The Cumberland Throw

Reaction And Feedback – Potential Eels Signings

Even at the height of finals footy, it seems that the media and the public can’t get enough of player market speculation. In the wonderful soap opera of the NRL, the all too frequent “early release” seems to be dominating media space that’s usually reserved for tales of mad Monday mayhem.

That’s probably not such a bad outcome.

Typically, the Eels are featuring in such rumours, with players such as Ryan Matterson, Tyson Frizell and Jai Arrow linked with a move to the blue and golden west. Meanwhile murmurings about Crichton’s fit, or lack thereof, at the Roosters continue to bubble away. Though the drums are now beating that Matterson might be heading north to the Titans, it’s unlikely that talk of potential signings will ease up any time soon.

And there’s a logical foundation behind it all.

The departure of the 3Ms (Mannah, Ma’u, Moeroa) has seen roster space created. The middle forward spots are close to full with RCG and Utoikamanu to take their place in the top 30 (Kaufusi already enjoys top squad status), but a hole now exists in the back row.

Cue the list of second rowers – whether they are contracted or not.

What type of player would Parramatta be interested in?

Shaun Lane has provided an attacking force on the left side of the field, including an average of 108 running metres, 1.3 tackle breaks, and 0.8 offloads per game, along with a season tally of 4 try assists, 6 line breaks, and 7 line break assists. In defence, he averages just on 27 tackles per game.

Tough to replace – Manu Ma’u

On the right side, the Eels need to at least replace Manu Ma’u’s returns.

The Tongan Terminator averaged around 117 running metres with 2.1 tackle breaks and 2.1 offloads, coupled with season totals of 4 try assists, 6 line breaks and 7 line break assists. Defensively the right side required more work, with Ma’u averaging 32.7 tackles per game.

Should the Eels not sign a replacement, Brad Takairangi becomes an option, though he’s likely pencilled in for a bench role at this stage.

So, do you sign someone to replace what Ma’u provided for the team or do you look for something different?

Would the likes of Frizell, Matterson, Arrow or even Crichton fit the bill? Would they add something to the Eels starting 13? Conversely, is there anything that potentially concerns you?

For mine, Tyson Frizell brings impact and Origin experience to the table. His explosive potential running the ball down the right edge (a perfect fit bearing in mind) in tandem with his utility factor to double as a middle forward hold plenty of appeal for any team. 2019 wasn’t the most fruitful season for Frizell but given his pedigree over the last few years he definitely earns the billing as a blue-chip player and an immediate boost to any forward pack in the competition. In many ways Frizell is the simplest player to write about because the body of his work speaks for itself

Ryan Matterson in his Eels days.

In contrast, Ryan Matterson brings finals experience and a different kind of versatility; he is quite comfortably the most talented play-maker of the lot. Matterson is coming off a brilliant individual season and even if Luke Brooks took out their Player of the Year gong, there is little doubt that he was the joint-venture’s best player in 2019 as club politics ruled the day once the relationship between player and franchise soured.

There are some potential red flags though…Matterson is already on the outer at his third club in his budding career (the first of which was of course the Eels) with various media sources citing conflicting reasons for his desire to leave the Tigers. Furthermore, the Tigers are believed to be pushing for compensation, be it monetary or prospects wise, from any serious suitor. They extracted a $250,000 transfer fee from the Penrith Panthers at the climax of the Ivan Cleary saga so that looms as a precedent for the Eels while media reports have them eyeing off one of AJ Brimson or Jai Arrow as trade candidates from the Gold Coast Titans. If the Tigers stick to their guns, and they are well within their rights as Matterson’s contracted employer, the price of admission could be too high for the Eels.

Speaking of Jai Arrow, despite his Origin appearances, this young bull still feels like a work in progress with the potential to improve at a stronger club. He possesses a superb motor but do not type-cast him as a pure workhorse, Arrow has the athletic potential to be deployed across both the forward pack and the football park. The biggest concern here for Parramatta, beyond taking on the rawest prospect of the four, is the prospective cap hit of Arrow’s new contract. Arrow has regularly been evaluated in the media as a player that would command in excess of $800,000 per season on his next deal…would the Eels pay that? It could also be a completely moot point. As alluded to above, Parramatta might not even get the chance to sign Arrow if the Tigers and Titans strike common ground over a player swap.

