The Cumberland Throw

Team List Tuesday – Carbon & Collabs Edition

NRL Team List

 

In dropping last week’s game against the Canberra Raiders the Parramatta Eels made their run home that much tighter but you know what? Bring it. Pressure turns decomposing piles of carbon matter into diamonds, pressure cookers make delicious food and Under Pressure is not only one of the greatest collaborative bangers of all time but it is sample source for one of the greatest guilty pleasure bangers ever in Ice Ice Baby.

The Eels know the pressure will be on them to bounce back and without a doubt the ones most critical of their performance in Round 19 will be themselves. Mitchell Moses has not made it back this week as the club carefully nurses his broken back but Tom Opacic does come back into the starting team. That slides exciting rookie prospect Will Penisini back to the extended roster while Marata Niukore is sidelined by a knee meniscus injury which in turn sees Bryce Cartwright back onto the bench.

Otherwise it is all hands on deck for the Blue & Gold. The entirety of the spine will enter this game against the Sydney Roosters knowing that they have to lift both individually and as a play-making unit following a stilted performance against the Raiders. Equally, the team in general will know that they can’t afford to have the sort of defensive lapses that allowed Canberra to breach their line twice. Even as battered and bruised as the Roosters are, they will certainly capitalise on such opportunities if they are offered.

Speaking of the tri-colours, they have been forced to roll out Adam Keighran in the centres following a cruel injury to Billy Smith. Matt Ikuvalu is also out with Josh Morris getting a reprieve following his Round 19 demotion. Joey Manu has been shipped out to the wing amidst all of the selection chaos for the Roosters but their forward pack still looks as formidable as ever and represents a cracking challenge for Parramatta.

Round 20 will see the Eels kick off the third straight week of NRL action as they travel to Mackay. Even with all their injuries the Roosters are a legitimate threat and regardless of that, given their last start the Eels can ill afford to take any game lightly. Still, even as negativity has started to creep in among parts of the fandom there are far more reasons to be positive about the game this week with Parra getting a terrific chance to to realign themselves and get right ahead of a crucial run in their schedule.

 

1. Clinton Gutherson ©
2. Maika Sivo
3. Tom Opacic
4. Waqa Blake
5. Blake Ferguson
6. Dylan Brown
7. Jake Arthur
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Reed Mahoney
10. Junior Paulo
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. Ryan Matterson
13. Nathan Brown
14. Bryce Cartwright
15. Shaun Lane
16. Oregon Kaufusi
17. Will Smith
18. Haze Dunster
19. Ray Stone
20. Will Penisini
21. Joey Lussick

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72 thoughts on “Team List Tuesday – Carbon & Collabs Edition

  1. Electric Analysis

    No need to explain the team changes. One word will do .. nepotism.

      1. Anonymous

        Really. You are conflicted. There is not one part of his game that is 3rs grade ready.
        If you are expecting someone to eat a throng relating to this ending well they will starve.

        1. Wilhelmina

          Searching through that inarticulate mess for a meaning, what I got was that you clearly haven’t watched him play in NSW Cup.

          1. Poppa

            I saw him in his last game in NSW Cup and he was arguably the worst player on the field.
            I encourage young players and love them being given opportunities, Jake has failed at every level.
            I note hereunder that he is being compared with Walker who is an outstanding talent. The problem is that Jake has not established anywhere such a premise.

          2. Glenn

            Quiet simply Jake is not NRL ready. Nothing is made at speed and his moves telegraphed so defences have time to react. Will Smith, Matterson or Cartwright in the halves would be the better option.

  2. Joshua Randall

    JA was out of his depth defensively last week and I think selecting him wasn’t the right call for us or him. We need to win these games and while we have another option in Smith I can’t see how his selection is warranted. In saying that Sam Walker has been found out defensively all year and the Roosters have stuck by him. I hope I’m proven wrong and ill be cheering the boys on.

    1. sixties

      Josh you have nailed it with regard to the Roosters sticking with a young half, one who I might add has had far more defensive issues than Jake. Hard to imagine Roosters fans bagging Robinson.

      1. Offside

        Difference is what Walker has shown shows he has a big future and the hype us warranted. JA hasn’t yet shown that

  3. Brissyeel

    Negativity has started to creep in among parts of the fandom!! Well not if you head over to that other site that I’ve taken a self imposed hiatus from, it hasn’t just crept in, it already took root straight after the last loss and completely taken over. There’s that many dickheads that can’t even see they contradict themselves it’s ridiculous:-

    • BA never bloods youth – why did he pick that bloke he can’t play
    • BA never drops anyone – why did he drop him, we need him to play
    • BA only knows how to chase the collision – I’m not even sure they understand what they are trying to say there!!

