What a match!
I can’t recall too many finals to compare with the intensity and standard of what the Eels and Panthers provided for eighty exciting minutes.
Similarly, I can’t recall many clashes during the NRL era where a range of critical decisions seemed to adversely impact just one team.
That’s not to say that there haven’t been occasions In big matches where teams get a “raw deal” from incorrect calls or Lady Luck, after all there have been errors made in grand finals which have had a massive impact on one team’s momentum and opportunities.
However, Saturday felt like an unstoppable avalanche that gained momentum as the match unfolded.
It’s possible that an incredible positive could come from such a result. I have little doubt that the adversity thrust upon the Eels forced them to find a strength and resilience hitherto rarely demonstrated.
It was a performance that earned the respect of the rugby league world and marked Parra as a team to watch in 2022.
There’s plenty to discuss from the Blue and Gold’s exit from this year’s finals series, so get those Bumpers Up.
Proud
Having used this word many times over the last few days, I felt compelled to find another way to express my feelings about our Eels on Saturday night.
After digging through the thesaurus it became obvious that no better synonym was available.
I welcome any suggestions from any wordsmiths reading this column, but for now the succinct “proud” will suffice.
Questions Answered
After what’s been witnessed over the past month, it’s important to acknowledge the marked growth in the Eels in what I consider to be critical team KPIs.
In the defeat of the Storm, and the undeserved loss to the Panthers, the Eels delivered 80 minute performances. Some might consider that to be a reflection of their fitness, and unquestionably that’s a factor.
Mitch Moses’ composure was impressive
However, the composure and resolve of the team, particularly in the face of mystifying officiating, reached a standard to which every team would aspire. Dare I say it was premiership standard.
After having valid concerns about such qualities during the Eels run of losses, I was stunned by the improvement in those aspects of Parra’s performances.
Without question, the leadership and resilience of this team has taken the next step. It’s something which provides me with greater confidence about 2022.
In Defence Of Referees
Nobody would argue that being a match official is a thankless task. Team sports deliver winners and losers, and the inevitability of human error means that there will be refereeing mistakes. It provides the fans with the perfect scapegoat.
Rugby League referees are athletes in their own rights. I’ve had the opportunity to watch them train alongside the Eels during the preseason, then watch their “skills sessions” when they jump in to control the opposed work. Whilst they don’t have to train for the contact aspect of the game, these people are insanely fit individuals whose preparation is comparable to NRL stars, and the term “professional” is most apt.
Having watched rugby league since the 1960s, I can unequivocally state that the current crop of refs are a class above the pre-cable television era. That’s despite being subjected to microscopic examination like no other era.
The guard of honour for Cecchin, image via Fox Sports
Consider the respect directed towards retired referees such as Gavin Badger and Matt Cecchin. These blokes made their share of errors, but their passion and dedication to their craft was admired by players and supporters alike. Their departures were literally mourned by the rugby league public.
Being brutally honest, some of the most “famous” whistleblowers of yesteryear would not have had a career in today’s game. They wouldn’t go close to surviving the media and public scrutiny. Followers of my vintage or older would know exactly what I’m talking about.
However…
Demanding accountability of referees should not be confused with ‘ref bashing”.
Case in point – after Saturday night, there’s been no shortage of mainstream and social media attention directed towards the officiating of Ashley Klein.
Some can be rightly classified as “bashing” – and when it crosses the line into personal abuse or threats, it has no place in our game let alone society.
Conversely, to ignore valid criticism is akin to burying the head in the sand. It will open the door to greater problems down the track.
Just as I compared referees to players with regard to athleticism and professionalism, so too must I compare them to a player with regard to form.
If a player is out of form, consistently out of form, the expectation is that he will be dropped – provided a suitable replacement is available. If the coach continues to select an out of form player, then that coach is accountable, not the player.
Graham Annesley
Likewise, if a referee is performing poorly, and another suitable match official is available, I expect that referee to be dropped. If he continues to earn a top grade appointment then I blame those responsible for that, not the referee.
