Parramatta Eels 10
Sydney Roosters 24
Sydney Roosters 24
The Good: |
Playing incredible football, yet losing the contest. Still leading the comp, but coming up short against the NRL’s best.
This game has left me more confused than Ben Cummins trying to give a penalty for high contact.
Building on the tweet above, I think this could be the best loss I’ve seen the Eels have in a decade (shoutout to the 2017 Finals loss to the Storm). We lose no admirers tonight and it’s not like the Roosters will suddenly think we’re pushovers.
To be very clear, the Roosters were the better team and deserved the win, but after a performance like that I’m not sure anyone will be looking forward to facing the Blue & Gold anytime soon. Feels funny to say after a loss, but credit to the players, credit to the coaches – these Eels seem like something else in Season 2020. |
The Bad: |
I think the 14 point difference score flatters the Roosters, and was probably more indicative of 12 vs 13 for the final ten, rather than the contest as a whole. At the other end of the game, giving away a penalty on the first set of the night didn’t put us in great stead but thankfully James Tedseco made his first reported mistake of the year and his kick dribbled dead. Still, it soon became stupid mistake after silly decision for the Eels, dropped balls and poor pushed passes in the opening half.
Thankfully our defensive line held on admirably for the most part and an 8 point/14 point HT/FT disadvantage is by no means the end of the world. All in all, although it’s been a little disjointed, we still started the Season 2020 like a Red Ferrari, 5-0, fit and fantastic. Tonight we met the inevitability of the back-to-back champions, the Sydney Roosters and our once perfect record? Well, see below. |
The X-Factor: |
When the Eels hit the lead in the 60th minute, you just knew there were scores of Eels fans inquiring about Grand Final tickets and discussing whether or not we can go back to back in 2021. However, like Victoria’s supposed triumph over the Coronavirus, the Roosters showed they were celebrating a little prematurely.
After completing at a very average 63% in the first half (compared to the Roosters 83%), the Eels scraped together a much more pleasing 14 of 17 sets (82%) in the second. The Roosters second half? A perfect 17 from 17 completions. Considering the score, there wasn’t a great deal of difference in possession (48 Eels to 52 Roosters), metres (2238 to 2619) or offloads (22 to 16); although there was a big disparity in penalties (7 to 3) and missed tackles (31 to 21). |
The MVP: |
Nathan Brown, take a bow. Now, this might be a little leftover from last week, and I once found it pretty difficult to split him from Matto, but Cyborg has been electric since returning from suspension.
I just hope that little chin tickle on Victor Radley doesn’t leave him with a case to answer before the NRL judiciary. Nonetheless, in the most encouraging of defeats, Nathan Brown is tonight’s MVP. |
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1- Clinton Gutherson (c)Fullback, Parramatta Eels |
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| They say hard work beats talent when talent won’t work hard. More than most players I’ve ever seen, Clint Gutherson leaves absolutely everything out there each and every week, but to say he doesn’t have much talent is also selling the bloke well short. Gutho’s first half break was the first (and close to our only) attacking highlight in the opening 40 minutes, and Captain America ended up with a mammoth 238 running metres from his similarly substantial 20 hit ups. He’s also got a terrific head of hair and I’m very glad he runs out each week wearing Blue & Gold. | ||
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2- Maika SivoLeft Wing, Parramatta Eels |
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| I don’t know whether Fiji is a signatory in the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, but Maika Sivo is straight up weapons grade plutonium. No one will remember 16 of his 17 runs (137m) tonight, his error or the fact that he only attempted and made one tackle. What they will remember is when Maika left a James Tedesco shaped divot in the soil of Bankwest Stadium.
Come to think of it, I bet there’s several things James Tedesco is struggling to do at the moment (but in all seriousness, I’m glad he’s ok). |
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I cannot believe Maika Sivo is the same species as me, and I bet James Tedesco can’t either. |
3- Michael JenningsLeft Centre, Parramatta Eels |
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| The commentators understandably waxed lyrical about the Morris twins tonight, but let the record show that Michael Jennings is also pretty old and has had more tries than you’ve had hot dinners.
