The Cumberland Throw

Post Game Grades – Round 10 at Manly

 

Parramatta_Eels_logo.svg  Parramatta Eels  18

  Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 22

 

The Good:
Happier times:

The Bad:
Well, that game certainly sucked.

Sure we showed signs of life in the second half, but for all intents and purposes, the coveted Jack Afamasaga Shield was an absolute bloodbath in favour of the home side.

Truly horrific attack, paltry defence and a complete inability to seize advantage over a Manly team so desperate to let us back in the game. Even though each team scored 4 tries and we only lost by 4, after 34 years of disappointment, the first half in particular felt very much like the Eels team we’ve come to expect.

I think we knew that swapping out a right edge of Moses, Matterson, Waqa Fergo for Jai, Taka, Waqa, Genko was never going to help us beat a wounded Manly; but we pushed the advantage even further with silly mistakes, poor options and (at times) insipid defence.

Speaking of right edges, Moses Suli was under an injury cloud coming into the game, picked up a further sternum and upper limb injury and then proceeded to catch a cold in defence. Like Harrison Ford in The Fugitive (1993), we should have been after the one armed man; yet we somehow stayed right away. Again, that’s just dumb attacking football from the Eels.

“GO LEFT! GO LEFT! WHY THE HELL AREN’T THEY GOING TO THE LEFT?!”

– me, for much of the second half.

The X-Factor:
Regardless of what happened in the rest of the game (to be honest, it wasn’t much), the score was 22-4 at half time, and that was pretty much all she wrote.

The Eels had more ball (51 to 49%), better completions (37/49, 76%; 32/43, 74%), more running metres (2855 to 2313) and conceded less penalties (4 to 5) but still found a way to give an under strength Manly side the W.

The MVP:
This always feels pretty empty after a loss, particularly after a loss like that, but Reagan Campbell-Gillard was still pretty great tonight.

I’m really glad he doesn’t play for Penrith anymore.

http://www.starrpartners.com.au/office/starr-partners-auburn

1- Clinton Gutherson (c)

Fullback, Parramatta Eels

Playing yet another revenge game against the club that almost ruined his career, other than an incredibly unfortunate kick off out on the full, Clint Gutherson actually played pretty well. As per the Suli comment above, I would have thought Gutho would have shown a bit more footballing nous to steady the ship and direct our attack. Nonetheless, his massive 21 runs effort (236m), 2 try assist, 2 linebreak assist, 4 tackle break game is a cool, refreshing glass of NRL statistics in an otherwise parched palette of a game.

2- Maika Sivo

Left Wing, Parramatta Eels

Not to outdone by his fellow winger’s horrible first half error, Maika Sivo gifted the Sea Eagles field position at the worst of times; leading to DCE strolling through our defensive line like it wasn’t even there. Even in a quiet performance, Big Fiji still managed 12 runs (128m) and a couple of tackle breaks; I just wish he had more ball.

The worst part of it all is that 79th minute knee injury looked scary, and Maika’s looming absence has given George Jennings another look at an Eels jersey.

3- Michael Jennings

Left Centre, Parramatta Eels

Two tries, 15 runs (182m), 2 linebreaks and 3 tackle breaks; also wasn’t the member of his family to drop the ball with his first touch.

4- Waqa Blake

Right Centre, Parramatta Eels

Scoring an incredible length of the field try to reignite the Eels chances, I actually thought tonight was Waqa Blake’s best game since he individually dissected the Penrith Panthers. Taking into account a 95 metre solo try, Waqa’s 9 runs for 178m, try assist, linebreak assist and 4 tackle break game is still pretty impressive.

Also, don’t shoot me, but I actually thought it was a rake.

5- George Jennings

Right Wing, Parramatta Eels

George Jennings can play football and he did some good things tonight. I mean 213 metres from 24 runs is excellent yardage, and Gennings also scored the try that almost kinda gave us a chance to snatch it at the end. He also had a linebreak, 4 tackle breaks and only made 1 error.

But that error, George. That error.

If he were to ever write an autobiography he should definitely call it ‘By George’; based on the opening minutes of tonight’s game alone it should be catalogued as a tragedy.