In a finals series, “swings and roundabouts” justifications should never be trotted out. It’s not a case of “bad luck, it is likely to fall your way next time”. This is not the season proper. There is no next week. It’s a professional sport and an entire season is on the line.
For that reason, the best referees must be appointed. They will still make a mistake or two, but just like an in-form team, they will be more likely to have better control than someone who hasn’t been refereeing well.
The best referee was not in control of the Penrith and Parramatta clash. What transpired, by Klein and his team, was not an acceptable standard of officiating. Individually their errors or misses were costly for one team, collectively they impacted the result. Their mistakes were not deliberate, but they must be owned.
Ashley Klein has a recent history of less than stellar officiating. It’s not his fault that he was appointed to this important match, but there must be consequences for how he controlled it.
Herein lies the problem for Mr Annesley.
Annesley’s defence of some of the calls made, note that’s only some of them, felt almost contemptuous. I understand his decision to defend match officials, and to fully investigate the criticisms, but he also has a history of calling referees to account almost immediately – see the Dylan Brown and Latrell Mitchell incidents. His dismissive responses to the raft of issues from the weekend were in stark contrast to those decisive reactions.
Obviously I’m upset with the standards on display as my team has now been eliminated. There’s nothing that can be done about that now.
Of greater concern is that despite the controversies of last Saturday, Klein will be back in action this weekend. Have they completely dismissed his errors or is he still one of the two best referees in the premiership? I’m not sure which is the worst!
With the NRL standing by their man, if the players don’t decide Friday’s contest, there should be no ref blaming.
Point your fingers firmly at Annesley et al for a system which accepts the unacceptable.
The Mitch Kenny Incident
With every passing day I find myself increasingly incensed by what transpired in the closing stages of Saturday’s final.
You’ve all seen the footage. Penrith’s Mitch Kenny goes down injured behind the play as the Eels surge towards the line. A quick play the ball was facilitating a wide shift with the Panthers caught short on their right.
That stoppage, image courtesy Channel 7
Though the trainer was yet to enter the field of play to assess the injured Kenny, he was somehow able to immediately stop the play by running directly to the touch judge.
It was a breach of the rules, something that the trainer had a history of doing.
At some point, such deliberate actions must have a consequence beyond a fine or short suspension. The season was on the line for both teams at that moment. With minimal deterrent to their action, it was no surprise that the trainer broke the rules.
Do we just accept that this can happen again in the future? If there are already very clear rules and processes that must be followed, and they weren’t, you’d have to assume it won’t be the last time we see it.
How do I know that?
By the very words of Penrith’s Blue Shirt, Hayden Knowles. Asked by the Herald about the actions of trainer/physio, Peter Green, Knowles had this to say,
“This was not cheating. Who knows more than Pete Green in this situation? If the same thing happened again you would get the same outcome.”
The action was not around the player. I can only speak about what my responses would be, but if the player was my first concern, I wouldn’t waste time running to a touch judge before going to his assistance. I’d want to get to the player as soon as possible.
But that’s just my perspective. I’m not in that role.
Brad Arthur
This season, the Eels deserved to advance to the grand final qualifier.
Yet, in the post match press conference, Brad Arthur was again questioned about his future.
How the media love to squeeze that lemon of a narrative dry!
If there were any doubts about the coach’s ability to prepare his charges for a finals match, or whether the squad are unified behind him, it was surely laid to rest over the past month.
Brad Arthur
When club management publicly declared its support of Arthur, certain journos and shock jocks regarded that as the kiss of death. However, Brent Read put it perfectly when he declared that sacking coaches is no longer in Parramatta’s DNA.
Considering that the club has not spent one round of football outside of the Top 8 since Round 1, 2019 it would seem absurd to consider charting any other course.
What the club will need to attend to sooner rather than later is to extend BA’s contract for at least another year. Given the number of players off contract, and their support of the coach, it’s unlikely that they would want any coaching uncertainty to impact negotiations.