It didn’t start all that flash and it was tough to watch The Jet drop the ball on a pretty crucial 6 again call, compounded by an unsuccessful Captain’s Challenge. However, outside of this moment, MJ seemed to be one of the few Eels who started the game hot on the attacking side of the ball, breaking about 30 tackles (he actually had a team high 7 for the game) to almost score late in the first half. Jenko graciously duplicated this effort midway through the second to secure our first four pointer, and was also the maestro of Sivo’s wrecking ball four pointer. Like a fine wine, you know the rest. |
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4- Waqa BlakeRight Centre, Parramatta Eels |
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| Last week’s Golden Ticket form certainly eluded ‘Willy Waqa’ Blake in Round 6. Instead of game changing linebreaks and offloads, tonight’s performance was littered with missed opportunities, missed tackles (7) and a pretty paltry 6 runs for 43m. The effort was there, but yuck.
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5- Blake FergusonRight Wing, Parramatta Eels |
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| Still yet to hit his straps in 2020, Blake Ferguson was once again well contained by his ex-teammates in the first half, before recovering with a vengeance in the second stanza. In the end, the Other Blake finished with a massive 18 carries for 126m, but also slipped off a tackle, had an error and conceded a penalty. The right edge defence is also still a major concern; hopefully there’s better things to come starting next week.
Ps: How good was it when Fergo apologised to the cardboard cutout he hit square in the head? |
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6- Dylan BrownFive Eighth, Parramatta Eels |
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| Although he was harder to spot than Where’s Wally in the first 15 minutes, Dylbags still managed to finish up making whatever we signed him for look like a steal. It wasn’t just the 8 runs (61m), try assist, linebreak assist and tackle breaks, the young bloke also managed to find the time and composure to make one of the best cover tackles you’ve ever seen (22 in total); saving a certain Roosters four pointer. It’s amazing how good Dylan Brown already is, and I’ve got pairs of socks that are older than him. | ||
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7- Mitchell MosesHalfback, Parramatta Eels |
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| I think Mitchell Moses is the sort of player where his immense talent and desire to win can be used for either good or evil. Too often in the past it seemed Mitch’s energies could wildly swing from one extreme to the other, often giving people the impression that he’s a bit of a sook. But the more I watch him and hear him speak, I actually just think he wants to win and now is starting to know what that takes. So credit to him, credit to BA and credit to whoever else has been in his ear, as he is simply miles ahead of the player he was just two short years ago. | ||
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8- Reg Campbell GillardProp, Parramatta Eels |
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| Although not to the standard of last week’s Western Sydney rumble, RCG still turned in a solid performance tonight with 9 runs (79 metres) and 34 tackles.
Judging by one of his passes from the ruck midway through the second half, I also think it’s safe to say that RCG won’t be challenging Reed for the 9 jersey anytime soon. |
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9- Reed MahoneyHooker, Parramatta Eels |
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| Not unlike his bunk buddy Dylan Brown, Reed Mahoney just shows incredible poise and talent for such a young man. Although it was an unfortunate miss from Cash leading to the Cordner try, Reed clawed, scratched and tore his way through an incredible game high 56 tackles (only 2 misses); a staggering number in a game played at breakneck speed. I thought the quality of his service returned to his high standards, and even more pleasing is the continued emergence of a pretty great kicking game. Just stellar stuff from the young buck. | ||
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10- Junior PauloProp, Parramatta Eels |
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| What a horrific prospect Junior Paulo must be to tackle; let alone trying to avoid his huge frame when he’s trying to |
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11- Shaun LaneSecond Row, Parramatta Eels |
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| Although Shaun Lane added to the comedy of errors committed by the Eels inside the first quarter by giving up a one on one strip to Victor Radley, the rest of his game was outstanding. The tallest drink of water had 16 runs (137m), 20 tackles and a couple of sneaky tackle breaks/offloads to boot. Loving him as a sneaky source of high level production. | ||
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12- Ryan MattersonSecond Row, Parramatta Eels |
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| The question marks of his acquisition are a thing of the past; let it be known that Matto is a very, very good Rugby League player. Tonight, Ryan “Needs a Good Nickname” Matterson made his way through 14 hit ups (109m), 3 tackle breaks, 4 offloads and an incredible 45 tackles on the edge (only 2 misses).
