The Cumberland Throw

The Preview – Round 9, 2019: Eels vs Storm

Date: Saturday, 11th May, 2019

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Kick Off: 7:35pm

Head Referee: Henry Perenara

Assistant Referee: Jon Stone

Head-to-head: Played 34 Eels 21 Storm 13 Drawn 0

Odds: Storm $1.46 Eels $2.80

Broadcast: Foxtel, Kayo

 

Last Four Encounters:

Storm 20 Eels 4 AAMI Park (2018)

Storm 18 Eels 16 AAMI Park (2017 Finals)

Eels 22 Storm 6 AAMI Park (2017)

Storm 18 Eels 6 Pirtek Stadium (2016)

 

The Warm Up

Has the lustre worn off the Storm’s 2019 Premiership campaign? Last year’s grand finalists have lost a couple in a row, but they are hardly in dire straits.

Pushing aside their strong position on the NRL ladder, there’s something very “unStormlike” about the Storm. There’s still the basics that are done well – good running metres, low error rate and the highest kick numbers in the NRL. On the flip side, their play isn’t threatening teams, with their line breaks sitting at a paltry 3.3 per game – they just look clunky.

In contrast, the Eels kick metres are the worst in the league, but the Parramatta players challenge opposition defences – leading the NRL in running metres and line breaks.

The Storm players will be fired up by public criticism levelled at them by Craig Bellamy. In what is almost a second home for many of their players, they’ll look to grind a win by minimising errors and working for superior field position via their expert kicking game. They will have watched the Raiders and Knights bully the Eels forwards in their own half and will look to do the same.

The Eels have found success with an expansive brand of footy in 2019. It’s hard to see that changing for this clash, though Arthur will be looking for strong game management from his halves.

This should be a match worthy of finals status.

Enjoy.

 

Having a Punt

How sweet it is!

Last week we hit the sweet spot in the head to head/over under double market with the TAB, and my selection of the Eels to win with over 40.5 total match points came in at a juicy $3.60.

However, with the Eels taking on a Storm stung by recent losses, lets guard the bet and go to the line/over under double market. Take the Eels getting 7.5 start coupled with over 36.5 total match points @$3.80 – that’s generous odds for mine.

I like highlighting the longer odds (not tipping) around try scoring, so if you think Sivo can bag another double, the TAB are offering $8.50. I have a sneaky suspicion that Moses might have a big game. If you think he can bag a try at any time, you’ll get odds of $5.00. If you think he can bag a double, it’s a whopping $41.

The favourites for first try scorer are listed below:

Eels: Ferguson $11 Sivo $11

Storm: Vunivalu $8 Addo-Carr $8

 

Feed Your Footy Brain

The Storm have a record at Suncorp Stadium that would be the envy of the Broncos. Of their 19 games at this venue, they’ve won 15 matches. It is virtually a home ground for them.

The Eels have a fair history at Suncorp, though nowhere near the Storm’s success rate. The Blue and Golds have played 23 times at the venue, winning 7 of the clashes.

The Eels discipline has been much improved this season, conceding an average of only 4.5 penalties per clash. The Storm sit 6th, being penalised an average of 5.9 per game. Let’s hope Parra can maintain that discipline this week.

 

Tracking: Tim Mannah

The warhorse!

The evergreen leader.

A proud moment from the Johnny Mannah Cup.

Always the complete professional footballer, Eels prop Tim Mannah Is playing with a level of energy that would be the envy of players ten years his junior.

Although averaging under 40 minutes per game, Mannah sits up alongside the recently returned Manu Ma’u as the top metre eating forwards for the Eels, with a personal return of 113.4 metres/11 runs per game.

Watching the veteran prop play, it’s easy to see why he returns such figures. He hits the ball up straight and keeps the legs pumping in contact. Exactly what a middle forward needs to provide for his team. Mannah’s quick play-the-balls have become an art form throughout his career and he’s added in some ball play to his repertoire.

When Mannah was moved to the bench by Arthur, there were people who viewed it as a transition to retirement. In reality it’s become the impetus for the Eels stalwart to hit some of his best form. Long may it continue.

 

Danger man: Josh Addo-Carr

Though the Storm wingers haven’t grabbed the headlines of past years, there’s little doubt that they always pose a threat to defences, no matter the opposition.

A key stat which highlights Addo-Carr’s capacity to wreak havoc is tackle breaks. In a year that has failed to deliver the spectacular for the Storm, the Fox still returns the best averages for his team, with 4.3 tackle breaks per game.

To put this in context, the Eels best three for tackle breaks are Sivo at 3.5, Jennings at 3.3 and Ferguson at 2.9. Though rightly credited for his elusiveness and pace, Addo-Carr is much tougher in the contact than he’s given credit for.

The Storm sit tenth in tackle breaks thus far (3.3 compared to the Eels 5.1) and have not created the opportunities of previous seasons for their wingers. That said, the Eels will do well to not give Addo-Carr any opportunity out wide.