Angus Crichton – potential target?

Finally we come to the much maligned Angus Crichton. Crichton has struggled mightily at the Roosters this season. Although he finished the year in much better shape he spent a hefty chunk of the year riding the pine and looked a shadow of the breakout superstar that he was at South Sydney. Rumours of a divorce between Crichton and the Roosters have been floating around intermittently all year – would the Eels take a nibble here over any of the other back rowers listed above?

Let me give you two reasons why they might. Firstly, Brad Arthur would back himself and his coaching staff to get the best out of any recruit they targeted. It has been a rocky path for some of them but Clinton Gutherson, Nathan Brown, Mitchell Moses, Kane Evans, Shaun Lane, Maika Sivo and Waqa Blake have all elevated their games after joining the Blue & Gold. If Crichton was their guy it would be largely on the belief that they could get him back to, and likely above, the form he showed at the Rabbitohs.

Secondly, Crichton represents an interesting opportunity for the Eels to capitalise on yet another contract subsidy as they look to maximise their salary cap. Parramatta’s lack of TPA pulling power is no secret but after making out like bandits in the Waqa Blake deal this year and then pulling off a similar feat to secure the services of Reagan Campbell-Gillard…perhaps the Eels have found their answer for how to level the playing field? Identifying talented but under-performing (or unhappy) players and offering to take on the brunt of their contracts – so long as their current employers are willing to carry a nice chunk of the freight.

If the Roosters were willing to subsidise a healthy portion of Crichton’s contract would that get you on board?

If you were in O’Neill’s role, who would you target? Would you chase one of the aforementioned or perhaps there’s someone else?

Who would add the most to the Eels roster and help the club move to the next level?

Over to you.

 

Sixties and Forty

 

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94 thoughts on “Reaction And Feedback – Potential Eels Signings

  1. Hearndo

    Frizzel would be an absolute dream, I love watching him play for NSW in origin. Would be able to play a similar role to Manu on the edge. Side note, hasn’t O’niell done well in his first season at the club! Managed a number of players coming off contract and was able to snag two sweet deals from Penrith. Good start!

      1. sixties

        This next period could define his standing in the club. The extension of key young players and the recruitment to take the team to the next level is vitally important.

  2. Milo

    Personally i would like a player who is going to play for 80 mins consistently and who has a strong work rate; i do not have stats on the guys mentioned. I have always liked Fitzgibbon from the Knights and Barnett also. To me we need some guys like them in the mould of a Beau Scott / Todd Lowrie workhorses. Lane has been superb on that edge. Frizelle / Crichton may prove to be good but we need 2 players in my view and i do not see Taka as the best option for the future and yes he is only 30 but i would be looking at a younger player with some NRL experience. The tough players that Canberra have and also Melb backrow are what we need and i know they do not come easy.

    1. sixties

      That’s the thing isn’t it Milo. They don’t come easy, yet a key signature could be vital in moving into the top 4 and genuinely challenging for a title.

      1. Milo

        Yes mate, unlike apples and oranges readily available on trees those types of players are not easy pickings. We just hope we continue to bear some fruit, and embed ourselves as top 4 or so. It can happen.

      1. MattL

        Thx for getting back to me 60s. I still think of him as an edge, but he keeps getting bigger & did really well off the bench in the middle. The beauty of the off season.
        Great work by you & all at TCT this year again (as usual)!

  3. BA Sports

    Not a Frizell fan. The gap between his best and worst is too vast for the money he commands.

    Ma’u also brought aggression. That is the problem I see with the Crichton/ Arrow/Matherson options. All very good, none known for their aggression. If the Eels take one of them, then they need to recruit another player with that intensity/aggression for the pack.

    Of those options though, Chrichton might be the best value if the Roosters absorb some of the salary. He is looking for more game time, the others are looking for more money.

    1. sixties

      Some good points BA Sports. That aggression factor is worth considering.
      Finding a club to absorb some money certainly seems to be a recent strategy!
      Who’s available at the Riff? Maybe Kikau needs an out 😁

      1. Fathead

        Can be a decent player young Ray but needs about 15 kg of muscle to match his aggression. He adds that and he’ll be a regular starter. I’d be getting him in the gym straight away.