Matto has a killer talent, a face like a marble sculpture and a tendency to upset scores of Tigers fans. Ask me if I know Ryan Matterson’s biggest fan.
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13- Nathan BrownLock, Parramatta Eels |
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| Cyborg is more than just a running machine (19 runs for 165m and a tackle break), he also led the team in offloads (5), had 33 tackles and really upset Victor Radley. The older Brown also made a huge cover tackle on an early break from one of those pesky Morris twins, matching the feats of his little brother Dylan. Huge game, and the perfect complement to last week’s heroics; tonight’s MVP. | ||
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14- Ray StoneInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| After building a bit of momentum in recent weeks and an early entry into tonight’s contest, Ray Stone’s stat sheet (2 runs for 11 metres, 8 tackles) is actually like the airline food of NRL statistics; it’s bland, boring and looks nothing like what you expected. Onto bigger and better things next week, Raymond. | ||
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15- Marata NiukoreInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| Marata Niukore was actually one of the few players who consistently managed to get over the advantage line for the Eels in the first half. Crash finished with 9 runs (76m), an offload, tackle break and 18 tackles. You know what? That’s pretty good. | ||
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16- Oregon KaufusiInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| For a young bloke filling in for the suspended Kane Evans, I thought Oregon Kaufusi was outstanding tonight; dishing up a huge 11 runs (84m), tackle break and 20 tackles (only 1 miss) for the Big Easy. BA is a better coach and selector than I’ll ever be, but if Oregon’s not a better choice in the 17 than Peni Terepo (1 run for 7 metres, a mistake and penalty), I’m an astronaut. | ||
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17- Peni TerepoInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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Well said, Mum.
The Eels’ tour of duty rolls on next week, as we take on the other participant in last year’s NRL Grand Final, the Canberra Raiders.
Sure we lost tonight, but I still had a whale of a time. With that said, I think I’d prefer a win next week.
Whatever happens, I’ll see you then, sports fans.
Go you Eels,
Mitch
Photos courtesy of the Parramatta Eels. Stats courtesy of the legends over at Champion Data.
Ferguson has continued to look ordinary since the restart. Not sure what’s going on. His defensive combination with Waqa is also becoming incredibly concerning and our side’s biggest vulnerability. Echo your thoughts re Matto and N. Brown, they were excellent.
If we’re seeing, you know the players and the coaching staff are seeing it. Hopefully a change in tactics and approach this week.
Great Game. Great Grades. We are still 1 quality forward short & interchange hooker. Waqa had shown his weakness. Too many missed tackles. He tackles with his eyes closed & try to do a big hit-up instead of ensuring an effective tackle. His combo withFergo had let in somany tries. Hope this can be addressed soon. GoParra!
Waqa’s style can certainly be effective at times and in moments, but it doesn’t seem to pass the longevity test that we’ll need game in game out. I’m sure they’ll be all over it this week in prep for the Raiders.
I don’t know what BA said in the sheds but next time lead with it before the game. If we started the game like the start of the second half who knows where it could have gone.
Enjoyed the game immensely, the boys played (mostly) really good footy – unfortunately that just made the little mistakes stand out a lot more!
Both the halves are looking dangerous – but they did not seem to be testing hitting the line as much as in other games
I think one of the benefits of being near the top of the table is that you tend to play in more “big games” throughout the season; games that are built are throughout the week, lots of media attention etc. It’s not Origin or Finals, but it adds to the experience.
I thought we were defensively pretty good – that scoreline definitely flatters the Roosters. It seems odd to have so many high grades when you’ve lost by 14, but I think they’re fair enough. The fact that we’re confident to kick the ball dead and concede a goal line drop-out says a lot.