6- Dylan Brown

Five Eighth, Parramatta Eels

After a subpar game last week, the unflappable Dylan Brown showed he is, indeed, quite flappable. Notching up only his 7th career loss tonight, Dylbags could be seen out there tonight kicking the ball out on the full, not laying a hand on DCE, dropping the ball and at the same time not seen taking control of our 5th tackle options.

Although he improved a little as the game went on, particularly taking the line on (15 runs, 167m, 4 tackle breaks and a linebreak), it obviously wasn’t his most inspired performance, highlighted by 3 really poor errors from the young superstar in the making. Still, I’m not too stressed; maybe I’m secretly just pleased he’s actually human.

7- Jai Field

Halfback, Parramatta Eels

It was an unfortunate miss from Jai Field on Marty Taupau in the opening minutes, but to be fair he weighs about as much as Marty’s left calf. Despite his missteps tonight, I still think it’s fair to say that Jai Field is less an NRL halfback and more a roaming Rugby League player with speed to burn; getting through 7 runs (53m), an offload, 20 tackles and his customary 3 tackle breaks tonight. Nonetheless, I still think he has deputised very well for Mitchell Moses and has certainly pressed his case to jag a spot on the bench in the coming weeks.

8- Reg Campbell Gillard

Prop, Parramatta Eels

When everyone else was falling in a heap around him, Reagan Campbell-Gillard still played like a table topping prop. After dropping 22 runs (226m), a tackle break and 42 tackles last week, tonight RCG today threw down an even more incredible 27 hit ups for 263 running metres, 2 tackle breaks and 47 tackles in 80 minutes (yes, all 80!).

Sure, he didn’t score a sitter, but props aren’t there to score tries off grubber kicks; so he gets at least a pass mark for that. Otherwise, huge credit for an outstanding game from the big fella.

9- Reed Mahoney

Hooker, Parramatta Eels

I know last week I asked for his re-signing, but I’m hoping the Reed Mahoney we signed doesn’t play as poorly as whichever bloke was out there in the Eels 9 tonight. Although his service was still passable and he still made a tonne of tackles (63!), the headlines of Cash’s performance are a horrible mishmash of missed tackles, forward passes, untimely errors and poor kicks in general play; with Champion actually crediting him with 4 of our errors tonight. Based on his incredible game last week, and a history of being one of our best players, I’m more than happy to put tonight’s performance down to just a bad game; I encourage you to do the same.

10- Junior Paulo

Prop, Parramatta Eels

With some questions over his fitness from last week’s game, Junior Paulo’s 62 minute stint was at least an encouraging expression of his fitness. Big Guy got through a very impressive 17 runs (177m), 4 tackle breaks, an offload and 30 tackles tonight, although he was one of those guys with a pretty unfortunately timed error next to his name.

11- Shaun Lane

Second Row, Parramatta Eels

Playing yet another revenge game against the club that almost ruined his career, Shaun Lane could have rightfully been accused of playing double agent in the first half; waving his ex-teammates past like a car park attendant.

I don’t really care about his relatively anaemic 9 runs for 77m or his singular tackle break; his defence on the relatively unaffected by injury left edge was really poor.

Consider yourself another player in a long line of Eels needing a bounce back game next week, Shaun.

17- Not Ryan Matterson

Second Row, Parramatta Eels

I’m sure whoever they replace Daniel Craig with will make a great James Bond, but it’s just not the same.

13- Nathan Brown

Lock, Parramatta Eels

I’m really glad that Nathan Brown both plays for the Eels and is not mad at me. A numerically perfect 10 runs for 100 metres was complemented by an offload, 2 tackle breaks and 18 tackles. Here’s hoping he can recover from that cork before Thursday.

14- David Gower

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

Playing yet another revenge game against the club that almost ruined his career, David Gower went out there and played another game of Rugby League. Old Man had 4 runs for 40 metres, 11 tackles, 2 tackle breaks and no hair on his head.

