Passion.
It’s the characteristic that separates the true rugby league supporter from the casual fan. Passion drives the investment of time, money and (naturally) emotion in the team that we all follow.
Not all investments are the same, and not all emotional connections with our team are the same.
Take this week as an example.
The loss of Reed Mahoney has triggered reactions from Eels supporters that range from complete devastation through to the equivalent of spurning a cheating partner.
An emotional response from the Blue and Gold Army had to be expected as Reed was a favourite amongst supporters. Their perception appears to be that agents and administrators make decisions based on nothing more than a financial bottom line, rather than the best football outcome.
It’s more complicated than that, though professional sport does dictate that Mr Money will have a powerful voice in any negotiation.
What’s your opinion?
Cue Bumpers Up!
The System Is Broken
There are two major faults to the current contracting system.
The first relates specifically to the methodology adopted by the Bulldogs.
Criticism of their current recruitment strategy is not a knee jerk response from a disgruntled Eels supporter. The Bulldogs roster has found its targets far and wide, and other NRL clubs will have legitimate concerns.
Dipping into a seemingly bottomless cash pit, Canterbury have adopted a policy of “sign them all now, make it fit later.”
It’s nothing new, and clubs involved have previously experienced short term gain, with long term pain the ultimate result. I’d certainly expect Gould’s recruitment to have a positive short term impact on the Bulldog’s fortunes. Where to from there?
Phil Gould
The media has documented that the Dogs 2023 roster will need to be trimmed as they cannot currently fit 30 players under the cap. Speculation that the likes of Nick Cotric, Corey Allan and Kyle Flanagan are to be shed has already commenced but that won’t solve their problem.
The Canterbury attitude is that time is on their side. Good luck with finding a home for two of those players who are likely to be early starters in 2022!
Still, under the current system there’s no restriction on such recruitment methods. But that’s because most clubs aren’t as outlandish in their methods as our western Sydney neighbours.
Imagine the chaos if every club added to their future rosters way beyond what their cap currently allows! Maybe they all should. It might force the much needed overhaul.
It’s difficult to fathom that the NRL wouldn’t employ cap tracking that raises red flags when future contract amounts make compiling a full roster impossible.
The second fault in the system is the contract calendar. When players can link with a club so far in advance, it creates a major disconnect with the code’s most passionate supporters – the members.
Having a trade window of up to a month part way through the season, perhaps one that coincides with representative rounds or multiple byes might be a step in the right direction.
No doubt there would be problems associated with any system, but surely there has to be an alternative to the current dramas.
Mahoney For Nothing?
I won’t go into a lengthy discussion about Reed Mahoney’s contract. It’s been debated extensively since Friday in a dedicated post.
However, at the start of this column I referenced the emotional response of supporters to Reed’s departure – especially those who feel betrayed by his decision to seek “greener” pastures. For those people it probably hurts more that Reed will be returning to the club which didn’t rate him in the first place.
Reed Mahoney
Some of those supporters have suggested that the Eels should cut him now, or even leave him languishing in NSW Cup. The sentiment is that anything that makes him a better player during 2022 will only benefit the Dogs.
I understand the emotion. To be honest, my first words on hearing the news were not complimentary.
However, players have a short career to maximise their earnings, so if Reed has made a “professional” decision to move on, it’s important for the Eels to do similar with how he is used next season.
Therefore, all that matters to me is whether Mahoney continues to give everything when he pulls on the Blue and Gold colours. If he’s playing well, we should support his selection in first grade.
Hitting The Player Market
Given the mini-exodus of players, Parra will have a decent war chest to recruit players for the 2023 season.
Will they chase an elite player or remain true to their current cap policy?
Brandon Smith has now revealed that the Eels have “had a shot” at recruiting him, and if that’s a serious enquiry then it would mean serious coin.
Personally I’d be surprised if the Eels entered into a bidding war for Smith. That scenario would be unlikely to be successful. I’m sure that it was more a case of due diligence in investigating what the Storm rake would consider.
