Parramatta Eels 16
Penrith Panthers 10
Penrith Panthers 10
The Bad: |
It seems tonight’s game has prompted me to switch around the order of ‘The Bad’ and ‘The Good’, and I bet you can tell why.
The Penrith Panthers sought to become the first two time winners over the Eels at Bankwest Stadium tonight. After weathering our initial onslaught, they were suddenly all over the Eels in the first half, ending the first 40 with a 10-0 advantage; a score which appropriately reflected their statistical dominance. In fact, even extending it out to the first 60 minutes of tonight’s game, Penrith still held the ball longer, out metred, out completed and out disciplined the home team, and it very much looked like the Eels perfect start to Season 2020 was soon to be over.
I have little doubt that many an Eels fan will point to a couple of 50/50 referee decisions that went the way of the visitors, but the fact remains that the Eels were not good enough in the early stages tonight. Even when the Eels did wrestle their way back into an even share of possession, Penrith, to their credit, defended resolutely, turning away raid after Eels raid.
And aside from a Blake Ferguson defensive misstep and an untimely error from Peni “Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying” Terepo, none of the Eels were actually playing all that poorly … But it was then, in the 63rd minute of the game, that Waqa Blake erupted like a volcano. |
The Good: |
HOLY MOLY! I don’t even drink and I am drunk on that win.
The Eels have now started Season 2020 five and oh and I don’t even know what to think. In the blink of an eye this game saw the Eels go all the way from no chance, to fun to watch, to enjoyable to incredible. It took the Panthers to finally cede territory and possession in the middle of the field before the edges opened up for a Blue & Gold onslaught.
I’d also like to point out how fun it was watching our pair of Penrith converts each absolutely destroy their opposite numbers in tonight’s clash; starting with this hit from RCG on JFH;
finishing with Waqa Blake giving impressive rook Stephen Crichton an absolute bath on a couple of occasions to effectively snatch the game away from the Panthers. We are now the first team to reach double digit points on the Premiership ladder and remain the only team to win all 5 of their clashes. |
The X-Factor: |
It was an unhappy night for all the cardboard cutouts sitting at the southern end of Bankwest Stadium, as all 26 points were scored at the northern end; 10 by the Panthers in the first 40, and 16 by the Eels in the second.
Despite a relatively poor completion rate (68% to Penrith’s 81%), the Eels clawed back to win tonight’s game through superior yardage (2351m to 2156m), forcing 5 drop outs, and punching holes in the Penrith defence; with the Panthers missing 24 second half tackles to the Eels’ 5 (yikes). Vossy announced at half time that the Eels have only gone on to win 3 of the last 44 games in which they have been held scoreless at half time. Well tonight’s victory makes it 4 of 45, suckers. |
The MVP: |
Nathan Brown‘s return tonight was incredible, and we don’t win tonight without an incredible 10 minute explosion from Waqa Blake. But other than scoring the winning try, Ryan Matterson laid a platform you could build a house on.
In his fifth game for the Eels in the NRL, Matto ran 20 times for 177 metres, had 3 offloads, 2 tackle busts, 1 try assist, 1 line break assist and a ludicrous 40 tackles. Adding further salt to the tears of Tigers fans worldwide, Ryan Matterson is tonight’s Most Valuable Player. You the MVP Matto, you the MVP. |
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1- Clinton Gutherson (c)Fullback, Parramatta Eels |
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| Remember when Gutho jumped for the ball without knowing where on earth it was? Good times, man.