Dylan Brown’s defence could almost bring you to tears; his cover tackle was beautiful, but it’s certainly not an isolated example. For such a young bloke, and given the hesitation that might be expected with the back injury last year, he’s flat out incredible. Can he give tackling lessons to Waqa? His technique, commitment and reading of the play leaves Blake much like Sivo left Teddy.
Gutho is definitely Mr Dependable at the moment. In the last few weeks, he’s outplayed both Tedesco and Trbojevic. My only criticism is that his side-on cover defence needs work – he’s made some really good 1:1 tackles head on, but that flying cover is often ineffective.
In attack, we lacked some of the patience (and a lot of the polish) we’ve shown the last few weeks, pushing passes out wide and leaving the man nowhere to go except over the sideline. The offload rate was extraordinary, but did leave me wondering – the commentators said we’re best in the league for making them, but what are the number against us like?
Really hoping Terepo finally finds himself in the stands next week, even if Nathan Brown ends up missing another week courtesy of the Match Review Committee. We saw Oregon and Stone on before him this week (although Stone rather botched his opportunity), so fingers crossed that’s the new pecking order. Hell, I’d rather have Taka – sure he’s good for an error, but he’s also more likely to do something good.
Agree with your comments. I think Stone need to try to temper his aggressiveness. He should be told to be a role player. Just safely play the ball, complete his tackles without being to careless. Can’t see why use an interchange with just 7 minutes to go. Agree that Terepo should be in the stands next week. Didn’t contribute much. Waqa & Fergo should pick-up their defense.
How many players can show their worth in 7 minutes of game time?
Sure Stone is being used to cover Reed but does Reed really need that covering especially for the last 7 minutes. The appears to be a couple of weak areas in the team and its just not in the forwards either.
It’s a pity we let the helium out of the balloon after we got ahead… Unfortunately the party was still not over
Agreed. Good signs, but next task is to ensure we finish the job.
Good quality game & the Eels aren’t too far off the pace and what a pace it was!
You have been a little generous with ten ‘A’s this week Mitch – ultimately we weren’t good enough and made hard work of it. The roosters played through the middle which reduced the metres contributed by our bookends.
Our 1st half defence was awesome.
But handling errors that released the pressure and some missed tackles (eg Ceary) combined with a few tough ref calls (10 points the Roosters scored can be attributed to line ball refereeing) was the difference.
Not defending the lead for more than 2 mins was disappointing.
Kaufusi came of age in this game.
We can do better next time.
Loved Oregon’s coming out party, looking forward to a second viewing (incredibly rare for a loss, I must add)
Hope you’re well mate
What’s slightly more frustrating than Fergusons lack of commitment is him yelling and screaming to other players to cover the tackle he has missed or misread and didn’t get to.
Found stone to be very lacklustre and with a bench spot being a coveted spot atm can’t see him getting on the bus next week.
It was in stark contrast to Oregon, who came out like it was the last game he’d ever play in the NRL. Brown’s judiciary hearing and Kane’s return should make for an interesting Team List Tuesday.
We played hard and did better than most would have expected given what the roosters threw at us. With ball in hand the Roosters were relentless but we showed we could give it back. Unfortunately they did to us what we’ve done to other teams, forced them to tackle through a lopsided amount of possession early. That’s taken it’s toll on our opposition, which we’ve taken advantage of late in games, and it took it’s toll on us. If we can stiffen our defense under fatigue and cut out the brain farts we’ll be hard for anyone to beat.
Lots to learn from this one and a great deal of confidence to be gained. I think we took a vital step in the growth of this team this round. Stay focused, stay the course.
Great quality game. When you think about the amount of cheap penalties and turnover we gave them, we played incredibly well to keep in the game. Easy to forget they only scored 3 tries to our 2 and one of them were on the wing whilst we had a player in the bin. Plenty of positives 👍🏼👍🏼
On the basis that effort would have won most games, I can see what you’ve done with the grades. We completed at 74% (Chooks 90%), made 11 errors ( to 6), conceded 7 penalties ( to 3).Our stats would struggle to win many top 8 games, the Roosters would win most, probably all. Re-starts were 5-4 our way. I know they’re just stats, but it does seem closing the gap has huge upside for us.