    It goes on and on. Amazing that a coach that has got us to where we are is so hated by the supposed fan base, it’s beyond ridiculous. There’s one goose in particular asking for him to be sacked immediately, he’s thrown up the Walker brothers as an option in the past!!! And he has stated he hopes we lose all our remaining games just so we have to sack BA and then attacked another poster who had a go at him claiming he wasn’t a true fan, serious, you can’t make this crap up!!!

    Anyway, fact is this is a very under strength Roosters team and we should win this game to open a 4 point gap to them again. No doubt there’s some players that won’t be too happy with their game last week, so they will be chomping at the bit for some redemption Thursday night. Eels by 18+ MOM Reed Mahoney.

  4. Offside

    BA’s desire to manufacture his son into a 1st grader may be the death nail for the season and his coaching career

      1. Brissyeel

        Mate, do either of you know how the selection process works at the Club? Serious question, because I don’t. I would, however, suggest that in this instance, and the other 4 times JA was selected, that BA has sought advice from the player leadership group, the selection committee (whoever they are) as well as Mark O’Neil. Maybe I’m wrong, but I highly doubt he’s gone rogue and made this decision himself without consultation. Some of the complete fools on the other site apparently know exactly what happens at every training session, video session, post match discussion, team selection meetings etc. because they have ALL the answers, no matter how ludicrous some of them are.

        I would have thought there’d be no supporter on the planet that would be dumb enough to wish bad luck to the coach that dragged them out of the mire, got them to a consistent finals team and Top 5 for last 3 years, took them from laughing stock to contenders and have them sitting 4th and 13 and 5 after 18 games, ESPECIALLY, when there is no better coach available. But then again, there’s some real fools who claim to be Eels supporters out there. Those fools claiming he wouldn’t get a head coach job at any other club are joking, there’s 10 at least that would love him I reckon

        1. Sydeel

          Brissyeel – come on mate.. top 5 is great, but not if you can’t go on with it.
          This is his 8th season and he’s only managed 1 finals win.. ONE!
          We always seem to drop games to a lot of teams we “should beat” or fall short against teams on or above our level.
          Our roster is deserving of a coach that can take them to the next level.
          Picking his son again?!
          He must be coaching with his heart and not his head here.
          Sitili Tupouniua is going to be salivating at his chances of a few tries on Thursday.
          Cartwright should be a lock on the bench, but he’s only been selected due to an injury.
          The guy is a bafoon.

          1. Brissyeel

            You remember we beat the Storm, lost to the Panthers by 1, haven’t been flogged as in seasons past?

            He has NOT had 8 seasons. For the love of God, you can wipe out the first 4 or 5 of those thanks to the salary cap scandal, off field shackles of no footy spending etc etc. People who say this 8 seasons thing are kidding themselves, he’s basically had the last 3 years of putting this team together. You realise Bellamy took far longer than that to win his first GF and that coincided with Cronk, Slater, Smith and GI coming together? Seriously, BA deserves far more credit that a lot of people give him credit for.

          2. Brissyeel

            By the way Sydeel, how many of those finals have been Storm in Melbourne? Not many teams have won that game. The Rabbits game last year we were decimated by injuries. Still, we scored 24 in both finals last year, enough to win but some lazy moments in defence and poor reads due to combinations from injuries during the 1st game and subsequent injuries and Jennings suspension in the 2nd game, cost us.

          3. Sydeel

            Lead both games by a decent margin and still managed to lose.
            As a parra fan, you know not to be comfortable with any kind of lead under 30 points.
            We beat storm in round 2, good luck doing that now!
            Lost to panthers by 1 missing their best player and arguably best in the comp.
            Roosters are missing half their club and still get the job done.
            Parra miss one player and we crumble.
            Raiders missing key players and lost two during the game.
            Storm have been missing players all season.
            I wouldn’t be surprised to see us lose all of our remaining games and go out early in the finals again and I know I’m not alone here.

        2. Offside

          I don’t think he’s gone rogue I think its a bad decision based on evidence of the player. If we had no options I’d forgive it but we have will Smith, Cartwright, Gutho, Lussick as options but persisting with a kid who isn’t up to it is foolish regardless of the kids last name.
          I think we should still be the roosters but we are in for a tough finish to the season.
          Making the finals is no longer good enough it should be a minimal requirement going the next level is what we should be doing but at this point we are not doing that.
          Last year we had Jai Field at back up half and it showed the need/value in a experienced and reliable back up half we didn’t sure up that postion now we are playing a 18 year old who is out of his depth that’s on BA and the recruitment team.

