Parramatta Eels 51
Wests Tigers 6
Wests Tigers 6
The Good: |
Well, I think that went pretty well.
What an absolutely outstanding 80 minutes of football from the boys in Blue & Gold. There is little more a rugby league team can do with 58% of possession than the Eels did to their cross town rivals this afternoon. Not only did the Eels open one of the truly great rugby league stadiums in the world with an almighty bang, they completely dismantled their opposition at every point on the field. Whether through the middle, the edges, the wings, the backfield or the attacking red zone, the Tigers were woefully ineffective against a ceaseless Blue & Gold onslaught. The Eels 2579 running metres stood tall over the 1767 from the Tigers, although the Tigers interestingly only missed 5 more tackles than the team that beat them by 45 points (26 to 21).
Before you leave, make sure you take my quiz: “Which exuberant celebrating Eels player are you?”
I mean, we all want to go out there and be ‘Oregon Kaufusi’, but I feel like somedays I’m just ‘Anonymous Forehead’. |
The Bad: |
NOT TODAY, SATAN!
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The X-Factor: |
Bonus stat – coming into today’s game, the Tigers boasted the third-best defensive record in the competition, only conceding 59 points in five games. This afternoon against the might of a red-hot Blue and Gold avalanche, they conceded an additional 51. |
The MVP:
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I honestly cannot give it to one player today, so it seems fitting instead that today’s MVP is the world class Bankwest Stadium. I deliberately avoided attending the lead up events, getting my first taste of our new home ground this afternoon.
To say I was impressed is an understatement. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say this stadium will change the way people in I was fortunate enough to be part of the member representative unveiling the giant Blue & Gold Army flag pre-game. The noise from the centre when the team ran out was certainly one thing, but the sight of 30,000 flags waving was actually quite overwhelming.
I cannot believe just how lucky we are to call such a world class facility our home ground. Bankwest Stadium, you glorious bastard. |
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1- Clint Gutherson (c)Fullback, Parramatta Eels |
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| Clint Gutherson is in the middle of contract negotiations, and he didn’t even score a try today. I mean what the hell, Clint? And you somehow only bothered to make one tackle? Get your head in the game, mate.
Despite that incredible failure, I guess we could forgive him due to his 18 run, 188 metre, 1 linebreak, 2 linebreak assist, 2 try assist, 2 tackle break performance. Side note – Clint currently leads the NRL in linebreak assists with 8. Good heavens. In reality, I think at this point that if my beautiful wife left me for Clint Gutherson I’d probably take her side in the separation proceedings. I wouldn’t even really be that mad at her. |
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2- Maika SivoLeft Wing, Parramatta Eels |
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| There are few things more enjoyable in this world than a Maiko Sivo try. You can just tell the young bloke REALLY loves getting across the stripe. In other news the Big Fijian 2.0 led a team of statistical superstars today with an absurd 195 running metres from just 15 carries, adding 3 tackle breaks and a line break to his tally, you know, for the LOLs.
Why, what do your leg cramps look like?
Credit to closet Eels fan @72jjk for the horrific pic. That image looks like a still from an old episode of the X-Files. |
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3- Michael JenningsLeft Centre, Parramatta Eels |
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| From the ashes of a truly annus horribilis Season 2018, Jenko suddenly has more tries this season than you’ve had hot dinners. That might sound like I’m exaggerating, but he’s actually equal first in the NRL with 6. For today, mark him down for 11 runs, 161 metres, 4 tackle breaks, 2 linebreaks and 2 first half tries. He’s very much back in 2019; fitter, faster and as grey as ever.
J-J-J Jennings is a Jet. |
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4- Brad TakairangiRight Centre, Parramatta Eels |
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| Despite copping of barrage of my screaming “HOLD THE BALL TAKA, YOU CLOWN!” at him for the past 4 years, Taka is experiencing quite the renaissance as an NRL centre in 2019. When was the last time you saw 13 runs, 124 metres, 1 linebreak assist, 1 try and a tackle bust and thought “Oh, that’s clearly Brad Takairangi’s stat line” ?
The answer is today, my friends. Hats off to you, you giant human. |
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20- Josh HoffmanRight Wing, Parramatta Eels |
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| To be frank, the one I admittedly dubbed pre-game as “Quarter Fergo” played out of his freakin’ skin this afternoon at the brand new Bankwest Stadium.