Tonight, the man reluctantly called ‘The King’ got through 15 runs, 172 metres, a try save, tackle break and 9 tackles; also finished off a magic try started by Waqa Blake. He also crafted a pretty terrific Captain’s Challenge from his own ‘knock on’. Captaining a 5-0 side in Season 2020? Ain’t nothin gonna break his stride. |
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2- Maika SivoLeft Wing, Parramatta Eels |
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| For what feels like the first time in the history of the world, Maika Sivo failed to crack 100 running metres tonight, only managing 78 from his 9 hit ups. I suspect Penrith’s game plan put quite a bit of focus on last year’s leading try scorer, but unfortunately for them we simply utilised our other Fijian superstar who used to play at their club. | ||
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3- Michael JenningsLeft Centre, Parramatta Eels |
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| Michael Jennings simply forced too many passes in the first half tonight, particularly in the wet, slippery conditions. Although it was somewhat understandable in his attempt to put his wingman in open space it did lead to The Jet collecting a team high 3 errors. Still, Jenko’s 13 runs (119m), 3 tackle busts, offload and 12 tackles all sit very comfortably in the positive side of the ledger and I have little doubt the Grey Ghost will ride again. | ||
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4- Waqa BlakeRight Centre, Parramatta Eels |
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| Unfortunately Waqa Blake’s ferocious hit-but-no-stick defence followed him from Round 4, but thankfully the same ferocity also translated to a brutal palm to Stephen Critchon’s face in the 63rd minute for the Eels first four pointer. Minutes later the big Fijian struck again, this time stepping off his right foot before flinging a perfect ball inside to his captain to score what proved to be the equaliser. Other than those 6 tackle breaks and 2 line breaks, Waqa’s other stats don’t jump out at you (9 for 87m, 1 try assist, 18 tackles); but make no mistake – we don’t win tonight without Waqa absolutely balling out. | ||
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5- Blake FergusonRight Wing, Parramatta Eels |
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| You know, I understand the no try call, and I certainly don’t blame Blake Ferguson for the push leading to the opening no try for the Eels. However, I find Fergo very much to blame for Mansour’s opening four pointer. Blake came up with a really poor read, unnecessarily jamming in on Stephen Crichton and allowing his opposite winger to stroll in untouched.
With that said, Fergo could still be relied upon as ever to take the tough hit ups, frequently found taking the much maligned second hit up coming off our line in the back end of both halves, balancing his aforementioned negatives with 18 runs, 154 running metres and a tackle break. |
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6- Dylan BrownFive Eighth, Parramatta Eels |
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| Not an unattractive man to begin with, Dylan Brown looked particularly hot in the opening minutes, breaking 3 tackles through the middle of the Penrith ruck. Dyl is rightfully applauded for his defensive efforts (another 33 tackles tonight), but the strength of his running game (11 runs, 134m, 1 linebreak, 2 tackle breaks) is becoming a real feature of this kid’s arsenal. | ||
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7- Mitchell MosesHalfback, Parramatta Eels |
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| Emerging from the criticisms of being a flat track bully, Mitchell Moses led his team up a pretty steep hill to victory tonight. Whether it was his well placed kicks out of trouble, attacking grubbers, connecting passing game or calm composure under pressure, The Prince of Egypt came up big in the Battle of the West, wrestling victory over his much celebrated opposite number. He wouldn’t look out of place in a sky blue jersey, but something tells me Mitchell is much more interested in making history for the Eels first. | ||
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8- Reg Campbell GillardProp, Parramatta Eels |
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| Across 80 minutes against his old gang colours, RCG laid down 14 runs (135m), 4 tackle breaks and 19 regular tackles. Regan Campbell-Gillard also added a 20th, much more spectacular tackle in the 28th minute. As per the GIF above, and in one of Parra’s few legitimate first half highlights, Penrith’s favourite son absolutely annihilated his opposite number.
In commentary the great Andrew Voss declared it “a battle of hyphens, and Campbell-Gillard came out on top. Fisher-Harris’ hyphen is back down the other end of the field.” How good. |
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9- Reed MahoneyHooker, Parramatta Eels |
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| Tonight Reed Mahoney unsurprisingly tackled himself to a standstill, getting through 48 tackles without a single miss. That alone is worth congratulating, and it’s a good thing as other than his ruck work, a solitary offload and a 21m kick, it was all his stat sheet featured (no complaints, here).