We played well but, how many times do we make numerous rookie mistakes in the first half against good teams? Its a real worry we have to overcome, does BA get the boys too hyped up? Blake, rocks this week, needs to be dropped and Salmon promoted in his stead. Not as fast but can tackle and maybe, just maybe, Ferguson will stay on his winger.
Nick name for Ryan should be “of course you”.
I have a friend named Ryan and we simply call him U (or you). When he rings anyone (joke has been going for 50 years) we all answer “is that U Ryan?”
SWitching positions with Ferguson and Waqa in defence would have solved the immediate problem last night but I did forget that Waqa got a head knock before halftime and had to get a HIA at halftime.
The obvious points for me were that Terepo and Stone are just not up to first grade and must never be picked again along with Will Smith. They both gave posession back to Roosters too many times and are repeat offenders at this. Waqa can have his defence corrected as MM’s has been this year. Ferguson did learn this week and stayed out on his winger but Waqa let him down by missing his man. Swapping Waqa and Fergo in defence is a great idea (assuming it was not just the head knock that caused his defensive lapses). Put anyone else in the 4 reserve spots besides Terepo and Stone and we come even closer to winning. Jennings, Fergo and Sivo all have dropped balls in them but we can’t also carry Terepo and Stone as it is just too much of an additional burden for the team to carry. I have absolutely no fears playing them again in the future without Stone and Terepo
PT, I know it might come across as hypocritical based on my trashing (excuse the pun) of Peni Terepo, but I’m not sure I can get behind your giving up on Ray Stone; particularly based on this one game.
With that said, Oregon for Peni (although with Brown’s possible suspension this could all be moot) is a no brainer for mine. Oregon was outstanding and for mine Peni has been subpar since the resumption of the competition
If Browny gets sighted for the Radley tackle I’ll be fuming because Radley was the one who got up and had a go at Browny. But of course JWH had to have a go too
Especially when Mitchell does not answer at all for almost ripping the head off Fusitua (and causing him to leave the game)
I’m not surprised he got charged, because it’s Nathan Brown. I’m glad the Eels are contesting it.
Mitch, have not read anywhere that the club is challenging the charge, but I hope they are, I have only seen a couple of photo’s of the incident, and from what I have seen its a tough call.
There was a pic and a video of the incident I did see and both are now in cyberspace as I cannot find them. Correct me if I am wrong, but what I saw is an eels player tackling Radley down low on his right side, Radley is bent over as a consequence, with Brown on his left side and his arm makes contact with Radley just above Radley’s elbow, and at ball level, which looks to be separating from his grip.
Did not see the game but reading some reports which said the eels are certainly the real deal.
I wonder though if there is something in cards, teams and players that referred to as stacked decks???? I had some reservations as to a win before the game and said so in previous TCT pre game posts, one was regarding the wingers, and thankfully Sivo stepped up but according to this report, Fergo didn’t and his coming off his wing is still a concern, with his experience he should be leading not following others and accept where he’s letting the team down.
Seems Stone has dropped back but how many minutes did he play? Wonder if bench nerves or splinters got to him this time round.
The eels were beaten by a better team but the number of penalties given away by the eels along with another sin binning tells me that the discipline is one big area that was sitting in the stands rather than on the field, its an area that has to be picked up and next weeks game will be another big test. For a non viewer I hope Evans is back on the bench and Terepo to make way for him.
I wonder as to our forwards strength overall, if Stone is dropped then perhaps Gower could be the one to replace him.
We won so much last night. Would I want 2 points against a weakened or poor Roosters or no points but face a strong and on song Roosters. Give me the second anyday. The experience, the pace, the ferocity of that game is invaluable for our young players, especially Dylan, Reed, Oregon and Maika.
I would hope whatever is going on between Fergo and Waqa is sorted. I think coming back from a shoulder reconstruction it is going to take time for Waqa and you saw him grabbing his shoulder a couple of times last night.
Fergo is confusing. He is doing everything as he did last year just with a little less dominance, he is getting somewhat dominated in tackles.
Let’s hope he is simply timing his run to make sure his body is fit and firing come later in the year. We need him firing in the finals especially given his big game experience.
I love Nathan Brown but he needs to control his aggression. While not the worst high tackle and I don’t think it should be a grade 2 he has a target on himself. It does not matter if it is fair or not it is what it is and he needs to control his aggression. With our new forward pack we don’t need him to be the intimidator. We need him in attack, we need him to lead our line speed and to cover in the ruck. He is no good to us sitting on the bench.
Shelley, I cannot understand the drop in Fergo’s form, not just his defence to which he comes in more than he did last year from the games I saw, but its his attack, he is not seemingly making the runs he did last year.
Not seeing the game, I am ultra pleased that our young forwards are finally getting good game time, with Evans back this week and the likely 2 match suspension for Nathan Brown, its going to be a big game next Saturday night against the Raiders, although I see some of the green having some brown patches of bruising on them.
Will be a tough game but one I think we can win even with NB out.
Fergo looks like he is not 100% fit, he is not hitting the line on kick returns as hard as last year and also makes some poor decisions both in a attack and defence. I’m sure he’ll get better but it seems like he might be lacking a bit of confidence maybe, that also happens if you are carrying a injury or not 100% fit.
Good game with the volume turned down, but v frustrating. We need to learn to compete with the top teams for 80 mins. We made some errors (first half primarily) and it was disappointing. Your grades Mitch (some I mean) are a little high for me, but i am also a bit harsh on some.
Glad Oregon did well.
Next week will be even tougher, and tbh the next month will show how mentally tough we are.
Yes the ref was avg at times but we cannot control that.
In hindsight I think I was probably too generous on Moses in particular. I think I am wrapped up with how impressed I am with the team in general, but I don’t care; this has already been great fun
Mitch when are you getting launched from Cape Canaveral.
No I have not seen the game yet but I will look at it tomorrow night. However watching tonight’s game at Campbelltown I thought Keppie has come a long way since entering the NRL. As I understand it Keppie was sacrificed to save space for Kaufusi at the Eels.
From what I have seen from Kaufusi I think that he is the better player. Time in the NRL will improve him even further.
It was certainly Oregon’s coming out party – he was huge tonight and hats off to him for putting his head down and working on areas directed by the coaching staff. Paying dividends.
Good write up Mitch.
We might not have won last night but I’m sure the Rooster’s are thankfull for walking away with 2 points. Their coach even said it’s their toughest Game since Rd 2.
The Rooster’s would be saying how good are the eels this yr. They got our respect.
Yet again what’s with Ferguson coming off his wing he really needs to his form more so then worried about Waqa. Once he Ferguson does that his form with Waqa will be dangerous. Team’s who wingers stay out will Target our wingers or give the other team’s half’s kicking in behind them.
Is it weird to think that I was more encouraged by our team’s chances after a loss than I have been after any of our wins? It’s an odd feeling, not least because I think we’re actually good. I think Fergo just needs to make the decision earlier and commit to shutting down the play, or simply stay on his man and trust Waqa to make the tackle. Easier said than done, obviously. I trust the coaching staff will make the changes required.
A really good game of footy, a great advertisement for our sport as the world tunes in in search of live sport.
I thought the Roosters were just about at their best and we repelled almost everything they threw at us in the first half when they had all the ball and a very high completion rate. Conversely, I don’t think we were at our best with a few silly errors creeping in and for 60 mins it was a 50/50 game. They won the penalty count, the restart count and were almost faultless in possession and we more than hung in.
Defence has been the key to success in the NRL for many years and we are almost there, the almost being Blake and Fergo. Our reaction straight after half time was superb, we really took it to the best defensive side in the NRL and had them stretched, scoring points is not an issue.
If you go ‘glass half empty’ and in my very humble opinion, in the two big games this year, Manly & Roosters, when the game was on the line in the last 20 min we were the second best side. Manly stepped up the tempo and played the touch footy like quick dump and go, just like the first clash last year and the Roosters got serious and we missed some crucial tackles. We are getting closer to the 80 min side against the big boys but we shouldn’t get carried away, we have a way to go. On the negative/positive angle, Blake and Fergo in defence are a real concern however the positive out of it as an overall side is that we know what the problem is and it is one problem and not lots of little ones.
The Keary try also highlighted the Mahoney issue, we cant expect him to play 80 min every week and not have an occasional lapse and tellingly maybe suffer at the back end of the year. It has been well publicised the club is working on a solution, we hope it comes soon.
Individually, I thought Kaufusi was fantastic and barring a two week stay of proceedings with Brown out we may have, dare I say hopefully, seen the last of Terepo this year, barring injuries. Nathan Brown was superb, younger brother Dylan showed that the big stage was just another day at the office. A lot of young halves can be accused of not running enough, he hits the line like a small forward and the tackles always end with him in forward momentum not him going backwards.
Paulo was massive up front as was Matto on the fringe. My sporting crush Ray Stone unfortunately fluffed his lines. He has been so good coming on in the last 10-15 and earned himself a crack earlier in the game but enthusiasm may have got the better of him. He will be back, he just needs to find the balance between making an impact on the game and just doing his job. As a 45 year old man with a bad back, a bung shoulder, two ankles that are shot and a knee hanging on by a thread I want some of whatever Jenko is on, he has discovered ‘the Cocoon’ elixir of youth, I love his Emmett Smith style pirouette.
Great write up as always Mitch, I literally laughed out loud at the Terepo GIF, you had so many choices to go with and nailed it.
Just a quick question for Mitch or sixties.
With Nathan Brown coping 2 week’s yet again do you both think next yr should be his last at the club ?
Look I think his a very good player there’s no doubting that. But he seems to be more off the field then on it.
My back rowers would be even when Brown comes back yet again from suspension.
11. Lane
12. Niakora
13. Matterson. What’s your thoughts on this guy’s.
Rev. Interesting thoughts, but not sure I would completely agree with you on it, according to the charge sheet, he has been involved in 2 other incidents in the past 2 years, both different to this one https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/06/19/round-6-charges/.
As much as I like the three players you name, and each make value for the team, Brown has more hard running aspects and his defence is also something that we need in both areas.
I posted above regarding the tackle on Radley and for me the way Radley was falling in photo’s I saw the point of contact was on the arm just above the elbow, also Radley was bent over and I would suggest is falling into Browns arm, bare in mind another eels player is tackling him at the same time which I would say is bringing Radley down, so perhaps that player should also be charged for something.
The question then comes down to what was the reason for Radley & his skipper to be involved, Radley obviously was not affected by the tackle and JWH as usual can’t help himself but gets away with his actions.
Colin I understand the club will challenge the charge.
John, Just read on the eels web site he’s going to challenge the charge, looks like he’s seeking a down grade.
I definitely do not agree this or next year should be Brown’s last at the club. If suspended I think Marata will move into 13, but should return to the bench (no disrespect to Marata) when Brown returns.
I know since Brad Arthur signed him from the bunnies his improved him with a passing Game n change of direction. I’m just sick of him being suspended really don’t know how much time he needs to say Time to wake up n Play with control aggression.
Your hate for Peni Penishands shows no bounds, the burning skip bin show exactly how mosty of us feels evertime he catches or attempts to catch a pass or just looses it meakly in a tackle.
I actually cheered for Peni for a long time, but he broke me this season. I can no longer resist.
I really think we could have won that game if we didn’t make so many mistakes and gave away penalties. If we are more disciplined we can beat anybody. The good thing is that it’s clear Parra have a lot more improvement in them, we just need to keep toiling away at fixing the outstanding issues in our game.
I agree – a huge positive to know that we went close to toppling them and were far from our best. Good signs in Round 6.
I’m a bit disappointed in that A- grading of Mitch Moses …Mitch
I am one of his biggest fans but that was his worst game in over 12 months.
