Few recent signings have triggered the mix of reactions quite like the Eels acquisition of Bryce Cartwright. From the overjoyed to the disappointed and even the “time to delete my social media posts”, most Eels supporters have openly expressed their opinion.
No matter the opinion, there’s a couple of common denominators that link even the most diverse responses – firstly, the bloke is talented and secondly, his defence and attitude at the Titans was not up to scratch.
Cartwright’s rugby league journey has probably not taken the road that he expected.
After making his debut against the Eels in round 12 of the 2014 season, and rapidly establishing himself as a star of the future at Penrith, Cartwright looked to be on the verge of Origin selection in only his second full season of top grade football. Strong showings for the Panthers and City Origin in 2016 had the versatile Carty in the extended Blues squad.
Injury and off-field personal dramas during 2017 saw Cartwright depart Penrith for a fresh start and a lucrative four year deal at the Titans. Unfortunately for him, the club were on a downhill slide, and his own performances saw him ranked in some quarters as the worst signing of 2018.
Even Cartwright’s most ardent supporters would concede that the big bloke was not close to earning his reported $500K contract. There were still moments of brilliance to be found, but in a team which finished 14th and 16th in his first two seasons, some flaws were readily exposed.
Bryce Cartwright in his first Eels media appearance
Of greatest concern was a lack of commitment to the defensive collision. On the surface, his tackle efficiency doesn’t read too poorly – sitting at 88.3% for his seven appearances in 2020. Indeed, it’s not too dissimilar to Shaun Lane who returned an 88.9% tackle efficiency stat during the last season.
However, compared to Ryan Matterson’s 91.2%, both Lane and Cartwright would be looking to improve their numbers in the upcoming season. Positioned next to the halves on the edges, the back rowers greatly impact the defensive decisions made by those on their outside.
Of course, what’s rarely been questioned is Cartwright’s talent in attack. In only seven games in 2020, he managed 20 offloads. This game average of almost three offloads compares most favourably with Junior Paulo who led the NRL with 54 offloads from 22 appearances. Even the dangerous Shaun Lane could only manage 28 offloads from his full season of games.
In 2019, his last full season with the Titans, Cartwright ranked 19th in the NRL with 33 offloads and was the club’s leading player for line break assists with 7. That’s decent numbers in a team which finished with the spoon.
Should a person earning his salary be capable of leading such stats for his club – most definitely. And it was the right of the Titans to determine whether his performances warranted his pay packet.
Still, that attacking talent is undeniable. Like most Eels supporters, I have nightmares of the Penrith vintage Cartwright creating something out of nothing to engineer wins against Parra. Obviously, that’s all in the past, and the question remains, can he bring it for the Blue and Gold?
In a resume which includes 23 games at five-eighth, and a couple of games at centre and lock, Cartwright has spent the majority of his 112 first grade games at second row or coming off the bench to play on the edge. I would expect that his introduction to top grade with the Eels would be via the bench as a replacement edge player.
With his skill set and unpredictability, Cartwright could probably be compared to Feleti Mateo, and offers a point of difference from the bench that has not been seen since the days of David Solomona or Dean Widders. Given the criticism of the Eels lack of impact outside the starting 13, the enigmatic back rower might be just what the doctor ordered.
Ryan Matterson
At 193cms (6ft 4) and 107 kg, he’s of very similar dimensions to Ryan Matterson. But that’s not the only similarity. Both players also possess a kicking game, which presents an interesting question for Brad Arthur.
During 2020, the Eels coach experimented with his use of Shaun Lane. The towering second rower spent periods in the middle of the park as the team looked to find ways of creating momentum through the ruck. Was this a signal to a more permanent shift? Does this open the way for Cartwright to earn a spot in the starting pack so that the Eels can throw mirror plays on both sides of the ruck?
A lot of water would have to pass under the bridge for that to happen. The new recruit would need to prove to BA that his defence is greatly improved, and it’s reasonable to conclude that the incumbent Lane would get first crack at the starting spot.
Regardless of all of this postulation, the major upside of Cartwright’s signature has been the cost. The former Titan has travelled south on a contract which is a fraction of his deal up on the Gold Coast. He’s earning a base NRL salary from the Eels, literally costing the club little more than a Top 30 spot for his one year deal.
