Parramatta Eels 28
Wests Tigers 24
Wests Tigers 24
The Good: |
The first half had its moments, as did the last 20 minutes.
Yes, this team is far from perfect and yes I can definitely see what the doubters are doubting, but we have finished the regular season in 3rd place, winning 75% of our games in Season 2020. That’s outstanding by any measure. Remember when the Cronulla Sharks won the title? They lost 4 of their last 5 regular season games and approximately zero people thought they could do anything in the Finals. The moral of the story? Now we’re in the Top 4, we’re only 3 wins from a Premiership and anything could happen. Fire up, Eels fans.
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The Bad: |
That 20 minutes after halftime was paltry to say the least.
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but our right edge defence is absolutely pathetic.
If it were still the regular season, there’d be plenty to be concerned about (our inability to stay in games, kicking on the 3rd tackle when we’d forgotten what the ball looked like, our right edge defence, a likely trip to the judiciary, Blake Ferguson) but now it’s Finals time, baby, and everything starts again. |
The X-Factor: |
The team stats were surprisingly even between the two sides tonight, with the two sides not only splitting 50% possession, but also each having 5 penalties and 37 sets with the ball (the Eels completing 30 to the Tigers’ 29). However the Eels were able to edge out the Tigers in run metres (2214 to 1935), and the all (not very) important scrum count (8 to 3). The Eels also had 12 offloads in the opening 40, but only 3 in the second half.
The Tigers did get 6 set restarts to 1, however. The Bunker’s decision to knock back Andrew Davey’s try was annoying, and we always knew Waqa Blake’s try was questionable, if not spectacular. Finally this is also worth pondering:
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The MVP: |
It is Junior Paulo. He was very, very good. |
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1- Clinton Gutherson (c)Fullback, Parramatta Eels |
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| We could waste precious time talking about Clint Gutherson’s support play, the tip on for Fergo’s try, the successful grubbers (repeat sets, Taka’s try), the ludicrous kicks on the third tackle (see tweet below) or even his 9 runs, 91m (would have more metres if he kicked less), 1 linebreak assist, 2 try assists, 2 tackle breaks and 11 tackles (1 missed).
But it all pales in comparison to that one outstanding tackle on Luke Garner in the 77th minute. If Gutho misses that tackle, or Garner runs another couple of metres through contact this is a very different Post Game Grades and our Finals outlook suddenly grows all the more dark. Huge play from the Captain, and silly kicks aside, it was once again a pretty great game. |
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2- Maika SivoLeft Wing, Parramatta Eels |
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| Yes, Adam Doueihi did shoulder charge him. Yes, it was good to see the big man get over the line for another try, and also seeing his metres and charges returning to regular scheduled programming (13 runs, 118m, 1 linebreak, 4 tackle breaks, 4 tackles, 1 missed), but I suspect in some ways he is fortunate the right edge defence is so poor, it detracts from the focus of him allowing Tommy Talau to score a couple of tries.
Good signs, but I feel we’re still not all the way back. Finals would be a great time to explode with the fury of an atomic bomb again, Maika; just saying. |
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19- Brad TakairangiLeft Centre, Parramatta Eels |
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| Aside from a forced offload (which didn’t actually cost us possession), I thought Brad Takairangi was pretty great out there. His runs (8 runs for 80m) were potent, acting like another forward or third rucking out option. There’s not a lot of other stats to tell a story (1 offload, 2 tackles, 2 missed) but I wouldn’t be upset if he’s our five eighth next week if Will Smith is in trouble for that Benji tackle. | ||
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4- Waqa BlakeRight Centre, Parramatta Eels |
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| Waqa Blake almost scored an incredible try, but he didn’t. He is also one of the stars of the most infuriating defensive structures I can recall; the fact we continue to be competitive with it is what I find most incredible about this Season. The stats nonetheless read 9 runs (66m), 1 offload, 1 tackle break, 18 tackles (2 missed), but the defensive bushfire which is our right edge is what will keep me up tonight. | ||
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5- Blake FergusonRight Wing, Parramatta Eels |
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| I mean, sure, Blake Ferguson opened the scoring for the Eels, scoring his 3rd try in 3 weeks. Hey that’s great.