Reece Robson
On the other hand, dummy halves such as Reece Robson and Jacob Liddle are being linked as likely targets, and these seem more realistic options. Both are talents and both appear to be wasting their careers at their current clubs.
There are alternatives within the Eels pathways who may become options depending on their progress. Brendan Hands and Jayden Yates are completing an NRL preseason and no doubt they’ll be closely monitored.
The Eels are yet to confirm the signature of Mitch Rein but we all expect to see him join the club for 2022. At 31 years of age, it’s likely his tenure will address current rather than future needs.
It will be interesting to see whether the Eels jump straight into the player market or whether they approach recruitment with great patience.
Ready To Wing It
There are reports that the possible return of Nick Cotric to Canberra could trigger the shift of Bailey Simonsson from the Raiders to Parra.
Simonsson
Both Simonsson and the Eels are reportedly keen to make it happen, and the Maori All Stars representative would add important experience to the Eels three quarter line.
The 188cm winger has played 43 first grade games, with the occasional appearance at fullback and one game in the centres.
As things stand the Eels have relatively inexperienced winger options in Dunster, Russell, Naiduki, Komolafe and Loizou. Though there are likely to be long first grade careers ahead for this group, the immediate need is to fill two wing spots. The need for a more seasoned player is further emphasised with one centre position already filled by the 2021 debutant Will Penisini.
We now wait for the game of NRL musical chairs to play out.
Ogden’s Hits Gonna Shake?
There’ll be the odd reader out there who’ll nod to my strained reference to the Small Faces seminal album of a similar title, though small is not an adjective one would apply to Ofahiki Ogden.
The 25 year old stands at 192cm (6ft 4) and 106kgs and has the potential to be an impact player off the bench for the Eels.
Ogden
Ogden joins the list of former Warriors to try their luck at Parra, though he comes to the club after spending the last four years at the Bulldogs.
As a middle forward, the Mangere East junior faces a tough prospect forcing his way into the top grade in 2022, but it’s fair to say that his potential was probably never realised at the Bulldogs.
He’s averaged a dozen games a year over the last three years at the struggling Dogs club, and has a total of 45 NRL appearances on his resume.
Ogden commences his train and trial period at Parramatta this week and I look forward to providing feedback on his progress in my preseason reports.
Whole Squad Ready
It’s back to work this week for the Eels senior players as they join the 27 squad members who’ve been slogging it out at Kellyville over the last fortnight.
The traditional conditioning period has been supplemented with a fair share of football specific drills as new players and staff become acquainted with Eels systems.
As detailed in Friday’s training report, last week concluded with a gruelling session on a heavy track. The combination of running and defensive drills would have had the legs and lungs screaming for respite.
It all starts again this Monday.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Hands is way more talented then Reed was at the same stage of his career. Faster, better vision, better kicker. A year with the Menace will have him ready for 2023. Ogden can hit and runs hard. No point worrying about 2023 too much when its not even 2022 yet.
People need to seriously pump the brakes on this Hands kid. Not only is he converted hooker having mostly playing in the halves coming through at Riff but also he’s played bugger all footy in the last 2 years due to Covid so it remains to be seen how that has hampered his development. Reed is only 1 year older so to say that Hands is more talented at the same stage of their career is ludicrous tbh you can’t even say this guy will turn out to be an average first grader let alone what Mahoney has proved to be the last few seasons.
I’ve been asked for my opinion on Hands and I haven’t seen enough of his NSW cup form to make a call. I’ve also said that I’d like to see his form in opposed sessions to start passing some level of judgement.
Reed is 18 months older than Brendan, but received his opportunity at a young age. It’s funny that BA has been accused of not giving opportunities to young players and yet he now has a track record of debuting the likes of Brown, Mahoney, Kaufusi, Penisini, Russell, Loizou and Arthur as teens.
However, where I will agree with our first Anonymous is that Brendan Hands is fast. I had also heard good reports about his play before he joined the Eels.