He’d make them pay.

 

Team Lists

Eels : 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Brad Takairangi 5.Blake Ferguson 6. Jaeman Salmon 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Daniel Alvaro 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tepai Moeroa

Interchange: 14. Peni Terepo 15. Tim Mannah 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Manu Ma’u 18. Ray Stone 19. Kane Evans 20. Will Smith 21. George Jennings

Storm: 1. Jahrome Hughes 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Marion Seve 5.Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Brodie Croft 8. Jesse Bromwich 9.Cameron Smith 10. Christian Welch 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kenneath Bromwich 13. Dale Finucane

Interchange: 14. Brandon Smith 15. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Ryan Papenhuyzen 18. Billy Walters 19. Patrick Kaufusi 20.Joe Stimson 21. Curtis Scott

 

Shaun Lane vs Felise Kaufusi

If it’s possible, I feel a bit sorry for the Sea Eagles.

With question marks over their coach and salary cap dramas, the Eels nemesis were unable to retain their most consistent forward from last season.

But who can they blame? Lane has been quoted as saying that he was never sure of where he stood at the club. Was he a middle forward or an edge player? Was he a starter or a bench player? He felt he had to move and Brad Arthur sold him on what he could be should he relocate to the golden west.

The six foot six back rower has become an instant hit with his team and their supporters.

Shaun Lane

Lane provides toughness, skills and intelligence to the left side of the Eels attack. The 80 minute player runs lines that find space putting defenders under pressure. When ready to ball play, he demands the ball from his halves, creating havoc with his capacity to pass at the line or offload in the collision. And when the situation demands it, he can tuck the ball under the arm and drive those post contact metres.

The form of Felise Kaufusi is rumoured to be under the microscope of coach Bellamy. The Queensland and Australian representative forward has become a defensive workhorse for the Storm, averaging around 33 tackles per game, possibly at the expense of his attack.

At his best, Kaufusi has the pace and mobility to trouble most defences. Obviously, his coach is looking for more.

Quality players don’t forget how to play, but they can go through lulls. Perhaps it’s a lack of confidence this year, but if Bellamy has demanded his best, he’ll be more likely than not to deliver it.

 

And The Winner Is?

In most weeks, it takes either a brave punter or a delusional fool to tip against the Storm. They’ve been the yardstick virtually since their foundation.

But this isn’t most weeks.

And this Melbourne team appear oddly vulnerable.

Though the Bellamy coached outfit are faring much better than other clubs, you get the sense that not everyone is on the same page. This is the antithesis of what the Storm has represented under Bellyache’s tenure.

As far as the Eels are concerned, it’s time to end their rollercoaster of form. Back to back wins will not only answer some critics, it will also add momentum leading into the middle of the season.

The start will be crucial.

Parra started very poorly against the Knights and the Raiders, and were punished accordingly. In contrast the Eels had blown the Tigers off the park by half time, and completely dominated the ruck. The Eels first half against the Dragons was also full of energy, even though the scoreboard told a different story.

Call me brave, call me the champion fool, but I’m tipping a convincing win for the Eels on the back of a powerful performance from the forwards.

 

Eels 28 Storm 12

Man of the Match – Shaun Lane

Eels forever!

 

Sixties

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30 thoughts on “The Preview – Round 9, 2019: Eels vs Storm

  1. Parra Pete

    Hope the “Henry” factor doesn’t kick in..If anyone can find a forward pass or a gift penalty against the Eels it’s “enery”…

  2. Colin Hussey

    I like your score confidence sixties. My heart and head is again at loggerheads with each other, and the heart will prevail as we should win, its an 80minute game, we need to not lose any player to injury, meaning we have the full 17 available for the whole game, each have to take themselves to another level and totally block out Cumberland wins, they are playing a hard team that has been publicly humiliated by their coach with the spray he gave them, they will be hurting as a result.

    Tough, I say and the eels need to hurt them more than their coach did.

    I expect a targeting of Mahoney and MM by the storm big men so our forwards need to ensure he’s well covered against the storm.

    eels by 5

    1. sixties

      If your talking about on field footy smarts, you won’t find much better than Cam Smith. You’re spot on about the targeting Col, and that will extend to Salmon. That’s why I’m looking to the forwards for Parra and why I’ve highlighted a couple of them this week.

  3. !0 Year Member

    Great review sixties. I think we have a perfect storm (pun intended) with this game. The boys are going to do us proud and bring the two points home. I just wonder whom is going to replace Smith and Munster once Bellyache axes them from the team, as he has promised. Cannot wait to see how a Top 17 can be replaced by the other 13 (as there only is a top 30), they may have to obtain exemptions or forfeit their next game. Gotta love the drama. ta ta storm.

    1. sixties

      Thanks 10 year. Looks like you’ve got the lemon juice ready to pour on the Storms cuts mate! In contrast, victory for the Eels would be very sweet.