          1. Anonymous

            Cartwright is not a half he’s slow and indecisive. Lussick is very predictable and can barely kick, Gutho is a fullback and it would compromise the team to have him anywhere else. Smith is great but he’s a runner of the ball that’s best suited at 5/8, his kicking game has improved, but if you’ve watched him in reserve grade he can’t handle the position for the full 80 and has multiple lapses in judgement leading to 7 tackle sets. Brown is a 5/8 plain and simple who’s first reaction is to run the ball. Counterproductive to put two 5/8s on the field. JA is a good up and comer, he’s not the next best thing and he’ll probably end up as a back rower like Matto, but at the moment he’s the best looking half we have. End of story. I’m sure BA would prefer to rest his son to avoid injury and mental health damage from all these brutal comments, but hey who else do we have. BA has brought us out of the shit house and players are coming to Parra to be coached by him. That says a lot. In BA we trust! ⚡️💙💛💪🏻

          2. Offside

            In BA we once trusted he is a good coach much like Brian Smith Nathan Brown Graeme Murray Anthony Griffien coaches who will rebuild and get a team to a point.
            Now we need to go the next level who takes us there is unknown but it’s looking less likely to be BA.
            Sure keep him and continue to start strong stumble secure a place in the top 6 then limp out.
            Or find that killer edge we are missing.
            Despite my BA bashing I respect him and all he’s done but in my opinion his job is done.

        3. sixties

          Your supposition about the opinions of others including leadership groups is far closer to the truth than imagining that BA doesn’t listen to or seek the opinions of others.
          Damn you BA, damn you for turning our club into finalists!

      2. sixties

        Seriously Pete, please don’t bother visiting TCT if you are going to wish failure upon the team. This is a disgraceful reply on an Eels supporter site.

  5. Mr controversy aka rev

    Why on earth does brad persists with his son 🤬 like really as it is will smith only sees around 5 Minutes a game. I can see the rooster’s running JWG at Jakob all night.

    Really like the way young pensini played. Can see him playing a lot more game’s next year. Very bright future.

    On brad Arthur if we go out in straight sets again then surly the club has to look in another direction. Say Madge i think he can take us to the next level with the team we have.

    Can’t be playing well then come semis out the back door in straight sets. Us fan’s deserve better.

    One question sixties or 40/20 how long has brad Arthur been incharge. Is he closing in on Brian smith ?

    On the team. Like I’ve already said before we have a tough run home we need to win this week. If we had one last weekend then win tjis one we could have been 6 points in front of the rooster’s.

    1. Brissyeel

      And if we lost 10 of the 13 we’ve won it wouldn’t matter who we picked. Can people not see past the last loss? The season has been very positive in so many ways, yet all a heap of idiots want to do is sack the Coach because he picked his son, who has actually done several very good things in his limited opportunities that have been completely overlooked and only the negatives focused on. It is completely unfair on the kid the crap that has been written about him. Yeah he’s missed some crucial tackles, so have a lot of far, far more experienced players. People calling for Rankin to be picked, how many times do they have to be told he’s not in the bubble, people calling for Cartwright to play 6, which he simply isn’t. And finally, the dickheads carrying on like tools were mostly the ones carrying on about Gutho after a few games, or Reed after a few games and so on. They have ZERO footy intelligence, they expect JA to be some sort of cross between Sterlo and Cronk after a handful of games.

      1. Mr controversy aka rev

        Brissy eel we are looking ahead n even sterling said maybe Jakob is out of his depths. We need experience not a 3 -4 game rookie to lead us thru this tough period.

        If you really think Jakob will improve then I’m happy for you to think that.

        Is he our future halfback imo no He doesn t even make the top 30. But that’s my opinion.

        Look I’m sure his done some good thing’s but this kicking on the 3rd n 4th tackle with out letting anyone know is just crazy. He doesn’t take on the line he rearly talks to his player’s to let them know what his doing.

        1. Colin Hussey

          Rev, for goodness sake have you been infested with the same lurgy that has become a desease from that other site?

          I would be sure that BA would not be playing his son at this stage of his career unless there was no real options at the time. Cast your memory back to before his first game, he had to get a release and sign up for the NRL squad, no longer one of the rookies/development players, had there been other options available then he would have gone that direction. Go back and read his statements regarding his son, he said it was never envsaged at his age to have been called up, he played more than ok in his first game and probably as a result of his own hype, did well but one game is not a career, and both father and son I would say & agree with that as well.