15- Stefano Utoikamanu

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

I was surprised to see that Stefano Utoikamanu played 22 minutes tonight (4 runs, 37m, 1 tackle break, 11 tackles); because I almost had no idea he was even out there. In a world where hugging your family after your NRL debut is frowned upon, Stefano will hopefully get a chance next week to show his future club the talent they shelled out for.

16- Marata Niukore

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

Marata Niukore was once again one of the brightest shining lights in an otherwise dark game for the Blue & Gold. In a no fuss 27 minute stint off the bench. Crash racked up 169 running metres from his 17 runs to go with his 25 tackles.

21- Andrew Davey

Interchange, Parramatta Eels

Looking about as country as every contestant you’ve ever seen on Farmer Wants a Wife, Andrew Davey should be pretty pleased with his more than solid NRL debut. In an encouraging 29 minute show of faith from his coach, one of the few blokes born with a ready made nickname had 6 runs for 45 metres, 18 tackles and 2 offloads, one of which lead to a try. Whatever happens from here on out, you are now an NRL player mate; good stuff.

Well there it is, our second loss of the year, and against Manly of all teams. You just know NRL Twitter will be a blast this week.

Thankfully the loss won’t get a chance to sting too bad for too long – it’s 5 short days before we meet the Tigers at Bankwest again; hopefully with some fresh troops and a much steelier resolve.

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.

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54 thoughts on “Post Game Grades – Round 10 at Manly

  1. Anonymous

    Pretty fair grades. I’m sure there was a choir singing out ‘to the left’ even the commentators were calling it. The completion rate surprised me as it felt like we would have been lucky to have made double digits. Reed by far his worst game ever and I’m sure his re signing was flashing before brads eyes. It certainly was the eels of old, the eels that we would rather not see out on the paddock again thanks.

    1. mitch Post author

      Just an off game, it’s been brewing for a little while. Hopefully it puts the fear of failure back into them and they come out firing on Thursday night.

  2. Fathead

    Pretty good grades but I would give Davey a little bit more- he went really well and Lane deserves an E. Mahoney at least did 60 odd tackles. That was close to the worst game Lane has had in Eels colours, close to the last game he had against the Sea Eagles – he may be a double agent !

  3. The rev aka Snedden

    Gennings 1st touch really set the tone for the night. Mind you sivo had a night to forget also. Wait I’m going to blame the who team for a poor performance.

    Watching Mahoney n Levi they are both different kind of hooker’s. Freddy for some reason look’s n turns his body in the direction of his pass. Wear Levi looks straight ahead.

    Mahoney was poor but I won’t be to harsh on the team at least they came back n almost stole the Game from monly. Eels of old would have just gave up. Do I expect much better next week. Helll yeah.

    For the life of me how was the Joel Thompson try a try 🤔 he clearly missed it. Maybe the refs thought we can erase the last Manly Game vs Eels with another talking point.

    Gutherson needs goal kicking practice with Joey also. To me this game was for the taking. Yet another missed opportunity.

    Can’t wait to matterson Ferguson and Moses n Evans Oregon kaufusi n Ray stone are back. Our bench is not strong enough to match the storm Rooster’s.

    We need to improve Next week

  4. Wilhelmina

    That was just… urgh.

    Despite how dreadful we were, it was four tries apiece, and if Reg didn’t bobble it (worse than Thomson :o), the game was ours. Sadly, that was more of a reflection on Manly than us.

    It felt like they had the five-day turnaround in their heads, and were mentally already onto the Tigers game, instead of getting through this one first. At least we didn’t completely drop our heads and allow it to turn into another Brookie bloodbath, which I was half-expecting 15 minutes in.

    Definitely the worst game I’ve seen from Mahoney, Lane and Dylbags. Gennings played at the level he’s at – a back-up. Ditto Field. I’d have given Marata a B+, I thought he was pretty good. Like you, I didn’t notice Stefano, but thought Davey played well. I’d be happy for him to have another run next week at Stefano’s expense, assuming we’re still short on forwards.

  5. Gem

    Hated just about all of it tonight. But, every way we sucked is fairly easy to rectify. Reg and Marata were outstanding, and Davey certainly didn’t look out of place – glad he backed himself to go for the offload!
    1x tigers bounce back defeat coming up, please.