    2. Colin Hussey

      In part of his spray belly also gave Kafusi and Jess Bromwich for lack of impact and game time involvement. I doubt if that pair will have taken it kindly either.

      Certainly those targeted players will be hurting and we need to come ready, willing and more than able to stop them – Otherwise!!!???

  4. sam

    Will be there tomorrow evening to watch this unfold! Hoping for the best, and wishing all the supporters a great day.

    1. sixties

      Good on you Sam. Make sure you provide your match opinions on the grades or musings. I’d appreciate thoughts from someone at the ground as viewing live captures issues such as defence lines and offsides far better than tv.

  5. Anonymous

    Rowdy here Sixties. I like the inferences you’ve made. We do need to be a little bit wary of Melbourne this week. This could be the warning post that our boys should sleep on after saying their prayers before bed tonight, knowing they, like us wait with bated breath for your Preview.
    I do believe we play well against the Storm and invariably get up for these clashes regardless of where they are contested or in-fact by whom they are referred. In my carefully worded prayers (knowing that my God is a fair and just God) I have sought Henry Perenaras heart might favor us for a change in the 50/50 calls and that he would fear being accused of a game changing decision which might go against the Eels at a crucial point in the match.
    Parra by 14+

    1. sixties

      Good on you Rowdy. When the Storm play, my greatest fear about officiating is those general play calls like forward passes, defence line jumping early etc. It’s not so much penalties, but those 50/50 calls you highlight.
      The Raiders and Knights provided the blueprint – test the ref early. Look to jump quickly in the defence line, challenge the ref to make an offside call. Work players over in the tackle and slow up the ruck.
      In contrast, the Eels have worked hard at eliminating ruck penalties, sometimes at the expense of the opposition getting fast play the balls. Their fitness has allowed their defence to deal with that in most games, with those two notable exceptions.
      How far will the Storm push the rules this week?
      Don’t think too hard.

      1. BDon

        Sixties, probably 99% sure that Ricky thought’ if the refs aren’t blowing penalties, then all’s fair in love and NRL’. It’s a fine line between whinging about refs and making genuine observations about the way NRL is played. Remember Warren Ryan/Bulldogs 1980’s. He knew that Glossop’s razzle dazzle needed enhancing so he, in turn, enhanced the umbrella defence by adding a system of coded calls as to where the ref was standing and what direction he wasn’t looking so that offside play could be exploited. So we shouldn’t think we’re being cynical ref baggers, dodgy stuff happens.
        Teams just have to have the smarts and resilience to deal with it.

        1. sixties

          You’re correct. And teams are just as aware about individual refs as they are about opponents. All that said, I’ve been pleased that the Eels have addressed their own discipline. Controlling what we can is a good starting point. We saw in the Raiders loss to Manly that their play can attract penalties with certain refs.

  6. Clive

    My biggest concern about today is that the Storm will look to replicate what the raiders and knights did against us, race up fast(and often offside) and we know Perenara won’t stop them. If we can stay in the game and not get blown away early we should do well.

    Does anyone have a stat on our record under Perenara? I can’t remember the last time we won with him in “control”.

    1. sixties

      Won four of the last 14 under his control (dates back to mid 2014). Won 3 penalty counts. That said, I’m not concerned about penalties against us, it’s what the opposition are given the freedom to do.

  7. DDay

    Would love to see that 28-12 scoreline but for the Eels to win we will need to play tough. Colmac’s stats highlight the limited metres from the middle forwards and reliance on the back 3. It is a game plan that has worked but can be targeted (as Canberra did). So agree Sixties, looking to the forwards to take the Storm head on.

    1. sixties

      Our issues are when the forwards can’t get past the advantage line, and given the power of their hit ups, there’s a tactic employed by Knights and Raiders that nullifies it. Push the rules in slowing up the ruck, and push the offsides by going early. If you note those losses, the defence was on our runners as soon as they collected the ball.

    1. sixties

      I couldn’t resist tipping that punting double of Eels with the start, into greater than 36.5 total match points. Going off the current form, it seems very generous. The odd makers might be right, but it’s some sweet, sweet odds for mine.

  8. Graz

    This game can really make our season. That’s how important I see it. Am confident but nervous. And Henry, please don’t force me to use unacceptable words during the game.

    1. sixties

      We know it is likely, but I couldn’t include such thoughts in the preview. I have to expect the team to deal with it and be that much better.

  9. Rowdy

    It just dawned on me that the similarities of the two stadiums, Bankwest and Suncorp could have our boys feeling more at “home” than Melbourne when they run out today?

    1. sixties

      Melbourne is a great stadium too, though my memories of the final there aren’t pleasant.

      1. Seth hardie

        with H.P. as ref I have protected the t.v. screen with steel mesh. Our blokes have to be intense right from the start. No slack starts today.

          1. Seth hardie

            Sixties you say you go to most training sessions and every thing is hunky dory with attitude and effort , that’s great. But why does this team continuously front up with no domination in the first 20 minutes. They are almost on the back foot early

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