Forgive me fellow Eels fans. It has been two weeks since my last Bumpers Up.
Since then, there’s been no shortage of news on the Eels front, and that’s only going to ramp up with the first week of the season upon us.
As it stands, the season has been officially launched, our junior reps have moved past hump round in their campaigns, we’ve had a documentary released about the 86 grand final, the Eels have named 28 players in their top squad, plus their development list, and there’s been some Parra players having fun on social media.
Importantly there’s also the Parra Leagues Club elections in full swing, and that should feature prominently in the minds of PLC members.
It’s Round 1 on the way, and I’m ready to take this carry.
Bumpers Up!
Trial Tribulations
The trial loss to Penrith triggered the typical avalanche of supporter woes.
I get it. There are those of us who look for positives in trials, or in training track form, so we have to expect that others will read something into a defeat.
Three years ago, when the Eels demolished the Knights at Cessnock, I learnt a brutal lesson about trials. It’s not that I wasn’t wise to the limitations of judging teams by trials, but back then the promise of a title contending team caused emotion to overpower wisdom.
Going into the Penrith trial I was looking for certain players to carry their training track trial into a match. I was looking for some energy, but not too much. After all, it was still a trial.
I was also keeping my eye on particular combinations, and the team as a whole. A win against a premiership favourite would be nice, but it wasn’t essential. I was more interested in line speed, the kick chase, last tackle options, and earning the right to shift the ball.
Fergo
Not to forget getting through the trial injury free!
Therefore, I was pleased with the form of Oregon Kaufusi and Blake Ferguson. They transferred their preseason form to match day. Opacic delivered exactly what I expected – a solid display from a player who’s been around for a number of seasons.
From a critical perspective, the Eels needed to improve their line speed and as always would have benefited from being more direct in attack. But this was the first footy of the year for most players.
Whilst it would have been exciting for Parra to match Penrith’s energy, it’s fair to question whether any team, including the Panthers, could find a level above what they delivered in this trial – especially under the new NRL rules.
Ultimately, for Parra, there’s not much wrong with playing February football in February.
Dylan Brown On Triple M
NRL fans have had some recent fun with the “pantsgate” controversies involving high profile Eels stars. The players themselves have even joined in with the laughs.
Dylan with Liam Flanagan
But if you haven’t already checked it out, I’d recommend watching Dylan Brown’s chat with Triple M’s Liam Flanagan. It’s simply Dylan being Dylan.
Footy purists might not appreciate the Eels five-eighth being so self-deprecating about his focus on the field (and elsewhere), but anyone who’s spent time talking with Dylbags would totally get his throw away lines.
A couple of years back, Dyl’s sense of humour caused a media and fan meltdown. He references that in this chat with Flanagan, but it’s refreshing to see that such an experience hasn’t changed him.
It’s an entertaining interview that’s well worth your time.
Eels 86 – The Story Of Parramatta’s Last Premiership
How good was Adam Hawes’ tribute to Parramatta’s last premiership!
I’ve already watched this half hour documentary four times – and I’ll probably view it again.
Eels86
Parra supporters are often accused of living on past glories, but I don’t believe that this production is guilty of anything like that. Indeed, Sterlo speaks to our current players creating their own history now.
What really features is the value of mateship in a winning culture. Even in this modern professional era, the bonds within a team are critical.
It was an amazing group of players who wore the Blue and Gold back then. As someone who was at the SCG that day, I’ll admit to being quite emotional watching the vision and listening to the players.
And one more thing – there will only ever be one Ray Price!
Season Launch
An all ticket event in Parramatta Park launched the Eels season last Friday night.
COVID compliance arrangements limited the numbers, and with organisers needing to account for all attendees, Eels Members were required to apply for tickets.
Haze on stage with Tim Mannah and Brett Kenny
The same restrictions also eliminated the typical photos with, or signatures from, the players.
However, Eels legends such as Brett Kenny, Peter Wynn and Mick Cronin were in attendance and mixing with supporters.
Along with many others, I was fortunate to spend some time with the Crow. You just walk away wearing a smile after any conversation with this bloke – he’s truly a humble and down to earth gentleman.
I was pleased that Haze Dunster was one of the featured interviews. Many people are keen to see this Eels junior succeed, and it could be a big year for the rising winger.
Supporters were also treated to a taste of this year’s digital content from Eels media.