Reed is a coachable effort player; was nothing when he arrived. Took him years to learn how to kick. Has barely learnt when to run and will always be small.
haha mate you read like a bitter jilted ex. i wonder how fast you’ll turn on the club when he continues to play like a top 5 hooker at the dogs? the worst part is you already want to put the weight of the world on some other kid and will
no doubt crucify him if he doesn’t pan out.
Or Ill be congratulating them as he goes for his second or third shoulder reconstruction. I wanted him to stay but i dont think he is the hooker messiah others do.
Thanks for a calm & reasoned post, Sixties. I’m looking forward to cheering Niukore, Papallii & Mahoney next year. Have watched YouTube vids of Brendan Hands & Ofa Ogden. There’s much to be hopeful for & looking forward to the year.
Thanks Gil. I completely understand the range of reactions. But like you, I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.
Good read and it’s certainly been a crazy off season for Parra. I made my feeling known about Reed in another post and don’t want to waste any more time and energy talking about him. I really do wish he can go now.
It’s is very disheartening to have three players (so far) playing an entire season knowing they won’t be there for the following. I can handle one or two but three and maybe more is so shit, Every mistake they do will be amplified by ten! It’s hard to be invested in Parra next year when you know a chunk of the players aren’t invested no matter what BS spin they are going to put on it.
Moving forward I think Reece Robson would be a good pick up on a rotation with Ray Stone, good speed and power combo!
Ogden could be a good pick up. If he can step up and play the style BA is known for then we can get some value out of him.
Michael, I can’t blame you for your feelings about the players but maybe we can consider these players to be “one year signings” or the equivalent of what TPJ provided for the Riff this year.
Taking the emotion out of it and with time to think and read what more level-headed people have said and sometimes hinted at, I’m pretty relaxed with how Parra have handled everything. I do agree that Parra’s interest in The Cheese was likely superficial. Not matter some players are going to be in 2023 as long as they give everything for the Eels in 2022 that is all I want.
And just adding I read the report about The Cheese and his visit to the Roosters and what he learned about the pride the players have in their jersey and the club. It does help when the club is well connected and a history of success but it still was very interesting.
Always enjoy players being candid in their opinions
Cheers Shaun. As long as they are as invested in 2022 as we can possibly demand, I’ll be happy. If I have doubts about any efforts, I’ll say so.
It will be a good test for both BA and Gutho. Bring on 2022.
True mate
Hi Sixties
Great article overall, with much to digest.
However there is one change I would like to see with one of the header photo’s and that is that of the man to save the dogs is not the one in that photo. The pic shows him in his sort of prime but seeing him as he is today, its an actual halucination – oops illusion comparing him in years past to todays version.
That is the last *hopefully* of my sarcasm and yes I have never had any time for him, end of story.
Sincerelly the post is as good as it gets really and as per usual from you. I just wish I could get down when training starts but I have a few jaunts with medico’s over the next couple or more months.
The one thing I would definately like to see changed is the aspect of players being able to sign 12 months ahead of the process of being able to talk to other clubs for the following year. I believe that at the very most those talks should not begin until mid point of the season, and post origon matches.
Agents/managers should be made to submit to the club following that point in the year, along with the players they represent to submit to the club/player their option to have said player available to talk to other clubs, any approach needs to be submitted to the players club with permission to negotiate on their behalf, providing that said player has interference free time pre last game of the season, with post the last game of the year, from which point the players club being notified of the prospect of going to another club following the season end.
Just some back door thinking but something needs to happen to sort the mess out. Way things are, there is seemingly very little working discussion between contracted players and the club as it stands now. Surely the players club should have notice of players desire to stay &/or enter into talks with prospective/and current club to continue into the future.
Cheers Colin. I suspect that a major stumbling block would be the players association. If they deem any arrangements to be any level of restraint of trade, they’ll oppose it. The draft (something I wouldn’t want to see) would be immediately challenged for that reason.
I have long thought the missing element in player payments is some way to incorporate team performance. If a pool of money was available and sanctioned for all teams by the NRL with greater amounts for the higher the team finishes then clubs could devise a ‘share’ system. Lower paid players get more shares and calculations are made according to the number of games played.