I mean, sure, the stats look alright (13 runs, 110m, 1 linebreak, 4 tackle breaks, 7 tackles, 2 missed). I mean, sure, it was a very difficult catch for the Tigers’ fourth try, the ball dodging his grasp like my wife does my sexual advances, but he’s paid to take those kicks. But seriously how many times can I scream
at the television in one game? Why on earth a professional football would think “I might join Waqa tackling this bloke, leaving my man completely open” is a good strategic defensive decision absolutely blows my mind. I hope BA somehow finally finds the solution to this seemingly neverending issue in the next 6 days or so. |
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14- Will SmithFive Eighth, Parramatta Eels |
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| Will Smith: out there breaking tackles like his beautiful eyes are breaking hearts. I thought his service got better as the game went on, particularly finding the right pass on our left edge (including a pearl of a pass to Andrew Davey for the Sivo try). The stat sheet will tell you the Fresh Prince had 5 runs, 33m, 1 linebreak, 2 tackle breaks and 15 tackles (0 missed) but his story tonight starts and ends with him scoring the most important try of his career, and effectively being the reason Eels fans can feel good about where we finished in Season 2020. | ||
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7- Mitchell MosesHalfback, Parramatta Eels |
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| Now we got 99 problems, but a Mitch ain’t one. Although he didn’t come away with a try assist himself, there was little wrong with Mitch Moses’ running game (9 runs for 83m, 2 tackle breaks, an offload and a linebreak), kicking game (11 for 416 m), defence (18 tackles, albeit 4 missed), or attacking organisation in general. I think he’s back, guys. | ||
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10- Junior PauloProp, Parramatta Eels |
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| Junior Paulo was the best on the park tonight, and it wasn’t close. Whether it was refusing to go down without offloading the ball (4 offloads), connecting our attacking on both sides of the ruck (2 line break assists, 1 try assist), brutal defence (27 tackles) or just throwing his big body at terrified defenders (19 runs, 164 m); the big man couldn’t be reasoned with, he couldn’t be bargained with. He doesn’t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. Just know that Junior Paulo absolutely will not stop until he has offloaded the ball and ruined your understanding of what’s possible for a 130kg man.
Now let’s cross to Reg for his immediate reaction:
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9- Reed MahoneyHooker, Parramatta Eels |
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| Speaking of Junior Paulo offloads, Reed Mahoney’s post try response deserves a second look. I can’t get enough of it.
Elsewhere it was 7 runs for 47 metres, 2 tackle breaks and 47 tackles (2 missed). Besides our indifferent form in the past couple of months, I feel that Mitch, Reed, Maika and a number of our other players are warming back to their individual bests, just in time for when it counts. Finally I just want you to think for a moment; have you ever seen Reed Mahoney score a try at Bankwest Stadium? If so, then you’ve seen an Eels win; as ParraEelsFacts reliably informs me we’re 7 from 7 whenever the Terrier nabs four points. How good. |
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16- Kane EvansProp, Parramatta Eels |
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| Another start for the future Warrior, and the results were once again pleasing. Tonight it was 15 runs for 126m, 3 offloads, 2 tackle breaks and 22 tackles. Here’s hoping Kane has 3 or 4 games left in the Blue & Gold before he joins everyone’s second favourite NRL team. | ||
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15- Andrew DaveySecond Row, Parramatta Eels |
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| As it becomes more likely that AD will be a Sea Eagle next year, let it be known that possibly his last regular season game for the Eels was an absolute cracker.