        1. Colin Hussey

          I cannot imagine Stone at 110Kg’s being affective, would be a repeat of the extra bulk that Alvaro had this year and it took him backwards.

  4. John Eel

    No mention of Fifita. Is he now off the radar. This is pure speculation but I would see someone like Crichton as a good fit for BA. Athletic good defender

      1. MAX

        Yes please Sixties, to have someone like Kikau, that attracts 3 – 4 defenders with every touch would be a sublime fit. I am not a Crichton fan at all. At the right price Frizell would also be a good fit.

  5. Yaya

    Read an article today from Chammas stating that Andrew Fifita is a possibility of being lured away from the sharks as they need to be cap compliant for next year. He’s 30 years old but still has quite a bit of impact. Add him to our middle rotation and get Crichton on the cheap from chooks

  6. Anonymous

    If Paulo is worth around 750 and is what we needed then Arrow is worth 800 because he’s exactly what we need. Frizell and Crichton could be disaster signings I think they could benefit by going to union. Crichton in my mind seems like he has a wallabies jersey painted on him from birth haha. Still have dreams for Fifita but that’ll never happen :(. Matterson and Arrow are the perfect signings and low risk, Matterson seems so effortless and injury-free but if he rather go to the Titans he must really hate us haha. Arrow feels like a future Maroons captain.

    Arrow > Matterson > Frizell.

  7. BDon

    Frizell looks for all money like he needs a new home, a re-set, but he always looks at home in Origin. I can’t remember the last time he actually had a decent game against us. I’d take the punt that ability doesn’t just vaporise. He could be a great fit with our leaders and our values. Arrow and Matterson are both good players.

      1. BDon

        Gut feel only, we are talking to guys in the $700-800k range. With Frizell off contract there’s no subsidy. I know every dollar counts but we should think carefully about what type of player we really need.

  8. The rev aka Snedden

    I’m thinking frizell is the Guy we have or are in deep talks with. From all reports if true he wants out at the dragon’s n is upset at the way the club’s handling of the jack debelin Case.

    Josh Jackson won’t leave the Bulldogs his a bulldog player for Life kinda Guy.

    Angus criton won’t be coming I just don’t see him being the player we are looking for.

    Billy kick the cow is more likely with the Penrith Clean out going on. How Longs his contract at Penrith atm ?

    With all this talking about this edge backrower rumours going on I Think I’ll wait n see in Time who this big name Guy is.

    I’m excited about Next year

      1. Achilles' Eel

        From all reports, it appears the club will bring in someone to replace Ma’u. So I’m keen to see how the top 30 will round out, and whether an additional dummy-half is recruited.

  9. Rowdy

    Great subject to assess and debate boys.
    I’m a big Frizell fan, he is a standout in the Origin arena, is tough and aggressive with real speed on the edge and a good defender. He would be a sensation with Waqa, Moses and Fergy around him creating half-breaks and threats of their own taking the heat off his presence out on our right edge.
    It’s funny, someone mentioned that he can’t remember the last time Frizell had a big game against us? I can remember him being targeted by a couple of our loose canons in Manu Mau (when playing on the left or middle) and Nathan Brown though. I reckon he’d warm to the idea of playing with us too.

      1. Rowdy

        He, Frizell is also very much a Manu “type” of player which the other 3 are not although they each have their own appeal.

  10. The rev aka Snedden

    I’m also thinking why don’t we just put marata niukore in Manu’s starting spot n bring up Stefano or Oregon kaufusi. That way instead of marata playing in the middle we can always put Oregon kaufusi or Stefano in at prop n use the money to pay the players up that are on back ended deals.

    Maybe we can shift Brown from lock to starting prop with junior Paulo n have salmon in the 13 jumper. I see salmon like the Sharks seen Wade Graham. Now before ppl start hammering me just listen. Salmon was like Graham started in the 5\8 jumper then converted to the Lock position I see salmon doing that also. Good short kicking Game n good passing Game Just like Wade Graham. Instead of wasting the money I say just top up the player’s we have There contracts.