New face at training – Bryce Cartwright
The benefit for Cartwright is the opportunity to prove himself in a team which has played finals footy during the past two seasons. The benefit for the Eels is the potential for Carty to rediscover the type of form which had him on the verge of Origin selection.
Early signs are very encouraging. After spending time with former hard man Mark Carroll in preparation for this preseason, Cartwright has hit the ground running at Parramatta training. His conditioning work has been outstanding, to the point where I would rate him as close to the fittest Eels forward of recent years.
Brad Arthur has a knack of finding the best in players that other clubs no longer want. He might just have found a new Eels x-factor in Bryce Cartwright.
I’m backing him in.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Images courtesy of Eels media
It’s perfectly set up to be a great signing for us.He doesn’t have time to ease into it, he has to hit the ground running and as long as he is also mentally up for it I think he will succeed. There were times last year when Lane was poor especially defensively, I do like what he offers in attack but also thought he was good value off the bench .BA has a tough task with some of his selections ,especially the bench.it’s going to be a good year.
I think it’s an intriguing signing Eggman, with plenty of upside to it.
Think we are looking better than average in the forward stocks this year, some smart recruitment there.
The halves seem a bit thin if either Moses or Dylan go down, with the young Arthur perhaps be logical replacement but still on a development contract.
Then the 3/4 line open up so many questions, particularly the missing centre which does loom large, but with a few players moved on that may leave the opportunity for a late off season replacement. Wait and see is possibly the call, and we may need to.
Tremendous strength in the forwards I believe Derek.
Peter Sterling would say that there is too big a gap between his best performance and his worst.
Given that defence is about attitude and effort he has to want to own the collision.
That is what will turn his game around in defence. Being hungry for the collision will give him the confidence to play to his capabilities in attack also.
He could not have gotten this far (112 NRL games) into his career without having that toughness and aggression.
Time will tell and he sounds extremely fit. The first signs will show when they resume from the Christmas break with opposed sessions. It’s all up to Bryce now.
John, I agree with your comments, as I read the post from sixties and a couple of others here & earlier ones elsewhere, the big aspect to come out is how many are put off by his GC period, & for me that’s not surprising as he quite likely had a feeling that he, owing to size and Riff reputation was carrying a team that was hardly working as a team, and relying on others to do the hard work, and the rest, rest.
My mind goes back to his Riff days and how he played against the eels, especially at match out there where he played 5/8 he monstered the opposition, and showed class in each area, although he was a bit off at times in defence, attack and ball play though was another matter.
I doubt that he will a NRL player at first as I would think the coach would want to see him in CC and not fiddle with the team he will using as the starting squad, of course the trial game at Penrith may be a big show for him, against his old team, and will go strongly against them.
The big thing that will add him as a bench or run on player will depend on his playing attitude overall, he has to show he has the heart and therefore determination that this chance he is getting will need to be one that he really wants and time for him to show what he can really do. I hope he makes it as he could be the big missing link that we need in the eels team.
And of course the cost factor for Parra is minimal Colin. I have always valued those creative edge players. If he can get that defence aspect right, I reckon he can make a massive difference in Parra’s 2021 campaign.
Absolutely right about defence being a measure of attitude John. I’m really looking forward to the opposed sessions.
I agree Sixties.I can only see this signing as a win for us.Used in the right way he will give us another X factor.He is a player who unless he has two or more defenders on him can cause havoc and if this happens there is a lot of space for Moses and Dylan to run the ball.Im excited.
I’ve seen a little glimpse of his skill set at training already during games components. He really does provide an attacking option for BA that hasn’t previously been available.
Sixties i wasn’t keen on this but have warmed to it like a good pie in the oven. I hope he plays well and is consistent- thats all i hope for.
I am like Derek with some concern about the backline in terms of depth and defence overall as MJ was v good at defence. Halves too, with possible Will Smith as recognised half or Roache.
I hope the coaches have been training a lot with these reserve halves in such roles, as we may need to call on them.