Despite another stellar all round game, I must add that I spotted a couple of uncharacteristically mistimed passes from the ruck of Reed tonight. With that said, to some extent these can admittedly be explained by the greasy conditions (either that or the demand of 80 minutes and almost 50 tackles). In short, Reed is very good at Rugba Leeg. |
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10- Junior PauloProp, Parramatta Eels |
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| It might be hidden in the dust cloud of RCG’s hit on James Fisher-Harris, but let’s take a moment to remember the time Junior Paulo absolutely ate Caleb Aekins for breakfast; sending the poor boy on his way back into puberty. Junior also cashed in on a dominant second stint, finishing up the game with a massive 19 run (172m), 4 tackle break and 19 tackle game. Interestingly after an early turnover off one of his patented dump passes, Junior put his bag of passing tricks away for the night, registering only the solitary offload for the game. | ||
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11- Shaun LaneSecond Row, Parramatta Eels |
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| After a relatively quiet performance last week, Shaun Lane had a monster return to our collective hearts with 13 runs (140m), 3 tackle breaks, an offload and 30 tackles. It’s a scrappy, tough performance from a tall, scruffy kinda man; I actually imagine Shaun Lane is the sorta guy who keeps Chiko Rolls in business. | ||
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12- Ryan MattersonSecond Row, Parramatta Eels |
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| As well as his dominant performance and winning tonight’s MVP award, Ryan Matterson also has the sort of body that could make a good dog break his leash. Some people have got it made in the shade. | ||
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13- Nathan BrownLock, Parramatta Eels |
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| After a Was immense. |
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14- Ray StoneInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| With a jersey as big as his heart, Ray Stone highlighted a solid 7 minute stint off the bench with a big tackle on Moses Leota in the 75th minute. | ||
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15- Marata NiukoreInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| With less presence this week due to the return of Nathan Brown, Crash still carved out a nice role for himself in his chunky 35 minute contribution. This evening, Marata Niukore got through 6 runs (48m), adding a tackle break and 26 tackles; and there’s not much wrong with that. | ||
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16- Kane EvansInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| The 10 runs for 91 metres, 3 offloads, 21 tackles and a huge 4 tackle breaks is good areas from Kane Evans. Conceding 2 penalties and making an error? Not so much. | ||
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17- Peni TerepoInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| Nope. | ||
As a side note, did anyone watch the Fox coverage?
Nevertheless, here we are, us fans of the Parramatta Eels; doing our best Rooster fan impersonation by celebrating 5 wins from 5 starts and having only a couple hundred people showing up to the game.
I dare say next week will tell us plenty about our team’s chances in 2020, as we find out what we’re made of and put our unbeaten start on the line against the reigning back-to-back Premiers.
After tonight’s come from behind victory, I tell you what, I simply cannot wait.
In the meantime?
Shout out to @Simpsons_NRL for the very apt Simpsons reference.
Whatever happens, I’ll see you next week sports fans.
Go you Eels,
Mitch
Photos courtesy of the Parramatta Eels. Stats courtesy of the legends over at Champion Data.
An amazing come from behind win! I was/am so happy with it. Brilliant work.
Also, I thought you were a bit harsh on Moses. His kicking game kept us in the game tonight and without it we definitely would have lost. He gets an A/A- from me.
Another special mention, Dylan’s running game, *that* hit by RCG and *that* hit by Ray Stone and also Paulo… they’re what a Parra fan’s dreams are made of.
Rob
Rob, I hope someone is creating an Eels hits compilation video for this season.
One of the best games. I’m thankful for the hits because the Eels highlights otherwise only come alive in the final 20.
And yes, I concur – with the benefit of hindisght I have now upped Moses to an A-
Player gradings has never let me down. Great piece Mitch.
The refs interpretation of “advantage” left me flabbergasted.
Glad to see the cyborg back, unsurprisingly he didn’t miss a beat.
Nearly 40 metres is not an advantage now. Hmmm. If it needs to be changed to that free play rule I have no problems – otherwise apply the rule.
He was just sublime in the second half. Great to see him out there.