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Your boy Baywatch spent his afternoon running, catching and passing with ridiculous ease. He demonstrated a kicking game that would make Josh Reynolds’ right boot weep, and his 11 run, 96 metre, 2 tacklebreak game did the much anticipated Fergo fill-in job just fine. |
6- Jaeman SalmonFive Eighth, Parramatta Eels |
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| Hey, I gotta say the kid looked plenty more like a five-eighth today, but he forever looks like a very good footballer. His game was peppered with solid carries (5 for 51 metres), and really important tackles (among his 17) when the Tigers threatened our line. Great to see him get his first meat pie too, well deserved. | ||
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7- Mitchell MosesHalfback, Parramatta Eels |
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| All the rugby league praise to the proud owner of the first ever NRL try, goal and field goal at Bankwest Stadium. Mitchell Moses went absolutely nuclear against his old club, and you could tell all game just how up for it he was. The Prince of Egypt also had a couple of cheeky jabs in post game interviews which will no doubt see him the target of plenty of Tiger attention next meeting. I’d recommend grabbing a drink before reading his stat line, making up maybe the most impressive individual performance Grades has ever seen. Today my infinitely more talented namesake had 19 points, 4 runs, 84 metres, 3 try assists, 1 linebreak, 3 linebreak assists, 1 tacklebreak, 12 tackles, 1 missed tackle, 7 goals from 9 attempts, 1 field goal and 1 try.
Mood:
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8- Daniel AlvaroProp, Parramatta Eels |
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| Daniel Alvaro entering today’s game like …
It is most certainly not you, Polar. I just hope his head is feeling alright tonight, and he’s enjoying a win for a team he is very much a part of. |
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You gotta feel for a bloke who could be forgiven for mistakenly wondering “Wait, is it me?”  |
9- Reed MahoneyHooker, Parramatta Eels |
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 I’ve run out of superlatives for this young man, but I was just so pleased to see him spring over for a try on his 21st birthday.
Cash Mahoney went for 10 runs, 82 metres, a linebreak and linebreak assist, but once again his service from the ruck is what allows the rest of the team to be so constantly on the front foot. Reed also had 41 (!) tackles with only one miss, which means he was involved in 15% of all tackles the Eels made yesterday (credit to @_Jack_Ricky for that stat). What a terrific human being, Reed Mahoney is. |
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10- Junior PauloProp, Parramatta Eels |
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It turns out this puny new stadium is too small to contain Junior’s gargantuan running game. The Big Fella sent would-be-tacklers scattering like bowling pins in his 14 runs for 153 metres. He also broke 3 tackles, made 22 of his own and impressively notched up another linebreak assist. Who knew? |
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11- Shaun LaneSecond Row, Parramatta Eels |
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Penny Lane’s try, 9 run, 132 metre 20 tackle, 2 linebreak, 1 try assist and 1 try stat sheet is in my ears and in my eyes. I know I say this every week, but Shaun Lane is consistently one of our best players, and I think I’m starting to fall for his dazzling talent and skyscraper-like appearance. Fergo is absorbing plenty of nominations for NRL Buy of the Year, but you’d be hard pressed to name others more deserving of such an award than this guy. |
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12- Marata NiukoreSecond Row, Parramatta Eels |
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Due to a nasty head knock and HIA, Hakuna Marata only ran 6 times, but converted those occasions into 84 metres for the good guys. He also threw in a tackle break, a linebreak and 19 tackles for good measure. Niukore has become one of my sneaky favourite players. These colours run deep and I’m telling you this Marata Niukore tattoo I’ve got isn’t going to just wash off. |
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13- Tepai MoeroaLock, Parramatta Eels |
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The head-geared Cook Island warrior ran for a stupefying 122 metres from his 12 hit ups, despite spontaneously sponsoring his boot with Elastoplast mid way through the second stanza as the result of a yet to be determined foot injury. Like almost every other Eel that even looked at the playing field today, Tep also had a tacklebreak, whilst also adding 22 crunching tackles to his afternoon tally. My test results are back, and it seems I’ve come down with a severe case of Tepatitis. |
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14- Peni TerepoInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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Several of Peni’s runs seemed to start from the new Leagues Club carpark. His 9 for 97 makes for good reading, his 2 tackle breaks expected, his 20 tackles almost flawless (only the 1 miss). In times when vegan protests are making headlines, it’s good to see such a solid showing from Parramatta’s favourite Butcher. |
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15- Tim MannahInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| “I just think Tim Mannah should retire already.”