It is a TEAM game finding a to incentivise and reward team performance would benefit culture and possibly help refocus the increasing ‘my pay day’ dominance being seen.
Interesting thoughts Jimmy. I enjoy reading thinking that’s outside the square. Playing devils advocate, would that system benefit the stronger clubs and make them even more attractive to players.
Possibly, however finding a way to restore that old style loyalty of playing with pride for the jumper, for mates, over seasons to achieve the goal of a premiership, somehow has to be restored. Every team strives for the 8, and Brad Arthur has done wonderfully well at bringing on lesser lights to achieve that goal – that should be worth something, in the hip pocket as well as in the sense of commeraradie (?) and achievement. There’s no “I’ in team and coaches like Brad understand that. The ’80’s boys had it and pride in our teams would be so much greater again if it could somehow be regained.
Sadly I fear that for most it’s the impossible dream these days
It’s hard to imagine a system that’s simple and balances all stakeholders. I keep thinking about some type of points system that rewards clubs for junior development then loyalty of players. How this plays into salary cap as a win for all is the hard part.
Good write up.
I know we are all hurting about Mahoney but Reece Robson is easily as talented as Reed, he may even be a better player behind our pack.
Hands has some good wraps too.
I’d like to see us grab Robson for
2022 and forget about Mitch Rein.
Mahoney can then spend the year in the Reggies.
Cheers Fathead. Our roster is very close to full for 2022 but I wonder whether securing a dummy half now would impact our plans for next year.
Being honest about it reed has peaked , what your seeing is the best he has , theres no other levels and being frank about hes fair to ok at best , we now will find better , hes been a good stepping stone but theres plenty as good and a few better coming , once you stop building your crumbling !!
The dust has settled abit the anger with the administration remains. I have given up hope of winning a premiership I believe the commitment to being a ‘development club’ means an acceptance of being competitive as the benchmark.
For Ice and Marata I will cheer them maybe not as would others my 6 year old cried when the announcement about Ice was made I’m not forgiven Ice yet for the kid wanting to throw his jersey away.
For Reed and the way his negotiations were handled I won’t forgive infact if the little shit scored the match winning try in the grand final I’d still hate him.
I don’t begrudge a player getting money and I don’t expect loyalty but the approch to negotiations just rubbed me up the wrong way.
Thanks for the update sixties. I’ve been offline for a little, surprised to see Mahoney’s decision.
But your point is right, there’s affordable development options out there & Parra have proven their development system work. It’s challenging to not be emotional but us supporters have to trust the Eels systems; both the roster mgt by O’Neill and the development systems.
I do wonder whether the club should actively exclude any future signings from Ayoub’s stable?
DDay, I don’t know that it’s possible to completely eliminate some agents from a club, but you can possibly limit their influence. That could come with who you recruit or which agents you recommend to younger players starting out.
The more players that are developed under our systems, the better our reputation becomes as a destination club. It’s a bitter pill to swallow but I hope we have courage to stay the course. Otherwise the last 5 or so years will have been for nought.
Wise words Trouser. Steering away from a course that is beginning to yield better times would be disastrous.
Good insight into the current week Sixties, and i think we will have some news soon about these guys.
I am more keen on looking at youth for DH, and using Rein as a solid backup for 2022, in case Mahoney does not go the distance, and then blooding some of the younger boys if their bodies hold.
I like the look of the Og Monster, and BA has developed forwards v well.
Simonnson could also be v v good, and heard that he has some pace.
B Smith, I am not sure he is worth the $$$ the media are claiming, and tbh not many Melbourne players have gone on besides Cronk, but he joined a v v good team in Easts.
Cheers Milo, I agree that there is an upside to these recruits/potential recruits. As for Smith, I rate him as worth the coin, but he also plays that 13 role. I wonder if he’s keen to play exclusively at dummy half.
Tks sixties, good piece. I don’t know, there seems something at play here that everyone’s trying to second guess. But I’m moving on, it’s a s..t sándwich that over time we’ll find out more. The one year thing has got a lot of dags on it, as has agent involvement,as has spend now/sort it later, as has lack of transparency. There’s so many contradictions when a professional sport tries to be a business.