Matterson’s tackling was a site to behold. One set I’m sure he made 4 tackles in a row and all strong ones. It broke the Riffs spirit, with their plays just not coming together. Well done Matto.
imagine what it will be like when his combinations with others start to fully gel.
We just need to swindle the Dogs out of a brilliant player and we’ll have the full set of rival rip offs.
Then again, they have Foran.
Got it all Mitch,and entertaining as usual. Must have been line ball whether to slip Shaun Lane into the MVP ratings. We were being comprehensively out metered as you mentioned, by up to 20 metres per set, line speed was the difference and we weren’t dunces at it. Moses’ improved defence looks to be a permanent habit. Maybe Niukore a B?
a very different game from Lane – real workhorse stuff.
Lane is perennially underrated, probably by me, too. Marata wasn’t bad by any stretch, but I think to some extent it’s hard to move the needle from the default C+ in limited minutes. Maybe a whisker short of a B-
As always, the grades are quality and good for a few laughs.
Thought MM could be an A and Mara could be higher – they didn’t make too many mistakes. Matto was immense as was JP.
SIVO maybe could look to add a dummy half run to His game to stay involved on these type nights. C. J Hodges.
First time in my life I’ve seen the eels 5-0 to start. Its exciting but as Ba says there’s a long way to go. So good to be able to watch them succeed after all the hard work.
Sam, I’m making the two points and the character as my main takes from this clash. Can’t get too excited but it’s a terrific foundation
I’m very much taking on board the Marata feedback as you’re the second person to advocate for him.
I dare say it’s the least involved our wingers have been in an Eels win since they each arrived at the club. Funny little game.
I had to endure the Ch9 coverage with the self proclaimed oracle of football and talent identification Phil Gould back slapping himself for 60 minutes. It was horrible and looking like it was only going to get worse for the last 20.
Enter Penrith reject Blake……
Panthers talent retention and recruitment department must be feeling a little uncomfortable today with the number of riff rejects they faced in our squad last night. Sivo, Jennings, Blake and RCG.
Fantastic demonstration of belief, commitment to the plan and the reality the game is played for 80 minutes.
Great start to the weekend!
Phil Mann, how good is it knowing that the Riff are paying around 500K towards our salaries.
Exactly. I will always be thankful for Penrith’s contribution to our 2019 and 2020 rosters.
Gould’s commentary was so one sided that it drove me crazy for an hour at least. At one stage he was praising a Cleary kick in every aspect even pointing out that it was an early kick when I’m sure it was on the 5th. But best of all was his back patting about letting Waqa come to the eels because good natured Gus thought that Fergo would bring out the best in him. Thank the Lord that Gus only had his trumpet on Friday night and not the whistle.
I watched Fox, but I’m actually pretty keen to watch the 9 coverage to see what all the fuss was about. Also to hear him squirm when the Eels came back to win
Love reading your grades Mitch. The one word summation of Terapo says it all.
He goes ok Ox. I’ll give his grades an A- this week.
Ha – watch yourself, old man.
LOOK AT YOU WITH THE PICTURE COMMENTS. Yes mate!
Old dog, new tricks indeed.
How good was that! This side is like nothing I’ve seen before. They don’t get frustrated in attack. Happy to just wait for their moment, then BOOM – 3 tries in 5 mins. Nathan Brown MVP for mine.
West Coast, imagine how BA is feeling. He won’t get carried away, but he has been trying to drive that message for years – patience, composure etc.
I was 100% sure I was giving it to Waqa, then 95% sure it was Nathan Brown. But Matto’s contribution was unbelievable.
Hard to argue with that.
Hard to argue with any of those three. Shaun Lane also worth a mention
Love the look on the face of Mansour after the game.
Screenshots or it didn’t happen.
Some good work there Mitch just like the Eels last night. Coming from behind and having the composure and belief is a great result, the memory of this can only help in tough situations going forward. A good portion of ‘A’s in your grades though it feels like there’s still plenty of room for improvement.
How good was Nathan Brown – he’s become the forward leader we need.