– idiots, for the last three or so seasons. This afternoon, the Big Easy went off for 16 runs, 182 metres, and 21 tackles without a miss. Woah, Nelly. When I first read them, I actually thought these numbers were a misprint, that’s almost unpossible for a bench forward. Jot these numbers down, memorise them, write them across your hearts and minds. What a ridiculous performance from the octogenarian. |
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16- Oregon KaufusiInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| Tomorrow, go and live your life like Oregon Kaufusi played football today: fast, strong and with a hint of youthful brutality. His 9 runs earned us 108 running metres, his 19 tackles destroyed the careers of several Tigers players. He also had a linebreak and scored his first ever NRL try. What a day for the one they call The Gun. | ||
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17- Ray StoneInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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In short, Ray Stone consumed opposition runners like they were a hot fudge sundae. His 11 runs, 102 metres and 18 tackles spoke of a very solid performance for the young father.
Ps – I’m not really sure why, but Ray Stone’s jersey in the above photo is as loose and free as his hair cut. You can ask him about it, I don’t want to upset him. |
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In a weird sentence only she will understand, shout out to old mate Jaimi for the pre-game flag bearing photos, very much appreciated.
This afternoon had me like:
and I absolutely loved it.
Next week we meet the hapless Newcastle Knights; replicating expectations we had of trouncing them in ahead of our 2017 clash at ANZ Stadium. For those with short memories we had our asses handed to us that day 29-10. It was my son’s first ever NRL game that evening; thankfully he had more fun this afternoon.
Nonetheless, the moral remains; there are no easy games in the NRL.
Until then, celebrate a historic win with me.
See you then sports fans.
Go you Eels,
Mitch.
Photos courtesy of the Parramatta Eels. Stats courtesy of the legends over at Champion Data.
Can’t disagree with any of that. Once again thank you for the grades and stats i feel the footy weekend isn’t over till the grades come out.
I was very impressed with Ray Stone today ive bern waiting for him to show what he can do every tackle had sone intent behind it.
Great day to be a eels fan
I really like Ray Stone playing a Ray Stone sorta role, and good on him for absolutely nailing it today. Appreciate you reading mate.
He didn’t get used correctly in his one appearance last year. He’s not a hooker, that’s for sure. Yesterday was just right.
This is nothing short of excellent – much like a certain game of rugby league that took place this afternoon. Holy moly that felt good!
Gem you straight up legend. What a game.
Bravo mate.
The only change I would make is to upgrade Junior to an A+. He seemed to play forever, he was everywhere and I actually thought he’d been moved into the halves at one point in the second stanza the way he was ball playing.
Also it’s nice to walk away from a game with a genuinely good feeling.
Yep, big Junior ball-playing is a scary prospect isn’t it! He’s got a sweet pass in him.
Sure, why not? It’s the sort of a game where you could get away with giving out 9 or 10. I’m still in shock; can’t wait to watch it again.
Thanks for reading, mate.
Cheers for that.
I’m in total agreement
Appreciate you reading, Anon.
If my wife left me for Gutho I’d be upset. Moses is more worthy.
Great read Mitch.
You’re a terrific man. Thanks for reading mate.
I owe you a Coke.
Agree with everything you have written..Like the bit about next week’s match V Newcastle. We hafta go ‘back to back’..How many times have you seen a batsman get a 100 one week, and a duck next dig?
Agreed. With that said, how much better does 4-2 feel than 3-3? I’m hopeful.
AAAAA nice read mitch, even Polar got one to his name even though it had an N to start it with.
Is this the best rating yet for our team? with picked getting A’s and an a?
Very much proud of the whole team how they played tough and constant. A repeat next week will help big time, the side with a lot of youth is really showing maturity under big time pressures. They are getting good support from a couple oldies as well.