It’s going to be a fun ride in 2021. Enjoy!
Junior Reps Finding Their Groove
It was super Saturday this past weekend for the Eels Junior Rep teams, winning all three grades at Camden. Round five is effectively hump round in their seasons, with four weeks of action remaining in the run to finals footy. You can find our match updates from round 5 here.
The SG Ball team in celebration mode
After starting the season with a loss, the Harold Matts team have won every match since and currently sit in fourth place on the table.
The SG Ball team have also gone undefeated since their first up loss, with two wins, a bye and a draw. They now sit in sixth spot.
In terrific news, the Tarsha Gale team secured their first win of the season after defeating the Bulldogs. That will provide much needed confidence for their final three matches.
Go you Eels!
The Tip Sheet Hits Eels Lane At Parra Leagues
This week Forty and I recorded our latest episode of the Tip Sheet on site at Eels Lane. Joey Grima joined us on location as we fired our questions in almost live mode.
In the same episode we chatted with Mary K about Ladies Who League and her expectations for Parra in 2021.
Eels Lane will be the place for Eels supporters to meet up, and enjoy a drink and a feed in a friendly casual location before home games.
Look for us to make this location our home away from home this year.
Top Squad Announced
NRL clubs confirmed their top 30 squads and development player lists this week. Between 28 and 30 players had to be named by March 1, along with either three or four development players.
Nathaniel Roache
After earlier announcing the upgrade of Will Penisini, there were no surprises in the 28 players listed by the Eels. Michael Jennings remains in the squad, pending the outcome of his B sample and the associated processes around it.
Jake Arthur, Nathaniel Roache, Sean Russell, Solomone Naiduki and Sam Loizou were named as Development contract players. Yes, that’s five players.
Theoretically, with an outcome for Jennings at some stage this year, the Eels still have three places available in the top squad. Until Jenko’s case is resolved, it’s a matter of how soon they wish to take to fill the two definite places.
Is the club waiting to see whether they get an injury crisis in a particular position? Perhaps they aren’t interested in any player who’s currently available and they’re waiting to see what shakes loose in the NRL tree mid season.
What positions would you look to strengthen right now?
Parramatta Leagues Club Elections – Please Vote Right Now
I’m getting on my soapbox here, because the road to constitutional reform at Parramatta Leagues Club was a long and frustrating journey.
That battle for change provided members with the capacity to vote for Directors online or by post. It’s a simple process which should result in thousands of votes.
But taking any process for granted is fraught with danger. Far too often, when the club is travelling well, people assume that everything will be sweet. They stop being involved. They leave the voting to others.
No matter who you vote for, it’s important that you vote. The greater the voting numbers, the greater the chances that the result will be the wishes of the members.
The closing date is fast approaching.
Please ensure that your vote is received by 5pm, Wednesday March 10. And if you’ve already voted, thank you and please remind your mates.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Thanks sixties,I guess the only thing I was wondering was why Roache wasn’t upgraded given the positions available?there is as much hype as there is mystery about him ,but I guess we have Lussick,Rankin and Smith for cover in That position.Lussick is capable I know but I guess We are all hoping for that crafty explosive 14 like a Brandon Smith or PJ Marsh,and Roache seems to fit that mould.Is there any truth to the rumour that Papalii has been jumping into dummy half at training?
Anyways I, as usual at this time of the year I am confident in the squad and what I know they can produce.Just hoping it just clicks this year and stays clicked til the end.Getting excited and nervous now,can’t believe it almost kick off,can’t wait,good luck everyone,and thanks TCT team for keeping us informed and entertained during the orf season.
Cheers Eggman. The Papali’i dummy half rumour is right out of the box. No idea where people come up with that sort of stuff! Do you reckon they just sit around wondering what to make up next.
As for Roache, I reckon they’ll upgrade him when they intend using him. And remember, he hasn’t played in any trials. They’ll want some minutes in him.
Eggman I share your enthusiasm for Nathaniel Roache. With him I think it boils down to how fit and resilient the support staff are able to get him.
What seems to be happening is that the club is being patient and do not appear to be rushing him. I believe that he is the #14 we have been searching for
Definitely being patient.
Can’t wait to watch footy again as I’ve stated a few times I have low expectations this year somewhere between 8-10th but I can’t wait for footy to be front and centre.