    1. mitch Post author

      Marata, Davey and RCG the fan favourites tonight, thought Gutho very strong too.

      Mate, I would just LOVE to beat the Tigers.

    1. mitch Post author

      Yeah I don’t actually disagree, it’s just that last time I gave out an A+ in a loss, the site had to shut down for a few days to process all the hate mail I received.

  6. Trouser Eel

    Not unlike a few of my first dates, it was wet and slippery, a lot of fumbling around and those involved deservedly left not knowing if they’d get another crack at it.
    Some calmer heads were needed last night. Hopeful Reed and Dylbags learn from this.
    Gennings first mistake, putting on his boots, was magnified by his second mistake. I think he worked hard after that though.

    Always admire your work Mitch coming up with that funny stuff (not Ryan Matterson -*slaps thigh and gives a wink) can’t be easy after watching something like we saw.

  7. The rev aka Snedden

    Goes to show how much we really do miss Moses his goal kicks n General kicking his organisation of our players. jai did alright but his no halfback. whats with Gutherson’s right leg ?

    We really need to get our mojo back asap. RCG is A+ if you ask me mitch play’s 80 minute’s runs 297 metre’s what more does he have to do to get A+

    1. mitch Post author

      Yeah a lot of people have gone into bat for Marata, RCG and Davey. Fair enough, too; they were all very good.

  8. Trapped in the 1970"s

    I worry a lot. I was very worried about this game and rightly so. A terrible start compounded by some weak goal line defense and that set the scene. So much good work and growing confidence replaced by doubt and memories of old in just 20 minutes.

    RGC deserves an A+. If you need to trade a grade I’d suggest a pair of D’s for Reed and D Brown wouldn’t be out of place. The service from dummy half was well below normal standard. High, forward and delayed passes that slowed the rthym of the ball carrier were much, much too frequent.

    The long kicking game was poor. Mindless is probably a better word.

    Jnr didn’t look fit to me especially in his first stint. He looked better after that but maybe he was needled up.

    Good teams can carry a new player or two but that requires the senior players to do their job. That wasn’t the case last night and if the game proved anything it was that Taka is not run on quality anymore, at any time, ever. Please not in my lifetime again.

    With the exception of Niukore (who I thought deserved a higher grade) none of the other 3 would be on the bench if the squad were fully fit.

    Through blue and gold eyes i thought the Thompson grounding was suspect, but the 6 again call for the Suli self flop in the lead up was terrible.

    Hopefully 5 days is enough to turn their attitude around.

    1. Glenn

      Yes thought Mahoney really stifled the team attack. Instead of his fast, flat passes they were slow looped passes that hit (mostly) our player at the same time as the defence. Maybe we should cancel his contract and keep him negotiating to bring back his form.

  9. BDon

    Two weeks in a row, the worst possible start. That’s something to work on. I’m going to check the tape for George, not 100% that the ball actually touched the ground, and there was definitely a hand in behind the ball. A fine line between pleasure and pain, without that, he has a B+. Unusual, that a major turning point happens in the first 10 seconds.
    Nathan Brown was busting a gut to turn the game and given we got to within 4 points, he just may have, he copped a marginal ‘inside 10’ call when he had forced an error on Manly’s line. the replay showed he had held, but then he was injured.
    RCG doing his job big time, and Mitch, I think it’s time for the other Mitch.

    1. BDon

      Just watched the Gennings fumble. I don’t reckon it touched the ground but part of the fumble is backward against a tackler’s arm. A 50/50, enough for Klein to have doubt. And it happened after a minute, while our forwards were probably still congratulating themselves for a reasonable first defensive set where Manly kicked from their 40.Then oops,we were suddenly defending our line, the rest is history.

  10. Michael Formosa

    That game was so disappointing, I didn’t expect us to win every game but I thought those performances were behind us. We made Danny Levi look like Danny Buderus!

    1. mitch Post author

      We always do. He’s just one of those players that tears us apart. Same thing as Feki from the Sharks.