Thank You
After the events of Saturday night, I decided to “pen” an open letter to Eels players and staff. It was frustrating to not be able to cheer the team in person, and I wanted to be able to put my gratitude, support and emotions into words.
As this column is being written, that open letter is on the verge of becoming the most read post in the history of The Cumberland Throw.
Though my words have obviously resonated with thousands of Eels supporters, I believe that the number of views are actually a reflection of the pride felt in the team’s performance.
Every year, 15 teams end their season with a level of disappointment, or some negativity.
This season, the Eels somehow proved a point in that final loss.
It should be the launching pad for 2022.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Well done once again! We were cheated out of the victory.
As far as that officiating is concerned, the problem is that it was either given the tick of approval or there is nobody better in the ranks. Either way it’s not acceptable.
Obviously the NRL don’t think the trainer stopping play didn’t bring the game into disrepute.
Two match suspension and$25000 fine for Penrith. I would accept that if I was in their position while laughing all the way to the bank.
My opinion it should of been an automatic points penalty for next season.
That or salary cap penalty would soon deter.
This encapsulates the feelings of the vast majority of Eels supporters, those that constantly call for the coach to be sacked, need to look carefully in the mirror after the team and coach rebuilt their culture and desire after 5 bad weeks to end the season with a platform to build on.
The wet lettuce response from Annesley to the officials performance was actually far worse than a simple, mistakes are made and we need to do better, in fact it was softer than a Maccas ice cream.
What we are now heading into is a sort of important twilight zone, the need to refresh , learn from 2021 and add to a squad that is competitive. The key will be astute signings, the need for a back up experienced 9, a winger and a centre would be handy with the younger players coming through. An X factor player would be handy, unfortunately they are not easy to discover and sign.
Extending the coach is first cab off the rank so to speak, as there is little doubt he is responsible for the club being this competitive and frankly there is no coach available that is demonstrably better. Stability will prove to be important as decisions are made on player retention, never a dull moment for us Eels tragics.
Bring in 2022 ( don’t care who wins 2021, would prefer it not to be the Riff for obvious reasons). Go the Eels..
Cheers Derek. With Lussick returning to the UK, the need for a back up dummy half – at least one it seems – is now paramount. I’m not sure what the story is with Roache, but even having three dummy halves turned out to not be enough this year, at currently only one is confirmed for next year – Mahoney.
Extending BA is now a priority. That stability has been central to the Eels consistency.
Tks sixties. There were so many things to be impressed by in that final performance that I’ve asked myself ‘does one swallow make a summer?’ I’m happy to answer ‘the pieces are now there’ and I’m basing that on what I saw after our slump. Our defence looked like a team, not middles, edges, wides, whatever you call them,performing at different levels. Dont underestimate Niukore and Penisini here, and Matterson had a real impact in a new role. Fergo goes better when those near him are competent , confident and aggressive. Waqa found his mojo in this new realm. Ditto Dunster. Moses has come of age. I don’t want any other No 6 than DBrown. And long live the King. Our forwards were a step ahead of our 1-7, now they’re rumbling together. Hold the coach and the squad together and bring on 2022!
And sixties, I too am pathologically affected by that stopping the game farce. Why didn’t the touchie tell the trainer to go and assess Kenny as per the rules? The NRL would have had the protocol approved for legal issues/liability and it’s common sense to actually check it out first. My GP doesn’t assess me from 30/40 metres away, that’s ludicrous. No,no, no, no, no, Penrith rorted this one, they knew the rules more than most as prior offenders. They’d be better off saying nothing, their justification is weasel grade.
Yes, the claim from Knowles that the player was the priority makes no sense. The action was not over him. Surely any concerned physio would have moved directly to the player rather than waste time by running to the touch judge. It makes no sense.
The NRL should not allow trainers onto the field until they approach a touch judge for permission. This way an official is made aware of the injured player. The game cannot be stopped until the players injury is assessed.