Love that guy. I thought he was quiet in Rounds 1 and 2 this year.
Good ratings except for Nathan Brown n matterson.
I think you should have given Brown n matterson A+ they were outstanding tonight.
Great come back from the boy’s they should have the weekend off to recharge.
They are looking tired in defence.
On Ferguson 2weeks straight he has come of his wing why who know’s maybe he doesn’t trust Waqa.
The coach n the coaching staff should have picked-up on this if not they better soon in soon I mean 1st thing Monday morning or during the video session.
The rooster’s are still the team to beat n if we play like last night they will run up a big score n expose our right side defence with Ferguson coming up n in leaving his wing wide open.
Reedy to me needs to run from DH more instead of just passing it’s like watching a younger Matt Keating.
I really love the way api plays his always searching for open space.
I like many understand that the more you win the closer you are to a loss.
So the question is can we go 6\0 n beat the back to back NRL Champions 🤔Only time will tell.
Anyhow another great weekend to be had Thanks to Parramatta Eels winning.
#Eels4life#
Ha thanks for reading. But Rev, mate. There’s really no need to grades the Grades each and every week.
ok nws . on the game though was a great game to watch. next week even tougher with the Rooster’s
Hes the guru
Ha, I mean let’s all be honest, I used this post to outlet my jokes and thoughts about the Eels. The only grades that really matter are those of the coaching staff.
No like everyone else I have my thoughts on the Game.
What a game! had the record light on the game and the way it was heading, rebooted, and in to the toilet for a real need, I return and sit down to watch again feeling that we wont be on top of the table anymore, the Waqu gives the first real degree of hope, Mitch misses conversion, and where to from here? well alls ok with the king going over, conversion successful and scores even, what now, I ask myself, answer comes from Matto with a diving catch and slides in the in goal, a kick and 16-10.
From that moment the game was tense, Stone rolls on to the field, with moss keeping away and his hits were hard and oomph on the opposition, RCG reminds the riff that he can tackle as does Jnr. A battle goes on and the heart rate increases and finally the game ends with the eels still on top of the table.
Next week the challenge really heats up, and for me, I hope the Stone gets some more time on the field and our # 17 much less so that Ray can show just how solid a rock he is.
No toilet brakes for next match. Except maybe I still cannot work out how the six again works, maybe time for my retirement.
Very good grades Mitch, and well said about Fergo. Easts will attack that side at times next week and i am glad someone else noticed that he did this too against Manly. We need to be better in this area, and i also hope they get drilled about going forward first.
It was great to see the team come back to win. Great end to the game. I always thought it would be tight and glad we got the chocolates!
I have to add that i wish the players (league and afl ) would leave the protest stuff to the pesky protesters and just play football. Its why we watch them, not for the political stuff.
Always an enjoyable read. Agree that Fergo seems to be down on confidence. He looks a lot lighter than last year and may still be recovering from last years illness? He is rushing in for no reason when there are even numbers in attack and defence thus leaving his opposite unmarked. Back Waqa on his centre one on one Fergo and back yourself on your winger one on one. Leave the assist to the cover defence. The only gap I can see in our game plan is someone scooting out of dummy half. When Brian Smith had a huge game he would bring out his big game plan which included a lot of scooting out of dummy half. I would like to see whoever is our fastest over 20 metres taking a dummy half scoot once every set. Maybe Segeyaro can become that man if the planets align or Field if the coaches think he is ready? By the way, how are sixties betting tips averaging out this year? You mentioned he was getting old and I heard he was getting so old that he thinks a daily double is oatmeal and prune juice.
I have to agree with the Fergo comments as to his plays this year, and certainly appears that he is coming in from his wing on more occasions than is needed, as a result I don’t see him having the same impact as he did last year. I don’t see a need for him to shadow Waqa as it almost seems as if Fergo doesn’t have confidence in Waqa.
Last year he scored tries by staying on his wing, also not a lot of opposing wingers got past him either, this year I think he is not as affective, I sincerely hope that we see the Fergo of last season appearing soon.