The Cumberland Throw

The Preview – Round 12, 2019: Eels vs Rabbitohs

Date: Friday, 31st May, 2019

Venue: BankWest Stadium, Parramatta

Kick Off: 7:55pm

Head Referee: Adam Gee

Assistant Referee: Gavin Badger

Head-to-head: Played 133 Eels 59 Rabbitohs 70 Drawn 4

Odds: Eels $1.55 Rabbitohs $2.50

Broadcast: Foxtel, Nine, Kayo

Last Four Encounters:

Rabbitohs 26 Eels 20 ANZ Stadium (2018)

Rabbitohs 42 Eels 24 ANZ Stadium (2018)

Eels 22 Rabbitohs 16 ANZ Stadium (2017)

Eels 22 Rabbitohs 16 ANZ Stadium (2017)

 

The Warm Up

The Eels last up loss to the Panthers was nothing short of embarrassing.

In what I regarded as their worst performance of the season, the Eels fumbled their way to defeat against a Panthers side that would have been hammered by most opponents.

Totally devoid of intensity and footy smarts, Parra’s effort drew the ire of home supporters with boos echoing around BankWest Stadium as the match concluded.

After beginning the season with a brand of tough, entertaining footy, the Eels have shown little resilience since the flogging at the hands of the Storm. This inability to fire up against poorly performing teams after such a humiliating loss has rightly concerned the majority of their fans. In wielding the axe at the selection table, it seems that BA shares the same concerns.

This week, Parra come up against a Souths side decimated by injuries and representative call-ups. Even so, it would take a brave punter to tip the out-of-form Eels against the table-topping Bunnies.

That’s not to say that the Eels can’t win this clash. The form they displayed across the first eight rounds would be enough to overcome a Rabbitohs team missing three of their key spine stars. Then again, the same could have been said about the last two rounds.

Will Souths further emphasise their premiership credentials via a win without a host of stars or will the Eels respond to the much needed kick up the bum by re-booting their season?

 

Having a Punt

My punting form has mirrored the Eels season. I started off on fire, delivering precious coin for anyone following my tips. But, the wall has been hit.

In spite of the setbacks, I’m ready with to jump in with a bold bet. I’m tipping Maika Sivo to score two or more tries @$6.50 with NSW TAB.

The favourites in the first try scorer market are:

Eels: Ferguson $10 Sivo $10

Rabbitohs: Graham $10 Hiroti $11

 

Feed Your Footy Brain

The Eels have only won four of their last 15 matches against the Bunnies.

The record under Arthur is not quite as bad, with the same four wins coming from nine clashes. Given the Rabbitohs relative success over this period, the more recent results have been decent.

A victory to the Eels will make it a 50% record from the last ten.

 

Tracking: Kane Evans

Kane Evans is an interesting selection for this week’s starting 13. The two metre tall front rower has spent recent weeks out of favour, but he was arguably the best forward on the field in Wenty’s last up win over the second placed Panthers.

In his six top grade appearances this season, the Eels have emerged victorious on four occasions. Though his minutes have not been huge (his season high is only 33 minutes), it’s hard to argue against winning form.

Evans has deserved a recall.

There’s two things to glean from Evan’s selection.

Firstly, BA has signalled that nobody is now safe from the selection axe, not even middle forward stalwarts like Mannah and Alvaro. When you drop the team co-captain, a local hero, there’s a very strong message delivered to the other players.

Secondly, Evan’s selection is evidence that if you produce what’s asked of you in reggies, and the players in the NRL fail to produce, you can earn a recall to the top grade.

Arthur will definitely be looking to the rangy prop to tighten up the middle. Last week, the coach was forced to use Lane as a middle forward for a period of the game.

Such a move only serves to dull the back rower’s attacking prowess, something that is not ideal for BA’s intent with his recruit from the Northern Beaches.

Hopefully, the Eels middle performs better this week, and Evans has played his part.

 

Danger man: Adam Reynolds

Some people might be surprised that it’s not a Burgess named here.

However, as the last spine player standing for Souths, Reynolds will play the pivotal role in the outcome of this match.

As the halfback, he is the on-field game manager. He’s the bloke who ensures that the coach’s instructions are carried out as commanded. Good game managers steer the team through rough waters when times get tough. Reynolds is such a player.