  11. DDay

    The Grades were more fun than the game! I thought RCG was worthy of an A and DBrown must have gone close to joining Lane & Reed with Ds.
    “Not Ryan Matterson” should never be in an Eels run on squad and never ever in the forwards – I’m sure he is inhabited by the ghosts of the Eels of 2018.
    I think while handing out grades BA should receive a C-, poor tactics & use of the bench (marata should have started & played more minutes and Taka & Lane less), poor gee up to start the game but good rev up at half time.
    So now that we have seen some of the fringe players get a run I’m keen to see some of the 1st choice troups return for next week. It’s been interesting to see some good depth in Davey, Kaufusi, Stone and Gower of course. Not sure about Stefano, Peni, Gennings and reserve judgement on Field.

    1. Prometheus

      Shades of 2018 in that showing. Thankfully it was not the Storm and big Nelson otherwise 60 would have been put on us. Shaun Lane needs to be made to watch RCG’s effort because his was appalling.Our plan of 5 hitup’s and then the bomb ? please give it a break. Go back to ball through the hands on both sides of the field.

      1. mitch Post author

        I think the 5 hitups and a bomb has its place when you’re struggling for possession and need to apply a bit of pressure, but yeah we were just all out of sorts last night.

    2. mitch Post author

      I think the fact that Marata is now considered exclusively as a middle meant that’s where he found his minutes – in his regular role off the bench. However, yes, he would have done more of a job for us than Taka.

      Moses, Matto and Fergo back on Thursday, Kane the week after, Stone and Oregon a couple of weeks after that. I thought Davey was very good in his first game.

      1. The rev aka Snedden

        So the troop’s are slowly coming back. Thanks 👍.

        Mitch what was with the refs changing his mind after we forced a line drop out. Next minute monly are taking a 20 metre re Start. You make any sense of it ?

        1. mitch Post author

          Yeah mate, bunker automatically looks at all decisions like that. Not unusual.

          Thought it was a tough call, nonetheless.

      2. Dom

        I thought Davey showed up Taka, Gower and Lane. Looked solid and showed some good hands with the offloads.

  12. One Put Pete

    Why not pass the ball to the left. Recently we passed to Jennings and Sevo 3 time and it resulted in tries. What happened last night team? Fair grades but sure hope we improve for next weeks game and Gutherson needs to direct the team again
    Liked the Farmer comment.

  13. paul taylor

    As others have said – the tone was set when George Jennings dropped the ball on tackle 1. The look on GUTHO’s face was gold. He was thinking where have I seen that before… We are playing a bit busted I feel. Few blokes not healthy. Sometimes, you are mentally not ready to accept the pain that is going to come when you cross the white line playing injured. Might be wrong but I think the tough last 6 weeks is starting to take its toll.

    On a positive RCG is best front rower again in the game in 2020. JENNINGS is up there with the Morris boys as wily veterans playing great. Field is a back up not a NRL half back. BROWN needs to let the ball fly and get out of the run first, pass second mind set. Creating no opportunities because he is being easily controlled and read.

    WE will bounce back. Have to.

  14. mitch Post author

    Let the record show that I have upped RCG to an A+.
    I couldn’t defend just an A any longer.

  15. Colin Hussey

    I had a flat feeling yesterday, whereas usually if I cannot watch an eels game I at least try to listen to it on the radio, on this occasion though I had no interest in it, instead I watched 2/3rds of the movie Gran Torrino, will finish off watching it today or night.

    I did however, look at the results after the movie and watched BA’s presser, but had to turn that off half way through owing to the look and speaking of one heck of a frustrated coach that did not deserve that performance from a team that showed faith in their coach, or was it they do not like the peninsular and unable to play at night except on their home ground.

    I am totally pleased with the efforts in reading the marks especially of RCG, was totally pleased he was heading our way despite how many against it. Seems even Gennings seemed to show some potential, but with Marata & Nrown at least we had some high energy players earning their keep.

    Methinks the team needs to improve 200% at least to beat the tigers next match though.

    Having just read BA’s report on the eels webb site and looking at the big photo, how does one define frustration with the looks on the faces of 3 of the staff with one looking the other way?