          So who does one pick to replace our primary Half Back, looking at the options, we rule Rankin out as he’s not in the bubble and not signed as an NRL player, that pretty much leaves us with Will Smith, or a swap around to have Guth, or DB play in that spot, maybe put Reed there, but we then weaken another position in those choices, except we look at Will.

          He’s been with the eels now for 5 seasons, and has been unable to cement a permanent place with the eels, similar story with his previous years, this being his 8th year and his career has been as a Fullback, & utility, never cementing a full time position, since at the eels in his 5th year now, he has had 68 appearances for the eels (NRL).

          As much as I like what he has done with the eels, and he has tried and often played well, but his level has never really been raised above where he has been, & I don’t mean to put him down, as in general he has tried hard and and played his best, but he will never be a regular NRL player as such.

          I look at our team heading to play the chooks, and aside from Jacob & Will the chosen team is a strong one and all things being equal the eels should win the game, although the head chook is clucking about the number of players he has lost this year and wants the NRL to look into things for his benefit.

          In all my 50+ years as an eels supporter, I actually feel ashamed of those who post the crap they do, when the eels lose, or something doesn’t go their ways, blame the coach who puts all he can into the team and real supporters. I think ashamed is really not harsh enough of those who want to control others, the team, players, coaches and all & sundry, how will they feel and jump for joy should the smutt attitudes see the end of the eels, Mission accomplished, back to heads in sand.

          1. sixties

            Colin, rest assured that there are smarter people with calm minds in control of our club. The ridiculous opinions which ignore facts don’t matter one bit.
            What is embarrassing is that the families and friends of players see some of these opinions. What a way to show support for the club during better times!

          2. Offside

            As someone who has had friends and family play at the top grade you read it and 9 times out of 10 you know what’s fair or not fair.

            My frustration is if we finish top 4 and or 5 and bow out in week 2 again that people in the club will see that as a good year for me it’s not I want to be in it to win it. We should be past just being happy to be there.

            It feels at times that the club is happy to be making up the numbers at the end of season

        2. John Eel

          Rev no disrespect to Sterling, an all time great for the Eels. However a couple of years ago I can recall Sterlo in commentary saying the Eels are not taking advantage of their dominance. This was at about the 20 minute mark. I think he was worried about the one out running.

          The Eels went on to win that Semi 58 to nil. Coaching, according to Serling, is not his area of expertise.

      1. Mr controversy aka rev

        My dear Moses is a much better defending half back then young jakob.

        1. Colin Hussey

          So he should be Rev, considering the experience difference as well. Tend to remember the time when MM was at the Tigers with Brooks, and how Brooks showed him up even thought they were the best of mates, it took Mitch to leave the Tigers and come to eels for him to get his game built up to where it is now, and he is still not beyond learning.

          Given that JA is 8 years younger than Mitch, he has a fair degree of learning to do, before catching up.

    2. sixties

      Rev, you are kidding about Madge, surely!
      Brad’s done an awful job hasn’t he! He’s turned the Eels into finalists. Shame on him!

      1. Mr controversy aka rev

        Not not kidding about Madg. See sixties your judgement is of madge as Tiger’s coach. Remember what he did at south’s or gVe you forgotten.

        Not saying brads a bad coach just need him to some how take us to the next level.

    1. Colin Hussey

      My understanding based only on reading some similar questions is that he is not part of the bubble.

      1. John Eel

        Colin it came out in the media after the bubble was created. I think NRL.com, that Rankin was not in the bubble. Which made sense at the time

  6. Colin Hussey

    I very much doubt that BA would have picked his son had our primary Half was not out injured.

    What also needs to be considered is aside from 2 players in the team, who wear the 7 & 17 numbers on their backs, as I look over the other 15 players in the eels line up, it shows a list of quality players, overall, and for me they will be smarting from last weeks loss, and know the abject need to win against the chooks, and if they are not determined or motivated enough this close to the finals, and what real rewards await them should they all play to their both team and individual qualities, then none of them should be playing in any team or grade.

    I have the confidence that this team will play well and will have a quality win.

  7. Dday

    Not too much to be surprised at in those selections. We know BA picks and sticks, Marata is out, opacic is back so the rest follows. Hoping for some varied tactics this week – the roosters will absorb the bash thru the middle approach & they’re very makeshift in the backline. Agree with others that players will be keen to do better this week.
    Hope the Roosters finish the game complaining about the Eels being too rough again…

  8. Shelley

    I was originally going to ignore some of the comments but I could not. Would I have picked this side? No. Would I have made some key changes and do I have some concerns about Thursday? Yes.
    That is why I am a supporter and not a coach or official. Judge our season at the end. If criticism after the season is warranted then so be it, but give our team a chance to right the finals wrongs before you jump to conclusions and dismantle what we have built.