Not only did he give an absolutely outstanding pass for Sivo’s try, said pass took place mere moments after he was tragically denied an incredible solo effort by the Bunker (which would have been his first career try, mind you). Throw in a huge tackle to stop a certain Harry Grant try early in the second half and stats of 10 runs (87m), an offload, linebreak assist, try assist, 24 tackles and an equal team high 4 tackle breaks |
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12- Ryan MattersonSecond Row, Parramatta Eels |
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| The world’s most beautiful man didn’t get knocked out this time, denying many Tiger fans the opportunity to demonstrate their outrageous hypocrisy in accusing Eels fans for booing an injured Benji Marshall (see below). Nonetheless, the Ryan Matterson stat sheets read 13 runs (108m), 2 tackle breaks, 40 tackles (0 missed), and ironically now I’m the one considering leaving my wife for his loving embrace. | ||
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13- Nathan BrownLock, Parramatta Eels |
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| What in the blazes. As his nickname suggests, Cyborg simply cannot be human, churning through 26 runs, 230 metres, an offload, a tackle break and 48 tackles (1 missed) in 80 minutes of pure energy. In fact scientists believe that if we could somehow harness the energy produced by Nathan Brown, we could power most of the east Australian coast. | ||
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11- Shaun LaneInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| Remember Shaun Lane? You’d be forgiven for having your head in your hands tonight, and had therefore completely missed his 4 runs for 39 metres and 27 tackles (2 missed). | ||
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17 – Oregon KaufusiInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| Just a big man, doing a big job. Tonight Oregon Kaufusi made good with 7 runs (59m) and 12 tackles. No fuss, no frills, just Big Country. | ||
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20 – George JenningsInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| Sure he didn’t actually get to play tonight, but I bet George Jennings had great seats. | ||
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21- Daniel AlvaroInterchange, Parramatta Eels |
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| In his second run on in the Blue & Gold (but his 8th for Season 2020), Polar came on for 9 minutes and had 4 runs for 38m, and 6 tackles. Hey, it was good to see him out there, and in a step above his part-time Warrior counterpart, at least he was on when Will Smith scored the match winner. | ||
You know, my father used to always tell me that if you think it’s a good idea to boo Benji Marshall or any player who is leaving the field injured, you’re not a Rugby League fan, you’re just a wanker.
I hope someone picks up Benji for 2020; it’s just great to watch him play Rugby League.
In good news looking ahead, the Storm have won their last 18 games at Suncorp Stadium, and we’ve lost our last 5 Finals games against them, to boot.
As good friend of the Throw Mary K noted, at least tonight’s result means that for the Storm to knock us out this year, it would need to be in the Grand Final. HA! Suckers.
So onto Saturday night, we go, either getting a second chance or a week off.
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.
Firstly, thank you to The Cumberland Throw team for your all the efforts during the season in keeping us Eels tragics entertained and informed. Secondly, apologies for getting impatient if the grades aren’t out 15 minutes after full time. Thirdly, I can forgive Mitch for the missed tackle on Garner as he was surely thinking “WTF is Waqa doing?”. Fourthly, bring on The Storm.
You’re welcome Shaun. What a year so far! I don’t know how Mitch can get grades out as quickly as he does. I couldn’t.
Thanks legend. I know you were just kidding but I had to do day after Grades the last couple of weeks because I’m a bit brain dead from a long Term at work/season following the Eels
Bring on the Storm, indeed.
My Son and I love reading these so much he does his own and we compare grading. lol
What a crazy season, how can we have so many players out of form but win so many games! If you go through our team and rate each player current form there won’t be too many that you would rate that high but we keep winning, so if these players click into gear for the finals we can give this a red hot crack!
Mitch will love this Michael. Cheers
Michael this is the greatest! Thank you for sharing! Let me know if there’s anything I can do or say for you and your son in future Grades
Can’t really argue those grades except my mvp was Nathan Brown, he’s been great all year.
I can’t fault that thinking. Unbelievable.
not bad with 5 regular starters on the sideline,we will look better at full strength.If Fergo gets picked for origin it is not on form.Surely he and Waqa are not on speaking terms,how else can you explain what goes on out there on that edge?
That read on the Brooks try was just horrific. Why both come in on (with all due respect) Chris Lawrence?!
