Moses is honest about his attitude in 2018 in an interview on Triple M. You can listen here. He admits to blaming everyone but himself for his poor season last year, and that facing that truth was important in turning his form around.

Tuesday

The Eels announce a two match suspension (now complete) and $25K fine for Peni Terepo. The Eels immediately add him to the extended bench for the clash with the Roosters.

In other team news Michael Jennings returns from suspension, replacing Josh Hoffman in the centres. The rest of the Top 17 remains unchanged.

Preparations begin with NRL training at Old Saleyards, with the team rehearsing their sets and plays ahead of Friday night’s match. The fellas look to be in a very positive mindset. Winning will do that!

Training is followed by the weekly media call. Players offer insights into how the demands of the pre-season propelled them into such a positive start to the season. Readers of TCT nodded knowingly.

Wednesday

The Eels announce a new two year community partnership with the Giant Steps school. Young Eels players have been working at this school for students with autism over the last four years, with current first graders Reed Mahoney and Dylan Brown part of an alumni of 22 players. TCT visited the school earlier this year for this post.

The partnership features in an episode of League Life later on Wednesday night. Reed Mahoney, Oregon Kaufusi and Steve Dresler are all interviewed at the school, with viewers gaining an insight to the benefits that Eels and the school gain from the relationship. Even after visiting the school with Forty, and talking to many of the players, I still had tears welling in my eyes watching the young non-verbal student interacting with Oregon.

Don’t forget, you can make a donation to the school via the link in our post.

Thursday

The Captain’s Run is completed, though the “doof doof” replaces rock on the Old Saleyards music system. I’m not sure which player had their IPod plugged in this week, but I’ll put my vote in for last week’s MC.

It’s been a short turn around with only a couple of field sessions possible this week. This morning, after breaking into forwards and backs for a few drills, the team runs through their shapes and plays. The group go into a huddle for some important words and finish the session with some individual extras.

The players look fresh and ready to play.

Bring on the Roosters!

Eels forever!

Sixties

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