There’s rarely a shortage of topics to consider when creating content for a supporter site such as The Cumberland Throw.

Everyone has an opinion about the team’s form, the worth of individual players, the credentials of the coaching staff, or the balance of recruitment and retention.

The past week has been no different with a myriad of different takes following the Eels comprehensive victory over the Knights.

Have the defensive problems been resolved? Can the Eels roll on without Mahoney? Has Waqa turned the corner? What difference does Dylan Brown make? What’s happening with contracts?

So let’s get those metres happening.

Bumpers Up!

Cashless Eels

How long is “indefinite”?

This question was at the forefront of Eels supporters this week as news emerged of further damage to Reed Mahoney’s shoulder.

Cash Mahoney

First diagnosed as a dislocation with a likely two weeks recovery time, scans have revealed a problem with the shoulder capsule.

When “Cash” was first selected for Queensland, the worst case scenario was a one week absence. His release from Origin camp to play for the Eels last Sunday became a truly sour note for Reed, the Eels and Queensland with the talented rake now out of action for that undetermined period of time.

After impressing in the Knock On Effect NSW Cup, Joey Lussick now gets his opportunity in the NRL starting side. He’s an extremely good defender, and doesn’t mind the odd dart from dummy half.

We wish him well.

Waqa Whacks Them

A massive congratulations to Waqa Blake for his return to form on Sunday. The athletically gifted centre had been the target of disgruntled supporters since his return from injury, with most blaming him for the Eels right edge woes.

Waqa Blake

Since switching to the Eels left, those defensive concerns have almost disappeared to the point where Waqa featured in discussions for best on field against the Knights.

His total of 170 running metres was most impressive, but it’s the change in his defensive stats which really catches the eye.

In his two matches defending on the left, Waqa had 39 tackle involvements, making 37 tackles, and missing only two. By way of comparison, he had an identical number of tackle involvements defending on the right in his two previous matches, but in those he made 27 tackles and missed 12.

It might take some time to win back the faith of some supporters, or even to provide a more statistically significant set of numbers, but an in-form Waqa Blake could prove to be a weapon out wide for the Eels.

Stay In The Middle Lane

Is there any doubt that Shaun Lane is starting to discover his most consistent football as a middle forward?

I had Lane as my best on field against the Knights. His 57 minutes produced 175 running metres, 78 of those post contact. Throw in 25 tackles without a miss, a try assist, a line break assist, 2 tackle breaks and 3 offloads and you are talking serious impact off the bench.

Shaun Lane

Shaun’s tall frame provides a different body shape to the Eels other middle forwards, and opposition defences are struggling to stop him on first contact.

In contrast, I felt that Lane wasn’t quite getting his line right as an edge forward which resulted in the odd loss of possession as he hit the defence. He was also expected to play for close to 80 minutes, which often left him looking gassed.

The signs are good that BA may not have to go into the market for another middle forward.

Welcome Back Dylbags

After three weeks out via suspension, a rejuvenated Dylan Brown blasted into action against the Knights.

At the time of that suspension, I suggested that this time away from footy might prove to be a blessing in disguise for the talented five-eighth.

Dylan Brown

Whilst there has been no doubt that the Eels have missed his elite defensive contributions to our right edge defence, the play making of Jake Arthur during those three weeks demonstrated that the Eels can benefit from having halves ask questions on each side of the ruck.

And that’s exactly what Dylan provided in his return. His running game (195 metres) tested the Knights defence, whilst his short kicking game and kick chase provided new attacking options and came close to producing several tries.

This was unquestionably Dylbag’s most involved game on the year.

That’s a great sign heading into the second half of the season.

Extolling The Extensions

Supporters should be praising the work involved in getting the current squad locked in with a minimum of fuss.

Tom Opacic

The latest to be secured for 2022 is revitalised centre, Tom Opacic.

It’s a one year deal, which is probably perfect for both parties. If Opa keeps producing the consistent football of early 2021 into next season, he’ll be well placed to negotiate an even better contract.

A short term arrangement also provides time for the club to monitor the progress of pathways players such as Penisini, Russell and Loizou, in addition to determining the contract of Waqa Blake which expires in 2023.

We now await the announcement of Bryce Cartwright’s new deal.

The Immortal Price Is Right

I’ve decided to start a campaign to have Eels legend, Ray Price, named as an Immortal.

Ray Price

Parramatta remain the only club from the limited tackle era (that’s the last 55 years) to achieve a premiership three-peat. The failure to recognise players from these Eels championship teams of the 1980s needs to be rectified, and there’s none better to begin with than Mr Perpetual Motion.

That campaign started with a dedicated post and the related social media.

I’m hoping that I’ll have your support on this. Whether you push this on mainstream media, social media or via the NRL, any attention that we can draw to the oversight of Eels players like Ray Price will get us closer to addressing the issue.

#ImmortalPrice

The Tip Sheet Live

Our podcast, The Tip Sheet, will once again be making a live appearance in Pablos at Parra Leagues this Sunday.

Kicking off at 1pm, you’ll be able to catch Forty, Joey Grima and myself talking all things Parramatta. Our special guest for this event will be Parramatta Eels Team of the Century winger, Neville Glover.

Join us for a feed, and a beverage at the Home of the Eels as we warm up for the big clash  with the Tigers.

See you there.

This Just In

Queensland aren’t good.

Eels forever!

Sixties

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