The Souths half is rumoured to be playing with a significant leg injury sustained last weekend. Can you sense a Cooper Cronk type of effort coming on?

 

Team Lists

Eels : 1. Clint Gutherson 2. Maika Sivo 3. Michael Jennings 4. Josh Hoffman 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Will Smith 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Kane Evans 9. Reed Mahoney 10.Junior Paulo 11. Shaun Lane 12. Manu Ma’u 13. Tepai Moeroa

Interchange: 14. Peni Terepo 15. Ray Stone 16. David Gower 17. Marata Niukore 18. Brad Takairangi 20.Tim Mannah

Rabbitohs: 1. Corey Allen 2. Mawene Hiroti 3. Ethan Lowe 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Campbell Graham 6. Connor Tracey 7. Adam Reynolds 8. George Burgess 9. Billy Brittain 10. Thomas Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Sam Burgess 13. Tevita Tatola

Interchange: 14. Bayley Sironen 15. Mark Nicholls 16. Dean Britt 17. Liam Knight 18. Keaon Koloamatangi 19. Jacob Gagan

 

Burgi vs Eels Forwards

This week’s match up isn’t a one on one. It’s basically where the game will be decided.

A strong performance will be needed from Tepai.

The three Burgess brothers symbolise the Bunnies power. Big men powering the hit ups through the middle and in Sam’s case, on the edges. If the Eels allow quick play the balls, with defenders still on the ground, the outcome won’t be pretty.

If the Eels can put the pressure on, the brothers do have a tendency to get loose with their handling, and Sam is prone to letting his temperament rule his game. But on recent form, that’s a huge if.

The responsibility doesn’t fall on a single individual. It’s time for the pack to function as a group, not a collection of strangers. They train to run in support of each other, even in basic hit ups. They train to communicate in defence and in the wrestle. It’s time to execute.

 

And The Winner Is?

The Eels are favourites. Let’s call them a Bradbury favourite.

The Eels aren’t impacted by Origin. The Bunnies are.

The odds, so heavily in the Eels favour, are not a reflection of form. They are based on the profile of the players in each team. But an in-form team is just that – a TEAM that’s playing well as a unit.

The Eels aren’t playing anywhere near their potential. It’s a fact that’s hard to ignore. They hit rock bottom against the Panthers, and players looked to be waiting for someone else to spark some resistance.

Expect the Bunnies to play to their strengths, which just happens to be the Eels exposed weakness – the middle.

So the question. Will the Eels middle find something that they haven’t found in recent weeks? Can the team lift in energy and intensity?

Despite my very strong reservations, despite expecting a loss in the last two weeks, I’m backing the Eels to respond to last Thursday’s abysmal performance.

Don’t ask me how.

It’s just… the vibe

 

Eels 28 Rabbitohs 18

Man of the Match – Shaun Lane

Eels forever!

Sixties

 

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

30 thoughts on “The Preview – Round 12, 2019: Eels vs Rabbitohs

  1. Colin Hussey

    Gee! this is a hard game, had Reynolds been out, and he could still be, then the eels are in with a big chance.

    Sixties you mention the Cronk role for Reynolds, and that could well be what happens, but! Reynolds is not a player that likes to play just a directors role, and while he can do that of sorts with limited general play, his rolling, twisting high ball kicking is his greatest weapon, and against a team that have butter fingers, on a wet Cumberland pitch spells problems, the other aspect with him is his darting speed as he sees a hole.

    If, Evans can lift to his best and give the eels 40 minutes of hard work and directing his strength overall against the opposition front row, with the same sort of effort by Jnr against the other prop, we will be in with a big chance. Who takes on the role of stopping Sam will have a huge bearing on the game as well, is Lane up to it, also can Sutton be shut down by Ma’u?

    I also hope one other player in our side turns up and plays back at his best and that is Terepo. I also look forward to Ray Stone having a big game, with rumours/reports that he is being shopped to SL I think he will show his best and a big reason why he needs to be resigned.

    Eels by 7

    1. sixties

      Thanks Colin. I’m backing them now after being down about them last week.
      Not sure where you got the mail about Stone. I don’t believe he’s being shopped at all.

      1. Colin Hussey

        There was an article around a week or two ago that I have tried to find but its gone past the available date. The headline of the article said players being shopped around to SL It included around 5/6 players the first on the list was Alvaro and Stone around the 2nd last IIRC.