    My side for Next year with out this so called backrower.

    1 .Gutherson
    2. Sivo
    3. Blake
    4. Jenko
    5. Ferguson
    6. Dylan Brown
    7. Moses
    8. Nathan brown
    9. Mahoney
    10 Paulo
    11. niukore
    12. Lane
    13. Salmon.
    Bench
    14 .takarangi
    15. RCG
    16. Evans
    17. kaufusi
    18th man Stefano.

    1. sixties

      I can see the logic Rev, but I think we need to recruit to add something extra to the team. I reckon Marata has also found his niche as a middle off the bench. His impact has been tremendous. Fish played his share of footy as a backrower in juniors. I’d like to see a few more kegs on him to progress there in NRL.

  11. Jonno

    I believe we still need an enforcer, Beau Scott type player. Not just for his toughness and never say die attitude, but for his leadership qualities. Whilst I know our forwards were better this year, we still need a” forward leader”. Gutho and Nathan Brown, are our on field leaders, but are not the type of leaders that can inspire our team to greater heights. Beau Scott was that type of player, whilst all the signing names being bandied about, have quality and would be good acquisitions, are they necessarily what we really need ?

      1. Jonno

        No one off contract, James Fischer -Harris would have been nice, Alex Glenn maybe, although his best is probably behind him. Wondering if Campbell-Gillard could step up ?

          1. Rowdy

            An “Alpha Male” is unmistakably a point of difference which all clubs desire and the successful clubs have.
            I believe we potentially have a few who can command the respect of their team mates by their actions and leadership on-field. I wont mention who I believe they are, but I would be interested to hear from anyone on here who has an opinion on not only who might be? but what a real “Alpha Male” looks like through his presence and actions among his peers.

          2. sixties Post author

            I’ll speak on those outside of the captain. Junior has shown evidence of that with the younger players at the club. Blake Ferguson similarly, though with Blake it’s probably been more mentor than Alpha male. I think, of the current “experienced” players ready to assume that role, Nathan Brown is closest to that. He is obviously super aggressive whilst still being skilled. He is just starting to find his voice at training (in my observations – though I can’t speak for team meetings etc) and the Eels have now become his home in terms of games played.

          3. Colin Hussey

            Alpha Leader is an interesting title. We do have some and one being NB, but he is still too much of a wild card at times to be that player, watching Papali last night shows such a forward but to me the pick was Hodgson, He is near the best player going around at the moment owing to his non stop play and complete ability to move around and shut down play.

            As for who with the eels, its a hard call, and for me Fergo is ideal in the way you suggest sixties, but there are too many little areas in his game that concern me for that role, yet his mentor aspect and the way he encourages the backs, especially the young ones is great, and with some younger ones coming through will continue in that role.

            Nathan Brown, certainly is the player that I would have in my sights, however he has to tone down ever so slightly in his aggression especially when he goes for the one off big hit, which often goes wrong, like the one that saw him suspended, also he went in against the storm at one point like a raging banshee and totally missed every storm player, and need to relook at the game to see who he was targeting.

            That sort of play, is always going to bring him into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

          4. Rowdy

            Now that you’ve mentioned them, I too like the quite confidence of both Junior and Brown as well as the brash yet noticeably more reserved Fergie since he first came to Parra.
            I also see a young dark horse in our squad who has really impressed by his actions as the year has progressed which support his uncomfortable attempts during interviews at what was supposed to be respectful humility. The kid is a real young bull Alpha in the making. Dylan Brown!

  12. Anonymous

    Having basically off the grid for near on a fortnight have not had much to go on with the game, will say though that for the first time in a couple of years now I never turned the box off when watching the Storms win last week.

    Looking at the players mentioned as being on the rumour watch and thoughts as to who would be ideal signings is hard to choose in certain areas as we have no idea as yet who will be resigned from those still playing for Wenty this weekend. While Mention is made about Stefano stepping up he is still shown on the zero tackle site as being off contract, so its something needed to be confirmed as with the others who are staying and those not. At this point I have not read any others opinions so hope I don’t repeat too much to what others have said.