This moments after dropping the bomb. Blake Ferguson’s game was a gift to the Tigers.
Gutho’s kicks were both awesome and awful in that they got repeat sets but squandered attacking chances. Also, as you noted, his run metres were well down! Having said all that, it must be noted that I am a big Guth fan.
Moses looked great in his running and almost broke through at least once.
Sivo’s running style, as sixties has mentioned, needs to be adjusted, he needs to get his shoulders low, like Grothe (Snr) and Radradra and bump defenders off. He has more than enough mass and power for that to be an effective technique for him.
Paulo was outstanding and I can’t praise him highly enough.
Mahoney also had a brilliant game, testing the defence with his dummy-half scoots, and THAT KICK, which aaaaaallllllllmmmmmoooossssttttt stayed in! Love his aggression and commitment to the team.
Same can be said for N Brown. He was excellent, great runs, missed a few would-be big hits, but he was in there trying and cleaning up when it mattered.
Davey should definitely have been kept, he’s Gower but younger and maybe stronger, as has been said on here before.
I’m ecstatic we finished third.
Onto Brisbane to beat Melbourne! LOL I hope!
Go you Eels.
Always a great read. Paulo was magnificent. I don’t know where he loses a + and doesn’t get an A+. Good to see old blue eyes is back. Brown, Gutherson, Davey, Mahoney all played guts. We only need to win one of the next 2 games to get to the GF qualifier. Can we find 100% effort in one of those next 2 games? Yes we can.
I agree with you, I can’t see where and why Paulo doesn’t get an A+
I reserve A+ games for out of this world performances. I thought Paulo was very, very, very good.
That’s an A to me. I try save the A+ for really rare occasions.
The more I see of Davey the more I’m depressed he’s leaving. He will get another start next week possibly on the right edge I think Matto will have a crushed tackle to answer for
I feel the same way. He’s too good a player to be losing, especially to our enemies…
Why is Andrew Davey leaving? Were we not interested in keeping him. Five bash up’s and a bomb will not beat the Storm.Be interesting to see our tactics.
Manly have offered him more than we can justify spending on him, plus he’s guaranteed a start there with Joel Thompson leaving.
Letting him walk is the prudent thing to do for a guy who turns 29 in November.
We have two guts on starters money in Lane & Matto, plus Niukore. Davey is a luxury.
I wonder why Manly want such a luxury ? I would suggest it is because he is a good tough footy player with some skill. But yeah, best be prudent.
A luxury for Parra, maybe, for Manly he’ll be a bread and butter starter.
Agree with this take, just the nature of footy teams. Try lock up your best eve if it means sometimes you lose a couple of back up guys.
With that said, AD has made a good case of being one of our best recently. Still, you don’t get salary cap flexibility by extending back ups with starter money if you don’t have a starting spot to give them.
Matto will be available, early guilty plea will just be a fine
How good.
Agreed Offside about Davey, I have no idea why we would not look at him for 2 yrs unless he was offered big overs to leave; he is a good honest player, and tough and with NRL experience. He is the type of worker we need, and yes we need some flair but to me he should have been kept, and yes not for Millions but a fair upgrade.
Taka / Utoik / Polar / Evans ? who else will not be there 21? all these guys have nrl experience.
End of the day you can’t fault him for taking a better offer at his age.
There is sore that bayley sironan might sign with manly so that maybe means Davey stays although I’d be happy if we were chasing sironan
I do not fault him Anon, more questioning why we would not offer him a decent deal considering we gave him a shot and he has shown his worth; I for do not care if he’s 29 or 30; 2 years is little in my view. He is tough and a goer!
But we also don’t know what Manly offered him.
So would I, Anon
Yeah AD has been playing brilliantly. Hats off to him
This is a pluck on my part, but I am guessing we have good room in our cap in this current year……many things would suggest that.
Why could we not front load Davey now whilst the cap is at its present level…..and then bring him in low for the “lowered” cap next year.
Any thoughts other than we don’t know the cap for this year?