And wonder how many calls for Tim to be let go after today/
Proud is a great word to describe how I’m feeling after today – proud of my team, proud of our fans and proud of our new stadium. What a day, mate.
The stadium was fantastic, as was the atmosphere. Though the poor Tigers fan sitting next to me, in amongst the sea of blue and gold in the members section, was not having nearly as good a time as the rest of us. The flag giveaway really added to the spectacle and sense of the crowd being part of the game. Loved Taka and Niukore revving up the fans as they came back to the corner. See ya ANZ, it’s great to be home!
I thought we were tactically good today, eg Taka being set up on multiple occasions to leap over the smaller players. It certainly did seem to be a plan, and one they were able to execute (as opposed to last season, when they seemed to forget plans as soon as they walked onto the ground). And our forwards just monstered theirs, the post-contact metres must’ve been huge, we seemed to just roll through the middle most sets.
Good to see Mahoney running out of dummy half today (although it was often Gutho getting himself in there for those – you’d think the opposition would have worked out by now that if he’s there, he’s going for a scamper. But I’m very pleased they haven’t). What I did really enjoy was Cash kicking out of dummy half – he executed them pretty well, but more importantly, it means the pressure and attention can’t all be on Moses. I was a bit surprised to see the Hoff kick though!
The Tigers rarely looked threatening, despite their high completions and some decent offloads – we just always looked to have them covered, and the goal line defence was committed on the few occasions it was required. I know they lost Farrah early, but their kicking game was poor.
In all, pretty comprehensive performance from us. Shall we just put last week down as an aberration and keep looking forward. Hmm, maybe I’ll trust more when we do what we should, and turn up with the same intensity in Newcastle next week. Speaking of which, I should go buy my tickets!
Gees mate, you should write a column for the Throw! Great recap! Love your point regarding the maintenance of game plan in 2019 compared to 2018. It’s chalk and cheese.
Thanks Mitch – I’m honoured to get that feedback. I still think it’s amazing that we get all this awesome Eels content for free, just because you’re all passionate fans. The quality on here regularly surpasses paid journalism, which is far more concerned with sensationalism than actual analysis. You guys rock 🙂
Brilliant report. Who’s a happy boy lol? Cheers for the report. I am over the moon. I haven’t heard a Broncos supporter since the first round. Cowboys aren’t talking and I’m in Mackay Queensland. Go the might Eels.
I don’t say this lightly, but you do need to find time to get down to the new stadium mate. Words dont do today’s experience justice.
Thanks for reading mate.
Thanks for the grades- great reading.
I do think you are still on a high, like the rest of us as the grades were all very generous.
We had some great players today. All I can say is – invest in youth!
Ha mate, no grades are too generous when we open a world class stadium and win by 45. It’s not a science, it’s just the vibe of the thing.
One of the greatest days of Rugby League I have ever experienced. Brilliant team performance in a brilliant stadium. Grades are good but Paulo a definite A+. The Bob O’Reilly of our time
I dont want to alarm you Tragic, but Paulo did get an A+.
Ps – did you buy me a drink yesterday? If so, sincere thank you.
Glad you got it. I thought it may have got “lost” on the way through lol
Thanks again mate!
Nice writeup! Sucks for Polar, hope he is ok – I just wanted that game to keep going 🙂
How much better is that than hoping it would just end?
Maybe I should ask a Tigers supporter today?…
How good was that, just relentless go forward from the Eels. Very impressed the Tigers were held to a single try from a kick. That might be the game that plays the team into some good form. Youth have given the team a new dimension complimenting PBs from the old heads – Mannah, Taka, Mennings & Hoff
The NRL is a fickle game, so it’s all about week to week; but a game like that really can kick start something.
I’d happily settle for the 2 points over the Knights, but we’ll see what comes.
Oh what a great game of footy, the Blue and Gold really turned it on for us today at our new world class stadium. Thanks to all the team members, on and off the field.
The Grades were excellent Mitch and what a great way to spend an afternoon at Bankwest Stadium.
Now that you mention it Ray Stone does look very much like Ray Stone
Great to have you One Putt! What a day!
Having the privilege of joining you with the flag out on the field is something I will never forget, it was breathtaking. And I agree with the noise, I turned to the guy next to me and said if this doesn’t get the players pumped, nothing will.