    The definition for the action of support is the following; bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.

    Therefore I hope the boys and coaches support each other. I hope fans can see past team selection debates and support the team and each other.

    How any supporter can hope for your ‘teams’ failure is beyond me but of course everyone can choose what they define being a supporter as.

    In my house we will put on our jerseys on Thursday night, yell, scream and I hope celebrate as we watch the game. I hope Fergo plays brilliantly and proves me wrong , I hope Jakob is heavily involved and we play with equal amounts of skill and composure. If not , I will give my opinion but never ever stop being a supporter, that is a person who tries to hold up my club and team and not gleefully spectate as others pull it down

    1. Wilhelmina

      Well said Shelley. Some of the comments above are utterly disgraceful. I read this site because it isn’t a cesspool of uneducated opinions, but it seems they’ve found us 🙁

    2. Brissyeel

      Great response Shelley, I always read your pieces and respect your opinions very highly. Whilst you offer a no holds bar opinion, it is ALWAYS done in a balanced fashion. You can feel your frustration with the team at times after a loss but it is tempered and respectful at the same time and offers constructive criticism.

      As for ignoring comments, that’s why I’ve said goodbye to the other site, I couldn’t just bite my lip and let a few idiots carrying on like they were, but the more you chastised them and put together facts to support your position and show they were clearly wrong, instead of admitting they were wrong they dig their heels in even more, make even more ludicrous statements and then more idiots came out in support of them. I’ve even had other idiots then tell me to pull my head in and stop being so aggressive towards them – which is nothing on what they say to the Coach and his son lately!! It then turns into personal insults, I’ve been labelled a BA Lover, BA’s arse licker, BA’s husband etc etc. not to mention one complete nutter offering to meet up so he could “king hit me” because that’s what I deserved. I reckon I’ve forgotten more about footy in my 52 years than they’ve ever learnt. It’s a disgrace that they allow this stuff to continue over there unabated. And guess what, I popped over to have a look this morning and there’s a Blog specifically directed at me and several comments about me leaving having a go at me!!! Funniest thing was one idiot in the Team List blog saying he doubts anyone posted that they hope we lose – the comment above his was, and I quote, “I want JA to fail if that’s what it’s going to take to get BA sacked”. You dead set can’t make it up!!!

  9. greg okladnikov

    I know all the fans want to win a comp but we have to agree it is very hard – you need all of your best players all fit at the right end of the season. Then you need the right 50/50 calls from the ref And sometimes it is a game of inches – a goal kick hits the post, a winger steps on the sideline, etc, etc. In recent finals, we have been beaten by the Storm in Melbourne ( who hasn’t) and last year had the Jennings issue on game day.

    One Interesting stat – since 2012 – only 5 different clubs have won – and the Storm and Roosters won 3 each. Like the grand slams in tennis – where the big 3 win 95% of them. But 11 other clubs have not won a comp either

    When BA started, we all wanted a competitive team with a good attitude that played tough and competes in every game – and it has taken time , and now we have that.

    And with the coaches, or discussing new coaches, it is interesting to note that it even took the great Bellamy 5 years to win first comp, but he only won his first legitimate comp in his 10th year with the Storm – and with a team that included 3 of the best players of the last decade ( like the Eels in the early 1980s) – a once in a generation mix.

    As fans, we need to support the team and coach ( even if we may disagree with some decisions which is normal) but most importantly we want the team to give 100%, and if that 100% is given, we can ask for no more. And if another team is better and beats us after each player walks off and says they did their absolute best, then we have to accept that

    The next 8-10 weeks will be hard, but as Thorpie said in the swimming commentary, that if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best

    Go Parra

    1. Brissyeel

      Brilliant response Greg. Some very short memories out there. A lot of those bagging JA and demanding Will Smith should be 7 are the same ones demanding Will Smith never be put in the NRL again a year or two ago!!! The Finals are a whole new competition. It’s basically a new 4 week comp at the end of the year. Injuries, suspensions, refs call – all the things you have stated – are going to go a long way to determining the winner. But what a lot of people seem to ignore is that you need to put yourself into a strong position over 25 weeks to get that chance. We should be relishing the challenge we have coming up over the next 5 or 6 weeks, instead of the rubbish that I have seen written.