I think holding off on filling all postions is a good idea we have question marks over Jenko and the recent speculation about Hughes its worth keeping some room available.
Bring on Friday
Being conservative in hopes is never a bad thing for Eels supporters. We can then enjoy them performing above expectations. But I do want the team to have lofty goals for themselves.
I hope they do to I just don’t see us challenging those top teams
Sixties, I came away from that Eels v Knights trial (it was at Maitland) thinking I also might have seen the wooden spooners. Well I had, but it was the wrong team I had in mind! The critics were actually drooling over that Eels display. I have learned over many years that trials are exactly that. Some reporters fall for trial form every season, like they do when they say a team outside the top 4 will win the comp. I suppose if they say it every year for another 50 years they may be proved right on that one day. Trials are just that. Trials! Time to get some game time, hoping for no injuries.
Exactly Graz. Incidentally, I am tipping no big surprises this year. The teams we expect to go well will. I reckon it will be mostly the same ones. Big TCT post about that is on the way.
Interesting to see your trial observations drawn to Kaufusi & Fergo’s form, let’s hope both convert into the season. Looking forward to seeing Kaufusi establish himself in the 17 this year – he could form an impactful rotation with Marata to cover JP|RCG. The Eels defense was impressive and disciplined in the trial – good signs with the new 6 again rule.
Tuesday’s team announcement will be interesting around the bench; Papali’i, Kaufusi, Hipgrave and Stone/Smith for mine with Marata taking Hipgrave’s spot into week 2.
Eels 86 is tremendous viewing, might Stirling’s word inspire! Ray Price and Brett Kenny – just awesome.
I think the club will bide its’ time wrt roster query and consider form and injuries & MJ’s plight. Top 17 is reasonably set, there’s players pushing for top 17 selection (Dunster, Rankin, Lussick & Cartwright) back up for each of the positions and rookies their hands up (Penisini, Hollis & Hughes).
Bring it on!
DDay, I wonder whether Lussick might come in for consideration too? Only two days till team list Tuesday.
I singled out Kaufusi and Fergo as they had really impressed in the latter part of the preseason.
Sixties DDay mentioned Cartwright. Any word on him. I am really keen to see him play
Seems on track at training.
Hi sixties, lussick is of course in the mix and you’ve seen the preseason so you have more insight. IMO lussick doesn’t offer the impact or flexibility that stone or smith do. Over to BA, but he has a tendency to pick and stick.
Nice. really enjoy the bumpers up news.
On a side note seeing how with the rule changes its really going to favour teams who value possession & in saying that there’s a few things I’d really like the team to improve.
1. Junior Paulo really needs to think about running hard and getting a quick play the ball first, rather than thinking about offloads. Especially in our half, teams are trying to strip him knowing that the ref understands that Paulo looks for the offload. Its costing us. Sure offload before the line in our own half. Junior should be running it 90% of the time in our own half.
2. We really need to play before the line in our own half as playing at the line resulted in too many balls hitting the deck last year. Unless it’s really on hold it. Melbourne rarely push these passes.
3. Run more directly first to tire the opposition forwards . Dummy halves Mahoney and Lussick need to form an alliance to preserve & give Mahoney more energy.
Micky D, I reckon you are very close to what might transpire with parts1 and 2, because the Eels mostly play that style within their own 40 anyway. As for Reed, I guess we’ll see when the first team list is named tomorrow arvo.
It seems like some commentators have revived their 2020 stories and just changed “Eels” to read “Rabbits”.
The editor of NRL.com has even left the Eels out of his top eight. While the 2021 run on side will be very similar to 2020, where the 2021 side has vastly improved is the bench and backup
If we are not top 4 again I will be disappointed.
We all want the perfect team, but it’s not going to happen. The bench is a big improvement for 2021. If we can better manage our defence to wide shifts, that’s another big one. For a top 4 team we also allow too many momentum shifts, our early form last year featured building/maintaining pressure. Junior and RCG thrived on it.
Bench has improved it remains to be seen if we have.
Our attack and Defence (im looking at you right edge) need to improve and adjust to the changes of the game
We can’t hide the right side of our defence. We know that the attack will flood that way against us. Will the shift of Dylan Brown to that side make a difference?
Bringing on the likes of Marata and Papali’i off the bench will be vital to maintain the go forward. We need Oggy to back that up too.
I would be too mate.