Poppa just send a big hello to the Fong from the great rev. ps hope snake is found otherwise Fong will be lost with out him. cheers the rev
Can someone explain the reasoning behind having a winger on the bench? Under what circumstances did GJennings think he would ever make an appearance .
I thought the same. I do not get it.
Well the fact that Alvaro got a run from the bench meant we were pretty short of forwards.
Gennings gives options in the backline and is a big body. Has played a fair bit of centres as well….wonder what he is like defensively there?
I’m assuming if we got out to a commanding lead BA may have tried to rest either Gutho or Mitch for some minutes which would have meant a back line shuffle and Gennings would have slotted in.
Remember this game was about getting the 2 points expending the least amount of energy possible.
This was my thought too. Fergo to fullback, Gutho or Mitch off.
Alternatively Will Smith plays hooker if Reed goes down, Gutho or Taka to six.
The fact that he wasn’t used indicates he was injury cover.
My thinking was that Ferguson went to Centre , takarangi to the bench or to 5 \ 8 n push Smith to hooker n Mahoney to the Bench n Gennings to wing in place of Ferguson. But that didn’t happen.
What grade does Oregon get if you take into account the penalty and 6 again he gave away and his knock on. Really like him as a player but geez he has a few errors in his game of late.
Kane Evans gave away a few more 6 agains I think his waiting to fly out.
Yep, Junior’s game was all round good. His creativity probably edges out NBrown’s effort. Creativity or effort? You want to be greedy and have both. NBrown also shares the ball work in shifting wider.
Just an observation, not a whinge. That second half slump started in the Tiger’s first set when Cummins rewarded a bad play the ball by the Tigers prop. He was moving forward like lurching in a daze when Oregon was making a genuine attempt to get into marker, and without care, he put the ball onto Oregon’s foot. Always going to be a 50/50, crowding comes into it, but I reckon he’d moved in advance of the mark, that one just looked sloppy and lazy to me. The Tiges grew a leg for the next 20 minutes.
Replying to self. Just watched a Storm forward walk 2 metres forward into the Dragons marker. The marker penalised for crowding. The Morris twins are good at this one.
BDon, good observation, that Cummings penalty set that 20 minute roll on and completely took the wind out of our sails. says a lot for the team to come back in such a disciplined manner.
Guth said post match, that they felt like they couldn’t stop it.
They really need to rehearse this experience because Storm are all about such roll on’s. Maybe an injury to fake in such away that the player can’t be moved at the time…..any thing to stop the momentum and create a recovery plan.
Fair calls Mitch and I cannot argue with Junior; was superb. Gutho’s tackle was the play of the game for me. Superb.
Look I know i sound old and whiney but our outside defence is what is going to cost us, along with not controlling the ruck earlier in the tackle set. I was v proud how we came back to win, but like everyone miffed out our continue errors and lapses from half time. That dumfounded me considering we needed an 80 min game.
Smith was very good and glad he did well.
Well done to the team for the win.
Next week, its simple play for 80 min or we are simply making up the numbers. We have the team to beat these guys BUT if we have not learnt about concentrating for the 80 mins then I am sorry but we are going to struggle and have an early exit from the finals again.
Last night I was miffed about Jennings on bench? and Polar playing for 10 mins……
Gee I hope BA can start the mind games like Des does going with the underdog tag,David v Goliath,I doubt it’ll work against the storm but it might mentally switch the Eels on and give them that edge they desperately need
Forget the mind games, this is on the players. Let’s just go in like it’s a GF, no second chances, with a win at all costs mentality.
G’day 60s how are you mate good victory last night a new ball game starts now question I’ve been wanting to ask you at this stage we have lost a number of forwards for next year including Gower Stefano Evans Davey possibly Alvaro also losing Salmon have we got any replacements in mind or talking to anybody at least because this is Brad Arthur’s call like Peter Sterling said we have to have continually new players coming into squad no matter where you come I know we have a couple of good forwards coming through but they are only kids any news here, Cheers Ray Z
There is no real issue with losing that lot Ray (accept Davey)and I would suggest to you that Mark O’Neill would be equally involved with the coach in making any calls.