        There was some discussion about on the other group but within a different blog though, but it got just the usual responses. I personally hope that its not correct regarding Stone, but as for Alvaro, the Polar needs to pick himself up big time I think.

  2. Jonboy

    I hope that you’ve seen something at training this week that supports or provides the vibe Sixties! I am actually hoping that BA makes a last minute team change and swaps out Peni for Timmy as I just don’t have the same level of trust in Peni being able to deliver, and as many have commented this week I really don’t think Tim has been playing poorly.

    I am taking a client to the game tonight who is a Bunnies fan and will take great delight in rubbing my nose in it for eternity if we get done over. I can deal with losing if we play well. I can deal with the remarks that we only won because it was only half of their first grade team. But if we embarrass ourselves again I may just have to let this customer find a replacement for me because his money isn’t worth the pain of constant reminders I will have to endure.

    Let’s Go Eels!!!

    1. Seth hardie

      you say sixties that they train to back up and hunt as a pack, gee it doesn’t show on game day. Is it the forward leader they lack? Is N. Brown that man or in my opinion should they all not be leaders. Don’t hang back and let someone else inspire you, get stuck in yourself.

      1. sixties

        I was furious last week Seth. They were all hanging back as you said. Unacceptable stuff.

    2. sixties

      I don’t think we’ll see changes. I agree about Tim. It was a rough decision, but what a message it sends.

  3. MattL

    This game could end up 1,000 different ways depending on which Eels turn up. We should be very confident against a depleted side like the Bunnies are this week, however I’m nervous as hell.
    Hopefully they get a win & gain a little confidence in time for the return of Nathan Brown & the 2019 resurgence (Wishful thinking I know, but we all need something to get us through the week).

  4. MAX

    I love your VIBE Sixties, here’s hoping. I can see big Sammy running and directing play through Wilbur Smith. Geez I hope not!

  5. Feelings

    Moeroa at lock oh boy how long will he last before a head knock. If it happens again he should take a month off.

    1. Jonboy

      If it happens again I think he needs to seriously consider a career change. He is only young so another 5-10 years of 2-3 concussions a year will see him like Mario Fenech is. Not a good place to be.

  6. Milo

    For me its simple; whichever team wins the ruck ( I hate this saying) will win the match; in terms of dominating defence and marker play. oh and also if Burgess is allowed to referee we are in for a long night.

  7. Rowdy

    Great Preview Sixties, I reckon you’ve just about nailed it with this one. I really liked your appraisal of Evans selection and Mannah’s relegation but I would add that, imo the lesson to his co-conspirators from Timmy’s demise is more significant than his own need for punishment. Evans was the best forward for Wenty last week and he appears to be running into some reliable form. I would remind all that Evans last game before coming to Parra was for Fiji in the World Cup against the Poms. I watched him closely as I would any new recruit. He was the best forward on the field that day too, against the a few of the same Burgoise Bros. He played as if he had no fear of them that day as he ripped into the battle, until he broke his arm. Parra by 1 will be sufficient.

  8. !0 Year Member

    Does not matter the dropped balls, missed tackles, lack of penetration, as we all know it’s going to happen. And our defence last two games has not been to bad. With tried at the death. It’s what our chief playmaker does. If the last two weeks are anything to go by, i don’t expect much. He needs to get ascendancy for is or play like an extra forward and just take on the line. Kick well and long and to the sides. no mid field bombs unless you have a line oid players chasing. Or just run hard at the line. Stop throwing basic passes that the opposition has an eternity to read, unless it for an agreed hit up.

    1. sixties

      Clint and I were talking about his kicks during last week’s game. Clint observed that Moses lacks momentum going into many kicks – hence the midfield results. He needs to ensure that he doesn’t get caught on the back foot

  9. BDon

    I think it’s that simple sixties, if our forwards turn up, concentrate, run and tackle hard with a consistent intensity, then a whole bunch of other factors will improve. The Panther forwards did it again last night, got a bit wobbly in the last 10 minutes because the Manly pack without Jake T, hung in and returned some me fire(Tapau, Fonua Blake are serious opposition). Moses,Jennings,Ferguson,Sivo, Gutherson are all sweating on some momentum and space. Hope we’ve got the Superglue on our hands.

Leave a Reply

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

%d bloggers like this: