The Cumberland Throw

The Monday Grind – The Surrogate 7

The Parramatta Eels were dealt their first serious setback to their 2020 premiership campaign on Saturday night when Mitchell Moses succumbed to a calf tear. Thankfully, the Eels showed the collective character and gumption you would expect from a team with title aspirations to rally and claim a fiercely fought golden point victory over the Canberra Raiders – and in doing so remain the outright competition leaders. Now however, Parramatta face a nervous wait to see just how long their star playmaker will be put on ice.

Moses was troubled by a calf strain over the COVID-19 hiatus, as informed by Brad Arthur when he spoke to the Sunday Footy Show on Channel 9 yesterday and the injury on Saturday night looks to be a recurrence of the same injury. The Eels’ commander-in-chief spoke to the panel using that older calf injury as a frame of reference and he seemed optimistic ahead of any scan results given Mitchell’s mobility on Sunday.

Still, even in a best case scenario the Eels are looking at several weeks without Moses and that could quickly stretch to multiple months if the scans do reveal a more significant tear. The silver lining, however small it may be, is that Parramatta were able to navigate a vicious gauntlet in their draw prior to losing Moses. A four game stretch over the Sea Eagles, Panthers, Roosters and Raiders yielded three crucial victories and just the sole defeat against the reigning premiers. You may not win the premiership in the first two months but each one of those banked wins will be huge moving forwards.

The spotlight will now fall on Dylan Brown – Parramatta’s unflappable and ineffable rising star. No stage has ever been too big for Brown in his young career and indeed he has made a habit of stepping up in adverse conditions given that he has starred at every level with a significant age handicap. Dylan will get the job done for the Eels, it could even be the making of him as the heightened responsibilities elevates his game to an even greater level.

Instead the focus will be on who partners him in the absence of Mitchell Moses. Replacing your first choice halfback is a nightmare at the best of times but 2020 has flicked the settings from ‘Hard’ to ‘Ultra Nightmare’ with the Canterbury Cup scrapped due to COVID-19 and clubs left with no form guides and no match fit replacements. In many ways, this greatly streamlines the selection process but lets run our eyes over the candidates to claim the #7 nonetheless.

 

Brad Takairangi – First up is the man who got the job done on Saturday night, or least got most of it done. Technically Takairangi also spent some time in the centres when Waqa Blake underwent a head injury assessment but he was Brad Arthur’s first response to the injury crisis. While he is better known as a utility backline and backrow option these days, he remains the Eels’ most experienced half after Moses and Brown and has got the job done in the past for ‘BA’. Crucially, he is also somewhat match fit – a decisive factor in selection protocol.

The Cook Island Control Tower should be seen as the red hot favourite to parter Brown in the halves. He might need to hand in his full kicking licence and get back to the red or green P’s though.

 

Ryan Matterson – Next up is the other man who spent time in the halves against the Raiders. Matterson actually looked quite comfortable working down the right edge as the shot-caller for the fifteen or so minutes that Waqa Blake was off the field. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with Matterson’s past at the Eels given he played in the halves as a junior at the club. The difference in impact that he or Takairangi would bring to the role is negligible – they would both get the job done at a similar level and in a similar way. The important question here is whether it is worth weakening a strength to strengthen a weakness? Matterson has been outstanding in the backrow for the Eels and we honestly do not have a quality replacement for him on that edge.

 

Jaeman Salmon – Salmon is one of the more popular options I have seen among fans in post-match discussions online. Jaeman was the player that Arthur initially called on to replace Dylan Brown in 2019 when stress fractures derailed his season and that gives him some form of running in this battle a year later. He has shown competence as a playmaker at the Canterbury Cup level but has also been focused on specialising his talents as a centre more recently. Salmon could be an interesting option for ‘BA’ in the coming weeks depending on how injuries stress his depth on the bench. As we will see with almost all of the following contenders though, a lack of match fitness is going to be a rough hurdle to overcome.

 

Will Smith – Another player who has been called on to handle this exact task in the past. It is precisely that reason why Smith finds himself on this list, even if he is a long shot for the role. The Fresh Prince has shown himself to be capable of effervescent brilliance at his best but equally so, he can leave you stumped with a baffling error. Consistency will be key for whoever is charged with marshalling Parramatta’s right edge and that leaves Smith a rung or two below the names above.

 

Jai Field – Like Salmon, Field has been a popular choice among fans over the weekend. Field, if nothing else, is the most exciting candidate here. He is the big unknown, the x-factor, the bloke that has the most exciting tape. Field, a one-time Dragons gun rookie, joined the Eels late in the preseason this year and immediately impressed onlookers with how smooth he looked on the, err, field. He possesses electric pace but a smaller frame that would be picked on in defence. If Arthur feels Parramatta are short on point-scoring potential at any point he could find himself in the mix but you have to think that any combination of Takairangi, Matterson or Salmon would get the first look in.

 

Jordan Rankins – Our most recent recruit. A capable utility who has played in the halves and fullback throughout his career but alas will likely not be in the running here. He might still be a handy pick up mind you.

 

Junior Paulo – As voted for by Des Hasler. Don’t you dare pretend that the idea of Proptimus Prime stretching out the #7 until it is fraying at the seams doesn’t get Dirty Des all hot and sweaty at night. Paulo is a spectacularly gifted ball-playing frontrower but for some reason I just can’t see ‘BA’ emulating Hasler’s feat of selecting Tony Williams at halfback for the Bulldogs. I can however envision Junior taking on some unique responsibilities in the red-zone, something that the Eels showcased against the Broncos this year in Round 3.

 

For mine Brad Takairangi is the obvious choice. Arthur intimated on the Sunday Footy Show that ‘Taka’ is likely his first choice but that he will explore every option ahead of Team List Tuesday. Who is Parramatta’s Surrogate #7 in your eyes? Should the Eels roll the dice on the likes of Salmon or Field or stick with a known quantity?

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22 thoughts on “The Monday Grind – The Surrogate 7

  1. sixties

    I’m voting for Taka. His selection best answers the question about who should defend next to Blake.

    1. Anonymous

      100% yes. Waqa’s defence has been suspect over the last few games, most noticeably since the Manly match up.

  2. Fathead

    Wow – It looks like Taka is the man but I doubt that he could get close to me with pace !
    If Taka is chosen suddenly all the offensive plays with their nimble halves are directed his way.
    Yes he’s a big body and can handle a defence one on one but can’t kick and can’t run.
    Field is electric with the pace, can throw a decent face ball and can kick.
    If you want to hide Field in defence just put him on the wing when we are in possession.
    If I was Paul Green I would definitely be hoping they would pick Taka but I would be worried if they went with Field.
    That should be the indicator.

    1. Forty20 Post author

      I would be excited to see what Jai Field could bring to the table if Arthur backs him this week but that lack of match fitness is scary. Regardless of whoever ends up donning the #7 I would expect them to be tasked with a simple game plan. Dylan Brown, Reed Mahoney and Clinton Gutherson will take on the slack for the most part.

      1. Longfin Eel

        I think that could be more of a worry though. As you say whoever is at number 7, Gutho will most likely have to chip in especially on kicks. This will take away from his damaging runs from fullback. Whatever happens, Parra will need to learn to play slightly differently. An enormous challenge for DBrown, Gutherson and Mahoney to maintain the attack that Moses provides.

  3. Anonymous

    My vote would be for Taka.

    The sensible option is to not only go with experience, but someone with some game time under their belt considering there is no NSW Cup to not only get game time but to be able to have some yard stick to judge how their form is going.

    I would love to have seen how Field and Salmon would have been going for the Eels in NSW Cup … but that’s just not a reality at this point in time.

    I would think that Taka IS the best option for the run on squad with perhaps having Field or Salmon on the bench.

  4. Ellie

    I was just discussing this with my work mates minutes ago! Taka is who we came up with too. Although he needs to spend all week working on his kicking game.

  5. The rev aka Snedden

    So the big question everyone is asking who partners Dylan Brown in the half’s 🤔
    IMO let’s balance the pros and cons of this situation.

    Will Smith pros = his played in the half n has a kicking Game of sorts. Cons has more dumb plays in him the a peni terepo drop ball session.

    Rankin. pros = Experience. Cons hasn’t been at the club long enough to know the way we play can kick goals also. But in saying that gutherson did a fine job.
    .

    Jai field. Pros = Fast can play 5/8 n kick goals. Cons to small n could be a big difference in defence the difference between missing tackles or making them.

    Salmon. The fish. Pro’s= big guy for a 5/8 has a great running n passing Game n ok in defence also know’s how we play My pick to play 5/8 Brown half back.
    Cons is that hasn’t had a match in almost a yr. Was my tip to play 5/8 if Moses didn’t re-sign with the Eels.

    With all this said n done I’m sure Brad n Joey will work out who’s up for the job or not. Joey will help the half’s n guide them down the right direction.

    If we score those 3 opening half bombed tries we go on to score about 42 point’s n Canberra only score the 1 meat pie.

    What a win yeah we lost Moses n our way but like the best teams in the comp we found a way to win the Game. After 2 heart attacks during the last 5 minutes heart rate back to normal.#Eels4life#

  6. The rev aka Snedden

    Is it me or ppl don’t see Dylan Brown shifting to 7 n who ever slots in comes in at 6.

    For me it’s Dylan Brown (7) salmon (6). Maybe have Jai field come onto the bench for back up for salmon or Reedy. More so salmon.

    1. WH1T3_L1GHTN1NG

      Brown will most likely step up and play the role of a 7 without formerly wearing that jersey or swapping edges, the combinations with Lane/Jenko/Sivo are strong. Why weaken a great defensive and offensive edge to maybe strengthen the other slightly.

      Whoever fills in this week may not the week after. The Cowboys have a strong forward pack headlined by Taumalolo. They like to role through that middle third. We could play a slower, defence orientated mindset and select Taka to account for this. The week after against Knights will see a lot more involvement from the outside backs, especially as Bradman Best will be lining up attacking this area. Having Salmon over Taka here could be the way to go. Yes, while he may not have the ability to handle the bigger bodies quite as well, he could hold his own until help arrives, but his speed is miles ahead of Taka and could provide the difference.

      Either way, it will be interesting to see how BA adapts the game plan to account for the loss of Moses as he is irreplaceable. As long as the fill in player can perform their clearly defined role and play to their strengths instead of attempting to mimic Moses, I have confidence in whoever is chosen.

  7. Choppy

    Personally, I’d go Matto in the 6.
    Brown to 7 with Niukore filling in Matto’s spot. Stone in at lock. Taka on the bench in case it all doesn’t work or someone gets injured.

  8. Prometheus

    Was Rapana cited for the hit on Alvaro?. Much worse than Nathan Brown. The talk on Mose’s replacement is pointless. BA will pick Taka.

    1. Forty20 Post author

      Rapana received a Grade 1 Careless charge and is subject to a fine only. Classic NRL you have to say.

  9. DDay

    No Taka for me – he’s slow and his lack of lateral movement is a liability which is the a reason Waqa was recruited. Can’t imagine the new rules and faster tempo suit him, add his mistake rate and lack of a kicking game to the equation, we can do better. By all means keep Taka on the bench.

    IMO start with Salmon who played some #6 last year, is mobile, solid defensively and has a kicking game. Salmon has also had the benefit of an offseason with John’s so it would be good to see where he’s at. Give the young guys development opportunities – as per kaufusi.

  10. Milo

    If we had the CC being played and Salmon performing i would go for him; but it seems Brad T will get the nod. He is not a specialist 5/8 but i note the defence (centre area on edges) needs to be covered in this area.

  11. pete

    Good points forty20.
    A great chance to see DB step up and control the team.
    I guess Takka is match fit and can get a job done. He seems in better form than recent years. Salmon has also been a handy back up. Rhys Davies… Not sure how he is at present but from reports had a great pre season 1.0. Will Smith has had his time and I would prefer Junior at 7.
    Anyway, thanks for the report.

  12. Zero58

    Good thoughts DDay.
    Obvious selection is Taka but too slow.
    Can run nice swerve and strong. The 5/8 slower than him would have been Mark Hughes and then he was so good he could beat his opposite just by walking.
    Salmon at fullback and Gutherson 5/8.
    Taka on the bench.
    Salmon got his stripes at Cronulla as a fullback.

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