  16. Shelley

    This is going to be a little harsh and let me be upfront in saying many more players had a worse game as compared with George Jennings and Jai Field. However, players like Lane, Reed and Dylan have credits in the bank and Reed and Dylan tried to hard. They are young and have had tough games to recover from. They will learn from this. You can understand their performance and know they can be much better.
    George just made mistakes. His 200 metres in running did not hurt the Manly defence and did not make up for his mistakes both in attack and defence. Unfortunately George makes 2-3 unforced errors almost every time he plays. You cannot drop the ball on our first set of six when playing a backs to the wall Manly at Brookvale. You just can’t. Sure we should have defended the mistake but the original mistake is inexcusable.

    Unless Jai Field develops his game he cannot be our long term back up half. His show and go fools no one because he does it every time and crabs sideways. I hope the young man stays, but he needs some regular football in Reserve grade to develop a passing and kicking game.

    1. Anonymous

      George came in cold shelly ,1st game in 5 months , we dont have a reserve grade comp at moment so its what it is ,dont disagree with you but circumstances are unprecedented at moment .

  17. Achilles' Eel

    I’d say, the Eels, much like the Roosters, are going through a tough little period of managing injuries, expectations and fatigue. Of course the short turnaround doesn’t help, but there was always going to be a lull in intensity along the way. So as long as they can keep up the wins over the next month and peak at the right end of the season I’ll be happy.

    It was a lack of concentration in the opening quarter of the game that was their undoing last night. They did, though, keep another team scoreless in the second half. That’s the seventh time this season already!

    1. Anonymous

      Finally someone who gets it without whingeing about everything , bit disrespectful to taka mitch , 7 seasons valuable service to eels and an international , you?

      1. mitch

        It’s an ongoing joke regarding how much I like Ryan Matterson, mate. I barely commented on Taka as a player.

      2. Parramatta Tragic

        People are allowed to have different opinions Anon. It’s called democracy and it should be encouraged in every discussion. I thought you were disrespectful to Mitch, who probably spends at least 2 hours putting something very entertaining together every week and another 3 hours then replying to people. Not everything needs to be deadly serious in life. I bet you pounds to peanuts that Taka would have laughed at that review. I bet he got it without whinging

  18. West Coast Eel

    Yeah. Tough loss. We played very ordinarily and almost got there in the end. It’s a loss that was probably been coming for a while. We win next week and this loss is forgotten. On to the next.

  19. Anonymous

    Not a bad write up. Definitely should have won that game. Played poorly. Made some very silly errors. Jennings kicking ball dead with 6 to go was a turning point. As was the Mahoney knock on 2 metres out from their line.
    We certainly didn’t play smart and needed Clint to lead the team better.

  20. Luke

    Just chalk this one up to ‘one of those games’ where everything that could go wrong, did. We were due a loss, missing key players and away from home against a proud team at home looking to break a 3 game losing streak. I think we all have to remember both Reed and DBrown are in their 2nd full seasons of NRL and have many ahead of them, but they’re still pretty green and will have moments like these. NRL is a battle of attrition and we’re halfway through the season after a red-hot start. To think we could have stolen that game if we held the ball in H2 just a couple more times.

  21. Offside

    Reed was bad ladt night and a touch off the pace maybe the court case he was involved in during the week effected his mindset, lets hope he bounces back.

    I was impressed with Davey off the bench i hope we see abit more of him.

    Im starting to worry about any more injuries i don’t know if we will manage with another one

  22. Max

    Mitch, I think you’re being generous to Gutho! He has been outstanding this year, but we genuinely needed a leader on Saturday and he went missing. Dylan Brown was absolutely outplayed in every facet of his game to. Andrew Davey showed a lot of promise I thought, bloody tough coming into a situation like that for your debut!

    1. mitch Post author

      Yeah that could be the case, but other than the kick off error (which was admittedly pretty horrible), I thought he was more than solid and never stopped trying. His stats were pretty impressive too.

      I can see what you’re saying, and the lack of nous when we attacked their line in the second half really hurt us. Yes he is our captain, but you could blame 2 or 3 guys for that, too.

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