They can call this rule the Pete Green rule and his name will be known in the game for perpetuity.
Behave Rocket! 😁
I’ve never been a fan of Mr Annesley but one thing worth pointing out in regard to dropping Klein is, in the same way having no lower grade games played presents a challenge for coaches in choosing replacements for first grade positions, how could Annesley know which “second grade” ref is worthy of promotion. A challenging decision indeed.
Nevertheless, the flog didn’t have the decency to admit the litany of f-ups from his team were a blight on what was otherwise a fantastic game of footy. The fact that the ratio of decisions that disadvantaged Parra was suspiciously high warrants more than some pissant fines and suspensions of non-playing staff of the Panthers.
Given Knowles has said that a similar situation would get a similar result, it’s obvious that fine and suspension is no deterrent.
As for replacement ref, they don’t need to go to reserve grade. There’s the entire team of first grade referees to choose from and only two matches this weekend. And obviously Klein is a strong chance of getting the grand final..
The NRL have sure put the fear of God into the clubs this time, handing out paltry fines to the culprits and shooting the messenger for carrying out orders from on high. That should deter all future wrongdoing!
By the way Sixties, speaking of the messenger in this instance, is there any chance that Penrith trainer, Peter Green, might take up playing the guitar again while serving his suspension?
Nice pick up. I was going to suggest that his actions should be an “Albatross“ around the Riff’s neck.
While the fine of Penrith and suspension of the trainer were hefty, I have to ask, do you think they would pay that cost every time for the ability to progress to the next stage of the finals? I do. The only sufficient deterrent would be the possibility of a handing over of the game result to the opposition. In this case to Parra. What else would cause a club to think twice over this?
Brelogail, I was speaking to a wise person about this and he postulated that it was a small price to pay for any club.
I couldn’t agree more ! The fine and suspension will stop no club. The maths doesn’t work out. The fame, the gate takings, the increased desirability to be a sponsor of … it’s no brainer, cheat in order to get the benefits. Only the disgrace of a reversed decision would make the decision and behaviour stop.
Listening to SEN radio recently a Fox Sport commentator came on to report on Penrith being fined over the Green incident.
He talked about Greens actions and the fact that Annesley admitted that Loui should have been sent to the bin.
Then the Fox commentator made the statement that it was irrelevant because the best team won.
I believe that comment comes from the fact most commentators selected Penrith in a landslide before the match and them winning justifies their unbridled support for the Panthers.
What it does not explain is that due to the Eels impenetrable defence is the reason the Panthers did not get across the line to score.
At the time of the incident Panthers were leading by two points.
That is hardly “Lock it in Eddy”.
It beggars belief that a “neutral” commentator would say that the better team won. That’s not me disrespecting the Panthers. They also gave their all for 80 minutes. But Parra were the better team – and I’m not biased 😁
I believe Parra’s performance in the face of such adversity gained widespread respect from the league world. Friends and colleagues who support other clubs have contacted me these past days to praise our boys. That’s something rare.
Phil, most fair dinkum fans, regardless of who they support, recognise when a club has been dealt a bad hand in a match. It won’t show on the record books, and it might be forgotten by other fans, but we won’t forget what the team had to battle against.
Firstly 60’s + John and the TCT crew, you lads are beyond awesome, thanks for the content, god how we need it right now.
The team we put on the park against the Panthers imo was the best 1-17 we have ever fielded in my 33 years as a fan.
My hope right now is the Parramatta Eels staff and players come together and understand just how damn good this squad is and can be. We dictated terms to the riff and we deserved to win that game. Stone at hooker on the bench to give Mahoney a rest is a must imo, he should spend 2022 working on his passing game hes conditioned enough (doesnt skip trap day clearly).
Havent seen it mentioned too much but I just wanna say how proud I was of Will Penisini and Haze Dunster. Both these young blokes took some of the toughest runs I have ever seen in Rugby League from back play given their size. The fact they ran the ball so fearllessly against the monster riff pack was astonishing bravery. They showed true Parramatta grit imo. Not gonna lie watching a 19yo bloke in Will run the way he did bought a tear or two to my eyes.