I think Mannah had an awesome game with the power in his runs. I agree that Sean Lane is potentially up there for buy of the season, he is consistent. Reed has firmed for me as one of my favourites, he just keeps going. He actually has a little bit of the old fashioned hooker about him as well.
Overall, an awesome day, A+ for the crowd, for the stadium and for the Eels!
I cannot fault anything from Bankwest or the Eels yesterday. Simply incredible day.
Mitch stoney had no jumper on I take it.
I really don’t know what to say. I watched the game at my dad’s n I thought the way we were playing I thought gee we going to put 60 on this mob.
1 very proud rev today. Team performance was out of this world 🌏👍.
The ratings were spot on. Was so happy to see Ray stone get good minutes. His small but God his work rate is second to none. Glad he come on for tepi n not Reedy. Our young kids really stood up today. Our future looks bright. Just need a few of this mob to re-sign.
How good is it to see Michael Jennings back at his best. The bone heads on Fox were even saying his back to his state of origin day’s.
Hoffman stand up son you did your self your family n the club n fan’s of the Parramatta eels proud today. Were have you been hiding that performance son 🤔.
Timmy mannah boy his runs were like crazy right looked like he wanted a try lol.
Overall team of TCT our boy’s n coaching staff stood tall n showed that we’re here to win a premiership🏆 just like 1986 new stadium = 🏆.
Special mention to Simon cook if my team played as bad as your team did I’d move out and never say it was your home Game. 🖕
#Eels4life#
Ha, thanks for reading but maybe go easy on the trash talk there Rev, the NRL is a very fickle game. Don’t tempt it.
Great summary. Taka is being helped by one thing – time on the field in the same position. How often has he been dogged by niggling injuries the last few seasons or been switched between back row and centre? Cohesion maters.Good for him. Mannah is having his finest season yet.
And Daniel Lane is an excellent pickup. There is another wide running back rower with flowing hair he reminds me of, but let’s not pressure the kid.
Ray Stone is the best Ray Stone to ever Ray Stone around. Ray Stone.
As for Jenko, what can I say? It takes a lot of courage to own your errors and he has done that with his 2018 season. Even though he had plenty of company last year that wasn’t good enough excuse for his analysis of his own season.
After yesterday’s performance, lets hope the team can maintain that as the base point for the seasons momentum build. While we may not win every game we should be aiming and that means playing games as top 8 team. How many of those playing yesterday are off contract? without doubt they done good showing that winning form on a weekly basis it would be hard letting any go.
Over half the team under 25, and some barely over 20 shows a future with other young players to come in makes for a very hopeful future indeed
There is not much you can say other than they all get A+ and Moses gets A++. I say if this is how they are going to play then sign them all to one year deals every year lol
Winning is fun.
Side note if eels make top 4 Moses will win dally M.
Great write up and I’m sure it’s much easier to write after such a fantastic win. But, and I will be that guy, Moses may be the first player to score a try and goal at the new stadium in the NRL but Bevan French scored the first try and Brad Keighran kicked the first goal. Moses does have the honour of being the first to kick a field goal though.
You are that guy, no one remembers the events from reserve grade.
OK FINE – I’ll edit it.
Thanks for reading mate.
Steve Corradi scored the first try at the old Parra stadium
Stoney reminds me a lot of Manu Ma’u. Doesn’t have the size of the other forwards but runs and hits with some unreal intensity, pretty valuable to have a player like that coming off your bench. Really glad to see Oregon Kaufusi get a meat pie to cap off an excellent showing.
The future is looking pretty good, huh? Hopefully it’s just a case of making good retention decisions.
Nailed the mood Mitch! Fantastic event. The Tigers self destructed in the first play with a careless high shot, 3 went ball high, not enough room for all of them. The cart upfield, the crowd, the occasion, huge leg up for the home team. Interestingly they completed their first 7, and were doing 50/60 mtr sets. I am impressed with our discipline to resist giving away penalties when teams get on a roll, just be patient, absorb the pressure and hit back with energy(didn’t work v Raiders but there were reasons). Ferguson, Mau and Brown x 2 to come back, where do they all fit? Fergo was doing double hit ups v Raiders, hey man share the load, extend your life, plenty of willing mates. Tim Mannah’s missed tackle count meter has hardly moved this year. Respect.