Cheers BDon. Next time I might consult you for the column title.
“S..t sandwich” has a “ring“ to it. 😂
Like you said we will have a lot of money to by players for 2023. Also I listened to the interview with Joe Grima about the juniors and it was amazing. But when Phil Gould said on 100 percent footy last year the parramatta juniors where no good or not looked after I can not remember but he put them down. Even Paul Gallon could not believe what he said and we all know what Phil Gould thinks of parramatta! Plus if I was another team dealing with the Bulldogs trying to get rid of players I would play hard ball and make them sweet.
Agreed on some things here Mark,
As for Gould, he says one thing and then does another. To me he is full of bulldust, and has a history of not always leaving clubs in a better position. Talk is cheap.
Milo he is still dirty about being beaten by the Eels in 81 GF.
Gus has plenty to say however it does not always reflect reality
Great blog as always.
Slightly off topic, even though the club hasn’t announced any new signings yet, it is common knowledge that Rein will be playing for us.
I was just wondering if we know that Scott is in the same boat? It was announced on most news outlets as a done deal. But since then it’s been very quiet. I hope it’s quiet in the same way Rein is because we are just waiting for him to start training to announce it and not quiet because of the allegations made by his ex partner.
Cheers.
Scott has to be approved by the integrity unit. This was further complicated by new stalking charges.
We don’t need his BS here hopefully the NRL strike him off and he can go pick up the tools and look back at his wasted potential before he inevitably finds his way into a cell
Yes, Scott isn’t finalised.
Controversially, I am not against the current trade system – at least not in it’s entirety. During the season players should be focused on footy, not their next contracts. The off-season is reasonably short so it would be preferable that players come into an off-season focused on the year of footy ahead at their club, rather than settling into a new team and environment with little to no break ahead of doing so. Of course as everyone has pointed out, there’s the obvious downside of spending a season at the ‘wrong’ team, and on top of that, the first couple of weeks of training might be a little unsettled knowing players are moving on, but they’re professionals, so I’d hope they take that in their stride. The main issue here is the volume of high quality players coming off contract at once, that would seem to me to be the biggest failing of roster management, but at the same time, when Reed, Ice and Marata were previously inked, I doubt the club would have thought all 3 of their market values would have sky rocketed so much.
The dogs strategy is high risk. It’s unlikely to pay off, and if it does it was part good planning and part blind luck. Injuries and suspensions are going to have a profound impact on a squad which outside its big buys will almost certainly lack depth. While that doesn’t really the eels, I do take some joy in seeing the dogs finish at the bottom of the table.
All going well, Curtis Scott and Simmonson as additions to our backs could be great. It will give us some much needed depth, size and options. 2022 could be a great year if some cards fall in our favour. Can worry about 2023 this time next year, and I’ll be looking forward to talking about signing big names, rather than players that need lifelines.
We need a trade week after the GF & before pre season surely 7 days is enough to sort out Any contact situation then get on with the game…
I meant contract…!!!
I’d say 4weeks post season.
1 week mid season around origin time
Sixties I hear what you are saying but honestly I’d rather get rid of Mahoney now. I can’t stand watching him in blue and gold knowing he’s heading to our most hated enemy.
He’s only 22, he could have taken unders for 2 years and cash up at 24 if we couldn’t compete. But gives us a bit of loyalty
As always I love the positive feedback and updates you supply the fans Sixties.
There’s a lot of talk about Reed and our other potential hookers but has anyone thought about Sam Verrills from the chooks. With Smith potentially going there next year and wanting to play DH Verrills would be on the bench. I think he would make a great replacement for Reed as he wouldn’t be on top dollar, comes from a successful team and plays extremely well. Just a thought and be interested to hear fans thoughts.
There’s some chatter on a couple of RL news areas in regards to Verrils being looked at by the Eels. While he has a 3 year contract the arrival of Branden Smith will likely push him out, and the eels are interested in him as a Reed Replacement.