    Specifically we are looking at 4 players as replacements I assume for 4 eels players retiring/leaving & for me the hardest player to replace really is Manu, doubt we will see another Stare player like him and with the aggression that is there for all to see. We already have a replacement for Tim in RCG who will do nicely.

    I cannot comment much on Arrow, except he is open to offers and not small ones either, not sure how good he is but does have youth on his side but is he only as good as the aspects of his monetary value and how he has been the pick at the Titans?

    Chrichton, is almost a clone of Arrow as far as age, physigue and probably general play is concerned but he has certainly not produced the form he showed a year or more back to warrant the big coin he is on at the chooks, herein is another aspect of the clone bit between him and Arrow. Both on a big bit of coin and would be wanting to not downsize in that area, and for me, with the eels having 2 Penrith cast off’s and part paid to be play for the eels, not too sure I like having too many more in that boat though. Just a twitching nerve in regards to it though.

    Frizell, Had the options come up after last season, then would have been a no brainer to not go for him but this season he has showed nothing of what we know that he can play at but Saints as a whole are in a hole and in money problems which makes one wonder how much Frizel is on there??? He is the oldest of the 4 turning 28 this year, if he can bring his former form to the eels and not on big money with the dragons paying towards his move, could work for 3 years as his signing adds something of experience that the others do not have, for 3 years he can work with our primarily youngish forwards to play at another level, so to me is not a bad option.

    Matterson. Losing him here was a bummer for me after seeing him play in some lower grade spots at the eels. Going to the chooks really brought out the quality that was there to show, going to the Tigers he has pretty much been their best forward and would also be a handy pick up, but will they pay towards his contract or put up a fight in that area? Even allowing for the fact that if he is not released he’s unlikely to play to that standard with them again under the current manager/coaches area. His size is up a bit on the others in the selection, and has youth on his side and certainly has experience with playing under different coaches which can bring some good info about things done elsewhere to the club, but that applies to the others as well. The biggest problem though is the reason he left the eels and his clubs, If he only wants to play in one position, thus the red flags, but that is something the CEO, Coach and club has to weigh up in bringing him to the club.

    If his red flag problems are covered he would be my preferred option based on what I have seen of him in televised games this year, He is not just a back rower, but also is more than handy at five eight as well. A bit more versatile to my way of thinking. The alternative for me would be Frizel at the right price.

    1. sixties

      Really appreciate the depth of your reply anonymous. It seems a shame to not attach a name to it!
      Matterson, should he be a genuine option, would return a much better player than when he departed. There are plenty of us out there who have concerns about whether there is an attitude issue.
      That said, I don’t think that BA would look to recruit him if he had any concerns in that regard.

      1. Colin Hussey

        Sixties,

        Dunno what went wrong and coming up as Anonymous, but twas me!
        I agree with you on BA’s opinion, but where I have the confidence now in how he is handling players at the club, there is too much confidence built in to the playing group as to their views and appreciations of him not juts as coach but mentor.
        On that score though I doubt we will see BA coaching at end of his next term, he will however still be at the club in a key role,

          1. Rowdy

            I don’t see BA as anything other than the career coach he see’s himself as at least until he wins a premiership or 3?
            Back to a pack leader who would also fill the “Alpha Male” role in superbly in our club? I see David Fifita as a stand out! If he has any desire to leave Bronco’ville he is very familiar with the quality of our team and club imo. He would not need to be a potential Capt. Just a follow me type aggressive leader.

          2. sixties Post author

            Fifita would be an amazing signing, though it would be difficult to see him being released before next year, given the older brigade that are in the firing line at the Broncos.

          3. Colin Hussey

            Replying to both sixties and Rowdy. When does BA’s new contract end?

            Let me say that at the outset I am behind him as our coach, my comment therefore is based on the element that BA will know when its time for his coaching time at the eels will run its course, overall he has been an exceptional coach for the eels and we all should know his passion for the club with his working and going to junior games. I doubt that there would many other coaches out there that could have taken us through the issues that he had to contend with in his tenure.

            Thus the aspect of it all is how long can he coach for, and the answer would be tied up in premiership success at the GF’s, that will most likely be determined by the playing roster he can put together, at this point we are likely around 75-85% in that area, a couple more key signings and internal quality will be needed for that to happen.

            I also tend to believe, and this is why I have an aching gut feeling is that he is astute enough to know how long he can go at the eels, and at that point what then? His passion is for the club and player development, sixties suggest Director role? I would reword it and say Head of Football and development.

            After re-watching the last game, I believe for the eels to go up the ladder further and have said this in the past now is the need for a much better defensive coach to be brought in, someone who can sort out those areas where we fail in especially in the backs and their consistency if making bad reads when under pressure and leave the sidelines open for opposition speed men.

  13. Shane

    Out of the one’s mentioned I would like Frizell, good in attack and solid in defense. Not a fan of Crichton as he seems soft in defense and makes a lot of poor defensive reads. Matterson play well at the tigers but was better at the roosters and is a parra junior so would love to see him come back. Another option is the rumor Bird wants to return to sydney as not happy at the bronco’s. For the right price I think he would be a great pick up, was good at the sharks, can play in the halves, centre, fullback and could even play lock or edge forward. Would be a great bench player who has a lot of skills, good in defense, good kicking game and yes has had some injuries but if fit would be a great utility player as is a former origin player with a lot of upside. Worth the gamble if we can get him back to his best.

    1. sixties Post author

      Bird is an interesting option. He’s never seemed to be at home up north, and it almost seems like the injuries are a manifestation of his unhappiness about being there. At his best, he’d be an asset.

      1. Colin Hussey

        He could be a good replacement for MJ, but I would like to see Parry groomed for that position, although hard to knock back quality, but it could be easier given his asking price.

        1. MAX

          Parry can not tackle, I don’t think you can coach that into them when they arm grab at best. I watch many Wenty games this year and he was left wanting on too many occasions. I loved watching him come through the juniors, but I don’t think he has NRL in him.

  14. Joshua Randall

    I don’t see Kikau as the answer. I wouldn’t be disappointed, but our forwards for the large part aren’t quick laterally so adding Kikau won’t help in that regard. Matterson although a bit better and a much better ballplayer is a player of similar ilk and better suited to the middle. So, that leaves Crichton and Frizzel. I would prefer Frizzel but would be extremely happy with either one of them. We saw Angus’s form once he shifted to his preferred position when Cordner was out injured and It would also trend in the direction the clubs heading in which is getting other clubs to pay a portion of a players contract.

    If the rumours are to be believed that the Roosters are in the hunt for Arrows signature then needing to offload someone (it’s the Roosters, they’ll still be 1mil under the cap) to fit him in then Crichton makes a lot of sense. I would prefer Frizzel but there’s not much between the two. We currently don’t have a tier 1 rep or Origin player so signing these types of players is vital to attracting talent and keeping the talent we already have for potentially a lot cheaper. I just hope these rumours don’t Frizzel out….

    1. sixties

      Very good Joshua!
      I think that tier one rep player comment is valid. The experience they bring from Origin is what we could do with more of

  15. Shelley

    Jesse Bromwich. That would be my wish but how realistic it is, well that is debatable.
    He is on contract next year but he has a player option for 2021-22 and the Storm have many young players off contract next year so they may need to let someone go. He is an exceptional defender, big game experience and the Storm do not pay overs for players, they let them go. He has respect for BA as well.

    To have junior, RCG and Bromwich working with our young up and coming middle forwards would be superb. I would be willing to pay overs for him and move Marata back to the edge. Jai Arrow in my opinion is a lock and we have a good one in Brown.

    1. sixties

      It would be an astute recruitment for 12 months time. He brings experience, leadership and work ethic. What about next year? Would you recruit any of the ones mentioned or hold money back for potential mid season purchase?

      1. Colin Hussey

        I would like to see how Welch performs once back from injury, should be right for the 2nd half of next season so has time to audition for contract options.

  16. Fletch

    One player that there seemed to be a lot of noise about a while ago, but has died down, is Christian Welch. I don’t know if he’d be a better option than the others but he seems to have slipped off the radar. I know he got inured but does that rule him out? Any thoughts on how he might compare?

    1. sixties

      He was in the mix, but then came the double whammy. A high asking price followed by injury. He has a big question mark over him now.

  17. Brett

    I want the club tocontinue it’s diligent approach to recruitment. Also not get swayed by media bias.
    BA has proven he. An get players up so if any come to the blue and gold I am sure they will be good. RCG will be great, Nuikore could move back to the edge. I’d say bring Matto home as I know him and BA didn’t see eye to eye before he left, as BA said he should be a backrower and Matto didn’t agree, yet look at where he ended up…

    1. sixties

      I agree about BA getting the best out of players Brett, but I reckon Marata has played his best footy in the middle. I see that as his future but I could be wrong.

  18. pete

    I would love to see Frizzell come to Parra he is a leader and doesn’t take a backward step. He’s been injured most of this year and still played 3 Origins and puts in 80 minutes week after week. He would be an upgrade to Mau (no disrespect to Mau) but Frizzell is that good. The other guy to target is off contract Rooster Tetevano, he’s about 28 or 29 has been part of Roosters GF teams last few years. If we signed Frizzell, Tetevano and have signed RCG. Might need to let Jennings go to free up space…

    Evans
    Mahoney
    Paulo
    Lane
    Frizzell
    Brown

    RCG
    Tetevano
    Nuikore
    Stefano/Kafusi/Alvaro/Stone competition for spots

    Suddenly would have a dominant pack for 80 minutes and less missed tackles.
    Anyway, would be good to see.

    1. sixties

      Tetevano was very much on our radar about 4 years ago. Not sure about now. But Frizell, as I’ve replied a few times, would be my target.

      1. Rowdy

        And, if we get Frizell we don’t need Tetevano to take up a place that should be fought over by our young-guns. Suddenly we have those 4 you mentioned battling for 3 spots on the bench. Considering that and the fact that Niukore played his BEST footy in the middle? I reckon we chase or wait for another edge forward.

        1. Colin Hussey

          Rowdy, agree with you on this. We have RCG coming and will likely wait to see who is released in the next couple of weeks, on top of the 4 forwards who are leaving. I might be wrong but I think we really need only one more imported player to come in to the squad, as we have several forwards who can take over the positions that are vacant. Marata is one who can play long minutes and ideal replacement for Manu, Stone as utility, Kafusi and Stefano will also be ready moreso Kafusi, I certainly would not like to see us lose any of those players.

  19. Paul

    1 Tyson Frizell
    2 Angus Crichton
    3 jai Arrow
    Pass on matterson
    Love to get Tyson with him we be a top 3 team

    1. MattL

      Agree with this. There’s something about Matterson that worries me in regards to a Hayne/ego problem that spreads throughout the group.

      1. Colin Hussey

        MattL, who really knows all the reasons and game play behind the scenes that’s going on here. Farah has come out and made the call that Matterson should stick to his contract, also is blaming his agent for the problems, as his agent is saying he deserves more.

        The whole issue of player agents/managers is something the NRL was to look at following our paper bag and other areas of our salary cap problems, and there has been zilch come out of any of them since, even the media experts have gone and are quiet on the issue.

        Matterson, seems to be coping it from all directions, and while some areas may be true, there’s likely a lot more to this issue than is made public, Madge as coach has had player relationship issues in the past also when at Souths. Matterson is said to be always off side and wanting his way, and at all the clubs, yet he’s only played Jnr rep footy at the eels then had a 3 year contract at the chooks under the one coach.

        The issue I have heard that he had with the eels was that he wanted to play 5/8, but BA wanted him in the 2nd row, and he left and joined the chooks for 3years and he played primarily in the forwards with some games at 6, did he cause angst or issues there? I did not here of them, his time with Wests is in the first year of his contract, and how much of is generated by not just the coach?? He’s not the first player who has gone to the tigs and has had issues either.

        He’s a grand final winner, and would be a handy pickup at the right price and make a good replacement for Ma’u, Is Frizell coping the same flack as Matto is over internal issues as the dragons and has openly said he wants out??

        1. sixties

          I can’t attest to anything about a preferred position that Matto pushed for at Parra. What I will say is that he played in the halves for Wenty throughout his last year at Parra. He didn’t earn too many wraps for his efforts there.
          Sometimes a change of clubs makes a player strive to become better. There’s no doubt that Matterson showed far more at Easts than he did in lower grades at Parra. He certainly surprised me.

          1. Colin Hussey

            Sixties, its what? 4 seasons since Matto left the eels, can vaguely remember seeing a couple of games of his, but from memory I thought he did ok, nothing brilliant but as he had a brother running around at the same time, IIRC Ryan was the better of the two.

            He certainly lifted when he went to the chooks but spent, in his 3 years there he played 24 NRL games, and certainly improved at that club, likewise when moved to the tigers he continued in that aspect of his game.

            The element of whispers and his desire or demands depending on who and where one hears things from had him in conflict BA and wanting to play in a certain position. I have no idea where that came from but I have read it in more than one area, and from certain persons, I certainly did and do not want to add any substance to those reports though.

            My comment about the situation at Wests, and their coach is also not a direct reflection on either of them in this case but, there has been some media speculation regarding issues at that club with players leaving, which can often drag others into any issues, thing is I have not actually seen anything that is directly attributed to Matto making comments outside the club, however it seems to have become a wider issue than when first known in the public arena, the latest from Robbie Farah I would say has poured some petrol on to the fire.

            The sad part from my perspective is here is a young player, who is about to turn 25, whose career could very well stall as a result of this public crucifiction by media jockey’s and the like.

          2. John Eel

            Colin I would think that if there was any unresolved issues between BA and Matterson he will definitely not be coming to the Eels. You are right to place the rumours into the corridor of uncertainty. People make this stuff up half the time.

            If it is meant to be he will be here come 1 November. Heard on 2GB this morning Matterson was talking to the Bunnies yesterday

          3. Colin Hussey

            John, I have read in a couple of the news media has stated that the so called issues between Matto and BA has been resolved so I cannot see any stumbling block in that arena though.

            Its also reported he’s to meet with the Titans next week, or could be this week, with Holbrook being the coach next year that could be something that Matto may like but, does he want to move north of the border?

            As for the bunnies, I think they have cap issues for next season even though they have lost a few big names in Inglis, Burgess, Sutton, they have signed a few as well, so not sure how much they would have left in the cap for Matterson.

            If he’s had coach issues and one that’s strict not sure how he would go under Bennett. Also they do have a fairly good pack as it is.

            November 1 will be a big day for many players, and hot news for a Friday, and only 2 to go before then. I don’t really see any signing news from the eels coming out until after that date, will also know which of the 7 off contract players will be staying.

  20. Shadow

    This might be a bit out there, but what about Semi? Could he be “fashioned” into a backrower? He’s got size, speed & power & surely they could work on his defence. Just a thought.

    P.S. Keep up the great work. Love the page.

    1. sixties

      Cheers Shadow. I reckon Semi wouldn’t be interested. Right now he’s getting paid a motza to play union – and his workload is a fraction of NRL winger workload. Unless he’s prepared to accept less for more, I reckon he’s staying in union.

  21. Parramatta Tragic

    I would target 3 players. Frizell, Matterson and Semi. Fill the remaining positions with our juniors. Juggle those 3 under the cap and we become a very serious football team. Semi is also a de facto extra forward so you get two for the price of one. We appear to have some cap space so I would do whatever is required to secure Semi. I don’t understand why people say we can’t attract TPA’s as I thought clubs had nothing to do with TPA’s? Semi’s manager needs to arrange a TPA via Mack Trucks or similar. If those 3 come, our average home crowds swell to 30,000 every week (plus away games) not to mention increased merchandise sales and club memberships. This then follows on to increased television ratings (both home and away games) which also helps our referee “appeal”. Come on O’Neil, “Think Big”!

    1. Tragiceel

      I think Semi is a pipe dream, plus were would you play him, our backline is set atm and the money Semi would want we couldn’t match. I think Frizell and Matto would be the perfect fit and then a backup Hooker and maybe a backup Fullback if Hoffman moves on, we don’t have many Fullback options if Gutho goes down.

      1. sixties

        Unfortunately I believe that Semi is out of our price range. He might just be out of the price range of any NRL club.

  22. Anonymous

    Frizzel.
    He’s head and shoulders above the rest and with such a young spine, experience is a no brainer.

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