Now in saying that I think he is carrying a sternum injury, the way he fell off tackles and hardly ran confirms it for me. Nothing has been said as I suspect nobody wants to draw attention to it, to make him a target.
Before the game he was heavily padded up in the Sternum area and if this injury is true we could have a big issue coming up to rest him or not. It should be remembered that BA plays his players injured if they claim they are OK…. Moreoa and Ferguson come to mind.I also noted that Field was added to the 21 last week and it will be interesting if he comes into the 18 by the weeks end.Your views or others on Moses carrying an injury would be appreciated.
I haven’t heard he had a sternum injury, Poppa
Poppa I don’t see Jai field playing. If Moses was to take a week Off to recover I’d say Brad Arthur will use salmon at 5 \ 8 n shift Brown into the ( 7 ) jumper. If Moses didn’t sign with us last yr I’d be sure as day that brown would be 7 n salmon 6 .
Interesting you would say that as Field was added to the 21 last week and Salmon was dropped from same. Any views on that, alternatively if Nathan Brown is not suspended then Ryan Matterson could play 5/8 and Nikiore play edge? not recommending any of these solutions, i.e. haven’t even seen Field play….more concerned about Moses ongoing fitness.
Poor discipline is always the signs of losing. Its sad to see that creeping into the team after such a great start. Hopefully a big change against the trumpeters will mean a win.
I am not sure of poor discipline has crept in as such Col as much as it was an issue in this game and more realistically a hardness still developing in terms of concentration over a full 80 minutes. We definately went off after Sivo’s try. It seemed that we got to the front and didn’t know how to carry on with it. Racehorses have the same problem sometimes, get to the front and start stargazing, rather than keeping their mind on the job…. That’s where that hardness/toughness is required.
Pops. where I see the aspect of ill discipline coming into the team is with the way Fergo has changed his play in defence to come in field almost every play that heads down his side of the field when defending, more often than not it means the opposition scores a try.
It begs a question regarding him as to his timing and what his position really is, this year as well as last year he would be kicked to but, he mixed his runs to not just run in field but also go for run along the sideline, I suspect his speed has possibly dropped.
Does he feel or consider that Waqa Blake needs support and not a good defender? therefore needing help?
For me, discipline means controlling one’s self in the role that is set for him. That does mean assisting in tackles but, not at the expense of leaving his position open when moved out of where he should be.
For some reason its been a real hole for some time with certain wingers for the eels too consistently leaving their position open for tries to be scored against us, & certainly not new nor something that is solely an eels domain.
Great write up. I’m also concerned with right edge defence but I’m sure the staff will work on it.
Surely Matto gets a mention in his write up about his almost certain try which could have resulted in a sin bin
It certainly was contentious, and a lot of people have spoken about it.
One on hand you are allowed to strip the ball in the act of scoring, on the other hand it was before the line (and obviously two in the tackle). Professional foul rules also obviously dictate that if an illegal action prevents a try, it should be a sin bin.
So if Eels fans would say it was going to be a try if he doesn’t strip, Roosters fans could then ask how can it be a penalty (as you’re allowed to strip to prevent a try)?
It’s a penalty conundrum.
To be fair, it seems like the ref split the difference and just made it a penalty, but didn’t bring a sin binning with it.
I just looked at the game for the first time. He should definitely have gone to the Bunker. That really needed more analysis.
Mitch I would take from your points above that a penalty try can only be awarded If the infringement occurs in the In Goal?
Have seen more than a few penalty tries awarded when an off side defender or blocker has taken out the player with the ball, mostly when its gone upstairs.
Hi John, no that is definitely not the case, penalty tries can be awarded from effectively anywhere on the field (obviously the closer the more likely the ref will rule that the attacker probably would have scored), but there is contention that the strip rule only protects defenders from a penalty if THAT occurs within the in goal area.
In many ways it was far more professional than MJennings’ effort. A pickpocket v a random mugging.
Cummins adjudged it as an in field strip, Morris knew his team mate was never going to drop off. Intentional professional foul but maybe too technical to be real.