      1. Greg Okladnikov

        And I think the Bellamy record – 10 years to win a legitimate comp (and 5 years to win while breaching the cap) shows just how long it takes to get the right players and opportunity.And he is considered the best in the business who had a few of the best players ever. Just shows how hard it is to win

        1. Brissyeel

          Spot on Greg, and once Bellamy got those blokes together it was much easier to maintain that high standard and do what he did, the new players coming in knew what the expectations were and where the bar was set, but even then they don’t win it every year.

      2. John Eel

        The reality is that it is only since 2019 following and the independent investigation of the football club has BA finally got the systems in place to run a professional football club.

        The formation of the recruitment manager. The creation of Joey Grima’s position to manage junior development has allowed BA to concentrate on coaching the NRL side with his coaching team.

        The club has improved year on year since that point. Time for patience by the supporters, something some on here have accused the players of lacking.

        The thing that really gets to me is the blood letting as we head into the finals. We are in with a strong chance of playing our first GF in over a decade and some on here are trying to rip the team apart

        I despair!

        1. sixties

          John, absolutely true about the scenario at the club. Also there are some people who aren’t regular visitors here today.

          1. Brissyeel

            Regular visitor, sixties, but only posted a few times previously though as you know. Planning on doing a little more if I don’t cross any lines. John Eel, I have always argued with the people claiming BA has had 8 years, it shows what imbeciles they are as it simply isn’t fair on the bloke. I also maintain you should really judge him from 2019 onwards when the shackles were removed, of course, that won’t happen as it doesn’t fit the narrative that he can’t coach.

          2. John Eel

            Brissyeel is has been before. Good Eels supporter as opposed to being a fan

        2. Colin Hussey

          Don’t despair John, these so called supporters should think themselves lucky as there are no longer and abatoirs in the Sydney area.

  10. !0 Year Member

    I am perplexed at the supporter commentary. We lost by 2 points. If anything….our game plan was to blame. The players stuck to it religiously. I think TCT player ratings left the door ajar. JA was not a D..in my opinion. But healthy debate should be welcomed.

    1. Poppa

      I think objectivity has been lost at most levels.Try to put the emotion aside.
      I am/was a BA supporter and would never wish him ill. That said I am a Parramatta supporter first and foremost and therein lies my critique.
      I posted after the grades that I believe that BA is not very intelligent when it comes to lateral thinking and is autocratic as a result.
      He has had plenty of opportunities to bring in different and higher quality support staff (Johns notwithstanding), but he seemingly doesn’t think that way.
      Blind Freddie can see that Jake is not ready for first grade at just about every level. The alternatives are in the backups specifically purchased or kept (Will Smith). When BA first picked JA after DB’s suspension, he explained that Will Smith if not injured would fill the spot.Moses half JA 5/8. Smith best game for Parra was playing half.
      When JA was picked against Souths it was dumb, the one specific side that JA would find difficult was them, followed by Manly. At this point JA lost his confidence and had horrors back in NSW Cup.
      Now in this period we had Lussick doing a pretty good job filling in for Reed. Everyone accepts that and no argument. It seems that it has been conveniently forgotten that Lussick captained an ESL team playing a lot of half.
      Given the balance of the bench JA has no right in the 17, Smith comes into the side Lussick goes on to the bench, it gives you a backup hooker and a backup half…..Don’t tell me Smith is a better back up than Lussick as a hooker. But he is unquestioably a better half than JA.The other elephant in the room is Waqar Blake, keeping him in the team instead of a genuine top class junior in Penisini is an example of BA’s continued disingenuiity.

      Now you may understand why BA is just not very smart.

      People need to get over the emotional issues that come from individual opinions that berate the incumbents, but can’t do that. Poor old Rev wants to put Madge in, which is stupid. No ready replacement is available to take BA’s place, but some lateral thinking can make these processes more comfortable, the implication of nepotism is very embarrassing for every one and the CEO needs to step in and ask some questions.
      As a Parramatta supporter I can only see our side going backwards given we are not doing anything constructive enough to maintain our current top 4 status, compliments belong to BA in getting us there and out of the rut that coincided with the scandals and Parra’s humiliating Admin leading into the new era we are now in, lets not blow it!