Parra 4 Eternity
Thanks Chris. Appreciate the kind words.
To your thoughts on Haze and Will, it’s great to have two young pathways players shine like that.That was probably Haze’s best game. Will is going to be a star!
Well Mr Sixties another year passes by and a premiership still out of our grasp. That loss against Penrith really hurt. You know I have watched many live games over the past 64 years including many many floggings and have been to all the old grounds (including Pratten Park and Hensen – I watched that NFL bloke Manfred Schafer hurl the ball over the stand) so I know the difference between a good season and a bad one.
Despite Penrith winning ( can’t find another word for cheating) it turned out to be a good year. (In parts). We beat the Storm twice and the Broncos twice – that made me really happy. Disappointed with Manly but, four of six is good. That’s a pass.
Haven’t seen a lot of live games since moving north some years back but Parra still gets the blood flowing on the screen.
Good year Mr Sixties and the players are entitled to be somewhat pleased with themselves. It is really a tough competition to become number one.
Parra fans are so loyal and long suffering but, very few ever give up. They are a credit to the footie team
Very impressed with a number of players. Moses was great. As was Gutherson but, his decisions at times worry me. Our forwards did an excellent job throughout the season. Occasionally they fell short but for most did good.
Penisini and Dunster are the future – let’s not weigh them down with over expectations and super names. Makatoa and Rowell are interesting as with Russell.
As for Ray Stone he did have a bad second half but, is definitely worth keeping. He is one who can replace Nathan Brown when he finishes.
As for the Coach, we’ll I have to say he has disappointed me on a number of times.
Let me say this, I like BA as a coach and he has been good and very loyal.
Where I believe he falls short is the bench rotation. His use of the bench has at times has had a detrimental affect on some games along team selections. If no Reggies next year BA needs to really look at this.
Should we retain him – absolutely. Should we give him another extension beyond 2022 – that a for the team to play for. And, I think they will.
As a matter of fact I can’t see him coaching another team.
I do believe he should reconsider his support team. But, there is not a lot out there. Maybe Geoff Toovey.
This is my final text until next year. Needs a rest after all the excitement.
Take care Mr Sixties – your support team have done a wonderful job.
Fans, love all your comments. In the end, it is what it is. We have a good team and I cannot wait for 2022 to come around and see how the boys go. They seem to have woken up to themselves (the mind coach seems to be a keeper) and I believe, of course with bounces of the ball, we will be 2022 winners. What a balanced team we have assembled, they have experienced adversity, lack of effort and all the other crap. I think they have finally turned the corner. Re BA, I would be more than happy to give him a 10 Year (lol) contract. This guy is what we need. He just needs to keep growing himself, he has the basics of being a great NRL coach down pat.
Cheers 10 year. It’s as if this year and all of its events has galvanised the team – even that period of losses. Did the team need to go through those losses for the strong bounce back? I’m not sure, but they ended up hitting the finals series more than ready and their exit was literally taken out of their control.
i cant think of any other coach I’d want to have in charge of our team.
Couldn’t agree more Sixties.
Great work putting this together.
Ivan Cleary has manipulated the entire NRL by his rant in previous week leading up. He basically was guaranteed this result before the kickoff as NRL officials were bending over backwards to make it up to Ivan.
$25k is a joke and it’s basically saying cheat your hardest and the NRL will give you a slap on the wrist.
$25k, for a club is nothing. It should be the trainer who has to pay it and he should be deregistered!!
Btw $25k Nathan can make that from 1 tictok video.
It’s a shame all these refereeing issues are trying to take away from a great game and performance from the magnificent and gallant Eels.
Go Eels!!
What price is a Tyrone as a backup hooker next season on a one year contract? Peachey or May? Or do we stick with Ray Stone / Will Smith? I reckon all have strong points. Perhaps we have too many utilities? Is anyone coming through the junior squad?