Is Moses back Sixties and how has he looked with the calf?
Hi mate, yes he’s back and has run freely. I believe close to a PB when tested.
If Cartwright can consistently show the skill we’ve all seen him produce, BA will firm up his reputation as a Phoenix maker. Spotting underutilised talent and sending out lifelines.
I’m still worried about the apparently unsolved issues in the centres which leaves me unconvinced that this will be our year. But you get the sense we’re not far off.
I foresee a time where, if the club stays with BA, we’ll collect the trophy with a decent handful of our players being blessed with their second wind via contracts paying unders. It’s a clever strategy that relies on other clubs & coaches not providing the motivation/incentive for players to achieve their best. Fortunately/unfortunately the NRL is full of such opportunities.
Cheers Trouser. There is an art in recognising talent that is going to waste. I recall vividly BA’s joy about signing Gutho. To me, he was a young bloke who’d barely played first grade. To BA he was a special player.
Very early in BA’s coaching career, a number of players said to me that they had never been coached, really coached as a player before BA. I spoke to Danny Wicks at a Ken Thornett Medal night and asked him to tell me what was the best thing about playing at Parra. He looked around the room, pointed at BA and said “that bloke”. Brad and his coaches really look to develop the players – they constantly work on their skill set and combinations. And the common denominator from the comments of most players is that BA doesn’t bullshit about what a player needs to do to be better. A player who came from another club said to me that he saw star players never criticised by previous coaches at his old club, but BA tells everyone at Parra how it is.
I am confident that BA will get the best out of Cartwright.
Our issues in the centres is a defensive issue and from all accounts Opacec is a solid defensive centre.If you watch his highlights clearly he can pass and being inside Sivo you really have one job and that is to pass it.Jennings is a huge loss but I’m happy to give the new bloke a chance.A bigger issue lies on the other side of the field and will hopefully be addressed in the pre season.
I think the point most agree upon is that BA can bring out the best in unwanted or unlucky players and Opacec also falls into this category.
We have a solid and capable team but every single player must rise this year.Last season there was a few players below their best at the end of the year and not enough depth to replace them when they really needed to be dropped,.This year we have the depth across the board,and players like Cartright who can cover a few position very well is a blessing.
Maybe it’s that we have just spilled over into 2021 but I am starting to get very keen for this season. The first half of last year showed that we are a top 4 team,we just need luck with injury and I think we can go all the way.
Eggman, I completely agree about both Opacic and the other side of the field.
As a combination, Fergo and Waqa did not work. Those things happen. Like Moses and Norman, they seemed at cross purposes defensively.
Opacic has his nose in front in the selection for centre. We were interested in him a couple of years back, so it was no surprise to see his recruitment. Will we go in the market for a centre? I still believe so.
As for our chances – our strength off the bench has been lifted. We seemed to lose impetus off the bench later in the season. I like the recruitment, especially of Cartwright.
I couldn’t agree more Trouser Eel. These opportunities which BA has taken and offered to disgruntled players often unwanted at other clubs has been a serious strategy which has worked well for us.
Bryce was also one of the best trainers at the Titans and Panthers.
I hope he goes well but just pointing out he has always be known as a great trainer.
Very aware of that Gary, as is the club. He’s been renowned as a very good trainer. And everyone is very familiar with his skill set. That’s why I’m keen for the full contact opposed sessions to start to see his defensive resolve. Nonetheless, he can’t be in any better shape than he is, because his conditioning work is absolutely outstanding. When they do runs with an arc in them, he always takes the outside lane so that he’s running further. I’m struggling to think of a forward from recent times who pushes like he does – probably Tim Mannah would be the closest. He knows he has to earn a shot. I’m happy for him to start that journey on the training paddock.
Would love an article on the juniors coming through.
Ive heard good things about Sean Russel and Penisini. How far off are these kids from NRL? What are their age etc?
Just holding back on those at the moment – will probably publish some articles soon. Many of the younger ones in the Eels preseason squad could play SG Ball (under 19) this year, but will at least play Flegg (under 21).
He will either be a great aquisition or a waste of money all up to Bryce and his attitude.