      1. Brissyeel

        Pops, you know my thoughts on this, I’ve said it ad nauseum. I don’t see we are stagnating. We lost a game by 2 points to a team that actually played very well and the sky is falling. “Fans” have said we won’t win another game this year, we cannot win a finals game, I’ve even seen blokes claiming the Sharks, Dogs, Broncos etc will jump ahead of us and we’ll miss the Top 8 next year. Seriously, get a grip. We have improved over last year, which was an improvement over the previous year. The additions of Papali’i and Cartwright have been excellent and astute buys. Roache looked very good in his debut before another injury cruelled him. We have not had any blowouts, although the Bunnies score wasn’t pretty. We have improved our defence, particularly the last 4-6 weeks.

        A lot of things that the whingers have been carrying on about over recent years are therefore ticked off, but guess what, they still aren’t happy. And now the target is JA, heaven forbid we develop a good young half and give him some game time when there’s injuries, the same whingers above claimed BA never blooded youth, he does and it’s nepotism!!! Scored a try on debut to win the game, has a decent short kicking game, has forced repeat sets, takes the ball to the line and takes the line on – nope none of that is seen, only the bad missed tackles and he cannot play. Same blokes are blowing up that Penisini was dropped, little regard for the fact he missed nearly as many tackles as Jake and whilst having a few decent runs, he was nowhere near as dangerous in attack. Jake caught that bomb and got the ball away to NBrown and he dropped it cold with the line wide open and we probably go on to win, does JA still get crucified then??

      2. Colin Hussey

        Pops, that post must put you at the top of the patronising club, well done and congratulations.

        1. Poppa

          Well it’s never easy when your wrong all the time Col.
          Please understand that I am patronising to BA, as I have respect for his achievements…..to that extent he is embarrassing those same achievements with a lack of lateral thinking (that’s hardly patronising Col).
          Its not easy to change sides, I have always been a Unicorn and even now defend BA for some of the things said about him. I find my position quiet difficult but I can only say what I see. You got that honestly, whether I’m right or wrong is always going to be subjective.
          I know Brissy comes from the heart but he also is coming from a perspective of what he see’s through the rage he rightfully holds against some of the criticism he receives from the morons (they are not all morons) he sees on IEE.
          Finally I am extremely objective about JA, I thought his first game was promising and watched him and squirmed as he has got worse (lets assume his confidence became shot), having had a lot to do with developing young sportsman, I believe his father has handled him atrociously.
          You will find it is a rarity for me to critique a young player unless I believe they have some outstanding ability and are not putting in. I put Reed and Dyllan into that category and maintain that JA is not in their league I have seen plenty come through in the last 60 odd years, as you know I don’t rate Dunster highly either, but he has much more potential than Jake with the one difference being and I think this is really relevant.
          Jake is a tall gangly boy who at this age effects a lot of boy’s relative motor skils, I can relate to a boy going through his last year of First’s in GPS Rugby and completely losing his co ordination, two seasons later he was playing for Qld Reds. This boy had a huge growth spurt at 18, he was never small, played fullback, but all of a sudden his skills came together. BA has rushed his son and he will ruin him unless he takes more care of his needs at this stage of his development. Watch him closely, his brain is working faster than his body. When they come together you may have a superstar!
          Sorry if that’s too patronising.

          1. Colin Hussey

            Pops, I don’t care if in your eyes I am wrong all the time, and I would rather be on the level I am than do a lot of prose that you bubble out with. I have one sport that I follow and that means one team, I support them rather than as fans do.

            Thankfully though I am glad that I am at the level that I am, rather than the level you think that I am, but its actually quite sad as you have gotten older as a result your pinacle and crown slipping big time as you in recent times have tended to put on some superior blow’ard attitutes, but then again I know I could never reach your levels so I don’t wory and know will ignore your own priveleged know all.

  11. Offside

    Alot of negative posts all over the place me included.
    I think the core seems to be alot of us are frustrated with what we are seeing on the field and want BA to be held accountable if we slide away like previous years.
    Others are content with how we’re going and are happy to be amongst the top teams but not a top teams.
    Others have blind faith and can’t see any problems and anyone who questions the team or coach is not a real fan.

    One thing that is clear is the frustration comes from a want to be better and a fear that we are stagnating.

    For me I’d love BA to prove me wrong that means my eels are winning/competing for premierships at the moment we are the best of the rest better than being down the bottom but wholly unsatisfactory as the year ends.

    We need to find a way to go that next level

    On another note I’m happy for people to crucify the coach over picking Jacob that’s what he’s paid for but its not Jacobs fault that he’s got picked when not ready to play grade.

    1. Brissyeel

      The frustrated with what we are seeing on the field is the comment I am going to focus on here Offside. The main issue I have with that is most of the negative comments that come out after a loss are complete contradictions of what actually happens. We win and some of the dickheads (not you, you balance things mostly and you know some of those who I am talking about) give us no credit at all and there’s always an excuse for the opposition. We lose and we simply CANNOT have an excuse, there is absolutely no credit given to the winner and how well they may have played or lucky they may have got, it’s all because we are shit, BA can’t coach, JA should never have been picked etc. It is WRONG and it is not balanced. We have won 13 games and lost 5, so we are apparently doing a lot of things right, but the bleating and whining after a loss is incessant, the praise after a win, probably barring the Storm game, is silent. There’s plenty that have had people, me included, have a shot at them and they reply that they have this God given right to be able to critique the team after a loss however they want to. Well, no sorry, you aren’t, offer a constructive critique by all means covering both good and bad, but what happens is not a critique, it’s borderline slander and in some cases crosses waaayyyy over the line. And of course, they offer no positive critiques after a win, in fact they are not seen. These people are not fans, they are a disgrace. If I was reading some of the comments these dickheads make on another fans forum I’d be dead set embarrassed for them and laughing hysterically.

  12. Eelboy

    I thought I’d found some sanctuary here at TCT. Folks sharing insights rather than infighting. Junior Paulo said this about the game “BA gives us license to play footy, it’s more just us looking up. We have the onus on us just to play eyes up footy”. No shaming or blaming just a leader of our team placing accountability where it belongs.

    1. sixties

      Eelboy, I am stunned at what looks like a swarm from elsewhere appearing here today. It’s not on and anyone that crosses a line will be removed. This is a supporter site and whilst debate and criticism is fine, some comments are nudging the line for what isn’t acceptable. In fact, we have spent too many years in establishing standards and won’t allow that to slip.
      Thanks for supplying that quote. I’ve seen enough at training and their prep at games, as well as from speaking to players, that I know BA’s mindset. And Junior nails it.

      1. Ben Creighton

        Agree Sixties. It’s a fantastic site you guys run and essential reading/ listening for Parra fans. Keep up the great work.

      2. Poppa

        Elsewhere is your market as well sixties.
        I assume the debate/discussion on here is a result of the incumbents looking for intelligent responses about the stage they see our beloved eels in.
        In the lead up to this weeks selections I noted many of TCT’s regular correspondents were not happy about the potential of certain selections either. They do not seem so vociferous now but that is the order you have created here.
        I come here for the more refined view that maybe cannot be provided elsewhere. When I finish on both sites, I tend to come to conclusions, that is what discussions are about. I will even provoke views to draw out an answer.
        Your role as moderator/mediator is never easy but you need to believe that if civility is continued then the discussion has value, whether you agree with the relevant subject matter or not.
        Its what a forum is and like many I am sure you have managed in your teaching role.
        No disrespect to you at all, I have defended you everywhere and admire all the achievements of TCT.

  13. BDon

    Some things puzzle me, like how a ratbag could have been elected to run the most powerful country on earth. At a more important level,It puzzles me why we are top for errors and 3rd for handling errors in the NRL. It puzzled me why we were so soft at defending wide shifts. It puzzles me why the club hasn’t invested in psyche programs( they may have but there has been no public announcement).I’m more interested in understanding these things than ripping people to shreds, that’s a poor look, when we’re all supposed to be on the same team.

  14. Forty20 Post author

    Alright, the discussion has run its course here. As always critical discourse is welcome on TCT following win, loss or draw and we let plenty fly on this blog so long as ad hominems and personal attacks are left at the door. However, this week’s TLT has seen a particularly high level of brigading and negativity befitting of team competing for the wooden spoon instead of the Top 4.

    When people are genuinely trying to peddle arguments of nepotism and the idea that Michael Maguire would be a better coach for our great club than Brad Arthur then I will put my foot down. We are done here.

    Consider this a warning to all moving forwards. You are always welcome to comment and critique the Parramatta Eels on TCT. Good wins should be celebrated, tough losses should be reflected upon and the ones that got away should be broken down with honesty. Even so, if you come here with the express intent to whine about the things I listed in my first paragraph, your comments will be deleted. That will be your one and only chance. Try it again and I will ban you. Complain about it and I will ban you. This is not a democracy, try me with complaints about free speech and find out what will happen.

    If you want to slander players and coaches you have outlets on social media and beyond, it will not be tolerated on TCT. For the majority of you who have always commented in good faith, please carry on as you always have in your respectful manners and continue to praise the positives and dissect the negatives.

    This post is henceforth locked and everyone knows where we all stand moving forwards. Thank you all and good day.

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