Mark O’Neill has already shown that he is foolproof in keeping things quiet, I suggest that a lot of contacts and discussions have been made already and waiting for the right time to get into the nitty gritty.
Realistically the fans have no right to know what is happening in this area…..we can just hope and pray that we are in luck in the negotiations.
People have short memories. I know we’ve had the wobbles the past few months, but up until half season we were the team to beat and commentators, “experts” and fans alike were lining up to say Eels were a premiership threat.
It’s the same team a few months later and suddenly we’re easy beats.
Teams lift for the finals, let’s just see if we can do the same. I agree we don’t deserve favouritism on form alone, but we know and have shown we have the team capable of going all the way. Let’s go Parra!
Love this, Cap
I have three concerns against the Storm, 2 wingers and a centre.
Unless those 3 concerns are addressed, then we will be in for a tough game, can we win? I believe so but needs every player picked needs to be part & parcel of wanting the win more than the opposition.
I would suggest that the team has some time watching the opposition at full strength and how they play and means to counter them.
Thanks Mitch – needed your wrap b4 filing this one. Yes I’m fired up after a top 4 finish – though not as fired up as Mahoney! Good scrambling win, coming from behind makes it sweeter.
3 X “A”s is about right & 1 “D” ( personally I think Taka should have made it 2xDs).
Some good signs, some concerns, some key players due back, bring on the main event – Storm time in the finals
Really? What didn’t you like about Taka’s game? Ran hard, scored a try, only made one “mistake”
Maybe harsh but Taka was stood up in defence which opened the corridor for I think 2nd try and imo it seemed silly that he didn’t run thru the line in the AD disallowed try. Potentially 12 points. In his defence he hasn’t had much football but he is very experienced
Mitchell 3 questions.
Do you think Gennings n Alvaro will be Eels Next year ?
Do you think we should sign Benji Marshall ?
In reality do you or anyone really think we have a chance vs Storm ?
Good grades n I was happy to see takarangi play in the centre’s. But I Think Brad should have rested Ferguson n played Dunster.
After all sivo n Ferguson are coming of contract next year. Won’t keep both. One has to go otherwise we lose more jrs like Parry.
Shame he went I thought he was next in line to play 1st grade this yr. Mind you his debut Game vs Manly was sound.
I hope we play so much better then vs tiger’s otherwise we are in for a Long 80 minutes vs Storm. Surely we can beat this mob in a semi final Game. Sick of loosing to the Storm in semi’s.
If we play like we did at the start of this year then I say.
Eels 22
Storm 18
If we are off then Storm 36/ Eels 6
We didn’t let parry go he requsted to leave.
Hopefully we learn from the past and build on squad for next year with some improvements outside backs, edge back rower and back up hooker are priorities
The back up hooker is so crucial. With that said, bad on his current form, Will Smith could be a back up back up for a few positions, including hooker.
I like will but not at 9 he can’t pass off the ground he always stands and takes a step which is just to slow I’d like to perssist with Stone.
I’d also not say no to pears on a cheap deal
I’d say at least one will be playing for another team, no and yes.
I think we can give them a good shake. Need to bring our A game and treat it like a GF, like we did in 2017.
Sixties or Mitch how’s our salary Cap for next year. Do we have room to sign Welsh to replace Kane Evans or even Alvaro ?
I wouldn’t think so, but that’s more a case of us having a lot of spots to fill.
I’ve read the salary cap is being reduced by approx $1m into next year so the 10 players needing to be replaced/resigned will be on a lot less $, is $100k less each. If this is the case there’s no spare $ for big additions
Pretty good as usual, Moses back? At least he ran but I wish he was more effective with his one on one tackles. Bring on the Storm!
Of all the hand wringing of recent months, I think he is finally back to full health and closing in on good form.
sixties or mitch can you both answer me this question plz. what is wrong with peni ?
are we going to sign Ray Stone plz tell me yes his our next nathan brown.