Hopefully he will be positive for my Eels
Ian, that’s where the risk is low. It’s a one year deal literally on minimum coin. The worst case scenario is a wasted top 30 spot.
Great read. For me it’s a low risk but that is comes of can be huge. I think when the Eels are at their best they had a Mateo type player that can run riot. If Bryce can get to a level near that watch out NRL
And the important part of that is to have players aware around him. A criticism levelled at Mateo during his time at Parra related to “ridiculous offloads”. Whilst it’s tru that there were passes he shouldn’t have thrown, far too often he was left stranded, standing in the tackle, looking for someone running off him or at least nearby to offload to. I reckon he threw some out of frustration. Of course you don’t want to see ball players throw a pass out of frustration, so I hope that players stay alert around our ball players.
Yeah Sixties, I’m backing Carty in too. An interesting point which you made, was the fact we have not really had creative impact off the bench with the skillset this bloke can produce. Along with Carty we also have another creative addition to the bench in Isaiah Papa la’ii bringing competition in the creative department and a bit of a loose canon in Keegan Hipgrave who brought an anticipation of “something might happen here” whenever he was selected to start or came off the bench for Titans. With our incumbent big body duo of Marata and Oggy and perhaps David Hollis add the non-stop competitor in Ray Stone. We are looking strong in depth and competition for the top 17.
That competition for spots looks to be the strongest that I can remember since 2009.
I believe we are considerably stronger than 2009 except in the centres but that may change if we can produce another “Reddy” from the competition we have in Oppa, Oldie, Dazzy or others.
Joel Reddy for this? 🎶Do do do do do do doo 🎶
It’s good to read that he’s not overlaying his hand at training
Yes, but we’ll get more of an idea when the opposed work gets serious.
Potential 2021 Churchill Meddalist.
This is very much off topic but I found it amusing
Tim Blair wrote today “In a bid to make the NRL more relatable to everyday Australians, NRL bosses announce that under new rules the Try lines will now be called Borders, the Sin Bin will become Lockdown and blundering referees will be universally known as Dr Norman Swans”
Not hard to tell I am getting bored. Sorry in advance for inflicting this on the readers of this great site
Very good 🤣
Apology accepted JE. The DT has never been the same since Mike Gibson stopped writing.
BDon you must be nearly as old as me. I can remember as a young apprentice jumping on the train at Revesby with my DT under the arm as only a former paper boy would appreciate.
The first thing I would do is turn to Mike Gibson’s column and read about the footy and his stories on life in general.
Great column great days.
Hi John, Gibbo was also good on Saturday sports with ch 9, and Chappelli.
Great memories.
He was a good story teller and I think in the early days he carried Chappelli. However he grew into the role and they became a great team
Hi Sixties.
The problem with Cartwright he came on the scene too early, to young, to appreciate what waited ahead of him. Joey John’s recognized his talent but, was concerned such talent did not necessarily have a hard edge.
Bringing blokes too early into such a hard game is never a good idea despite their talent. They suffer burnout too early.
Cartwright created personal distractions that affected his game at Penrith and then the Titans.
We acknowledge he has talent – maybe he had reached a stage in his life that reflects a newfound maturity.
That he left a big contract to take up something of minimal football value reinforces that thought. Footballers take some time to find any maturity.
It seems Cartwright now wants to prove himself. And he may well do it this year. The trick is to keep improving and reach the heights of his obvious talent.
Shaun Lane had to do it and got a whole lot better at his game.
The conclusion – give Cartwright the benefit of the doubt and lots of encouragement and we might just get the player he should be.
Sometimes our expectations exceed what others can give. Cartwright on his good days is as good as any and we want to see that in the team. .
Let’s wait, watch and see what unfolds.
He may well exceed all expectations.
I sincerely hope do.
Sorry Sixties
It’s Zero 58.
Outstanding comments Zero. That is certainly a valid perspective on the trajectory of his career. The Eels can afford to be patient. They have forward depth and he’s costing minimal coin. Of course, someone with his talent isn’t bought as a depth signing, so I’m sure that BA is confident that Parra’s coaching and systems can extract Carty’s best. As you say, let’s see what unfolds.