After this there are some interesting headaches coming up for Brad Arthur. Due back is Blake Ferguson, Manu Ma’u, Nathan Brown and Dylan Brown. Do these slot straight back in?
For me, Brown x2 do, as does Fergo. But Ma’u, I’ve been wondering about. A few years back, he was massive for us – I remember him breaking his arm, and our season falling away in his absence. Based on last year’s incarnation though, I can’t see him tipping out Lane or Niukore. With Tep also back to the bench with Timmy and Peni, I guess it depends if BA wants a utility, which may depend on the opposition. Seems ridiculous to talk about Ma’u playing for Wenty, but two years back, we’d have said that about French too.
But gees it’s nice to be wondering who to leave out, rather than who to put in!
I would suspect all 4 will, but I’m not bold enough to suggest for who. Kane Evans has evidently knocked himself out of the rotation for last and this week, but Salmon demands a spot in the 17, as does Peni. The young blokes have inexperience against them, but enthusiasm on their side.
What an amazing day out it was. I had an inkling that the boys would rise to the occasion when Shaun Lane took his position before kick off and he was already revving up, and seemed to be feeding off, the parochial crowd. The whole afternoon was easily one of the absolute best times I’ve ever had as a football fan, and like so many, I’m so happy to have experienced it in person. ‘Proud’ is definitely the word to describe it.
This is perhaps as good a place as any to ask this question, and I preface it by saying that in no way whatsoever am I looking to take anything away from BA, who has obviously done wonderful things so far for the team this season. But how much of a difference has it made having Mick Potter as an assistant? What are his primary areas of focus for the team? I’ve always thought the bloke has a very good football brain.
What at amazing experience. So glad I made the trek across the Nullabor for it! Before they ran out the noise at atmosphere was unbelievable. I was almost crying. Fantastic result at a fantastic venue. So hard to pick one standout player. They all did their job and more. I reckon I’ll have to come over for a few more games before the years out.
Late joining in on this story but another great read Mitch.
Firstly Bankwest stadium just sensational. When the team ran out to start the game the noise from the cheering crowd was enormous, spine tingling stuff. It rarely abated from that until the game was over.
When the Blue and Gold Army Flag was on the ground stretched out in all of its glory, Mitch were you the one swinging the yellow shirt around geeing up the crowd?
BA needs to sort out Gutho’s defensive issues given that he made only one tackle for the game. My favourite Gutho moment was him urging on the crowd to cheer the Michael Jennings try before it was scored.
Josh Hoffman best game in the Eels colours. Felt for Daniel Alvaro out first tackle. Jr Paulo love the big fella. In career best form and owning the middle.
Peni Terepo based on those first half runs deserved an A+. His defence was good also.
I am on the Oregon trail, I think he has a future at the club. Love what he brings.
Ha I think that was TCT cofounder Chris Losco.
Ps Im stealing Oregon Trail phrase.
Nice write up Mitch – you should have given ’em all A plus’ though – just for the heck of it. It could have been the first perfect game – like when Sterlo got the first 10 in the Rugby League Week ratings back in the day!
Awesome comments on every player – but Tim Mannah’s are my favourite.
Cheers Mate : )
Kramer, those comments have been around for too long. Who would have thought we’d want Mannah for yet another year?! He’s in incredible form.
Since his head knock days which were concerning, he has slowly (up until this year) been picking up, this year he has certainly brought value to the team, supporters but moreso to himself.
Inspiration to the younger players, and shows up some other players as well.
Hi Mitch.
Can anyone tell me how many minutes Junior played on Monday? Not only did he do some freakishly good things but he seemed to play a fair few minutes too.
Ta.
Hey mate, Junior got through a ludicrous 67 minutes; presumably due to Alvaro’s HIA. With that said, our run of possession and 9 tries offsets that a little; but it’s still incredible.
Mitch, you can have the Marata tattoo I just had a big 51 tattooed across my chest, I want to remember this every time I wake up and look in the mirror.
On a serious note, we need to back it up this week; C’mon…
Agreed. 4-2 is excellent, 5-2 is incredible, 4-3 is so so.